Active Costa Rica
A fantastic introduction to Costa Rica that begins with an off-the-beaten-track adventure at the wonderful Pacuare Lodge. Hike, bike or kayak onwards to immerse yourself in the beauty of the province of Alajuela and stay near the iconic Arenal Volcano, then finish up with a few days of laid-back luxury in charming Santa Teresa.
Journey highlights
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Get off the beaten track to a remote jungle hideaway
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Ride rushing rapids and zip-line through the canopy
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Spot howler monkeys, sloths and brilliantly colored birds
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Unwind and explore beautiful coastline
- Active itinerary:Our Active Journeys let you get under the skin of a destination by hiking, biking or kayaking your way through it, while unwinding in some of the finest hotels around
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
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.
Itinerary
Fly to San Jose
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At a Glance
Arrive in Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose, where you’ll spend one night before your adventure begins. We recommend enjoying dinner in one of the city’s good restaurants before a good night’s sleep so you’re raring to go the next day.
Where to stay
Grano de Oro (1 night)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
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At a Glance
It’s an early start today as you’re picked up from your hotel and transferred in a private vehicle out of the city, through countryside to a drop off point where you’re met and greeted by a guide, who will give you a quick introduction to white water rafting. From here, begins your thrilling adventure along the incredible Pacuare River, one of the world’s top ten spots for rafting. In between the rushing rapids, enjoy periods of calm when you can take in the stunning jungle scenery around you before arriving to the beautiful Pacuare Lodge. Spend three nights at this remote jungle hideaway.
Where to stay
Pacuare Lodge (3 nights)
More Experiences in This Area
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At a Glance
After a few days in tropical wilderness, it’s back the way you came rafting along the Pacuare River before continuing on dry land to the town of La Fortuna, the gateway to the Arenal Volcano. This is a great base for activity lovers as there is so much to do. From canopy walks and ziplining to horse riding and hikes, all in the sight of the majestic volcano.
Where to stay
Nayara Gardens (3 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
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At a Glance
From Arenal, continue by road to the sleepy beach town of Santa Teresa, where you’ll spend a few days to relax on Costa Rica’s famously beautiful coast. You set the pace: unwind with lazy days on the beach and wandering through the town’s boutique shops or for those who prefer, Santa Teresa is a hotspot for both yoga and surfing.
Where to stay
Nantipa (4 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
Fly home from San Jose
Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and excludes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2025 | $7,100 | $1,800 | plan your trip |
| November 2025 | $7,800 | $2,000 | plan your trip |
| December 2025 | $8,600 | $2,200 | plan your trip |
| January 2026 | $8,600 | $2,200 | plan your trip |
| February 2026 | $8,600 | $2,200 | plan your trip |
| March 2026 | $8,600 | $2,200 | plan your trip |
| April 2026 | $8,600 | $2,200 | plan your trip |
| May 2026 | $7,800 | $2,000 | plan your trip |
| June 2026 | $7,800 | $2,000 | plan your trip |
| July 2026 | $8,600 | $2,200 | plan your trip |
| August 2026 | $8,600 | $2,200 | plan your trip |
| September 2026 | $7,100 | $1,800 | plan your trip |
| October 2025 | $7,100 | $1,800 | plan your trip |
-
October 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$7,100
Deposit from*$1,800
-
November 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$7,800
Deposit from*$2,000
-
December 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$8,600
Deposit from*$2,200
-
January 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$8,600
Deposit from*$2,200
-
February 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$8,600
Deposit from*$2,200
-
March 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$8,600
Deposit from*$2,200
-
April 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$8,600
Deposit from*$2,200
-
May 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$7,800
Deposit from*$2,000
-
June 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$7,800
Deposit from*$2,000
-
July 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$8,600
Deposit from*$2,200
-
August 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$8,600
Deposit from*$2,200
-
September 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$7,100
Deposit from*$1,800
-
October 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$7,100
Deposit from*$1,800
- plan your trip
Experiences in this tour
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![Catamaran - Sunset Catamaran Tour of Papagayo]()
View ExperienceSunset Catamaran Tour of Papagayo
Set out on a cruising adventure aboard a luxury 47-foot catamaran to see ocean wildlife and jungle shoreline! Snorkel to see colorful marine life and soak in the sunset views surrounding Costa Rica's Papagayo Peninsula.
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![Coffee - Coffee Tour at Finca Rosa Blanca]()
View ExperienceCoffee Tour at Finca Rosa Blanca
Wake up and smell the coffee on a morning tour of Finca Rosa Blanca's coffee farm; the guides are knowledgeable and passionate to teach you all about the process from picking to the packet, while taking in beautiful mountain scenery.
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![Arenal Volcano Hike]()
View ExperienceArenal Volcano Walk
The best way to get as close as possible to the spectacular Arenal Volcano is to walk the reserve’s easy series of trails, which will take you through secondary rainforest and former lava fields. The park is known for its diverse wildlife.
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![Zipwiring]()
View ExperienceArenal Sky Tram & Sky Trek
Soar through the rainforest canopy on this thrilling zip wiring adventure in the Arenal reserve. Experience the sights and sounds of the rainforest from a bird’s-eye view, admiring the wildlife and spectacular scenery from above. Minimum age 8 years old.
-san-jose-and-central-valley-costa-rica-central-america-americas.jpeg)
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itineraryis a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely personalized to you. Call us on 858 345 1763 to start planning your vacation.
Why Scott Dunn for Luxury Tours?
Unique to You
- We listen to your travel goals and craft unique trips that are personalized to you.
- We’re with you every step of your life’s travel journey, from honeymoons to family trips and beyond.
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- Global offices in the UK, US, Singapore, and Hong Kong for 24/7 seamless service.
- We offer flexibility if your plans change so you can book with confidence and peace of mind.
Carefully Curated Collection
- We’ve curated an elevated collection of accommodation, experiences, and guides.
- Committed to fostering close global relationships to continue bringing you unique experiences.
Luxury in Every Sense
- We deliver a sense of luxury that matters most to you.
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