Costa Rica
16 days from $13970 pp with roundtrip flights
A gently paced, private-guided journey from San José to the emerald cloud forests of Bajos del Toro, the cobalt bends of Río Celeste / Tenorio, the boat-access calm of Golfo Dulce (Osa), and the golden bays of the Papagayo Coast. Designed for ease—level walks, soft wildlife outings, spa time and curated tastings—this 15-day route blends rainforest immersion with seaside unwinding. Boutique stays (B&B / Full Board where noted), seamless private transfers and light domestic hops keep the focus on nature, flavour and unhurried comfort.
Why you’ll love it: Unhurried routing, private guides, soft adventure (no steep hikes), rainforest-to-coast contrast, and handpicked lodges known for wildlife, wellness and flavour-forward dining.
Practical: Best months Nov–Aug (varies by coast) • Domestic flights have lighter baggage limits • Bring reef-safe SPF, light rain shell, closed-toe shoes • Most days include gentle, level walks with shaded rests.
Day 1 : FLY FROM NEW YORK TO SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA (SJO) & ARRIVE SAME DAY
Day 2 : SAN JOSE AT EASE: HERITAGE, MARKETS & SARCHI ARTISANS
Day 3 : SAN JOSé → BAJOS DEL TORO (CLOUD FOREST)
Day 4 : BAJOS DEL TORO: WATERFALL VIEWPOINTS & CLOUD-FOREST CALM
Day 5 : BAJOS DEL TORO: COFFEE CRAFT, CAMERA LIGHT & CLOUD-FOREST CALM
Day 6 : BAJOS DEL TORO → TENORIO / RIO CELESTE
Day 7 : TENORIO / RIO CELESTE: TURQUOISE VIEWPOINTS & POOLSIDE CALM
Day 8 : TENORIO / RIO CELESTE: CACAO NOTES & NIGHT VOICES
Day 9 : TENORIO → GOLFO DULCE (OSA): BOAT-ACCESS RAINFOREST RETREAT
Day 10 : GOLFO DULCE: CALM-WATER WILDLIFE BOAT & HAMMOCK HOURS
Day 11 : GOLFO DULCE: MANGROVE GLIDE & COASTAL FLAVORS
Day 12 : GOLFO DULCE: GARDEN REMEDIES & UNHURRIED AFTERNOONS
Day 13 : GOLFO DULCE → PAPAGAYO COAST: PACIFIC EASE & GOLDEN COVES
Day 14 : PAPAGAYO COAST: LEISURE DAY & BAY CRUISE OPTION
Day 15 : PAPAGAYO COAST: FREE DAY FOR REST & RELAXATION
Day 16 : SAN JOSE (SJO) → HOME: SMOOTH DEPARTURE
Make your own way to NEW YORK for your one-stop flight to San José, Costa Rica (SJO). Check in, clear security, and settle into the journey—by this evening you’ll be breathing the cool air of the Central Valley, gateway to cloud forests, volcano viewpoints and that effortless pura vida rhythm.
Arrive the same day. After immigration and baggage claim, meet our representative in arrivals for a seamless private transfer to your hotel. Drop bags, freshen up, and ease in: a light dinner (own account), a short gelato stroll, or straight to sleep for tomorrow’s start.
Connection & Flight Tips (1-Stop)
Flight & Arrival Notes: Keep passport, medication, and a light layer in your carry-on. ATMs at SJO dispense colones; cards are widely accepted. Set devices to local time on landing (typically behind the UK/Europe/US East Coast) to help sleep cycles.
Packing Quick Wins (Costa Rica Essentials)
Soft duffel + daypack • quick-dry layers • light rain shell • comfy walking shoes • universal adaptor • reusable bottle (empty through security) • insect repellent for rainforest days • small dry bag for electronics.
Wellness & Practical
Today: This day introduces your San José, Costa Rica arrival with private airport transfer, smooth one-stop flight advice, and practical tips for the Central Valley—ideal for travellers searching “how to arrive in San José SJO stress-free.”
