Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Costa Rica – San Jose – Arenal – Playa Avellana – Nosara
100% customisable for you
Today’s the day you set off for Costa Rica, so make your way to the airport and relax in the lounge ahead of your 11-and-a-half-hour flight to the capital San Jose. After touching down, take a private transfer to Naranjo, in the province of Alajuela, around an hour’s drive from the capital. Check into your hotel and home for the first two nights , the perfect base from which to immerse yourself in local life: the history, the traditions and (of course) the coffee. Naranjo is blessed with beautiful views of volcanoes, the Central Valley and even the Pacific Ocean on a clear day – panoramas that provide a sneak preview of the scenic journey to come…
Don’t worry if you wake up feeling a little sluggish after yesterday’s long journey, as on the agenda today is a tour of a local coffee plantation, where you can learn the secrets of Naranjo’s beloved beverage and get a much-needed caffeine fix. From bean to cup, the entire production process is explained in detail during the tour, giving you a newfound appreciation for your favourite brew.
The tour continues at the municipal market, strolling among stalls of fresh fruit, vegetables and other local delicacies. The sight and smell of so much food will likely have your stomachs grumbling, so lunch at the market is also on the agenda. Afterwards, continue exploring Naranjo to discover its beautiful architecture, complete with a snack break at a local bakery, best enjoyed with another cup of coffee (what else?).
Early this morning, pack up your hire car (which will be delivered directly to your hotel) and set off towards Arenal on the first leg of your road trip, which should take around two hours. The fields of the Central Valley give way to the equally breathtaking plains of San Carlos, where the imposing silhouette of the Arenal Volcano stands out against the sky.
Settle in for two nights in a hotel near La Fortuna, a town of colourful gardens and volcanic vistas. Enjoy a relaxing evening together in your new surroundings ready for an adventurous day tomorrow. If you’ve still got some energy left? Tonight, we can also arrange for you to spot local wildlife on a nighttime rainforest walk with a naturalist guide (nothing says romance like nocturnal creatures).
Nicknamed the Arenal Colossus, Arenal Volcano long lulled locals into a false sense of security by sleeping soundly for nearly 400 years. That made the violent eruption of 1968 all the more unexpected and devastating. Volcanic activity has continued ever since, although it has lessened in recent decades. The base of the old lava flow offers an exceptional view of the volcano's almost-intact cone (which is often shrouded in clouds) and Arenal’s eponymous lake, which is the largest in Costa Rica.
Explore Arenal Volcano National Park with a guided walk along the trails and suspension bridges that crisscross the heart of the forest. The upper canopy of Costa Rica's dense, humid rainforest harbours incredibly rich biodiversity. The suspension bridges also offer another opportunity for breathtaking volcano views. And if you really want to impress your partner, you could even tackle today’s optional activity: a zipline course through the heart of the canopy.
It’s time to leave Costa Rica’s volcanic region behind and head towards the Pacific coast to Playa Avellana. The drive takes around four-and-a-half hours, weaving through lush forest, rolling hills and picturesque villages as you journey west to the ocean.
This afternoon in Playa Avellana, visit a local turtle conservation organisation based on the beach, which provides hands-on support to rescued turtles and those in distress. Learn more about the different species and their distinct characteristics, before heading to the egg enclosure. If you’re lucky, you might arrive just in time to see the turtles hatch or be released on the beach, from where they’ll head into the water for their first epic journey.
Hop back in your hire car this morning for the drive to Nosara, which takes just under two hours and follows along the coast . Your hotel for the next two nights is nestled between the jungle and the ocean, putting both the beach and vibrant local wildlife within easy reach. End the day with a romantic cocktail at sunset, toasting your fabulous trip so far.
Nestled on the Nicoya Peninsula and facing the Pacific Ocean, the village of Nosara has managed to retain a peaceful atmosphere despite its size. Considered the surf and yoga capital of Costa Rica, Nosara has much more to offer than waves and wellness: fishing trips, diving excursions, an afternoon of swimming – all centred around Nosara’s beautifully varied beaches. Take your pick from today’s optional activities, including canoeing in the Nosara Biological Reserve, an electric bike tour and a horseback ride.
It’s time to return inland this morning as you drive back to where your journey began in San Jose. Following the winding roads of the Nicoya Peninsula, the drive takes around four-and-a-half hours (or longer with a few pleasant pitstops along the way).
Arriving in San Jose this evening, drop off your trusty hire car and check into your hotel for the night, which is conveniently close to the airport. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing ahead of tomorrow’s trip home, making space in your suitcase for any last-minute souvenirs you picked up during today’s drive.
Staying close to the airport means your journey to the departure terminal is quick and easy, so you can start your return trip in stress-free fashion. Have your reading material and sleep mask at the ready for your 11-and-a-half-hour overnight flight back to the UK, which lands the following day.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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