Luxury Adventure in Costa Rica

Arrive in San Jose and spend two nights at Xandari Plantation, a unique boutique hotel with lots of Costa Rican flair overlooking the Central Valley and coffee plantations, before beginning the adventure proper.

Head by road to a put-in point on the Pacuare River and travel by white water raft through spectacular jungle to Pacuare Lodge. This remote luxury lodge is a magical place for discovering the rainforest, and contains Costa Rica’s highest canopy walkway, as well as offering activities such as canyoning, horse riding, zipwiring and visits to some of the local indigenous Cabecar Indian communities. The lodge is lit by candles in the evening so is incredibly atmospheric and a fabulous destination for couples and honeymooners looking for a totally unique and memorable experience.

Return by an exhilarating raft to the river’s put-out point where you will then transfer on to one of Costa Rica’s top highlights, the Arenal volcano. Arenal is a great base for all kinds of adventure activities, from canopy walkways and zip-wiring to horse riding and white water rafting. Stay at the pampering Nayara Springs with its majestic views of the volcano and stunning villas with their very own plunge pools.

After exploring this iconic region, continue on to the Guanacaste coast for a relaxing few days at Flor Blanca, a stylish boutique hotel with really friendly service set back from the wild beaches of northern Costa Rica. For those keen to explore head to Tortuga Island for some snorkeling, arrange a fishing charter, learn to surf, go zip-wiring, horse ride along the beach, go hiking and cycling or visit some of the nearby waterfalls. Flor Blanca is a fabulous wellness retreat too and offers yoga and indulgent spa treatments.

Costa Rica’s Central Valley enjoys a spring-like climate year round. In the tropical coastal areas the temperature is very warm and humid. Much of Costa Rica is covered by rainforest so expect rain at any time, but the drier season on the Pacific coast is from December to April and the rainier ‘green’ season is from May to November with the heaviest rainfall being in September and October. Christmas, New Year and Easter are incredibly popular so it is best to book well in advance.