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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 Luxury Travel: A Sample Itinerary
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.
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.
Best Luxury Hotels in Costa Rica: Conte's Seasonal Picks for 2025
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.
