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This Itinerary Begins
With You
At Conte, no two itineraries are the same. Share what matters to you when you travel - your preferences and pace - and we’ll craft a journey that reflects you completely. Thoughtfully designed, expertly delivered, and entirely yours.
COSTA RICA
Itinerary Overview
Days 1 - 3
The Bohemian Quarter
Days 4 - 7
BEST TIME
BEST TIME
TAILORED TRIPS
BEST TIME
Days 8 - 12
Coastal Towns
Exploring the Landscape
Highlights of Your Journey
Start in San José’s Barrio Escalante, where bohemian cafés, gallo pinto breakfasts, and Costa Rica’s post-army cultural focus reveal a nation grounded in peace and sustainability since 1948.
Explore Arenal’s volcanic power, soaking in geothermal hot springs, ziplining over rainforest canopies, and learning about cacao traditions rooted in pre-Columbian Central America.
Kayak Lake Arenal and venture to Monteverde, where Quaker-founded cloud forests harbour rare wildlife like the resplendent quetzal and showcase Costa Rica’s conservation origins.
Arrive at Manuel Antonio’s coastal paradise, where monkeys swing through rainforest meeting turquoise beaches in one of the world’s most biodiverse national parks.
Unwind along the Pacific Coast, with surfing, whale watching, and artisan markets in Uvita and Dominical, embodying Costa Rica’s pura vida lifestyle and global sustainability leadership.
Days 1 - 3
Your first days move from San José's cultural heart to Arenal's volcanic landscape, where geothermal activity and rainforest adventures showcase Costa Rica's natural forces.
Day one begins in San José's Barrio Escalante, the cultural district that emerged in the early 20th century as the city's bohemian quarter, where contemporary restaurants serve traditional gallo pinto alongside international cuisine. Experience Costa Rican dining culture in a country that abolished its army in 1948 to focus on education and environmental protection.
Your second day brings travel to La Fortuna, sitting in the shadow of Arenal Volcano, which remained dormant for 400 years until explosive eruptions began in 1968, creating the dramatic landscape visible today. Soak in natural hot springs heated by the same geothermal forces that power much of Costa Rica's renewable energy grid. Day three offers adventure through ziplining, invented in Costa Rica during the 1990s as a research tool and transformed into eco-tourism, or waterfall hikes followed by chocolate tours celebrating cacao cultivation that dates back to pre-Columbian times in Central America.
Days 4 - 7
Days four through seven explore from Arenal's lakes and volcanic soils to Monteverde's cloud forests, where biodiversity conservation began transforming Costa Rica's environmental reputation.
Your fourth day features kayaking on Lake Arenal, created in 1979 when a dam expanded the natural lake to generate hydroelectric power, followed by evening wildlife walks where you might spot creatures active in Costa Rica's extensive national park system established in 1970. Day five brings the scenic drive to Monteverde, the cloud forest preserve created in 1972 by American Quakers who settled here during the 1950s, seeking both peace and conservation in these misty highlands that harbor over 400 bird species.
The sixth day offers birdwatching opportunities to spot the resplendent quetzal and visits to coffee farms where Costa Rican beans have grown since the 1720s, transforming the economy and landscape. Day seven transitions to Manuel Antonio on the Pacific Coast, where pristine beaches meet rainforest in a national park established in 1972 to protect both coastal and inland ecosystems.
Days 8 - 12
Your final stretch along the Pacific Coast celebrates both conservation success stories and Costa Rica's pura vida philosophy, from monkey-filled national parks to artisan markets.
Day eight explores Manuel Antonio National Park, one of Costa Rica's smallest yet most biodiverse protected areas, where white-faced capuchin monkeys and three-toed sloths thrive just meters from some of the country's most beautiful beaches. The park's creation marked an early victory in Costa Rica's transformation into a conservation leader that now protects over 25% of its territory. Your ninth day offers freedom to embrace pura vida through surfing lessons on Pacific swells, catamaran cruises, or simple beach relaxation in a country that consistently ranks among the world's happiest nations.
