Costa Rica








Trip summary statistics
10days
Costa Rica Rainforest to Beach for Families
San José, Chachagua, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio
Walk rainforest hanging bridges, spotting sloths and canopy wildlife with a private guide.
Explore Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal via scenic trails, viewpoints, and a gentle boat ride.
Harvest ingredients and cook alongside locals in a hands-on rainforest farm experience.
Explore Monteverde’s cloud forest by day and night with expert naturalist guides.
Spend easy beach days in Manuel Antonio, with family stays tailored by a Destination Expert.
* Please note: USD per person, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.
A travel experience like no other
This sample itinerary was created by experts and is meant to inspire your next trip. It is ready to be customized to suit your interests, tastes and budget so you can connect with local cultures and experience authentic travel on your own terms and departing whenever you choose.
San José to ChachaguaGet In and Get Some Rest
- Meet & Greet Airport Service
- Costa Rica Welcome Package
- San Jose to Chachagua (2.5 hrs) - Private Transfer
- Dining at Chachagua Rainforest Hotel
ChachaguaIt's a Jungle Out There
- Hanging Bridges Adventure (2 hrs) - Private Tour
- Evening at Leisure
ChachaguaNurtured by Nature
- Arenal Volcano National Park by Arenal Lake (with Picnic Lunch, 4 hrs) - Private Tour
- Arenal Dining Recommendations
ChachaguaVenture into the Outdoors
- Optional: Private Outdoor Cooking Class (4 hrs)
- Pool & Hot Springs at Chachagua Rainforest Hotel
Chachagua to MonteverdeA Change of Scenery
- Chachagua to Monteverde (3.5 hrs) - Private Transfer
- Night Walk at Monteverde Wildlife Refuge (2 hrs) - Private
MonteverdeHidden Gems
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Hike (3.5 hrs) - Private
- Treetop Dining Experience (2 hrs)
Monteverde to Manuel AntonioThe Journey Continues…
- Monteverde to Manuel Antonio via Crocodile Boat Tour (with Lunch, 6 hrs) - Private Transfer
- Dining at Parador
Manuel AntonioJust a Walk in the Park
- Manuel Antonio National Park Tour (3 hrs) - Private
- Dining Recommendations
Manuel AntonioA Bit of Time on Your Own
- Los Altos at your Leisure
Manuel Antonio to San JoséUntil Next Time…
- Manuel Antonio - San José [Airport, 3 hrs] - Vehicle/Driver
SAN JOSÉ TO CHACHAGUA


Get In and Get Some Rest
For your added comfort, an English-speaking assistant will be waiting for you outside of customs with personalized signage. Your representative will guide you to your luggage pickup and provide an ID sticker to help you meet with your private driver.
A welcome package with your vouchers, a country map, and any other touristic information that may be useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel.
Meet your private driver for a transfer to Chachagua. Approximate travel time is two hours and 30 minutes.
Savor vibrant, farm-fresh cuisine inspired by the rainforest at Chachagua Rainforest Hotel, where regional ingredients are sourced onsite or from nearby farms and elevated with refined international techniques. Enjoy a flavorful blend of traditional Tico dishes, global favorites, and unique house specialties, all served with warm hospitality amid lush jungle surroundings. Whether enjoying a light bite after the hot springs or indulging in a heartier meal, every plate reflects the colors, freshness, and soul of Costa Rica.
Where you’ll be staying
Rainforest Bungalow
CHACHAGUA


It's a Jungle Out There
Discover the wonders of Arenal’s rainforest on a private guided adventure through its iconic hanging bridges. This network of suspension bridges offers a unique way to explore the upper and lower canopies of lush jungle. With your expert guide, cross sturdy bridges supported by concrete foundations and wander scenic forest trails nestled within Arenal’s mountainous sub-canopy. Along the way, watch for howler monkeys, colorful tropical birds, and other exotic wildlife thriving in this vibrant ecosystem. As you journey through this spectacular biological corridor, marvel at the rainforest’s hidden treasures and the extraordinary biodiversity that defines Arenal.
Enjoy a free evening to follow your interests, whether you step out to explore or unwind at your hotel.
Where you’ll be staying
Rainforest Bungalow
CHACHAGUA