Ease into San José, Costa Rica with a gentle private city highlights tour. Begin at the belle-époque National Theater and lively Plaza de la Cultura, then drift through shaded lanes of Barrio Amón past restored coffee-baron mansions and leafy pocket parks. Slip into the Mercado Central—aromas of single-origin Costa Rican coffee, orchids, helados—an unhurried taste of the capital’s everyday rhythm.
Late morning, head northwest to Sarchí, the country’s artisan heartland. Watch painters freehand kaleidoscopic motifs onto traditional oxcarts, browse small workshops for carved woods and ceramics, and pause for a cup of freshly roasted café. Return to San José mid-afternoon; the rest of the day is at leisure—hotel siesta, garden read, or an early dinner before an early night to reset.
Included (Gentle) — Private Touring: Level-pace heritage walk • Mercado Central browse • Round-trip drive to Sarchí with artisan stop • Light guiding commentary + photo breaks. Typical duration: 4–5 hrs door-to-door.
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes • light rain shell (showers pop up) • small daypack • reusable bottle • sun hat/SPF • small notes for crafts/snacks. Keep passports/cards zipped away in markets.
Pace & Comfort: Designed to be easy—short, level walks with frequent café and photo pauses. Prefer more downtime? We can shorten the loop or skip indoor visits on request.
Optional (Time Permitting): Museo del Oro Precolombino or Museo del Jade (short, focused visits), curated coffee tasting in Barrio Escalante, or a relaxed hotel massage on return.
Today: Targets San José city tour, Sarchí day trip, private transfer, and Costa Rica artisan oxcarts—useful for travellers seeking a calm, culture-rich first day in Costa Rica.
Check out after breakfast for a scenic private transfer (≈1.5–2 hrs) into the emerald folds of Costa Rica’s Central Volcanic Range. City edges fade to coffee slopes, cloud-wreathed ridgelines and blue rivers—your first immersive glimpse of the country’s famed cloud forest. Arrive at El Silencio Lodge & Spa (Relais & Châteaux), where birdsong and mist set the soundtrack.
Settle into your Suite with Hot Tub: floor-to-ceiling forest views, a broad deck, and a private heated jacuzzi for post-sunset soaks beneath drifting cloud. With Bed & Breakfast included, lunch is farm-to-table at the lodge; dinner is lantern-lit with local trout, cacao and zesty greens from the on-site gardens—an elegant taste of Bajos del Toro.
Included (Gentle) — Hummingbird & Orchid Orientation: Join your naturalist for an easy garden walk. Dozens of darting hummingbirds (violetears, hermits) hover at feeders while miniature orchids reveal tiny pollinators. Level paths, benches for lingering and photos; perfect first taste of the cloud-forest ecosystem.
This afternoon stays flexible: sip hot chocolate by the fireplace, trace a short self-guided trail to a viewpoint, or book the spa hydrotherapy circuit. As mist drifts through the trees, sink into your private tub and listen for tinkling glass frogs and the soft buzz of nightfall.
Transfer Notes: Door-to-door time is typically 1.5–2 hours, longer with photo stops. Roads are paved, then winding; motion-sensitive travellers may prefer a front seat. Keep a light rain shell accessible—weather shifts quickly as you gain altitude.
What to Bring Today: Waterproof jacket • warm layer (cool evenings) • closed-toe shoes with grip • small daypack • reusable bottle • insect repellent • camera with spare battery/cards. Umbrellas are provided at the lodge during passing showers.
Lodge Highlights (At a Glance): Relais & Châteaux hospitality • Private hot-tub suite • On-site waterfalls & trails of varying lengths • Farm-to-fork dining • Serene spa • Optional dawn birding • Low-key evening ambience (ideal for an early night).
Today: Bajos del Toro cloud forest, El Silencio Lodge & Spa, private transfer from San José, hummingbird garden tour, suite with hot tub, Costa Rica spa lodge.
Wake to drifting cloud and birdsong. After an unhurried breakfast, step into the cool, ferny air of the cloud forest—moss-laced branches, bromeliads beading with dew, and blue creeks braiding the valley floor. Today is designed to be gentle and restorative.