Day ten provides optional exploration of Uvita or Dominical, small coastal towns where sustainable tourism supports local communities while protecting marine ecosystems including seasonal humpback whale migrations. The eleventh day features your return to San José with stops at artisan markets showcasing traditional crafts from Costa Rica's indigenous cultures. Day twelve concludes with museum visits or coffee shop breakfasts before departure, reflecting on a country that chose environmental protection over military spending and became a global model for sustainable development.
Day 1
Your first days move from San José's cultural heart to Arenal's volcanic landscape, where geothermal activity and rainforest adventures showcase Costa Rica's natural forces.
Day one begins in San José's Barrio Escalante, the cultural district that emerged in the early 20th century as the city's bohemian quarter, where contemporary restaurants serve traditional gallo pinto alongside international cuisine. Experience Costa Rican dining culture in a country that abolished its army in 1948 to focus on education and environmental protection.
Your second day brings travel to La Fortuna, sitting in the shadow of Arenal Volcano, which remained dormant for 400 years until explosive eruptions began in 1968, creating the dramatic landscape visible today. Soak in natural hot springs heated by the same geothermal forces that power much of Costa Rica's renewable energy grid. Day three offers adventure through ziplining, invented in Costa Rica during the 1990s as a research tool and transformed into eco-tourism, or waterfall hikes followed by chocolate tours celebrating cacao cultivation that dates back to pre-Columbian times in Central America.
Days 2 - 4
Days four through seven explore from Arenal's lakes and volcanic soils to Monteverde's cloud forests, where biodiversity conservation began transforming Costa Rica's environmental reputation.
Your fourth day features kayaking on Lake Arenal, created in 1979 when a dam expanded the natural lake to generate hydroelectric power, followed by evening wildlife walks where you might spot creatures active in Costa Rica's extensive national park system established in 1970. Day five brings the scenic drive to Monteverde, the cloud forest preserve created in 1972 by American Quakers who settled here during the 1950s, seeking both peace and conservation in these misty highlands that harbor over 400 bird species.
The sixth day offers birdwatching opportunities to spot the resplendent quetzal and visits to coffee farms where Costa Rican beans have grown since the 1720s, transforming the economy and landscape. Day seven transitions to Manuel Antonio on the Pacific Coast, where pristine beaches meet rainforest in a national park established in 1972 to protect both coastal and inland ecosystems.
Days 5 - 6
Your final stretch along the Pacific Coast celebrates both conservation success stories and Costa Rica's pura vida philosophy, from monkey-filled national parks to artisan markets.
Day eight explores Manuel Antonio National Park, one of Costa Rica's smallest yet most biodiverse protected areas, where white-faced capuchin monkeys and three-toed sloths thrive just meters from some of the country's most beautiful beaches. The park's creation marked an early victory in Costa Rica's transformation into a conservation leader that now protects over 25% of its territory. Your ninth day offers freedom to embrace pura vida through surfing lessons on Pacific swells, catamaran cruises, or simple beach relaxation in a country that consistently ranks among the world's happiest nations.
Day ten provides optional exploration of Uvita or Dominical, small coastal towns where sustainable tourism supports local communities while protecting marine ecosystems including seasonal humpback whale migrations. The eleventh day features your return to San José with stops at artisan markets showcasing traditional crafts from Costa Rica's indigenous cultures. Day twelve concludes with museum visits or coffee shop breakfasts before departure, reflecting on a country that chose environmental protection over military spending and became a global model for sustainable development.
Days 4 - 7
Days four through seven explore from Arenal's lakes and volcanic soils to Monteverde's cloud forests, where biodiversity conservation began transforming Costa Rica's environmental reputation.
