Spectacular Costa Rica: A 10-Day Luxury Small-Group Tour Through Lush Natural Scenery
Discover volcanoes, tropical forests and impressive national parks on a 10-day, luxury small-group tour (max. 16 travellers) of mesmerising Costa Rica. Famous for its bio-diversity, post-card perfect beaches and volcanic landscapes, Costa Rica is a nature lover’s dream: discover some of the country’s most impressive conservation areas, soak in hot-springs, visit local producers to learn the art of coffee and chocolate making, and spot diverse wildlife in Central America’s tropical paradise. Enjoy nine nights of luxury boutique accommodation, including three nights at Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort - a luxury resort nestled on a pristine, private peninsula; private airport transfers, expert English-speaking guides and more. Expand your adventure with four extra days, taking you to Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica’s most beautiful national park.
Translating quite literally to ‘The Rich Coast’, Costa Rica is full of gorgeous tropical landscapes and rich history. With almost a quarter of its territory made up of protected jungle teeming with wildlife, you can expect to embark on a unique, luxury adventure through some of the most impressive natural scenery you will ever lay eyes on. From the volcanic peaks of Arenal Volcano to the pristine beaches of Guanacaste, the natural beauty of Costa Rica is yours to explore.
What We Love…
With itineraries personally designed, tried and tested by our in-house travel experts, you can expect the very best from every tour created by Luxury Escapes.
“The thing I love most about Costa Rica is that it is still relatively untouched from tourist crowds, allowing the traveller a richer and more immersive experience”, says John Saporito, Product Manager for Luxury Escapes Tours. “From the rich diverse landscapes and wildlife of the lush tropical rainforest regions to pristine coastlines, Costa Rica is a country of beauty that gives travellers an authentic South American experience. Friendly locals with a proud and fascinating history welcome visitors with open arms with a great eagerness to share their lives, their stories and their cuisine making a visit to this incredible country one to remember.”
What You’ll Love…
The Accommodation – Ultra-luxe retreats and resorts in the best locations
Colonial beauty meets modern luxury at Grand Hotel Costa Rica – a true icon of the city housed in a heritage building and part of the prestigious Curio Collection by Hilton. Nestled on the glamorous Avenida Central, the hotel offers a collection of stylish rooms in prime location together with five-star amenities in signature Hilton style.
A member of the prestigious Relais & Châtaeux portfolio of hotels, El Silencio Lodge & Spa is a luxury hotel like no other surrounded by 500-acre of private cloud forest. Voted #1 resort in Central America by the 2018 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award, this eco-resort boasts rustic cottage suites with bamboo ceiling tiles, raw-wood lamps and tropical-fusion cuisine crafted with local ingredients sourced from the resort’s greenhouse.
Soak in the natural on-site hot springs at the Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort, in the majestic Arenal Volcano National Park. Part of the exclusive Small Luxury Hotels Of The World, the resort is surrounded by natural hot springs sitting quietly in the lush forest – the perfect way to relax.
Beautifully located amongst swaying trees overlooking the sapphire blue waters of Culebra Bay, Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo an ultra-luxe resort, is part of the world-renowned Hyatt brand and is set over 1,400 acres of private peninsula. With three pristine beaches, a world-class golf course, an extensive activity program and exquisite dining venues, pure beachside bliss awaits at this property.
The Wilderness – A journey through the world’s most impressive natural landscapes
Your first stop in Costa Rica is the impressive Irazu Volcano: standing at 3,432 metres, this is the largest volcano in Costa Rica, and one of the most country’s most active. Take in spectacular views over the valley and forest, then discover the surroundings with a visit to the Basilica of Los Angeles – a striking representation of Byzantine architecture and witness a stunning volcanic backdrop as you wander the colonial streets.
Venture to the heart of the famous Cloud Forest with a stay at Bajos del Toro, one of Costa Rica’s best kept secrets. A natural reserve tucked away in a valley between lush jungle and extinct volcanoes, Bajos del Toro is a tropical paradise where you will embark on unforgettable experiences, including a traditional oxcart painting lesson with the help of a local Sarchi artisan.
