A Luxury Adventure in Costa Rica

Price guide

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A Luxury Adventure in Costa Rica

Duration11 days

Price guide

From

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Destinations

Days 1–2

The Guanacaste Coast

Costa Rica is one big outdoor playground with its beautiful rainforest, impressive volcanoes, idyllic coastline and white-sand beaches. On this 11-day Costa Rica luxury adventure tour, you'll explore the country’s incredible landscapes in style, with privately guided excursions, adventurous expeditions and luxury accommodation throughout.

Trip highlights

A luxurious night in the cosmopolitan city of San Jose
River rafting and hot springs expeditions
Three nights at the remote Pacuare Lodge
Hiking around the volcano in Arenal
A waterfall rappelling adventure.
Relaxing on the beach on the Guanacaste Coast

Views over Arenal on a cloudy day

An unforgettable stay at Pacuare Lodge

Beautiful vistas on the Guanacaste Coast

A glimpse of a collared hummingbird

A true white-water rafting experience

Our bespoke trips include

We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:

Luxury accommodation throughout
Privately guided tours
Private transfers
Meticulously selected experiences
Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge

Black and white illustration of two guides pointing to a building in the distance

Itinerary in detail

Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.

Days 1–2

Overnight in vibrant San Jose

Enjoy your evening in Costa Rica’s metropolitan capital city of San Jose, relaxing in the comfort of an exclusive hotel after your flight. This is a small city, full of art and history.

Where you could stay

Positive Impact

The Coffee Valley

Finca Rosa Blanca

Finca Rosa Blanca is the sort of place that’s difficult to leave once you’ve settled in. Mornings are spent sipping fresh Costa Rican coffee, grown right here on the plantation, overlooking the lush forest that surrounds the lodge, while by night you can gaze out to see the twinkling lights of San Jose in the distance, listening to the sounds of the Costa Rican wilderness around you.

San Jose

Grano de Oro

This traditional and elaborate mansion in the city’s downtown district is surprisingly cosy, but naturally classy and luxurious. Grano de Oro is a grand and tropical Victorian casona, very familial in feel with its heavily embellished interiors strewn with antiques, faded family photos, original art pieces, dark woods, deep carpets and stone tiles. Lit by the warm glow of wall lanterns, its forty rooms are well equipped with TVs and internet. Choose a standard room for comfort and a more modern style. Both the views and decor improve with the category rank. The Vista de Oro suite is wonderfully decorated in period ceramic floor tiles, wood panelling, with rich rugs and throws. The Garden Suite is similarly adorned but also has its own private garden and patio. On the ground floor is the restaurant with half its tables set in the hotel’s charming atrium circling a Spanish-tiled fountain surrounded by stained glass windows and the shuttered corridor balconies spilling over with vivid green plant life. The chef is French, the menu extensive, and its tables are often frequented by locals as well as guests. At night the rooftop terrace is a great place to relax, have a drink or try out the Jacuzzi. Set in the heart of San Jose in the Barrio don Bosco neighbourhood, this is a delightful hotel; a great place for exploring the city or stopping over on your way further into Costa Rica or flying out.

The Coffee Valley

Xandari

Its innovative design and fun tropical decoration is what makes Xandari quite a one-off hotel in Costa Rica’s Central Valley. Set in 40 acres of plantation gardens and only twenty minutes from San Jose international airport, this is an ideal hilltop hideaway if you’re just beginning or ending your trip. Surrounded by lush vegetation, the terraces offer spectacular views of the majestic Central Valley. With an architect and artist for owners, Xandari has definitely felt the force of their creativity and the hotel is adorned with extraordinary sculptures, tropical colours that imitate the fiercely vivid flora, tapestries, mosaics, paintings and stained glass. Its 24 spacious terraced villas offer stylish seclusion, vibrant comfort, beautiful valley views, and come with kitchenettes and a small garden. The atmosphere is relaxed and the staff immensely friendly. Xandari’s grounds have four kilometres of trails filled with native birds to watch, and there’s also an orchid house, greenhouse, orchards, and organic gardens supplying the hotel’s restaurant. The farm-to-table menu includes a variety of healthy choices from Costa Rician specialities to Mediterranean and Californian dishes. Massages, facials and mud wraps are just some of the treatments on hand at the hotel’s well-appointed Spa village. Guests are invited to plant native trees during their stay at Xandari. Trees, bushes and flowers which especially attract, feed and provide shelter to the various types of birds and butterflies are chosen to be added to the gardens.

Transfer to Pacuare Lodge by raft

The scenic journey to Pacuare Lodge takes just over 1.5 hours by raft. Expert guides will explain safety precautions and provide you with the necessary rafting gear before the adventure begins. Once in the water, you’ll experience sheer exhilaration as you face the challenge of battling surging waters down miles of rapids fed by crystal-clear waterfalls.

Days 2–5

A luxury rainforest stay

Your adventure begins in the Pacuare Reserve where Pacuare Lodge will be your home for the next three nights. This magical hideaway in the jungle is the perfect place to experience the beauty of the rainforest. During your stay, you’ll zip line through the canopy and spend time hiking and birdwatching.