Your fourth day features kayaking on Lake Arenal, created in 1979 when a dam expanded the natural lake to generate hydroelectric power, followed by evening wildlife walks where you might spot creatures active in Costa Rica's extensive national park system established in 1970. Day five brings the scenic drive to Monteverde, the cloud forest preserve created in 1972 by American Quakers who settled here during the 1950s, seeking both peace and conservation in these misty highlands that harbor over 400 bird species.
The sixth day offers birdwatching opportunities to spot the resplendent quetzal and visits to coffee farms where Costa Rican beans have grown since the 1720s, transforming the economy and landscape. Day seven transitions to Manuel Antonio on the Pacific Coast, where pristine beaches meet rainforest in a national park established in 1972 to protect both coastal and inland ecosystems.
Days 8 - 12
Your final stretch along the Pacific Coast celebrates both conservation success stories and Costa Rica's pura vida philosophy, from monkey-filled national parks to artisan markets.
Day eight explores Manuel Antonio National Park, one of Costa Rica's smallest yet most biodiverse protected areas, where white-faced capuchin monkeys and three-toed sloths thrive just meters from some of the country's most beautiful beaches. The park's creation marked an early victory in Costa Rica's transformation into a conservation leader that now protects over 25% of its territory. Your ninth day offers freedom to embrace pura vida through surfing lessons on Pacific swells, catamaran cruises, or simple beach relaxation in a country that consistently ranks among the world's happiest nations.
Day ten provides optional exploration of Uvita or Dominical, small coastal towns where sustainable tourism supports local communities while protecting marine ecosystems including seasonal humpback whale migrations. The eleventh day features your return to San José with stops at artisan markets showcasing traditional crafts from Costa Rica's indigenous cultures. Day twelve concludes with museum visits or coffee shop breakfasts before departure, reflecting on a country that chose environmental protection over military spending and became a global model for sustainable development.
BEST TIME
TAILORED TRIPS
from £2500 pp, per night
San José - Monteverde - Manuel Antonio
Days 1 - 3
The Bohemian Quarter
Days 4 - 7
Exploring the Landscape
Days 8 - 12
Coastal Towns
Trip Highlights
Start in San José’s Barrio Escalante, where bohemian cafés, gallo pinto breakfasts, and Costa Rica’s post-army cultural focus reveal a nation grounded in peace and sustainability since 1948.
Explore Arenal’s volcanic power, soaking in geothermal hot springs, ziplining over rainforest canopies, and learning about cacao traditions rooted in pre-Columbian Central America.
Kayak Lake Arenal and venture to Monteverde, where Quaker-founded cloud forests harbour rare wildlife like the resplendent quetzal and showcase Costa Rica’s conservation origins.
Arrive at Manuel Antonio’s coastal paradise, where monkeys swing through rainforest meeting turquoise beaches in one of the world’s most biodiverse national parks.
Unwind along the Pacific Coast, with surfing, whale watching, and artisan markets in Uvita and Dominical, embodying Costa Rica’s pura vida lifestyle and global sustainability leadership.
Days 1 - 3
Your first days move from San José's cultural heart to Arenal's volcanic landscape, where geothermal activity and rainforest adventures showcase Costa Rica's natural forces.
Day one begins in San José's Barrio Escalante, the cultural district that emerged in the early 20th century as the city's bohemian quarter, where contemporary restaurants serve traditional gallo pinto alongside international cuisine. Experience Costa Rican dining culture in a country that abolished its army in 1948 to focus on education and environmental protection.
Your second day brings travel to La Fortuna, sitting in the shadow of Arenal Volcano, which remained dormant for 400 years until explosive eruptions began in 1968, creating the dramatic landscape visible today. Soak in natural hot springs heated by the same geothermal forces that power much of Costa Rica's renewable energy grid. Day three offers adventure through ziplining, invented in Costa Rica during the 1990s as a research tool and transformed into eco-tourism, or waterfall hikes followed by chocolate tours celebrating cacao cultivation that dates back to pre-Columbian times in Central America.