Learn the secrets behind coffee and chocolate making on an exciting day tour in the Arenal Volcano National Park - one of the most loved destinations in the country, where diverse landscapes and lush wilderness abounds. Take in the Arenal Volcano which has seen consistent lava flows since 1968, and the collapsed crater containing a picture-perfect lagoon of Chato Volcano which has laid dormant nearly 3,500 years.
Lastly, relax and unwind by the sapphire blue waters of Culebra Bay with three nights of pure luxury at the sophisticated Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo, and access to 1,400 acres of private peninsula, three private beaches and championship golf course.
Your Package Includes:
- Nine nights of luxury accommodation including two nights at the historic Grand Hotel Costa Rica in San José, two nights at the El Silencio Lodge & Spa – a Relais & Châtaeux property, two nights at boutique Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa, and three nights on the pristine beaches of Peninsula Papagayo at Andaz Costa Rica Resort – A Hyatt Hotel
- Daily breakfasts plus additional dining experiences including a welcome dinner
- Two nights stay in the heart of the famous ‘Cloud Forest’
- Hikes through the Arenal Volcano National Park
- An oxcart painting experience with a local Sarchi artisan
- A wine tasting and wine-pairing course
- An exciting educational tour where you will learn the secrets of coffee and chocolate making
- Domestic flight from Peninsula Papagayo (Liberia Airport) to San José
- Private airport transfers and transportation throughout the tour
- The services of an expert English-speaking local guide
- Sightseeing and entrance fees as detailed in the itinerary
The Extension – Discover the beauty of Tortuguero National Park
Extend your tour and discover the untouched beauty of Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. Spend two days in this incredible park, famous all over the world for being a major nesting site for green turtles.
Blessed with an extensive network of freshwater creeks and lagoons, incredible wildlife and a spectacular natural scenery, Tortuguero National Park is an unmissable stop in Costa Rica.
Here you will stay in a local eco lodge ideally located minutes away from the entrance to the park. Accessible only by plane or boat, Aninga Lodge will be your home away from home in the heart of the jungle.
Your Package Includes:
- Four nights accommodation including two nights in San José at the Grand Hotel Costa Rica and two nights at the Aninga Hotel & Spa
- Daily breakfast and daily lunch and dinner during your stay at Aninga Hotel & Spa
- Guided visits to Tortuguero National Park and an unforgettable canal boat tour
- The services of local tour leaders
- Sightseeing and entrance fees as detailed in the itinerary
Your tour starts and ends at San José’s Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). Flights to San Jose (SJO) are available with carriers such as LATAM Airlines, Qantas, Air New Zealand and more with one stop en route and an approximate flight time of 24 hours from Australia.
You MUST complete your booking form within 48 hours of booking. Following its completion, a Luxury Escapes concierge will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements including flights.
Private return airport transfers are included in your tour on the first and last days only to and from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). Please book your flight to arrive into San José before 2pm on Day 1. Your hotel room will be made available after 3pm.
10-Day Tour:
Your tour ends on arrival at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). Included in your package is a domestic flight from Liberia Airport to San José’s Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). If connecting to another flight this day, please do not book your onward flight to depart before 5pm.
14-Day Extended Tour:
On departure, you will be transferred from the Grand Hotel Costa Rica San José to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) after breakfast on Day 14.
A visa may be required to the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website Visa’s Direct to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa please let us know and we would be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.
Day 1: Arrive San José, Costa Rica
Welcome to San José, the capital of Costa Rica. One of the youngest capitals in Latin America, San José has developed into a modern city where an adventurous art scene meets neoclassical buildings: a place where old meets new.
After arriving at the airport, you’ll be met by a local representative before transferring to your hotel. Tonight, meet your tour leader and the rest of your group, then enjoy a delicious group dinner at the hotel.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Costa Rica – Curio Collection by Hilton
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: San José – Irazu Volcano – Cartago – San José
Today’s journey takes us to the Irazu Volcano and its surrounds for a full day of exploration. We leave after breakfast to reach Irazu Volcano: standing at 3,432 metres, the Irazu Volcano is the largest in Costa Rica and one of the region’s most active.
Sitting at the bottom of the volcano lies Cartago, the former capital of Costa Rica until it was moved to San José: here we will explore the local Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles and admire its beautiful Byzantine-style architecture.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Costa Rica – Curio Collection by Hilton
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: San José – The Cloud Forest (Bajos del Toro)
Today, we say goodbye to San José after breakfast and we depart for Bajos del Toro, one of Costa Rica’s best kept secrets. A striking natural area tucked away in a valley between lush jungle and extinct volcanoes, Bajos del Toro is a true natural paradise.