Included (Gentle) — Waterfall Viewpoints: A guided amble to selected waterfall lookouts with no steep climbs. Choose the easiest platforms for spray-kissed vistas and photographs; benches and railings make it relaxed. Typical time: 1.5–2 hours, shoes stay mostly dry.
Return to the lodge for a slow lunch—mountain trout, greens from the garden, warm tortillas. The rest of the day is at leisure: journal on your deck, doze to rain-on-leaves, or book a pampering slot below.
Optional Indulgences: Spa ritual with local botanicals (steam, massage, hydrotherapy) • Chef’s garden-to-table tasting (forage with the team, then sample seasonal salsas, herbs, cacao notes). Pre-book preferred times on arrival.
Pace & Comfort: Paths are well-graded with occasional damp patches. Bring a light layer—temperatures dip in mist—and expect brief showers that pass quickly. Your guide can shorten or extend the loop to suit energy levels.
What to Bring: Waterproof jacket • comfortable closed-toe shoes with grip • small daypack • reusable bottle • hat/SPF (clouds still burn) • phone/camera (microfibre cloth for mist) • insect repellent for still moments by streams.
Photography Tips — Falls & Fog: For silky water, try 1/8–1/2 sec and brace on a rail; for crisp droplets, use 1/500 sec+. Keep ISO 200–400, f/5.6–f/8. Wipe the lens often—mist creeps in. A phone in “live/long exposure” mode works beautifully at lookouts.
Today: Bajos del Toro waterfalls, cloud-forest walk, gentle hiking Costa Rica, spa rituals, waterfall photography tips.
Wake unrushed to a chorus of hummingbirds and mist in the trees. After a slow breakfast of tropical fruit, fresh bread and single-origin Costa Rican coffee, your day unfolds at a gentle pace—choose hands-on experiences or linger in the spa and on your forest-facing deck. Today is designed for flexibility and deep rest.
Morning — Bean to Cup (Optional)
Join a coffee workshop at a nearby finca or the lodge lab. Walk a short, level path through shade-grown rows (seasonal cherry picking), then compare washed, honey and natural methods. Grind and pour using V60/Chemex, learning bloom times and ratios. Expect notes of cacao, citrus and sugarcane; leave with home brew tips and a fresh bag of beans.
Typical: 1.5–2 hrs • Mostly seated • Level terrain • Extra cost.
Midday — Slow Lunch & Siesta
Savour farm-to-table plates: mountain trout, garden greens, warm tortillas and zesty salsas. After lunch, retreat to your suite for a deck siesta—watch emerald toucanets, tanagers and butterflies drift through the canopy.
Afternoon — Photography Walk or Spa (Optional)
Photography walk: A naturalist-photographer leads a slow circuit focused on texture & light—mossy trunks, bromeliads, soft-shutter waterfalls and quick hummingbird freezes. Frequent stops for framing tips; level, unhurried paths.
Spa ritual: Steam, hydrotherapy circuit and botanicals massage tuned to the forest climate; emerge to herbal tea by the fireplace.
Typical: ~2 hrs each • Extra cost • Pre-book preferred times.
Evening — Lanterns, Hot Tub & Night Chorus
As mist curls through the trees, enjoy a lantern-lit dinner with seasonal produce, then sink into your private heated jacuzzi beneath drifting cloud. Listen for glass frogs and the hush of the forest as night settles.
Included vs Optional
Practical Notes: Mountain weather shifts quickly—carry a light rain shell and warm layer. Paths used for optional outings are level/well-graded; your guide can shorten routes to suit energy. Pre-book options on arrival to match the day’s clearest weather window.
What to Bring: Waterproof jacket • comfortable closed-toe shoes with grip • reusable bottle • hat/SPF (UV penetrates cloud) • insect repellent • camera/phone + microfiber cloth • small pouch for coffee beans.
Photo Tips — Cloud-Forest Mood: Waterfalls: 1/8–1/2 sec braced; birds: 1/1000 sec if light allows. Use ISO 200–800, f/5.6–f/8. Wipe lenses often—mist creeps in. Phone “long exposure/live” modes work well at lookouts.
Today: Bajos del Toro cloud forest, coffee workshop Costa Rica, photography walk, spa hydrotherapy, private hot-tub suite, gentle activities.