Days 5 - 6
Your final days balance Pacific coast relaxation with wilderness exploration in one of the world's most biodiverse regions, where 4% of global species inhabit just 0.03% of Earth's land surface.
Day five relaxes on Jaco Beach's black volcanic sands where Pacific swells attract surfers from around the world, demonstrating Costa Rica's success in balancing tourism development with environmental protection through sustainable practices. Your sixth day ventures to Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula, where 13 major ecosystems support 2.5% of global biodiversity including jaguars, scarlet macaws, and poison dart frogs within 164 square miles that National Geographic called "the most biologically intense place on Earth."
Days 2 - 4
Days two through four showcase Costa Rica's geological wonders and ecological treasures, from active volcanoes to cloud forests that harbor extraordinary biodiversity in a country smaller than West Virginia.
Day two ventures to Arenal Volcano, one of the world's most active volcanoes until its 2010 dormancy, where natural hot springs heated by geothermal activity provide relaxation beneath views of the 1,633-meter cone that has shaped the surrounding landscape for over 7,000 years. Your third day ascends to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, established in 1972 to protect 26,000 acres of pristine cloud forest where over 400 bird species include the resplendent quetzal, sacred to ancient Maya civilizations.
The hanging bridges, suspended up to 60 meters above ground, provide canopy access to ecosystems that exist only in tropical mountain regions where clouds provide constant moisture. Day four explores Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica's smallest national park protecting 1,983 hectares where rainforest meets Pacific beaches, supporting over 350 bird species and endangered squirrel monkeys found nowhere else.
Days 5 - 6
Your final days balance Pacific coast relaxation with wilderness exploration in one of the world's most biodiverse regions, where 4% of global species inhabit just 0.03% of Earth's land surface.
Day five relaxes on Jaco Beach's black volcanic sands where Pacific swells attract surfers from around the world, demonstrating Costa Rica's success in balancing tourism development with environmental protection through sustainable practices. Your sixth day ventures to Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula, where 13 major ecosystems support 2.5% of global biodiversity including jaguars, scarlet macaws, and poison dart frogs within 164 square miles that National Geographic called "the most biologically intense place on Earth."
Days 4 - 7
Days four through seven explore from Arenal's lakes and volcanic soils to Monteverde's cloud forests, where biodiversity conservation began transforming Costa Rica's environmental reputation.
Your fourth day features kayaking on Lake Arenal, created in 1979 when a dam expanded the natural lake to generate hydroelectric power, followed by evening wildlife walks where you might spot creatures active in Costa Rica's extensive national park system established in 1970. Day five brings the scenic drive to Monteverde, the cloud forest preserve created in 1972 by American Quakers who settled here during the 1950s, seeking both peace and conservation in these misty highlands that harbor over 400 bird species.
The sixth day offers birdwatching opportunities to spot the resplendent quetzal and visits to coffee farms where Costa Rican beans have grown since the 1720s, transforming the economy and landscape. Day seven transitions to Manuel Antonio on the Pacific Coast, where pristine beaches meet rainforest in a national park established in 1972 to protect both coastal and inland ecosystems.
Days 8 - 12
Your final stretch along the Pacific Coast celebrates both conservation success stories and Costa Rica's pura vida philosophy, from monkey-filled national parks to artisan markets.
Day eight explores Manuel Antonio National Park, one of Costa Rica's smallest yet most biodiverse protected areas, where white-faced capuchin monkeys and three-toed sloths thrive just meters from some of the country's most beautiful beaches. The park's creation marked an early victory in Costa Rica's transformation into a conservation leader that now protects over 25% of its territory. Your ninth day offers freedom to embrace pura vida through surfing lessons on Pacific swells, catamaran cruises, or simple beach relaxation in a country that consistently ranks among the world's happiest nations.
