Luxury adventures in Costa Rica
8 days from £3,850
Explore the tour day by day, from the highlights to the quieter moments in between. Here’s how each day unfolds and what to expect along the way.
You will be met at the airport by our local representative who will take you to your hotel in the centre of San José. Founded in 1737, the capital was built on the profits of exporting coffee, produced from the fertile soils of the surrounding Central Valley.
These days little remains of the city’s colonial or indeed agricultural heritage. It does though have some fine museums and restaurants as well as a lively nightlife. However, your well-appointed hotel has what is probably the best restaurant in San José.
The delightful Grano de Oro oozes charm on a quiet, tree-lined street just off Paseo Colón, the capital’s main thoroughfare. The heart of downtown San José is only a short taxi ride away.
The hotel occupies a converted turn-of-the-century mansion, and its corridors are adorned with period photographs as well as paintings by local artists, while the interior courtyards are studded with tropical plants and fountains.
The guest rooms and suites are elegant and well-appointed and some of the higher categories come with their own private patio. A secluded rooftop terrace has a couple of hot tubs and some sun loungers, as well as a small gym.
The hotel’s restaurant is regarded as one of the best in San José and frequented by well-to-do Costa Ricans. Guests can dine in the central courtyard or an intimate dining room and sample a refined menu heavily influenced by French and European cuisine and accompanied by an extensive wine list.
Dawn will hardly have broken before you are whisked away by road, heading towards the Caribbean and passing through Braulio Carrillo National Park before enjoying breakfast with a spectacular view en route. You may spot watchful sloths lounging in the trees before you arrive in Turrialba.
After an orientation and safety briefing you take to your raft for the trip to Pacuare Lodge. There is plenty of calm water where you can sit back and observe the surrounding forest and its wildlife; herons, toucans, blue morpho butterflies and monkeys are commonly sighted here.You’ll have plenty of time to have a dip in jungle rock pools on the way.
It’s not only the excitement of negotiating the swirling eddies and split curtains of agitated water foaming over the rock-strewn river bed which defines this experience. It’s the towering, sheer walls of rock composing the canyon through which the river cuts a fathomless path, looming either side of you the craggy cliffs mantled in a scramble of emerald green tropical foliage clinging for life in tiny cracks in the rock.
This stretch of rapids is a great run for beginners and experienced rafters alike (class II – III). There’s a full lunch to be enjoyed en route, and when you arrive at your accommodation exhilarated, the magic of this welcoming, top quality property will make all your efforts worthwhile as you’re given a welcome cocktail before a sumptuous lunch with ingredients grown on site.
Pacuare Lodge sits on a bend in the river in truly breathtaking surroundings. Shrouded by dense rainforest alive with birdlife and the constant roar of the river, this magical place is one of the most special places to stay in Costa Rica.
Despite the remote and wild setting, the lodge is stylish and luxurious with great attention to detail, harnessing solar and hydroelectric power. Open-walled, polished-wood guest cabins are peppered amidst the tropical gardens.
River Suites are a fine choice for seclusion and privacy. Or treat yourself to a Linda Vista Suite and enjoy your own pool. Top of the line Canopy Suites are reached by hanging bridges.
Facilities include a swimming pool where you can take a dip under the watchful eye of howler monkeys and toucans, while the lodge also has a spa and even a brewery. The kitchen is staffed by local people who have acquired their culinary skills through years of experience creating Costa Rican and fusion delicacies. Spend your days birding or following forest trails accompanied by naturalist guides, or opt for adrenaline activities such as zip-lining and canyoning.
To get here is an adventure in itself: a thrilling and exhilarating rafting journey along the pristine river under the full supervision of expert guides (or you can also arrive at the lodge by 4×4).
The lodge’s suites were built without any logging, and use 100% renewable energy through water turbines, solar power and a bio-digester. Many of the staff are members of the indigenous Cabécar community.
