The incredible Pacuare Reserve, majestic Arenal volcano and the beautiful Guanacaste Coast

Personalised journeys from start to finish

Every trip helps support Conservation

Every detail taken care of

  • Personalised journeys from start to finish

  • Every trip helps support Conservation

  • Every detail taken care of

Itinerary highlights

  • River rafting and hot springs expeditions lead by specialist guides
  • Three nights in the incredible Pacuare Lodge
  • Hiking around the volcano in Arenal
  • Relaxing on the beach on the Guanacaste Coast

What's included

  • River rafting, volcano and hot springs expeditions lead by specialist guides
  • Private transfers
  • Meet and greet airport service
  • Full support from your Travel Designer and Concierge before, during and after your trip
Use this itinerary to inspire your bespoke journey

At a glance

Costa Rica is one big outdoor playground with beautiful rainforest, volcanoes and an idyllic coastline. This 11-day trip lets you explore the country’s incredible landscapes in style with privately guided excursions and luxury accommodation throughout.

Your adventure begins in the Pacuare Reserve where Pacuare Lodge will be your home for the next three nights. Just getting here is an adventure – the lodge is reached by rafting down the Pacuare River! There is so much to do here and all shared excursions are included. You can learn about the Cabecar tribe, zip line through the canopy, hike and birdwatch, and of course there’s the simple joy of relaxing at the lodge, experiencing the sights and sounds of the rainforest.

After rafting back along the river, it’s time to head to Arenal. Here you’ll hike around the volcano and take a dip in the warm waters of the Tabacon Springs, spotting beautiful birds and incredible plant life along the way. Get the heart rate going with a rappelling adventure where you’ll go from waterfall to waterfall, climbing down the walls of a canyon.

Your final stop is the Guanacaste Coast where you can enjoy the warm Pacific climate and idyllic tropical beaches. Snorkel through the colourful underwater world, explore the Rancho Humo wetlands and horse ride along the coast and through the forest.

Example trip itinerary

Days 1-2

San Jose

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer to your hotel in San Jose

Accommodation in San Jose

Overnight in San Jose Overnight in San Jose

Enjoy your evening in this metropolitan capital city, relaxing at your hotel after your flight.

white-water-rafting
Rafting transfer to Pacuare Lodge Rafting transfer to Pacuare Lodge

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 each wave, battling surging waters down miles of rapids.

The journey takes just over 1.5 hours as the river passes through scenic canyons where crystal clear waterfalls plummet down into the rapidly coursing river below.

Days 2-5

Pacuare Reserve

Accommodation in Pacuare Reserve

pacuare-reserve-costa-rica
Three nights at Pacuare Lodge Three nights at Pacuare Lodge

Pacuare Lodge is a magical hideaway in the jungle and the perfect place to experience the beauty of the rainforest. All shared activities are included from canyoning and zip lining to birdwatching and hiking. The lodge itself is a wonderful place to simply unwind with great food and drink and a spa offering a range of relaxing treatments. Falling asleep to the sound of the forest is a magical feeling and a few days here is a real tonic after the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Cabecar tribe experience Cabecar tribe experience

The Cabécar Indians are Costa Rica’s largest tribe. They traditionally live in small family groups scattered across the jungle, which has helped them to maintain their way of life. Take a short hike through the forest to a meet the son of a local shaman who will introduce to his culture and customs and show you around a traditional settlement.

Canopy zip lining Canopy zip lining

The action begins with a safety orientation and donning of specialized equipment. You then begin an unhurried trek through tropical rainforest up to the first platform - this twenty-minute hike into the Pacuare Lodge’s private reserve will transport you into an unspoiled realm of gorgeous views and magnificent scenery; a haven for bird watchers and nature seekers, and offers an unprecedented glimpse of Costa Rica’s biological diversity.

Once strapped in, feel the adrenaline of dramatic views, rappelling down towering trees and sliding along cables from tree to tree as you descend the jungle cloaked mountain toward the Pacuare Lodge for a final thrilling rappel that leaves you just steps away from our main lodge. You will experience this excitement secure in the knowledge that you are safely anchored with a safety harness, providing a unique experience that no other tour of this type offers. Two hours of unforgettable adventure in the tree tops!

Rafting transfer from Pacuare Lodge Rafting transfer from Pacuare Lodge

After breakfast you will raft out from the lodge to meet your onward transfer.

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer to Arenal

Days 5-8

Arenal

Accommodation in Arenal

arenal-volcano-costa-rica
Three nights in Arenal Three nights in Arenal

During your time in Arenal, there are a huge number of activities that we can arrange for you. There are adventure activities for the adrenalin junkies as well as options for those who want to enjoy the area at a more leisurely pace. Your travel designer will be able to guide you through the different options, so that you choose the excursions best suited to your interests.

arenal-rappeling-costa-rica
Arenal waterfall rappelling tour Arenal waterfall rappelling tour

Explore the secrets that lie hidden in the depths of a tropical rainforest canyon. This adventure begins with a 4x4 drive to the site, after which you'll receive a short safety and rappelling explanation. It's then time to head to the first waterfall to descend into the canyon. There are 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.

After rappelling down the first waterfall, you will climb up the side of the canyon wall ready to zip line across the canyon and rappel down to the canyon floor again. There are several trails that lead from waterfall to waterfall. After a short hike out of the canyon, you will travel by 4x4 vehicle back to the base office for a delicious Costa Rican lunch. Whilst here, you can stroll through the organic tropical gardens to spot birds and tropical plants.

Arenal volcano hike with Tabacon hot springs Arenal volcano hike with Tabacon hot 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.

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer to the Guanacaste Coast

Days 8-11

Guanacaste Coast

Accommodation in Guanacaste Coast

Three nights on the Guanacaste Coast Three nights on 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 Nicaragua border south to the Nicoya Peninsula. There is lots to do here from surfing and snorkelling to horse riding and kayaking.

costa rica snorkelling
Snorkelling the Guanacaste Coast Snorkelling the Guanacaste Coast

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.

Horse riding Horse riding

Enjoy picturesque trails on this horse riding tour, during which you will see a variety of plants and animals and enjoy beautiful vistas of the coast and rainforest. This horseback ride is appropriate for riders of all skill levels.

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer to Liberia airport

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11-Day Example Trip
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Every trip helps support Conservation.

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