Day ten provides optional exploration of Uvita or Dominical, small coastal towns where sustainable tourism supports local communities while protecting marine ecosystems including seasonal humpback whale migrations. The eleventh day features your return to San José with stops at artisan markets showcasing traditional crafts from Costa Rica's indigenous cultures. Day twelve concludes with museum visits or coffee shop breakfasts before departure, reflecting on a country that chose environmental protection over military spending and became a global model for sustainable development.
BEST TIME
TAILORED TRIPS
from £2500 pp, per night
San José - Monteverde - Manuel Antonio
Days 1 - 3
The Bohemian Quarter
Days 4 - 7
Exploring the Landscape
Days 8 - 12
Coastal Towns
Trip Highlights
Start in San José’s Barrio Escalante, where bohemian cafés, gallo pinto breakfasts, and Costa Rica’s post-army cultural focus reveal a nation grounded in peace and sustainability since 1948.
Explore Arenal’s volcanic power, soaking in geothermal hot springs, ziplining over rainforest canopies, and learning about cacao traditions rooted in pre-Columbian Central America.
Kayak Lake Arenal and venture to Monteverde, where Quaker-founded cloud forests harbour rare wildlife like the resplendent quetzal and showcase Costa Rica’s conservation origins.
Arrive at Manuel Antonio’s coastal paradise, where monkeys swing through rainforest meeting turquoise beaches in one of the world’s most biodiverse national parks.
Unwind along the Pacific Coast, with surfing, whale watching, and artisan markets in Uvita and Dominical, embodying Costa Rica’s pura vida lifestyle and global sustainability leadership.
Days 1 - 3
Your first days move from San José's cultural heart to Arenal's volcanic landscape, where geothermal activity and rainforest adventures showcase Costa Rica's natural forces.
Day one begins in San José's Barrio Escalante, the cultural district that emerged in the early 20th century as the city's bohemian quarter, where contemporary restaurants serve traditional gallo pinto alongside international cuisine. Experience Costa Rican dining culture in a country that abolished its army in 1948 to focus on education and environmental protection.
Your second day brings travel to La Fortuna, sitting in the shadow of Arenal Volcano, which remained dormant for 400 years until explosive eruptions began in 1968, creating the dramatic landscape visible today. Soak in natural hot springs heated by the same geothermal forces that power much of Costa Rica's renewable energy grid. Day three offers adventure through ziplining, invented in Costa Rica during the 1990s as a research tool and transformed into eco-tourism, or waterfall hikes followed by chocolate tours celebrating cacao cultivation that dates back to pre-Columbian times in Central America.
Days 2 - 4
Days two through four showcase Costa Rica's geological wonders and ecological treasures, from active volcanoes to cloud forests that harbor extraordinary biodiversity in a country smaller than West Virginia.
Day two ventures to Arenal Volcano, one of the world's most active volcanoes until its 2010 dormancy, where natural hot springs heated by geothermal activity provide relaxation beneath views of the 1,633-meter cone that has shaped the surrounding landscape for over 7,000 years. Your third day ascends to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, established in 1972 to protect 26,000 acres of pristine cloud forest where over 400 bird species include the resplendent quetzal, sacred to ancient Maya civilizations.
The hanging bridges, suspended up to 60 meters above ground, provide canopy access to ecosystems that exist only in tropical mountain regions where clouds provide constant moisture. Day four explores Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica's smallest national park protecting 1,983 hectares where rainforest meets Pacific beaches, supporting over 350 bird species and endangered squirrel monkeys found nowhere else.
Best Luxury Hotels in Costa Rica: Conte's Seasonal Picks for 2025
Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection
Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica
Hacienda AltaGracia, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, is a luxury retreat tucked into the lush mountains of Pérez Zeledón in southern Costa Rica. Originally developed from a family coffee farm by Costa Rican entrepreneur Alberto Esquivel, it opened as an Auberge resort in 2015 with 50 hacienda-style casitas, designed with leather, wood, and handcrafted Costa Rican art.