Pacuare Lodge is also a wonderful place to simply unwind with great food and drink and a spa that offers a range of relaxing treatments. Falling asleep to the sound of the forest is a feeling few others match – a few days here is a real tonic after the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Luxury Hotel In Pacuare Reserve

Positive Impact

Pacuare Reserve

Pacuare Lodge

It could be Pacaure's remote setting in 740 acres of primary rainforest or its luxury cabins emerging from the thick milieu of foliage that makes this a great place to stay: but the combination is what transforms it into a truly unique one.

Cabécar Indigenous visit

Positive Impact

Venture into the heart of Costa Rica’s Talamanca Mountains for a challenging yet rewarding trek to connect with the Cabécar, the country’s largest indigenous group, exploring ancient trails while directly supporting their community through your visit.

This trek gives you the chance to discover forest secrets, engage with the ecosystem and walk ancient trails used by the Cabécar people for centuries. You’ll get to spend some time with a local family, learn more about their traditions and engage with their living cultural heritage.

Leaving Pacuare Lodge by raft

After breakfast on your last day at Pacuare, you will raft out from the lodge to meet your onward transfer. It’s an unforgettable way to leave an unforgettable place.

Days 5–8

Adventure in Arenal

During your three nights in Arenal, there are a huge number of adventure activities on your doorstep – as well as options for those who want to enjoy the area at a more leisurely pace. Highlights include guided hikes around Arenal Volcano with a dip in the warm waters of the Tabacon Springs, spotting beautiful birds and incredible plant life along the way. You can get your heart rate going on a rappelling adventure from waterfall to waterfall, climbing down the walls of a canyon as you go.

Where you could stay

Arenal

Nayara Tented Camp

Set in Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano National Park, Nayara Tented Camp is one of the only luxury tented camps in Central America and the sister property to the nearby Nayara Springs and Nayara Gardens. The immediate proximity to the surrounding rainforest and impressive views of the volcano make a stay here a one-of-a-kind experience.

Arenal

Amor Arenal

Amor Arenal offers a luxurious, nature-immersed experience in the heart of Costa Rica, harmonising with the tropical forest of the Arenal Volcano and celebrating the sights, sounds, flavours and scents of the region.

Arenal

Nayara Gardens

Nayara Gardens, the original property in the hilltop trio that includes Nayara Springs and Nayara Tented Camp, is a fitting choice for those looking for a private getaway in the Arenal. Nestled in the green valleys at the foot of the spectacular Arenal Volcano are Nayara Gardens' 50 spacious and private casitas (bungalows).

Arenal

Tabacon

Tabacon is a beautiful and serene luxury hotel, located at the foot of the majestic Arenal Volcano. It is set within 900 acres of lush, tropical grounds through which Costa's Rica's largest network of hot springs flows.

Arenal highlights

Waterfall rappelling

Explore the secrets that lie hidden in the depths of a tropical rainforest canyon as you take on five rappels ranging in height from 13m (25 ft) to 55m (165 ft.), including the Monkey Drop Zip Line which is approximately 25m (82 ft) long. There are several trails that lead from waterfall to waterfall. After a short hike out of the canyon, you will travel on by 4×4 vehicle to a delicious Costa Rican lunch.

Tabacon geothermal springs in Costa Rica

Hiking to Tabacon Springs

The hike begins on one of the trails close to the volcano, and will take you through the forest over recent lava flows and the area destroyed in 1968, now in the process of regeneration. The walk will give you the chance to spot the forest’s activity and unique flora whilst your guide points these out to you and explains about the reserve’s ecosystems, wildlife and the prominent effect of the volcano’s activity on the area.

Days 8–11

The Guanacaste Coast

With its stretches of golden sand beaches, wildlife reserves and ultra-easy-going atmosphere, the Guanacaste Coast is the perfect place to kick back and relax for a few days. Nicknamed the ‘gold coast’, it stretches all the way from the Nicaraguan border south to the Nicoya Peninsula. There’s a warm Pacific climate perfect for surfing, kayaking or snorkelling, and you can explore the Rancho Humo wetlands or horse ride along the coast and through the forest.

Where you could stay

The Guanacaste Coast

Four Seasons Papagayo

Occupying the entire Papagayo Peninsula on Costa Rica’s northwestern Guanacaste coast this hotel’s facilities are extensive and feature four restaurants, three pools, a championship-size golf course, tennis courts, spa and a collection of stand-alone villas. Papagayo is a vivid green spit of land that winds into the Pacific blue, decorated with idyllic golden beaches of which the hotel has direct access to two. The hotel’s 182 guest rooms, suites and villas are smart and luxurious, incorporating lots of Costa Rican and tropical style with the use of bamboo, rattan, solid wood furniture, shuttered windows and doors. Stone finishes and beige tones are broken up by the occasional vivid splash of colour. There are three categories of accommodation; the guest rooms are housed in three small individual buildings on both sides of the peninsula and the hotel’s facilities and pools are a five-minute stroll away. The treehouse-like canopy suites are elevated for views over the dry tropical forest canopy down to the water and some have their own plunge pools. However, if you’re after privacy and tranquillity then the residences equipped like a proper home with kitchen, infinity pool and two or three bedrooms are ideal. There’s also plenty to keep you entertained and much to help you unwind; a range of activities and private excursions direct from the hotel can be organised and the spa offers an array of body and facial treatments.