Nurtured by Nature
Set out to explore Arenal’s world-famous volcano and majestic lake on a private half-day adventure. Accompanied by your naturalist guide, enjoy a scenic drive to Arenal Volcano National Park, then set out on a leisurely one-mile walk through its captivating peninsula trails. Take in sweeping views of Lake Arenal and the Cerro TilarÁn Range, then climb to an observation platform for close-up volcano views and insights into its rich geological history. At the end of the trail, unwind with a delicious picnic lunch before boarding your private boat for a tranquil cruise along the forested shores of Lake Arenal. Keep an eye out for birds and wildlife inhabiting the lake’s small islets, and capture postcard-perfect views of the volcano before returning to shore and your hotel.
Our Arenal restaurant short list features three local favorites, each with a distinct point of view. Don Rufino spotlights contemporary Costa Rican cooking built around regional ingredients. CafÉ MediterrÁneo serves handmade pastas and wood-fired pizza with Arenal Volcano views. For a lively, casual night, Mercadito Arenal brings together gourmet street-food stalls and live music in La Fortuna. Your Destination Expert can assist with reservations, subject to availability.
Where you’ll be staying
Rainforest Bungalow
CHACHAGUA



Venture into the Outdoors
Optional / Not Included:
Located within the hotel, this immersive Rancho Don Lelo culinary experience invites you to discover the authentic flavors of Costa Rica from farm to table. Begin with a short, guided hike through the hotel’s forest reserve, led by a naturalist who unveils the rainforest’s vibrant flora and fauna. Upon arriving at Don Lelo Farm, enjoy a warm welcome with a refreshing drink of freshly pressed sugar cane juice and lemon before harvesting your own ingredients. Learn to extract sugar cane using a traditional press, then join a local chef for a hands-on cooking class featuring fresh farm produce like yuca, corn, and plantains. Roast aromatic coffee beans, prepare cheese-filled tortillas, and craft crispy yuca hash browns in a flavorful, authentic celebration of Costa Rican culinary heritage.
Escape into pure tranquility at Chachagua Rainforest Hotel, where lush jungle surrounds a serene pool and soothing mineral hot springs. Immerse yourself in cool, refreshing waters after a day of adventure, or unwind in the warm, therapeutic springs said to restore both body and mind. With vibrant rainforest views, gentle sounds of nature, and an atmosphere of total relaxation, this peaceful haven invites you to reconnect, recharge, and savor the beauty of Costa Rica.
Where you’ll be staying
Rainforest Bungalow
CHACHAGUA TO MONTEVERDE


A Change of Scenery
Meet your private driver for a transfer to Monteverde. Approximate travel time is three hours and 20 minutes.
As twilight falls on Monteverde, immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the Monteverde Wildlife Refuge. Join your private guide as you explore a series of trails, learning about the diverse flora and fauna that call the reserve home. Species most commonly observed include sloths, olingos, coatis, agoutis, quetzals, bellbirds, toucans, hummingbirds and a wide variety of reptiles, amphibians and insects. Marvel at the symphony of sounds and sightings of elusive creatures that reveal themselves at night.
Where you’ll be staying
Superior Room
MONTEVERDE



