Luxury Costa Rica Landscapes & Wildlife: Vara Blanca & Manuel Antonio - 5 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Costa Rica, Transfer to Vara Blanca & Coffee Plantation Tour

Welcome to Costa Rica! Touch down in the thriving capital San José, a cultural hub ringed by mountains and volcanic peaks that rise from the fertile Central Valley. Meet your private driver for the one-hour journey north to the valley's Vara Blanca region, which is home to the famous Poás Volcano National Park, a dense rainforest dotted with crashing waterfalls, sprawling strawberry farms, and coffee plantations.

Your driver will take you straight to the 5-star Peace Lodge in La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park. This protected area of rainforest features Costa Rica's only animal sanctuary and trails leading to five towering waterfalls. As a Peace Lodge guest, you'll have unlimited access to the park's natural attractions. 

Settle into your rainforest-inspired cottage, designed with vaulted ceilings and hardwoods, a striking river-stone fireplace, and a balcony showcasing dramatic views of the surrounding cloud forest. Each room has a Jacuzzi tub and cave-like waterfall shower, while the main lodge boasts an infinity pool and patio where you can dine overlooking Volcán Poás.

This afternoon, take an optional private tour of the nearby Doka Estate coffee plantation, where you'll learn about the entire production process, from bean to cup, from one of the farm's experts. After sampling some of the aromatic brews, return to your lodge for a relaxing evening.

Day 2: Volcán Poás Private Tour & Explore La Paz Waterfall Gardens

This morning, embark upon a private tour of the 11-million-year-old Poás volcano. While driving to the national park, you'll witness views of unspoiled countryside, passing through small, traditional towns. Continue your journey on foot with a 2,460-foot (750 m) hike along a paved trail to the active volcano's crater, your guide providing insight into the flora and fauna of the cloud forest along the way. At the peak, peer inside the colossal crater to its sulfurous lake.

Afterward, you'll have the chance to explore some of the park's other natural wonders, including the shimmering Laguna Botos, a forest-encircled crater lake. Head back to your lodge next for a lunch break before exploring the nature park at your own speed. Take a leisurely walk along scenic trails to five waterfalls, including the tallest, majestic 130-foot-high (40 m) Magia Blanca.

Roam the butterfly conservatory and observe colorful birds in the aviary, including banana-beaked toucans and delicate hummingbirds. Other highlights include a monkey house, frog garden, serpentarium, and rescued wildcat habitat, home to five of Costa Rica's big cat species, including the endangered jaguar. As a lodge guest, you'll enjoy the best wildlife viewing after the park closes at 5 pm, then savor a final night in your luxury forest retreat.

Day 3: Transfer to Manuel Antonio, Private National Park Hike

Today, you'll escape to Costa Rica's beach-studded Pacific coast with a three-hour transfer south to the peaceful town of Manuel Antonio. Surrounded by white-sand beaches, the area is beloved for its namesake national park, which is packed with mangroves, waterfalls, and wildlife-saturated rainforests ripe for hiking, rafting, and zipline tours.

Check into the 5-star Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort steps from the soft sands of Playa Playitas and Playa Espadilla. Set in an 11-acre (4 ha) private rainforest reserve, you'll regularly spot sloths and monkeys around the resort, and naturalist guides are on hand to help you discover the native flora and fauna. Check into your modern room or suite with an ocean-view balcony, then cool off in one of the resort's two supreme infinity pools.

After settling in, head out on a private guided hike in nearby Manuel Antonio National Park, which is Costa Rica's smallest park, covering just 1,700 acres (688 ha) of land and 136,000 acres (55,000 ha) of ocean. The park is a haven for 109 species of mammals and 184 bird species, as well as migrating whales and marine life that thrive among the pristine reefs.

On your trek, your guide will highlight medicinal plants and wildlife, including howler monkeys, iguanas, and coatis. Along the way, stop at panoramic vistas to drink in coastal views. Afterward, return to your resort for a well-earned beachfront dinner at on-site Playitas restaurant, where you can feast on barbecue, seafood, and international delights with your toes in the sand, accompanied by fine South American wines.

Day 4: Deep Sea Fishing & Free Afternoon

Start the day with a private fishing trip up to 40 miles (64 km) off the coast of Manuel Antonio. Look out for leaping dolphins, sea turtles, rays, and even humpback whales as you sail out to a deep-sea reef, where you'll have a chance of catching species such as wahoo, red snapper, tuna, and amberjack. Your crew will be happy to clean and fillet your catch, which one of Manuel Antonio's restaurants can cook up for you.

Spend the rest of the day as you please. Sunbathe on the beach, snorkel or swim in the azure waters, or lounge by the pool. For the ultimate pamper session, head to your resort's Las Brisas Wellness Center, where you can indulge in everything from cocoa scrubs to aloe wraps, hot stone massages, and reflexology. End with a gourmet meal at the Mirador restaurant and relish a final night in your opulent suite.

Day 5: Return to San José, Depart