The Guanacaste Coast

Andaz Papagayo

Andaz Papagayo is a beautifully located boutique resort overlooking where Gulf of Papagayo meets the sapphire blue waters of Culebra Bay. 153 modern rooms and suites with private plunge pools, sit cascading down a verdant hillside between two secluded beaches. Settle into your room and enjoy the views of the ocean and forest. Woven textiles, solid wood furnishings and carved artefacts give the rooms a charming Costa Rican aesthetic. When it comes to dining, there are three themed restaurants to choose from. Each uses unique flavours and ingredients to perfectly capture the essence of Latin America in each dish. Choose from the open-air Rio Bhongo, the Latin-influenced Chao Pescao, or seafood extraordinaire Ostra. Dine under the trees, watch the chef’s team in action in the open kitchens and feel truly at home and among friends. Take a dip in the outdoor pools, get in a workout at the gym, unwind at the spa, or head down to the nearby beaches. Make the most of the clear water and participate in activities like kayaking, stand-up paddling and snorkelling. You can also enjoy fishing, water skiing, and surfing in the gentle bay waters Nearby attractions include the Rincón de la Vieja National Park, a championship gold course and a number of adventure activities such as zip-lining, white water rafting and rock climbing.

The Guanacaste Coast

JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa

This spacious hacienda-style resort on the Guanacaste coast combines exclusive five-star luxury with beautiful seaside surroundings. Courtyards slung with hammocks, red brick and dark furniture give the hotel a local feel, and the 289 rooms and 21 suites have a typically “Tico” feel with marble bathrooms, and stunning views out over the beach and ocean. With four restaurants, two bars and a coffee and ice cream shop, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to dining. Enjoy Italian-style dishes at Azul Grill, savour international cuisine made with local ingredients at Mansita Restaurant, satisfy your craving for something hearty at Sabanero Steak House, and treat yourself to contemporary Asian flavours at Tamarine. Azul Pool Bar specialises in refreshing natural cocktails and healthy light meals, and Nau Lobby Bar is the idea place to raise a glass at the end of a busy day. For a quick Costa Rican coffee or indulgent Italian ice cream, pop into Waves and Cream. After a day of exploring, indulge in a treatment or two at the spa, take a dip in the swimming pool or stroll down to the beach. There are a variety of activity options for active guests. Head out into the countryside and go biking, hiking or horseriding, or spend your day at the beach jet skiing, kayaking, snorkelling sailing or surfing.

The Guanacaste Coast

Hotel Punta Islita

One of the most luxurious Nicoya Peninsula hotels, Hotel Punta Islita is an impressive resort situated on the beautiful Guanacaste coast, with an impressive range of accommodation choices.

Make it mine

Water

Land

Snorkelling

Your guide will introduce you to the underwater world, where you’ll discover the beauty that lies beneath the Pacific Ocean. Learn about the different creatures and species that inhabit these waters and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and turtles.

Horseback riding

Enjoy picturesque trails on a private horse riding tour, during which you will see a variety of plants and animals and enjoy beautiful vistas of the coast and rainforest.

Why book with Jacada

Personalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.

Authentic experiences

Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.

Positive Impact

We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.

“A Luxury Trip to Costa Rica‌”

We requested an itinerary to see the Costa Rica wildlife. Jacada designed our trip to maximize our sightings with stays at wonderful properties. Our planner listened to what we wanted and delivered the perfect trip for our needs. All of the activities planned were provided by guides with great skill and knowledge. And the Jacada ground support while we were…

Published 30th March 2024 on Trustpilot

Vickie Bath

Trip highlights

Our bespoke trips include

Itinerary in detail

Days 1–2

Overnight in vibrant San Jose

Where you could stay

Finca Rosa Blanca

Grano de Oro

Xandari

Transfer to Pacuare Lodge by raft

Days 2–5

A luxury rainforest stay

Luxury Hotel In Pacuare Reserve

Pacuare Lodge

Cabécar Indigenous visit

Leaving Pacuare Lodge by raft

Days 5–8

Adventure in Arenal

Where you could stay

Nayara Tented Camp

Amor Arenal

Nayara Gardens

Tabacon

Arenal highlights

Waterfall rappelling

Hiking to Tabacon Springs

Days 8–11

The Guanacaste Coast

Where you could stay

Four Seasons Papagayo

Andaz Papagayo

JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa

Hotel Punta Islita

Make it mine

Water

Land

Snorkelling

Horseback riding

Why book with Jacada

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