You have a day at leisure to enjoy the facilities and the tropical ambience in the orchid-studded grounds of the lodge. You might embark on optional activities including a canopy tour, zip-lining through the jungle at tree-top level eyeballing the toucans, take a guided wild-life spotting trek, or visit remote indigenous communities.
Pacuare Lodge sits on a bend in the river in truly breathtaking surroundings. Shrouded by dense rainforest alive with birdlife and the constant roar of the river, this magical place is one of the most special places to stay in Costa Rica.
Despite the remote and wild setting, the lodge is stylish and luxurious with great attention to detail, harnessing solar and hydroelectric power. Open-walled, polished-wood guest cabins are peppered amidst the tropical gardens.
River Suites are a fine choice for seclusion and privacy. Or treat yourself to a Linda Vista Suite and enjoy your own pool. Top of the line Canopy Suites are reached by hanging bridges.
Facilities include a swimming pool where you can take a dip under the watchful eye of howler monkeys and toucans, while the lodge also has a spa and even a brewery. The kitchen is staffed by local people who have acquired their culinary skills through years of experience creating Costa Rican and fusion delicacies. Spend your days birding or following forest trails accompanied by naturalist guides, or opt for adrenaline activities such as zip-lining and canyoning.
To get here is an adventure in itself: a thrilling and exhilarating rafting journey along the pristine river under the full supervision of expert guides (or you can also arrive at the lodge by 4×4).
The lodge’s suites were built without any logging, and use 100% renewable energy through water turbines, solar power and a bio-digester. Many of the staff are members of the indigenous Cabécar community.
In the morning you will continue to explore the river, with a few class III – IV rapids testing further your rafting skills and with the opportunity to make lateral hikes penetrating the dramatic landscapes of the canyon. A natural waterslide provides the perfect opportunity to relax. There are changing facilities at the river take-out for you to dry off before boarding the minibus back to San José.
Continue your adventure moving on to the stately silence of misty cloud forest carpeting the volcanic landscape around Póas National Park.
The exclusive El Silencio Lodge (featuring in the Relais & Chateaux portfolio) is located within its own reserve at Bajos Del Toro in the region of Póas Volcano National Park, and consists of a clutch of very smart, first class cabins scattered across fiercely wooded hillsides. Each of the individual cabins is surrounded by lush foliage, providing plenty of privacy. The accommodation is roomy and beautifully furnished, and each cabin-suite has a comfy living area including minibar and gas fire, private terrace with river or cloudforest views, small outdoor Jacuzzi, and luxury bathroom.
The semi-al fresco restaurant serves local dishes fused with international influences, with many ingredients being fresh and organic. There is a spa beside the river offering massage, beauty treatments and yoga. The lodge has numerous jungle trails to explore led by your own personal guide (somewhat imaginatively called your ‘eco-concierge’) with waterfalls and plenty of flora and wildlife to enjoy. Other activities that can be organised include river rafting, horse riding, kayaking, forest canopy zip-lining. There’s also an emphasis on interacting with the local community and visits are organised to the nearby town of Sarchí – home of the Costa Rican oxcart.
Enjoy a day at leisure in and around El Silencio Lodge & Spa. A raft of optional activities are on offer, all supervised by enthusiastic guides, including forest walks, horse riding, zip lining and even kayaking – if your appetite for the thrills and spills on the water has not yet been quenched. To unwind following your exertions, you can indulge yourself with the relaxing treatments of the onsite spa. Since you’ll have earned it by now, why not enjoy a wine or coffee tasting session at the lodge.
The exclusive El Silencio Lodge (featuring in the Relais & Chateaux portfolio) is located within its own reserve at Bajos Del Toro in the region of Póas Volcano National Park, and consists of a clutch of very smart, first class cabins scattered across fiercely wooded hillsides. Each of the individual cabins is surrounded by lush foliage, providing plenty of privacy. The accommodation is roomy and beautifully furnished, and each cabin-suite has a comfy living area including minibar and gas fire, private terrace with river or cloudforest views, small outdoor Jacuzzi, and luxury bathroom.
