Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Costa Rica – San Jose – Bajos del Toro – Tenorio – Monteverde – Uvita – Puerto Jimenez
100% customisable for you
Your two-week Costa Rica escape begins today with a 15-hour flight to the country’s capital, San Jose, via Miami (or a direct flight if you’re booking in season). Because of the time difference, you’ll land in the evening, so after stretching your legs and picking up your rental car, head straight to your charming colonial-style hotel in Alajuela – a 45-minute drive north of San Jose – to rest up ready for tomorrow’s adventures.
This morning, drive to the small rural town of Bajos del Toro. The journey takes about one-and-a-half hours, giving you enough time to listen to a good chunk of your designated driving playlist (or our Sounds of Latin America playlist if you fancy switching it up).
For the next two nights, you’ll be staying in a luxurious property overlooking the forest. Here, you can relax after your journey with a treatment in the spa before tucking into a delicious locally-sourced meal. This evening, nestle in for a blissful night as you watch the sun disappear behind the misty mountains.
Situated in the shadow of the Poas Volcano, Bajos del Toro is the ideal gateway to the surrounding natural wonders: Bosque de Paz Biological Reserve’s cloud forest and the Juan Castro Blanco National Park. The area boasts an extensive network of steep trails that you can explore while mountain biking, riding, zip-lining, canoeing or rafting.
To become better acquainted with the wonders of this fascinating forest, head out on a private guided walk along the banks of the Gorrion River, discovering three impressive waterfalls along the way La Melodia, El Silencio and (a break from the theme here), La Promesa. Your guide will share interesting facts about each waterfall and unlock the secrets of the lush landscape that surrounds you.
Fancy something a little more bird-centric? Later in the day, we can arrange a private birdwatching session, where you can hope to see a vibrant array of species, including hummingbirds and flycatchers. With a bit of luck (or, more precisely, a holiday between May and June), you might even glimpse the elusive quetzal.
Bundle back into your hire car this morning and strap in for the roughly three-hour drive to Tenorio Volcano National Park, the next wild wonder on your Costa Rica adventure. Home to towering volcanoes, lush rainforest and numerous winding trails – all leading to fincas (farms) and nature reserves – this next stop is sure to be a memorable one.
When you arrive, check into your hotel – a luxurious lodge in a tropical estate. Soak in the canopy views from your terrace and tuck into a dinner of delicious seasonal dishes to refuel after your journey.
Tenorio Volcano National Park (or TVNP if you’re in a hurry) is home to waterfalls, natural hot springs and the Celeste River, where, according to legend, God washed his hands after painting the sky.
There’s no shortage of ways to explore this intoxicating landscape, so why not try a bit of everything? Set off on private hikes through organic vegetable gardens and majestic mountains; become experts on the various trees and plants that populate this region; giddy-up on a horse riding excursion through the jungle; stop for a spot of fishing; or hone your hosting skills during a boozy mixology workshop.
After all that excitement, you might simply want to relax (impromptu yoga or meditation class, anyone?). But for those keen on a little more adventure, we can arrange a private visit to a frog sanctuary followed by a night walk in the forest.
Fancy dialling up the adrenaline? Yes, even after yesterday’s excitements, there’s still more thrills to be had in Tenorio Volcano National Park. Don your courageous caps and set your sights on Rio Celeste, a roaring river famous for its striking turquoise-blue water. Aboard a large inflatable buoy, you’ll ride these rushing rapids downriver, enjoying views of verdant vegetation and glimpses of beautiful birds along the way.
Costa Rica is the gift that keeps on giving. This morning, set off on a hike in the Heliconia Private Reserve – a vast swathe (180 acres to be exact) of primary rainforest, offering spectacular views of the rural community of Bijagua and Lake Nicaragua. Sounding too tame? Don’t worry. You won’t be walking on the ground; you’ll be treading through the canopy on a series of three suspension bridges. Armed with a pair of binoculars and a trusty telescope, observe the wealth of wildlife that resides in this elevated wonderland.
This afternoon, it’s back on the road and into the heart of Costa Rica’s cloud forests. Hop in the car for the two-and-a-half-hour drive to Monteverde, passing shimmering Lake Arenal (the country’s largest freshwater reserve) on the way – the perfect chance for a passing photo-op.
Situated 4,662ft above sea level, the charming town of Monteverde is home to (no surprise here) the Monteverde Cloud Forest, set up by the Quakers who settled here in the mid 20th century. Looming over the surrounding landscape, this high-elevation forest is home to a vast array of flora and fauna, including jaguars, ocelots, orchids and ferns. The reserve also offers miles of trails, walkways and hanging bridges – all excellent opportunities for (you guessed it) more birdwatching.
Founded in 1972, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve (another long-named locale) is renowned worldwide for its biodiversity, conservation efforts and scientific research. Spanning over 25,000 acres, it was even chosen as one of the Seven Wonders of Costa Rica in 2007 – now that’s a claim to fame. Today, you’ll trace the well-marked trails woven through this wilderness with a private guide, encountering stunning waterfalls, shimmering rivers and spectacular observation areas as you go.
This evening, sit back, relax and soak up the splendour of Monteverde one last time, ready to venture into a new – but no less incredible – landscape tomorrow morning.
Having ventured far and wide into Costa Rica’s lush rainforests and misty mountains, it’s time to hit the beach. Located a few miles south of Dominical, not far from the stunning sandy shores of Marino Bellena National Park, Uvita is a coastal charmer. After the five-hour drive from Monteverde, its glistening waters and fragrant, balmy sea breeze make for a refreshing change of scenery.
When you arrive, check in to your tranquil sea view villa and prepare to switch to serious holiday mode.
The next two days are yours for the taking. Stretch out on the sand, lounge by the pool and indulge in a series of sumptuous spa treatments. In the mood for an aqua adventure? Explore one (or several) of the protected marine reserves in the area, including Corcovado National Park, the Cano Island Biological Reserve and the Ballena National Marine Park. The warm waters here draw humpback whales, dolphins, sting rays, parrot fish and more. You’ll practically be on a first-name basis with the birds by this point; you may as well become acquainted with the marine life, too.
Time for one last road trip. Today, drive three hours from Uvita to Puerto Jimenez, a small village in the far south of Costa Rica, perched on the coast of the Gulfo Dulce. Here, nestled between thick jungle, crystal clear ocean and quaint fishing villages, you’ll experience a more authentic side of Costa Rica, worlds away from the mass tourism hotspots.
When you arrive, return your hire car and hand over driving duties (phew) to a private driver, who will take you to your eco lodge for the next three nights, located 40 minutes away from Puerto Jimenez, at the extreme tip of the peninsula.
Spend your last few days however you please. Sip local coffee on your terrace at sunrise; discover a wild waterfall in the heart of the virgin forest; hike on the Osa Trail, the beach or a ridge overlooking La Selva; discover the endemic fauna and flora on a guided night walk; or visit Corcovado National Park, a refuge for endangered squirrel monkeys and spider monkeys, along with thousands of birds such as yellow-throated toucans and turquoise cotingas.
Sadly, your Costa Rica adventure ends today. After one last delicious breakfast this morning, you’ll be privately transferred to the airport before flying back to San Jose. Your flight home leaves in the afternoon, so we’ll arrange access to the airport lounge, allowing you to refresh, relax and enjoy a few nibbles before your departure.
Once again, your flight will (depending on the season) be via Miami, so you’ll arrive home the following day, ready to spread the word about your fascinating fortnight in Costa Rica.
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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We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
