Luxury Costa Rica National Parks & Cloud Forests - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Costa Rica, Transfer to La Fortuna & Visit Waterfall Gardens

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 and guide for the one-hour journey north to the Arenal region, which is home to dense rainforest dotted with crashing waterfalls, sprawling strawberry farms, and coffee plantations.

On the way, stop at La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park. This protected area of rainforest features Costa Rica's only animal sanctuary and five crashing waterfalls. Accompanied by your guide, take a leisurely walk along scenic trails to the falls, the tallest being the 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, where you'll find five of Costa Rica's big cat species, including the endangered jaguar.

Continue your journey through Costa Rica's rolling countryside, scattered with coffee and sugar cane plantations, to the lavish hotel, Arenal Springs Resort & Spa. Check into your elegant suite with a terrace showcasing views of the Arenal volcano and then soak in the resort's hot spring pools set among bird-filled gardens.

Day 2: Hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park & Night Walk

Explore the natural gems of Arenal Volcano National Park today on a private hike. Accompanied by your expert guide, trek through an unspoiled rainforest filled with birds to the base of the enormous conical volcano, which erupted regularly between 1968 and 2010 but has remained quiet ever since. Wander vast, moon-like lava fields created by the initial eruption and take in views of the striking topography from panoramic viewpoints.

After lunch, continue through the national park to the famous La Fortuna Waterfall. Set at the foot of the Chato volcano, the falls plunge nearly 250 feet (75 m) into a topaz lagoon. Hike down 530 steps to the base of the falls for the best views and to take a dip in the crystal waters. Afterward, return to your hotel to relax before dinner.

This evening, you'll take an exciting night hike in the forest. A private naturalist guide will lead you through the woods, armed with a powerful flashlight, looking out for nocturnal creatures such as spiders, reptiles, porcupines, and armadillos.

Day 3: Transfer to Río Celeste, River Tubing

Say goodbye to Arenal this morning and travel 1.5 hours north to Río Celeste Hideaway Resort, which lies next to Tenorio Volcano National Park with its sky-blue lagoons and impressive Río Celeste Waterfall. Check into your luxury casita, set on 80 acres (32 ha) of rainforest with trails that lead to the sparkling Río Celeste. Drink in the views from your patio, which comes with an outdoor shower, and head to the free-form pool to cool off and sip a cocktail in the swim-up bar.

After settling in, head out for a private river tubing trip along the Río Celeste. Accompanied by a personal guide, you'll float along a creek-like river surrounded by thick rainforest, navigating rapids along the way. Return to your resort for a meal at the open-air Kantala restaurant, which serves fine fusion cuisine, from tricolor ceviche to mushroom lasagna.

Day 4: Tenorio Volcano National Park Guided Hike

Today you'll experience the wonders of Tenorio Volcano National Park. Join a private guide for a 4-mile (7 km) hike along rainforest trails, spotting native wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, blue morpho butterflies, and anteaters. The park is named after the active Tenorio volcano, which soars 6,286 feet (1,916 m) into the sky, and its landscape is ripe with geothermal activity, from smoking fumaroles to hot springs and bubbling mud pots, which you'll witness on the hike.

The hike takes you alongside the Río Celeste, passing the confluence of two rivers whose minerals combine to create a turquoise hue. According to local legend, God washed his brushes in the river after painting the sky. Eventually, you'll descend 253 steps to reach the base of the Río Celeste Waterfall, where you'll marvel at the otherworldly blue waters before hiking back to the park entrance.

This afternoon is yours to enjoy as you please. Decompress at your resort in a Jacuzzi or visit the spa for a volcanic hot stone massage and mineral bath. Spend the evening dining with rainforest views and relaxing on your private terrace beneath the stars.

Day 5: Transfer to Monteverde, Visit Frog Pond Ranario

You'll travel three hours southwest to Monteverde this morning, set in the wild Tilaran Mountain Range. The journey takes you along the shores of glittering Lago Arenal, where you'll see the mighty peak of Arenal reflected in its glassy waters. Next, ascend the mountain range to the iconic Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, 26,000 acres (10,500 ha) of highland cloaked in mist.

This biodiverse wonderland sits at 4,724 feet (1,440 m) above sea level and is carpeted with vegetation and emerald moss, giant ferns, orchids, and an array of tropical wildlife, including 120 mammal species and over 400 bird species. Highlights include the vibrant green-and-red quetzal and purple-crowned fairy.

Check into Senda Monteverde Boutique Hotel, a secluded mountain lodge in the cloud forest. Soak up the views from panoramic windows and your terrace, then head out with a private naturalist guide for a tour of the nearby Frog Pond Ranario. Browse a collection of terrariums home to over 25 frog and amphibian species, from red-eyed tree frogs to marine toads and poison arrow frogs.

Day 6: Ziplining, Hiking & Wildlife Spotting at Selvatura

Immerse yourself in Monteverde's astounding nature today on a private hike through Selvatura, which covers 850 acres (344 ha) of cloud forest. Follow your guide along remote trails, learning about the different types of flora and fauna and their ecological importance. Stop to admire everything from frogs to butterflies, monkeys, birds, and varieties of moss, snaking vines, and towering trees.

Adventures at Selvatura include flying through the air on a canopy zipline tour, visiting a butterfly garden, and touring a sloth sanctuary. In the afternoon, return to your hotel for some relaxation. Take a yoga class in the open-air studio and enjoy a Costa Rican feast accompanied by fine South American wines at El Sapo Restaurant, which has wraparound windows with highland views.

Day 7: Depart Monteverde

Today your luxury Costa Rica adventure comes to an end. Take a private transfer to the airport in time for your homebound flight. Safe travels!

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