The semi-al fresco restaurant serves local dishes fused with international influences, with many ingredients being fresh and organic. There is a spa beside the river offering massage, beauty treatments and yoga. The lodge has numerous jungle trails to explore led by your own personal guide (somewhat imaginatively called your ‘eco-concierge’) with waterfalls and plenty of flora and wildlife to enjoy. Other activities that can be organised include river rafting, horse riding, kayaking, forest canopy zip-lining. There’s also an emphasis on interacting with the local community and visits are organised to the nearby town of Sarchí – home of the Costa Rican oxcart.
Travel by road to Rio Perdido (4hrs), a private natural dwarf forest reserve with a backdrop of lava-mantled Miravalles volcano in Guanacaste province. The lofty trees along the river, perched above thermal pools and jangling streams, create the perfect habitat for monkeys, other mammals and exotic birds, which enliven the forest with their spirited calls. The rugged hills around are covered, with varying degrees of density, with low dry forest with high populations of reptiles.
Your slick and sophisticated accommodation here is in first class, contemporary-style cabins nestled in the youthful woodland.
Rio Perdido, or ‘lost river’, winds its way through hills cloaked in forest near Miravalles volcano in northwest Costa Rica. The natural spring river, thermal pools and verdant forest are inhabited by a diverse range of wildlife, especially monkeys and birds.
Rio Perdido has 30 award-winning contemporary-style cabins on a private 1,500-acre reserve, each with a small balcony, bench and hammocks, and fully equipped with TVs, Wifi, air-con and coffee-makers.
The main focus of the lodge is adventure with a myriad of activities onsite. Whizz down one of the world’s most exciting ziplines over the Caño Blanco river’s deep natural canyon, climb the vertical cliffs, hike the network of trails, go mountain-biking or white-water tubing, all within the reserve itself.
Relax afterwards in the spa with a mud bath massage or aromatherapy, and swim in the thermal springs before enjoying snacks in the poolside bar and dinner in the on-site restaurant.
While the level of comfort offered in Rio Perdido may tempt you to simply relax and enjoy the facilities, the main focus of the property is outdoor adventure. There is a copious choice of optional activities on site, the most dramatic being a ride on a sky-high zipline strung across a deep rocky canyon. Scenic jogging and cycle trails, canyoning and tubing will get your heart pumping but there are more relaxing options such as unwinding in the natural spa where you can immerse yourself in volcanic mud, and early morning bird watching tours.
Rio Perdido, or ‘lost river’, winds its way through hills cloaked in forest near Miravalles volcano in northwest Costa Rica. The natural spring river, thermal pools and verdant forest are inhabited by a diverse range of wildlife, especially monkeys and birds.
Rio Perdido has 30 award-winning contemporary-style cabins on a private 1,500-acre reserve, each with a small balcony, bench and hammocks, and fully equipped with TVs, Wifi, air-con and coffee-makers.
The main focus of the lodge is adventure with a myriad of activities onsite. Whizz down one of the world’s most exciting ziplines over the Caño Blanco river’s deep natural canyon, climb the vertical cliffs, hike the network of trails, go mountain-biking or white-water tubing, all within the reserve itself.
Relax afterwards in the spa with a mud bath massage or aromatherapy, and swim in the thermal springs before enjoying snacks in the poolside bar and dinner in the on-site restaurant.
Transfer to Liberia airport for a flight to connect with your international flight home. For those with more time, we recommend the Punta Islita active beach extension where surf lessons, snorkeling and kayaking are among the land and watersport activities you might enjoy.
The places you’ll stay and explore on this tour. Here’s a closer look at each one and what makes it worth the trip.
Costa Rica - San Jose, central highlands and central valleys
The cultural and geographical heart of Costa Rica, where volcanic landscapes, coffee plantations, fertile valleys and historic towns surround the country’s busy capital. Central Highlands Costa Rica holidays and San José city break itineraries both tend to start here, combining culture, nature, cuisine and easy access to many of the country’s highlights.