After a slow breakfast, depart the cloud forest on a private transfer (≈2.5–3 hrs) toward Tenorio Volcano National Park and the famed Río Celeste. The road unwinds from misty folds to sunny cattle country and cacao groves, with a relaxing comfort stop midway for coffee and views.
Check in to your choice of stay: the ultra-luxe, hilltop casitas of Origins Lodge (panoramas for days), or the lush rainforest retreat of Río Celeste Hideaway—both on a relaxed Bed & Breakfast basis with easy access to trails, birdsong and blue-water viewpoints.
Included Today — Sunset Canapés with Panoramic Views: As the sky softens, gather on the terrace for chef-led bites and a local pour. Watch clouds comb Tenorio’s ridges while the forest hushes—camera in one hand, crisp canapé in the other.
Settle in: swim, nap, or wander garden paths where motmots flash turquoise tails. As evening nears, the air turns honey-warm and cicadas strike up—perfect prelude to dinner on-site (payable locally).
Transfer Notes: Door-to-door ≈2.5–3 hrs with smooth, winding sections. Your driver schedules a comfort/coffee stop roughly halfway. Keep a light rain shell handy—weather can shift quickly between microclimates.
Optional (Time Permitting / Tomorrow): Guided Río Celeste hike to the cobalt waterfall • Night walk for frogs, kinkajous and owl eyes • Sloth garden visit • Cacao-to-chocolate tasting • Regional hot springs soak.
What to Bring: Lightweight rain jacket • breathable layers (warmer than cloud forest) • closed-toe shoes with grip • swimwear • reusable bottle • insect repellent • hat/SPF • camera/phone. Pack binoculars—toucan flybys are common.
Lodge Highlights (At a Glance): Hilltop panoramas or rainforest immersion • Designer pools • Chef-driven cuisine • On-site nature trails • Birding at dawn • Easy access to Tenorio trails & the Río Celeste viewpoint.
Today: Tenorio Volcano National Park, Río Celeste, Origins Lodge, Río Celeste Hideaway, private transfer Costa Rica, sunset canapés.
Wake to warm lowland sun and birds over the canopy. After breakfast, set out for a relaxed look at the Río Celeste—where volcanic minerals tint the water an otherworldly turquoise. Today stays gentle and unhurried.
Included (Gentle) — Turquoise-River Viewpoint Walk
Follow forest paths to selected flat sections and easy viewpoints for that signature cobalt bend. Your guide will avoid stairs and steep grades; pace is photo-friendly with shady pauses. Typical time: 1.5–2 hours.
Return for a lazy lunch, then the afternoon is at leisure: cool off in the pool, book the spa, or sip something citrusy on your terrace while motmots flick through the gardens.
Pace & Comfort: Surfaces are mostly packed earth and boardwalk. We’ll keep to level ground and shorter distances; your guide can shorten further if it’s hot. Morning departures catch softer light and fewer visitors.
What to Bring: Light rain jacket (showers pass quickly) • breathable layers • comfortable closed-toe shoes with grip • hat & SPF • reusable bottle • insect repellent • camera/phone. Pack swimwear for the pool after the walk.
Photography Tips — Celeste Colour: For the richest blue, shoot late morning when the sun lifts; try ISO 100–200, f/5.6–f/8, 1/250 sec. A circular polariser cuts glare on the water; wipe lenses often in humid air.
Today: Río Celeste viewpoint, Tenorio Volcano National Park, gentle hike Costa Rica, turquoise river, spa and pool afternoon.
Begin with birds over the garden and the low murmur of the forest. Today’s pace is gentle and flavour-forward: a cacao estate tour & tasting by day, with the option to return to the trails after dark for an easy, flat night walk alive with frog choruses and soft glints of eyeshine.
Included (Gentle) — Cacao Estate Tour & Tasting
Stroll shaded rows of cacao trees as your guide opens pods to reveal sweet-white pulp and glossy beans. Learn how fermentation and sun-drying shape flavour, then watch small-batch roasting and stone grinding. Finish with a guided tasting: from fruity 70% bars to rustic drinking chocolate. Surfaces are level; pace is unhurried. Typical duration: 1.5–2 hours.