Hidden Gems
Immerse yourself in Monteverde's legendary cloud forest in a privately guided half-day hike. One of Costa Rica's main attractions, the massive 10,500 hectares of lush vegetation draws 70,000 tourists a year. This stunning reserve is home to the largest number of orchids in the world, with 34 of its 500 species only recently discovered. Venture deep into this incredible forest, where over 60 species of amphibians, including the golden toad, have been found. This area is also a stop for 91 species of migratory bird, including the resplendent quetzal. Meander through this tropical oasis, where the treeline seems to stretch up to the sky. Gain insight into the area's conservation efforts and how the preserve has succeeded as an ecotourism model based in biodiversity research and education. Make a stop at the hummingbird garden, where you can can observe more than 14 different species of hummingbirds. Rich in flora and fauna, the cloud forest of Monteverde is sure to delight.
Experience a truly elevated culinary adventure. Enjoy a decadent multi-course meal on the treetops of Monteverde in an unforgettable dining activity. This intimate and unique experience on the canopy offers a Costa Rican farm-to-table fusion dinner which includes locally-sourced tropical ingredients. Dine in an all-glass deck in the middle of the forest overlooking downtown Monteverde for one-of-a-kind views served with delicious fare.
Where you’ll be staying
Superior Room
MONTEVERDE TO MANUEL ANTONIO



The Journey Continues…
You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to Manuel Antonio. At about the half way point, you will stop for a private guided Crocodile Tour. The adventure takes place on the TÁrcoles River, one of 4 rivers flowing out into the Nicoya Peninsula, and home to one of the world’s largest crocodile populations in the wild with individuals measuring up to 15ft long. In addition to the crocodiles, over 50 different kinds of birds can be seen on site, including the very rare scarlet macaw and a great variety of resident and migrant waterfowl. Iguanas and Jesus Christ lizards are very common as well. The Jungle Crocodile Safari tour time is 1.5 hours in length. The bilingual tourist guide offers expert orientation about the crocodiles and other associated wildlife. On the way downstream, the boat heads along the Estero Guacalillo, a beautiful mangrove ecosystem that features four different species of mangrove trees. Enjoy a local buffet lunch after the boat tour.
Dining at Parador Resort blends refined flavor, elegant settings, and Costa Rica’s vibrant culinary heritage. Perched on a hilltop with sweeping Pacific views, the resort showcases fresh, locally inspired cuisine—from gourmet international dishes to regional seafood and tropical produce. Whether enjoying a romantic dinner, a relaxed poolside lunch, or sunset cocktails, each experience is thoughtfully crafted, supported by warm service and stunning scenery.
Where you’ll be staying
Garden Suite (2 Bed)
MANUEL ANTONIO



Just a Walk in the Park
Explore Manuel Antonio National Park on a three-hour, privately guided tour that pairs rainforest wildlife with one of Costa Rica’s most beloved white-sand beaches. Follow easy trails through forest, mangroves, and coastal woodland as Pacific views flicker between the trees, while your guide scans the canopy and shoreline for white-faced capuchins and the endangered squirrel monkey (mono titi). Bring a swimsuit and towel to enjoy the white-sand beach, then transfer back to your hotel. If you choose to linger longer, return by taxi (cash required) or ask your Destination Expert to help arrange a later pick-up.
Our Manuel Antonio dining picks mix coastal flavor with memorable settings. Start with artisan coffee at CafÉ Milagro, then book sunset views at Emilio’s CafÉ or soak up the one-of-a-kind atmosphere at El Avion. For seafood, Agua Azul is a standout, while Ronny’s Place delivers hearty local fare. For an elevated evening, consider La Luna or Z Restaurant, with Victoria’s Gourmet Italian, Enso Sushi, and Falafel Bar as strong alternatives. Your Destination Expert can assist with reservations, subject to availability.
Where you’ll be staying
Garden Suite (2 Bed)
MANUEL ANTONIO


A Bit of Time on Your Own
Spend time at leisure enjoying the surroundings of Los Altos Resort, a serene retreat in Manuel Antonio set above the coastline. Unwind by the pool, savor excellent dining, or explore the property’s lush nature trails. You may wish to join a complimentary guided walk, where you can discover local vegetation and spot wildlife along the way, from capuchin monkeys and sloths to toucans and vibrant Morpho butterflies.
For a change of scenery, take a walk or shuttle down to the nearby beach below the resort. Along the way, keep an eye out for macaws overhead and small crabs along the shore. Once there, relax on the sand or take in the ocean views before returning to the comfort of your hillside retreat.
Where you’ll be staying
Garden Suite (2 Bed)
MANUEL ANTONIO TO SAN JOSÉ
Until Next Time…
Meet your private driver and guide for a transfer from Manuel Antonio to San JosÉ Airport today. Approximate travel time is three hours.
CHACHAGUA





