Luxury Costa Rica: Volcanoes, Cloud Forests & Beaches - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in La Fortuna, Explore

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 driver for the 3.5-hour journey northwest to La Fortuna, a town at the base of Arenal, Costa Rica's youngest stratovolcano. During the drive, take a break in the highland town of Zarcero for coffee and sweeping views of the lush plantations. 

Continue to the luxurious Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa, which lies among thick rainforest just 10 minutes from La Fortuna. Check into your elegant suite, which comes with a Juliet balcony to showcase volcano views and a hydro massage hot tub. Settle in and enjoy a dip in the resort's free-form pool or soak in the steamy hot springs, whose healing mineral waters are heated by the Arenal volcano. Book a volcanic clay massage at the on-site spa for the ultimate pamper session.

Day 2: Hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park

Explore the natural wonders of Arenal Volcano National Park today on a private hike. Accompanied by an expert guide, you'll trek through a dense rainforest filled with exotic birds to the base of the huge conical volcano, which erupted regularly between 1968 and 2010 but has remained quiet ever since. Explore 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 for another soak in the hot springs and dinner at the award-winning Heliconia's Restaurant, where you can dine on local cuisine accompanied by volcano views. 

Day 3: Scenic Transfer to Monteverde, Coffee & Chocolate Tour

This morning, you'll travel three hours southwest to Monteverde, set in the wild Tilaran Mountain Range. The scenic private transfer takes you along the shores of glittering Lago Arenal, where you'll see the mighty volcanic peak of Arenal reflected in its glassy waters. Next, ascend the mountain range to the iconic Montverde 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 delicate hummingbirds, the vibrant green-and-red quetzal, and the purple-crowned fairy. 

Check into the chic Monteverde Lodge and Gardens, which features bright, modern suites with balconies looking out onto the cloud forest. Cool off in the pool or stretch your legs on one of the on-site trails, looking out for sloths and birds along the way. After lunch, you'll embark upon a fascinating coffee and chocolate tour at a nearby farm, where you'll learn about the entire production process, from bean to cup and bar, and then indulge in a tasting session.

Day 4: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Guided Hike

Soak up Monteverde's astounding nature today on a private hike through the cloud forest reserve, home to 2.5 percent of the world's biodiversity. Follow your guide along winding trails, learning about the different types of flora and fauna and their ecological importance. Stop to admire everything from frogs to butterflies, monkeys, and birds, as well as varieties of moss, snaking vines, and towering trees. 

After the hike, you'll visit a women's artisan cooperative, where you can pick up some souvenirs to support this local enterprise. Return to your lodge afterward for a final evening in the forest; lie by the pool or relax on your terrace with a coffee, soaking up the sounds of birds and insects. Finish the evening with a decadent meal at the resort's fine dining El Jardín restaurant, where you can feast on dishes such as beef tenderloin and squid ink risotto.

Day 5: Transfer to Playa Conchal, Free Afternoon

Say goodbye to the forest today and travel three hours west to Costa Rica's idyllic beaches. Set in the far northwest, the Guanacaste region is home to pristine national parks, inland volcanoes, small rural towns, and a coastline that offers everything from surfing to white-sand basking and sea turtle conservation. Your final destination is W Costa Rica, a 5-star hotel on the shores above Playa Conchal, a 2.5-mile (4 km) stretch of beach littered with crushed shells, lapped by mirror-clear waters ideal for snorkeling. 

Settle into your contemporary suite with a private plunge pool and a balcony that offers a tempting glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. The boutique resort backs onto the 2,300-acre (930 ha) Reserva Conchal, which boasts an 18-hole golf course and miles of hiking trails where you can spot creatures such as coatis and howler monkeys. Relish W Costa Rica's exceptional facilities, which include watersports, infinity pools, six restaurants and bars, and the opulent Away Spa.

Day 6: Guanacaste Beach & Snorkeling Tour

Enjoy a private beach-hopping tour of Guanacaste today with a local guide. Start at Playa Flamingo, a crescent of sherbet sand that attracts rich and famous visitors. With gentle waves and soft sands, Flamingo is the perfect place for swimming and sunbathing. Continue to Playa Grande next, which lies in Las Baulas National Marine Park, where leatherback turtles lay their eggs each year; visit between November and February for a chance to spot their protected nests. 

Your next stop is Playa Tamarindo, a former fishing village that's now a surfing mecca and the perfect place to learn to ride the waves. Your beach-hopping tour ends at Playa Conchal near your hotel, where you'll don a snorkel to observe biodiverse marine life in the crystalline waters. End with a delicious lunch overlooking the ocean, then spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach or beside the hotel pool. End the day with cocktails and fine dining at the hotel's Latitud 10° Norte restaurant.

Day 7: Transfer to Liberia, Depart

Today your Costa Rica adventure comes to an end. Take a private 45-minute transfer to the airport in Liberia in time for your homebound flight. Safe travels!

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