Luxury Costa Rica Rainforest Escape: Río Celeste & Arenal - 5 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Costa Rica, Transfer to Río Celeste & Night Hike

Welcome to Costa Rica! Touch down in the lush Guanacaste region in the country's far northwest. Your driver will be waiting at the airport for the 1.5-hour journey to your rainforest retreat, the 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 exotic 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. Settle in and enjoy a meal at the open-air Kantala restaurant, which serves fine fusion cuisine, from tricolor ceviche to mushroom lasagna.

This evening, you'll take an exciting night hike in the forest with a private guide. Armed with headlamps and flashlights, trek into the forest to learn about its nocturnal wildlife, including tropical insects and amphibians, porcupines, and armadillos.

Day 2: Hiking in Tenorio Volcano National Park

Today you'll experience the natural 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 dotted with geothermal activity, from smoking fumaroles to hot springs and bubbling mud pots, which you'll witness on the hike.

The journey takes you alongside the Río Celeste, passing the confluence of two rivers whose minerals combine to create a striking 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 spend as you please. Relax at your resort in a bubbling Jacuzzi or visit the spa for a volcanic hot stone massage and mineral bath. If you want more adventure, take an optional river tubing trip along the Río Celeste. Accompanied by a personal guide, you'll float along a creek-like river surrounded by towering rainforest, navigating rapids along the way.

Day 3: Transfer to La Fortuna, Explore the Resort

Say goodbye to the Río Celeste this morning and travel 1.5 hours southeast to La Fortuna, a town at the base of Costa Rica's youngest stratovolcano: Arenal. This enormous conical peak erupted regularly between 1968 and 2010 but has remained quiet ever since. The initial eruption created the vast, moon-like lava fields for which Arenal Volcano National Park is known.

Check into your chic villa at the 5-star Nayara Springs, an adult-only rainforest resort near the national park. Villa highlights include vaulted ceilings, a four-poster bed, and Indigenous wood and stone furnishings. Step into your garden with an outdoor rain shower and plunge pool fed by healing hot springs where you can soak to your heart's content.

Spend the afternoon exploring the resort's Perezoso Trail for a glimpse of sloths in the guarumo trees or lounge by the pool, enjoying a cocktail from the swim-up bar. Head to the spa for open-air treatment pavilions, where you can savor an array of massages and scrubs using organic coffee, chocolate, and volcanic mud. If you prefer to explore the forest, book a private canopy tour to fly through the air on a series of ziplines designed to learn about canopy ecosystems.

Day 4: Rainforest Tree Climbing & Dining, Private Dinner at Nayara Springs

Embark upon a unique tree-climbing adventure today in a primary forest near the Arenal volcano. Your private guide will introduce you to two ancient trees; the first is Joseph, a ficus (strangler fig) that's hundreds of years old and has a hollow core that you'll climb up through to rappel down the outside.

The second tree is Abraham, a giant ceiba that supports an observation platform 110 feet (33 m) above the ground. Climb up using a rope system, or let the guides haul you up in a winch system to admire views of the forest canopy from the panoramic platform. You'll enjoy a lavish lunch at the treetop level before descending.

Back at your resort, end the day with a private dinner at Nayara Springs. This gourmet dining experience takes place in a secluded part of the rainforest. The resort's expert chefs will create a menu tailored to your tastes, featuring dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, including fresh seafood, grilled meats, and vegetarian options. Your server will recommend wine pairings as you dine under a sky full of glittering stars.

Day 5: Transfer to the Airport, Depart 

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