Costa Rica - Arenal and the north
One of Costa Rica’s most iconic regions, where a perfectly conical volcano rises above rainforest, wildlife-rich reserves, hot springs and adventure-filled landscapes. From Arenal Volcano to cloud forest, hanging bridges and rushing rivers, this is Costa Rica at its most classic – and Arenal Volcano holidays remain some of the country’s most memorable.
This short but utterly exhilarating holiday packs in the cream of Costa Rica’s world-renowned portfolio of outdoor activities: you aren’t away from home for long and your feet will hardly touch the ground from start to finish. You’ll be glad of the level of comfort and luxury of your accommodation in a country which prides itself on its excellent infrastructure for visitors.
You set off on a water-borne adventure rafting the effervescent rapids of the Pacuare river, travelling through a near-vertical canyon darkened by the tropical foliage which clings tenuously to the scarred cliffs. Following two nights at one of the world’s leading ecolodges, you continue downstream in your raft. Next you have a couple of days at a luxury lodge in the cloud forest rising from the slopes of the gently smoking Póas volcano and finally stay in an adventure-packed, top-of-the-range resort enveloped in wildlife-rich woodland dotted with thermal pools.
Each property we stay in has been hand-picked to combine a wide range of wellness options and outdoor activities in exceptional comfort. We leave these open to you to book when you are there, allowing the flexibility to choose the experience that takes your mood.
For those with more time, we strongly recommend the Punta Islita active beach extension on the Pacific coast: there are different activities to indulge in, and also the chance to relax on the sand and unwind after your exertions.
Hannah Waterhouse
All of our experts have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America, so you will receive unrivalled advice based on unique personal experiences.
The practical detail for this tour, all in one place. Transport, accommodation, what’s included and what to pack, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
- Transport
4 road journeys.
- Accommodation
On this holiday you will be staying in luxurious eco-friendly countryside lodge-style resorts with extensive grounds and on site adventure activities. Throughout Costa Rica accommodation is of a high standard.
- Meals
Breakfast daily; lunch & dinner on days 2 and 3.
- Summary Of Nights
8 days, 7 nights: San José 1; Pacuare 2; Bajos del Toro 2; Rio Perdido 2.
- Trip Suitability
Generally this holiday is suitable for all able, reasonably fit visitors, including families with children.
Transport is by private road transfer.
The rafting is appropriate for beginners but bear in mind that you must obey the instructions of the pilot at all times and should have reasonably quick reactions.
Activities at the lodge are geared for participants of all skills and levels, Bear in mind the properties you stay at have active adventures at their heart and you will get more out of your experience if you participate, although nothing is compulsory. - Guides
We carefully select our local partners, some of whom we have worked with for over 25 years. Their English-speaking guides understand the expectations of our clients very well, and are consistently singled out for praise by clients on their return.
- Daily Spend
It is very difficult to give a guideline for essential expenses but a budget of around US$75 per person per day should cover the cost of meals not included in the holiday itinerary, drinks and the odd souvenir. See what’s included for additional tour costs.
- Currency
The unit of currency in Costa Rica is the colón.
- How To Take It
Cash machines are available in San José taking a debit or credit card with a PIN number is the most convenient way of withdrawing money while on your trip. However, since cards can get lost, damaged, withheld or blocked, you should not rely exclusively on a card to access funds.
We recommend that additionally you take a reasonable quantity of US dollars cash (no more than is covered by your insurance), which you can exchange into local currency at San José airport. Dollar bills should be in good condition, soiled or torn bills may be refused. You can exchange sterling but the rate may be unfavourable and there are fewer outlets providing this service.
At the lodges you can pay for extra services including meals buy credit card or in US dollars cash. - Tipping
Tips are expected and local guides often rely on their tip as a significant proportion of their income.
Most service industry workers will expect a tip of some kind and so it is useful to have spare change for guides, chambermaids, taxi drivers etc. It is common practice to leave 10 – 12%.
- Insurance
Travel insurance is essential.