Chachagua Rainforest Hotel & Hot Springs
Chachagua Rainforest Hotel & Eco Lodge offers an ecologically-conscious luxury experience in the heart of the jungle. Just 45 minutes from Arenal Volcano, this inviting eco-resort features 28 spacious guest rooms and bungalows, most with large covered decks and relaxing hammocks. Savor on-site dining that celebrates Costa Rica's age-old customs and cultures. Chachagua's first-class facilities, adventures and activities, on-site eco-specialists and organic farm operations are intertwined naturally with stunning tropical surroundings.
MONTEVERDE






Senda Monteverde
The regions newest property, Senda Monteverde by the Cayuga Collection is host to just 24 exclusive guest rooms and suites, ideal for both couples and families. This new boutique hotel offers guests a high level of service coupled with contemporary comfort and design in the heart of Monteverde. Guests enjoy direct on-foot access to the Aguti Private Nature Reserve, delicious farm-to-table dining and of course Cayuga's award-winning sustainable hospitality practices. At Senda Monteverde, enjoy the great outdoors, take in the cool mountain air, and discover pampered relaxation.
MANUEL ANTONIO









The Preserve at Los Altos Resort
The Preserve at Los Altos Resort is an elevated sanctuary overlooking the coastline of Manuel Antonio, where contemporary opulence is seamlessly immersed in nature. The resort offers 39 exceptional accommodations, each defined by distinctive layouts and architectural design that blend refined elegance with sweeping panoramic views of jungle and ocean. Thoughtfully curated spaces invite relaxation and renewal, including a welcoming reception lounge, a serene spa and wellness area with a dedicated yoga deck, and an infinity pool with a sun deck overlooking the Pacific. Private jungle trails weave through the property, and a secluded beach cove for moments of quiet discovery. A relaxed bar and cafe complement the on-site restaurant, which celebrates inspired culinary experiences rooted in both local and international flavors. Los Altos Resort is where elevated design, wellness, and nature converge above the shores of Manuel Antonio.
Made to Order
- Choose from a range of places to stay, from impeccable five-star hotels to equally outstanding boutique ones.
- Tailor your trip to include a wide variety of activities, from the must-see's to the lesser-known, local experiences, and even the exclusive ones you may not know about.
- With no fixed dates or set schedules, you can explore on your terms.
- Whether you're celebrating one of life's big moments or looking to fulfill a personal journey, we always work with you to ensure we're creating a trip-of-a-lifetime.
What's included
- A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule
- 24/7 in-destination support from our local office
- Regional flights between stops in your itinerary (unless otherwise indicated)
- All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary
- A private driver for tours and transfers (in some countries our local private guides also act as your driver - your Destination Expert will discuss with you if applicable)
- Local private guides or shared tours that take you through your itinerary highlights and experiences, your final itinerary will confirm the type of tour
- A greeting at the airport or at your accommodation from one of our representatives – your expert will confirm your meet and greet location with you
- Breakfast each morning at your hotel, plus any meals indicated in the itinerary
- One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
What's not included
- Your international airfare – please do let your expert know if you'd like to receive pricing from our Air Team
- Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you've booked your tour
- Visas (unless noted)
- Tips for services and experiences
- Lunches, dinners and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), unless specified in the itinerary
- Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
- Personal charges such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards or room service
- Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
- Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside of your itinerary
- Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, or local camera or video fees
- Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)
Protect your travel
- We recommend travel protection. Between missed connections, lost or delayed luggage, or medical emergencies, you want some peace of mind that your travel investment is well protected.
- No matter who you buy from, please consider purchasing a travel protection plan before you travel. Still unsure? Consider these frequently asked questions.