The hotel’s dining emphasizes local, seasonal food: Grano, the signature restaurant, draws on the resort’s organic garden, while Cienfuegos hosts open-fire dinners with equestrian shows. Other venues include Mercado (a coffee bar and marketplace) and Picoteo, a poolside eatery. Wellness is central at Hacienda AltaGracia: The Well, its on-site spa, has eight treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy tub, a thermal suite, and outdoor “ranchos” for holistic therapies rooted in local traditions like maderoterapia (wood therapy).
Kurà
Uvita, Costa Rica
Kurà is an adults-only boutique retreat perched in the rainforest hills above Uvita, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the famous Whale’s Tail sandbar of Marino Ballena National Park in Costa Rica. It has 8 luxury suites, designed in a “tropical minimalism” style by architect Martin Wells and biologist Alejandra Umaña.
The hotel features a 62-foot saltwater infinity pool with 180° ocean and jungle views, and its wellness area (Spa Shá) offers open-air massages, body scrubs, and deep-tub soaks set amid the lush forest. Dining is served in an open-air restaurant using sustainable, locally-sourced ingredients, and the Diablitos Bar & Lounge offers creative cocktails, wines, and Costa Rican craft beers.
Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Cooled by gentle breezes and surrounded by a rare dwarf forest, Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River is a sanctuary of wellness and adventure and by extension, an authentic expression of Costa Rica’s Pura Vida spirit. Nestled in the heart of Guanacaste’s volcanic mountains, just an hour from Liberia, this hidden haven sits within a 1,500-acre private reserve once considered sacred by the Cabécar tribes, who revered its natural thermal gorge centuries ago.
Thoughtfully designed, Rio Perdido offers 38 sustainable bungalows. Guests can swim in the kilometre-long thermal river, relax in natural hot springs, or unwind by the pool while soaking up views of the forest canopy. Adventure seekers can explore 32 km of scenic trails for hiking and mountain biking, soar through the trees on zip lines, or experience white-water tubing through volcanic canyons. For a slower pace, there’s yoga on cliffside pods and a tranquil spa offering some of the region’s finest treatments.
Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica
Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica
Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo is a luxurious retreat set within the tropical beauty of Costa Rica’s Pacific coastline. This stunning resort offers spacious accommodations with spectacular views of the ocean or surrounding forest.
Guests can indulge in world-class dining, relax at the luxurious spa, or explore the vast array of outdoor activities, including water sports, hiking, and golfing. With its commitment to sustainability and exceptional service, Four Seasons Costa Rica provides a seamless blend of adventure, relaxation, and luxury, making it an ideal escape for nature lovers and luxury seekers alike.
The Retreat Costa Rica
Atenas, Costa Rica
The Retreat Costa Rica is a luxury wellness resort located in the heart of Costa Rica's lush mountains. Surrounded by rainforests and stunning landscapes, the resort offers a holistic escape focused on rejuvenation and personal transformation. Guests can indulge in wellness programs, yoga, meditation, and spa treatments tailored to their needs.
The beautifully designed villas and suites provide a peaceful environment for relaxation, while the resort’s organic gardens and farm-to-table dining offer a nourishing experience. The Retreat is a perfect destination for those seeking a tranquil, wellness-focused getaway to refresh their mind, body, and spirit.
Hotel Aguas Claras
Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
Hotel Aguas Claras is a boutique retreat nestled in the lush coastal paradise of Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. Blending artful Caribbean design with sustainable luxury, the hotel offers stylish bungalows and suites surrounded by tropical gardens just steps from the beach.
Guests enjoy organic dining, a serene yoga shala, and personalised wellness experiences in a tranquil, eco-conscious setting. With a focus on creativity, nature, and relaxation, Hotel Aquas Claras invites travelers to disconnect, recharge, and immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and biodiversity of the region.