Details of our recommended policy can be found on our Travel Insurance page.
- Airport Taxes
If you have purchased your flights through Journey Latin America, the international departure tax is usually included in the ticket.
- Climate
The trip covers climates ranging from tropical lowland to more temperate zones in the highlands. Those travelling between May and October journeys should encounter high temperatures (around 35°C) and high humidity in the lowlands. The ‘official’ rainy (green) season is May to November.
December to April visitors will still encounter high temperatures in lowland areas, but cool evenings around San José with temperatures falling to around 5°C. Rainfall and humidity will be much lower at this time.
If you opt for the beach wind-down extension on the Pacific coast good weather is a priority, so most visits are in the dry season December to April when there is plenty of sun. It’s hot all year round (often over 30°C). The busy times for visitors are the dry season months, especially weekends and Easter week. The green (i.e. rainy) season is much quieter.
- Clothing And Special Equipment
Bring plenty of light cotton clothing and good, comfortable walking shoes. A waterproof jacket and/or umbrella are also advisable. We suggest that you plan to ‘layer’ your clothing; it is easier and more efficient to put on a couple of light layers than one thick jumper, and sensible to have long sleeves for areas where mosquitos may be lurking. Sandals are a good informal option for evenings. Protection against the sun (sunblock, sun hat) and mosquito repellant are essential and you should bring swimwear. A daypack is useful for carrying sunblock, guidebook, water and any extra layers. Although guides may carry binoculars we recommend you take your own.
Please get in touch with the office before departure if you have any doubts.
- Vaccinations
Preventative vaccinations are recommended against the following; typhoid; polio; tetanus; hepatitis A. For specific requirements you must consult your GP.
You can also find helpful information on the Masta Travel Health website.
- Visas
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.
- When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
Despite its small size, Costa Rica has a number of distinct microclimates. The best time for wildlife lovers to visit Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast may be from July-August to watch nesting turtles. However, the wettest months are September to October. The rest of the country experiences a dry season Dec-April, when there is plenty of sun and temperatures are high, and a rainy season from May-Nov. However, this is variation between regions: for example, the rainy season often starts a month earlier in the south Pacific, while the northern areas, including the Guanacaste coast, are not as affected by the seasons and are generally much drier. The highlands and cloud forests have warm temperatures during the day but the high altitude means evenings are much cooler.
For more detailed information on the best time to visit Costa Rica, go to our When To Go section.
- What is the official language of Costa Rica?
The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish.
- What is the national currency of Costa Rica?
Colón is the national currency of Costa Rica. Notes can be withdrawn from the many ATMs using a UK credit or debit card. There is at least one in most main towns. You may have to authorise your bank first, and withdrawals may be limited to amounts lower than in the UK. US dollars cash can be exchanged in banks too. US dollars themselves are widely accepted.
- What is the time difference between Costa Rica and the UK?
The time difference between the UK and Cosa Rica is GMT -5 hours.
- Do I need a visa to travel to Costa Rica?
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application. - What vaccinations are recommended for visiting Costa Rica?
Please check Travel Health Pro for information on health recommendations and vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting. Please note that many Latin American countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever if you have recently travelled to another country where Yellow Fever is present.
- What places combine well with Costa Rica?
- How do I get to Costa Rica?
To get to Costa Rica there are flights from London to San José via US and European hubs.
- What are the cultural and sport events in Costa Rica?
Some of the cultural events that take place in Costa Rica include:
International Arts Festival in San José in March with music, dance, and film art exhibitions. Monteverde Music Festival takes place in Monteverde between Jan – Feb.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation. Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you will relax in utter comfort
This top-quality, sustainable riverside lodge deep in the Costa Rican rainforest offers rafting, zip-lining, wildlife and bird-watching.
Exclusive eco-lodge offering beautifully furnished suites housed in individual luxury cabins scattered within lush tropical grounds.
An atmospheric and elegant converted colonial mansion in one of central San José’s most stylish buildings.
Papagaio
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