Return to your lodge for a lazy lunch and pool time. Read on the terrace, book a spa slot, or wander the garden paths keeping an eye out for motmots and toucan flybys.
Optional (Easy) — Night Walk on Lodge Trails
After dinner, join your naturalist for a flat, short loop on well-made paths. Spot red-eyed tree frogs, sleeping birds, leafcutter ant highways, and maybe a kinkajou in the canopy. Torch etiquette keeps wildlife comfortable; walking time ~60–75 minutes (extra cost).
Pace & Comfort: Today is designed for level walking with frequent pauses. The cacao fields are shaded and breezy; nights are warm and humid—bring a light layer if you chill easily.
What to Bring: Breathable clothing • comfortable closed-toe shoes • hat & SPF • reusable bottle • insect repellent • small cash for farm-made chocolate.
For the night walk: long sleeves, a quiet headlamp/torch (red mode if available), and a phone/camera.
Tasting Notes: Expect flavour arcs of tropical fruit, roasted nuts, caramel and a touch of spice. Sip water between samples; darker % bars reveal more origin character.
Today: cacao tour Costa Rica, Río Celeste region, gentle walking, night walk Costa Rica, toucan sightings, motmots.
After breakfast, depart Tenorio on a scenic private transfer (~3 hrs) to the San José area for your short domestic flight south. On landing by the Golfo Dulce, meet your lodge team for a boat meet & greet and glide across jade water to your hideaway.
Check in at Playa Cativo Lodge—a boat-access-only rainforest retreat on a wild beach, backdropped by primary forest. Your stay is on Full Board with soft guided activities included: think easy rainforest rambles, coastal kayaking, and snorkel-friendly coves (conditions permitting).
Today’s Logistics (At a Glance):
• Private road transfer: Tenorio → San José area (~3 hrs) with comfort stop.
• Short domestic flight to the Osa / Golfo Dulce region.
• Boat transfer to Playa Cativo Lodge; welcome drink & orientation on arrival.
Settle into your room and exhale: tide whispers, scarlet macaws overhead, and occasional dolphin arcs along the gulf. Lunch showcases coastal produce; later, wander the beach or float in the pool before a mellow sunset on the pier.
Flight & Baggage Notes: Costa Rica domestic flights typically have tighter baggage limits and prefer soft-sided luggage. Keep valuables, meds, and a light layer in your carry-on. Our driver and lodge team coordinate timing so connections remain smooth.
Included — Soft Guided Activities (sample): Easy rainforest walks on lodge trails • Sea kayaking along mangrove-fringed shores • Snorkeling (when water clarity allows) • Birding at dawn near the gardens and creek. All activities are relaxed pace and tailored daily to tides and weather.
What to Bring in Your Daypack: Quick-dry swimwear • lightweight long sleeves for sun • reef-safe SPF • hat • insect repellent • water-friendly sandals plus closed-toe shoes for trails • reusable bottle • small dry bag for phone/camera.
Evening Rhythm: Golden hour on the pier • dinner to the sound of surf • stroll the beach under southern constellations. Nights are warm; a light linen layer is perfect for the sea breeze.
Today: Golfo Dulce, Osa Peninsula, boat-access lodge, Playa Cativo, soft adventure Costa Rica, full board rainforest stay.
Wake to the hush of the gulf and scarlet macaws overhead. After breakfast, head out on a relaxed calm-water wildlife boat—a gentle glide across jade water with rainforest rising on all sides.
Included (Gentle) — Gulf Wildlife Boat:
Scan the slick surface for pantropical spotted dolphins and bottlenose dolphins; check mangrove edges for herons, kingfishers and occasional hawks. The captain hugs calm coves and sandbars; pace is unhurried with plenty of photo stops. Typical time: 2–2.5 hours.
Return for a fresh lunch, then the afternoon is at leisure: float in the pool, sway in a hammock with a book, book the spa, or beachcomb for tiny shells while pelicans skim the waterline.
