Wild rivers, cloud forest thrills & Pacific adventures
When to go
November-August
Trip length
11 days / 10 nights
Typical investmentPrice
from $3,300 pp
Venture into Costa Rica’s wild landscapes on an adventure from Monteverde’s swirling mists to the beautiful Pacific coast. Begin with cloud forest zip lining and a night walk before dining beneath the stars above the trees. Continue to Arenal for waterfall rappelling, natural hot springs, and a thrilling whitewater journey on the Pacuare River. Explore jungle trails with your naturalist guide before heading to Manuel Antonio for Pacific sunsets, a Caño Island snorkeling excursion, and an ATV adventure. Eleven days of forest, river, and reef, with beautiful retreats awaiting your return.
Along the way
Snorkel coral reefs at Caño Island, spotting rays and tropical fish
Spot exotic wildlife in the rainforest
Raft the wild waters of the Pacuare River
Rappel & zip line through canopy and misty cloud forest
Your route
Above the clouds
Arrive in San José and head into Monteverde’s misty highlands with your private driver. Check into your cloud forest lodge and spend the afternoon enjoying the grounds or relaxing on your balcony as clouds drift through the treetops. Your Costa Rican adventure begins in the cool mountain air.
Fly through Monteverde’s cloud forest on a zip line adventure, gliding between treetop platforms with sweeping views. After dark, follow your guide on a night walk, searching for frogs, insects, and other wildlife in the beam of your flashlight.
Spend the morning wandering your lodge’s private trails or relaxing in the outdoor hot tub to the sound of birdsong. Tonight, enjoy a private stargazing dinner on a platform above the trees. Delicious food and a view toward the night sky, with cloud conditions deciding which stars join you.
Volcanic peaks
Travel by boat and road from Monteverde to Arenal, where wooden bungalows face the volcanic landscape. Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon enjoying the tropical surroundings. A dip in the pool or a little time on the terrace before tomorrow’s adventure.
Hike a greenery-shrouded trail to a canyon in the rainforest, then rappel waterfalls and sheer cliff faces with your guides. Spend the evening soaking in natural volcanic hot springs before enjoying a romantic dinner. Adventure by day, a little indulgence by night.
Get your heart racing on a thrilling whitewater journey down the Pacuare River. Paddle through jungle gorges and rushing rapids with your guides, enjoying a day in one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful river landscapes.
Explore Arenal’s rainforest with your naturalist guide, listening for howler monkeys and watching for sloths and toucans among the trees. Spend the afternoon by the pool, wandering your retreat’s trails, or simply enjoying the jungle views.
Volcanic heartland
Trade rainforest for coastline today with a ride to blissful Manuel Antonio for sun and sand. Check into your suite at your coastal retreat and catch the first of many beautiful Pacific sunsets.
Board your boat for Caño Island, then don a snorkel to explore cobalt waters filled with tropical fish. Watch for sea turtles and rays as you discover the undersea landscape. A beautiful Pacific adventure beneath the waves.
Explore the countryside around Manuel Antonio on an ATV adventure, riding jungle trails, crossing creeks, and stopping to admire coastal views. Follow your guides through the landscape before returning to your retreat after a day on four wheels.
Take a domestic flight to San José for your onward travels. Bid farewell to cloud forest mists, volcanic landscapes, and beautiful Pacific waters.
Let's discover your next adventure
Our top picks
Arenas del Mar occupies one of the few rainforest properties in Manuel Antonio with direct access to two beaches. Rooms are set among the trees where monkeys, sloths, and scarlet macaws are regular visitors. Trails link the accommodations to the shoreline, allowing guests to alternate between the forest and the Pacific.
Amor Arenal occupies a forested hillside on the lower slopes of Arenal Volcano, where standalone wooden casitas are carefully spaced among the trees. Every casita includes a private hot spring plunge pool, while larger thermal pools and forest trails are woven throughout the property. Toucans, monkeys, and hummingbirds are regular visitors, especially during the early morning.
Hidden in the rainforest between La Fortuna and Costa Rica's Central Highlands, Chachagua spreads its rooms and villas across a private reserve of forest, gardens, and natural hot springs. Wildlife is common throughout the property, with toucans, monkeys, and sloths regularly spotted near the accommodations. La Fortuna is about 20 minutes away, leaving evenings noticeably quieter than staying in town.
Fifty standalone bungalows are spread across 370 acres of gardens and secondary rainforest just outside La Fortuna. Wide spacing between the accommodations gives the property an unusually open feel, with Arenal Volcano visible from much of the grounds. Early mornings often begin with birds, monkeys, and coatis moving through the gardens.
Perched above Manuel Antonio, Gaia is an adults-only retreat overlooking the Pacific from its own private nature reserve. Suites and villas step down the hillside, with regular sightings of monkeys, toucans, and sloths despite being only a few minutes from town. The beach and national park are reached by complimentary shuttle.
Nayara Gardens was the first of the three Nayara properties, and its mature tropical landscaping still gives it the most established feel. Casitas are hidden among dense gardens beneath Arenal Volcano, with restaurants, pools, and hanging bridges linking the wider resort. Guests also have access to the facilities at Nayara Springs and Nayara Tented Camp.
A naturally heated river flows through the heart of Tabacón, feeding a series of thermal pools and waterfalls beneath Arenal Volcano. The resort's 105 rooms and suites sit apart from the hot springs, allowing the rainforest to remain the focus of the property. The thermal river emerges naturally from the volcano, flowing through the gardens before continuing downstream.
Keep exploring
Let’s start planning
Tell us a little about your plans. We’ll be in touch to talk through this trip with you.