Pace & Comfort:
The gulf is a fjord-like, sheltered body of water—rides are typically smooth. Boats have shade; we avoid chop and keep to calm sections. Crew assist with easy step-aboard if mobility is limited.
What to Bring:
Sun shirt or light long sleeves • reef-safe SPF • hat & sunglasses • reusable bottle • light towel • water-friendly sandals • small dry bag for phone/camera. Dolphins are frequent but not guaranteed—bring binoculars.
Photo Tips — On the Water:
For dolphins, use 1/1000 sec or faster; pre-focus where they surface. Keep ISO 200–400, f/5.6–f/8. A polariser tames glare; wipe lenses for sea spray.
Today: Golfo Dulce dolphin tour, calm-water boat Costa Rica, Osa soft adventure, hammock & spa afternoon, wildlife watching by boat.
Morning light slides over glass-calm water. After breakfast, slip into the mangroves by skiff with your naturalist—roots like cathedrals, kingfishers arrowing past, and crabs drumming on trunks. The boat keeps to gentle, sheltered channels for an easy, nature-first glide.
Included (Gentle) — Mangrove Glide by Skiff
Unhurried exploration of tidal creeks with a naturalist guide: look for herons, ibis, kingfishers, basking iguanas and—if you’re lucky—distant dolphin fins at channel mouths. Engines idle low; shade awning onboard. Typical time: ~2 hours.
Return for lunch, then choose your afternoon rhythm: an easy coastal path amble with sea breezes and shell-strewn coves, or a hands-on cooking class featuring lime-bright ceviche, plantains and garden herbs (payable locally).
Pace & Comfort: Today is designed low-effort. The skiff boards via a stable step; paths in the afternoon option are flat with plenty of shady pauses. Tide and bird activity guide exact timings.
What to Bring: Light long sleeves • reef-safe SPF • hat & sunglasses • reusable bottle • water-friendly sandals for the boat + closed-toe shoes for the path • insect repellent • small dry bag for phone/camera.
Nature & Etiquette: Keep voices soft near roosts; the guide will set a no-flash rule for wildlife. Crocs and caimans are shy but possible—always remain seated in the skiff and give all animals space.
Today: Golfo Dulce mangrove tour, skiff wildlife cruise, easy coastal walk, Costa Rica cooking class, low-effort nature day.
Wake to wave-hush and birds in the almond trees. After breakfast, stay close to the lodge for a relaxed garden & medicinal-plants walk—a gentle circuit through edible beds, native shrubs and shady fruit trees buzzing with life.
Included (Gentle) — Garden & Medicinal-Plants Walk
Stroll level paths as your naturalist shares rainforest remedies and kitchen staples: lemongrass for soothing tea, turmeric for warmth, yuca and cacao for the table, aloe for sun-kissed skin. Taste leaves, crush aromatics, and learn how lodge cuisine uses the garden daily. Typical time: ~60–90 minutes.
The rest of the day is unhurried: pool, hammock nap, seaside reading, or a spa slot with local botanicals. Order a fresh juice and watch scarlet macaws and tanagers drift over the gardens.
Pace & Comfort: Paths are flat, shaded and close to the lodge with benches for pauses. We keep to cool morning hours; the circuit can be shortened anytime.
What to Bring: Light long sleeves • comfortable closed-toe shoes • hat & reef-safe SPF • reusable bottle • insect repellent • small cash for garden-made products (when available).
Taste the Garden: Ask for a zesty limonada con hierbabuena (lime & mint) or a cacao nib sprinkle over fruit—simple, hyper-local treats between swims.
Today: Golfo Dulce garden tour, medicinal plants Costa Rica, gentle lodge activities, macaw sightings, spa with local botanicals.
Wave goodbye to the rainforest-by-sea. After breakfast, board a private boat back to the mainland pier, then connect to your domestic flight (via SJO or LIR) bound for Guanacaste. A short private transfer delivers you to the calm coves and golden arcs of the Papagayo Peninsula.
Check in to your chosen stay: the iconic Four Seasons Costa Rica (two beaches, refined service, superb spa) or the eco-chic Kasiiya Papagayo (low-impact luxury and secret-bay feel), both on a relaxed Bed & Breakfast basis.
Today’s Logistics (At a Glance)
• Private boat to the pier from Golfo Dulce.
• Domestic flight via San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR) into Guanacaste.
• Short private transfer to your Papagayo hotel; welcome & orientation on arrival.
Shake off your shoes and ease into the dry-tropical pace: palms rustle, warm sand beckons, and the water glows a gentle jade. As afternoon leans to gold, head to a sunset viewpoint and take an easy beach stroll—pelicans skim the surf while the sky turns apricot.
Flight & Baggage Notes: Costa Rica domestic carriers prefer soft-sided luggage and have lower weight limits than international sectors. Keep a daypack with swimwear, sun hat and shades so you can hit the beach on arrival.
Optional (Payable Locally): Dawn stand-up paddle • relaxed coastal catamaran sail • sunset kayak to a quiet cove • chef-led ceviche class • spa ritual with Pacific breezes.
What to Bring: Lightweight resort wear • reef-safe SPF • hat & sunglasses • water-friendly sandals • swimwear • reusable bottle • small dry bag (boat days) • light layer for breezy evenings.
Photography Tips — Pacific Gold: Golden hour is generous on Papagayo. Try ISO 100–200, f/5.6–f/8, 1/250 sec for beach portraits; for silky shore wash at dusk, slow to 1/6–1/2 sec and brace on a rock.
Today: Papagayo Peninsula, Four Seasons Costa Rica, Kasiiya Papagayo, Guanacaste domestic flight, private boat transfer, sunset beach walk.
Wake to soft Pacific light and an easy rhythm. Today is entirely at leisure—think flat beach walks on golden crescents, a slow swim in jade water, or a book in the shade while pelicans skim the bay.
Optional (Gentle) — Bay Cruise: Board a relaxed coastal boat for calm-water coves, snorkel-friendly stops (conditions permitting), and chances to spot turtles and rays. Shade canopy onboard; easy step-in/step-out. Typical duration: 2–3 hours.
Prefer to stay ashore? Unwind at the spa, take an e-bike spin along quiet lanes (flat routes available), or simply meander the tideline collecting tiny shells before a long, leisurely lunch.
Included Support — Pre-Departure Help: Our concierge can assist with packing, confirm flight times, arrange a late checkout (subject to availability), and print or email boarding passes. Luggage scales available on request.
Pace & Comfort: Beaches here shelve gently and are ideal for flat strolls. Midday can be hot—walk early or late. If you’re skipping the boat, cabanas and palms offer ample shade for a truly lazy day.
What to Bring: Light sun shirt • reef-safe SPF • hat & sunglasses • water-friendly sandals • swimwear • reusable bottle • small dry bag (if cruising) • a light layer for ocean breezes at dusk.
Today: Papagayo leisure day, calm bay cruise, snorkel-friendly coves, spa & e-bike options, flat beach walks.
Wake to quiet coves and a soft Pacific breeze. Today is entirely at leisure—unplug with flat beach walks, an unhurried swim in jade water, or a book under palms while pelicans skim the bay. This is your exhale day.
Optional (Gentle): A calm bay cruise with snorkel stop (conditions permitting) • dawn SUP on glassy water • spa ritual with ocean breeze • e-bike amble on easy, mostly level lanes • chef-led ceviche tasting at lunchtime (all payable locally).
Included Support — Pre-Departure Help: Our concierge can assist with packing, confirm flight times, arrange late checkout (subject to availability), and print/email boarding passes. Luggage scales available on request.
Pace & Comfort: Beaches here shelve gently and suit easy strolling. For the coolest temps and softest light, walk at sunrise or late afternoon; reserve midday for shade, pool or spa.
What to Bring: Light sun shirt • reef-safe SPF • hat & sunglasses • water-friendly sandals • swimwear • reusable bottle • small dry bag if boating • a light layer for ocean breezes at dusk.
Photography Tip — Soft Pacific Light: Golden hour loves Papagayo. Try ISO 100–200, f/5.6–f/8, 1/250 sec for portraits; for silky shore wash at dusk, slow to 1/6–1/2 sec and brace on a rock.
Today: Papagayo free day, relaxation, flat beach walks, spa & bay cruise, pre-departure assistance.
Wake to one last Costa Rican morning. After breakfast, meet your private transfer for Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). Settle back as coffee farms and volcano silhouettes slip by—today is about an unhurried, well-prepared trip home.
Airport Flow (Typical): Airline check-in / bag drop → security → immigration → departures concourse. Most tickets include the Costa Rica departure tax these days—check your e-ticket to be sure.
Timing & Documents: Arrive at SJO about 3 hours before an international flight. Keep passport, boarding pass, and any visa/ESTA handy. Reconfirm gate on screens—gate changes do occur.
Carry-On Essentials:
Medications • Valuables • Electronics & chargers • Light layer • Headphones & eye mask • Pen for forms • Snacks • Reusable bottle (empty for security) • A spare top • Travel insurance details.
Last-Minute Tips: Spend remaining colones on coffee or chocolate at the terminal • Pack power bank in cabin luggage (not checked) • Liquids follow the 100 ml rule in a clear bag • Keep your hotel and DMC contacts saved until wheels-up.
Farewell: From cloud forests to the Papagayo Coast, you’ve travelled Costa Rica the relaxed way. ¡Hasta pronto! We look forward to welcoming you back for your next journey.
Today: San José airport transfer, SJO departure, international flight check-in, Costa Rica departure tax, carry-on checklist.
| Start Date | End Date | Price | Note | AVAILABILITY | Booking |
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| Mon, 7 Dec, 26 | Tue, 22 Dec, 26 | $15434 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Mon, 4 Jan, 27 | Tue, 19 Jan, 27 | $16632 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Mon, 1 Feb, 27 | Tue, 16 Feb, 27 | $16632 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Mon, 1 Mar, 27 | Tue, 16 Mar, 27 | $16632 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Mon, 5 Apr, 27 | Tue, 20 Apr, 27 | $16632 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Mon, 3 May, 27 | Tue, 18 May, 27 | $15301 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Mon, 7 Jun, 27 | Tue, 22 Jun, 27 | $15301 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Mon, 5 Jul, 27 | Tue, 20 Jul, 27 | $15301 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Mon, 2 Aug, 27 | Tue, 17 Aug, 27 | $15301 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Mon, 6 Sep, 27 | Tue, 21 Sep, 27 | $13970 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Mon, 4 Oct, 27 | Tue, 19 Oct, 27 | $13970 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Mon, 1 Nov, 27 | Tue, 16 Nov, 27 | $16099 | GUARANTEED | Book Now | |
| Mon, 6 Dec, 27 | Tue, 21 Dec, 27 | $16632 | GUARANTEED | Book Now |
Boutique properties chosen for setting, service and ease of access to gentle activities. If a listed hotel is unavailable on your dates, we will confirm an alternate of the same category/standard and location ethos.
| City / Region | Hotel / Lodge | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
| San José | Grano de Oro / Hotel Alta Las Palomas | Classic boutique bases in the Central Valley; leafy surrounds, calm check-in after flight, easy access to heritage strolls. |
| Bajos del Toro (Cloud Forest) | El Silencio Lodge & Spa (Relais & Châteaux) | Suite with private hot tub; mist-laced trails, farm-to-table dining, spa rituals; ideal for level walks and quiet wildlife time. |
| Tenorio / Río Celeste | Origins Lodge or Río Celeste Hideaway | Hilltop casitas with sweeping views (Origins) or rainforest-immersed villas (Hideaway); easy reach of the turquoise-river lookouts. |
| Golfo Dulce (Osa) | Playa Cativo Lodge (Boat-Access Only) | Secluded beach and primary forest backdrop; Full Board with soft guided outings (mangroves, calm-water wildlife boat, garden walks). |
| Papagayo Coast | Four Seasons Costa Rica | Polished resort with twin beaches and standout spa (Four Seasons) or eco-chic, low-impact suites in hidden coves (Kasiiya); sunset strolls assured. |
Note: Room types are matched to the itinerary (B&B or Full Board as specified). Exact hotels may vary by date; equivalent-category alternatives will be proposed before booking confirmation.
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