Here we will be staying in an exclusive, eco-luxury hotel located in the tropical forest. A proud member of the exclusive Relais & Chateaux portfolio of hotels, the stunning El Silencio Lodge & Spa floats like a cloud in the rainforest canopy and is surrounded by over 500-acres of private cloud forest reserve flanked by the Juan Castro Blanco and Poas Volcano National Parks.
In the afternoon, discover all the secrets of the unique art of oxcart painting: learn the traditional techniques from an authentic Sarchi artisan and try to replicate the kaleidoscope-like patterns that create one of Costa Rica’s most emblematic crafts.
Accommodation: El Silencio Lodge & Spa – A Relais & Châtaeux Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: The Cloud Forest (Bajos del Toro)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast then the morning is free to explore the beautiful surroundings of the hotel: wander the lush forest that surrounds the property and discover hidden waterfalls, gently flowing creeks and resident wildlife.
In the afternoon, join our guide for a wine tasting experience. Learn how to match wines and food, taste four of the finest wines of Costa Rica and discover the fine art of selecting the perfect wine to complement the flavours of a dish.
Accommodation: El Silencio Lodge & Spa – A Relais & Châtaeux Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and Wine Tasting
Day 5: Bajos del Toro - Arenal Volcano National Park
After breakfast we travel to Arenal Volcano National Park, featuring the country’s most active volcano - Arenal Volcano, which has seen consistent lava flows since 1968, and Chato Volcano which in contrast has been inactive for nearly 3,500 years and has a collapsed crater that contains a picture-perfect lagoon.
Explore this stunning area with your guide as you enjoy a gentle hike through one of the most loved destinations in the country, thanks to its diverse landscapes and lush wilderness – all topped up with impressive views over the impressive Arenal Volcano.
Check-in at the luxurious Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort, a sanctuary of peace and serenity complete with impressive facilities. The Tabacon experience includes unlimited access to the mineral hot springs of the property: dip into one of the natural pools, located along walking trails and surrounded by tropical jungle, and soothe your stresses away.
Accommodation: Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Arenal Volcano National Park
Today we enjoy a full day amid the natural scenery of the national park and embark on an educative tour to learn how chocolate and coffee are made – Costa Rica’s two most important products. Learn about coffee’s worldwide and national history, as you discover its importance in Costa Rica’s development and see the processes that it takes to make one cup of coffee.
Following this you will experience the aromas and history of chocolate with your knowledgable guide. During this delicious tour you will participate in the chocolate process by enjoying, sharing and tasting the cocoa´s fruit and all the process that it passes until its magnificent transformation.
After a full day, return to your luxury hotel for an evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Coffee and Chocolate Tastings
Day 7: Arenal Volcano National Park – Peninsula Papagayo
We depart after breakfast and travel towards Guacanaste, a province of Costa Rica famous for its perfect beaches and abundant rainforests amid the lush wilderness.
Check-in at the striking Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo; this ultra-luxe retreat is beautifully located amongst swaying trees overlooking the sapphire blue waters of Culebra Bay, and inspired by the forms and shapes of native local flora and fauna. With a long list of five-star facilities, you will enjoy three nights in this tropical paradise.
Accommodation: Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo - A Hyatt Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 & Day 9: Peninsula Papagayo
Spend two days at leisure in the beautiful surroundings of Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo. Make the most of the property’s impressive facilities spread over 1,400 acre of private peninsula which include access to three private beaches, an Arnold Palmer’s 18-hole championship golf course, a blissful spa and exquisite dining venues.
On the evening of day nine, enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers.
Accommodation: Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo - A Hyatt Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner*
*Note: Dinner is included on Day 9 only
Day 10: Peninsula Papagayo – San José
This morning you are transferred to Liberia Airport for you included flight to San José s Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) where your tour comes to an end on arrival.
Meals: Breakfast
Flight: Departs Liberia Airport at 11.20am and arrives into San José’s Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) at 12.15pm
TOUR EXTENSION – TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
Day 10: Peninsula Papagayo – San José
This morning you are transferred to Liberia Airport for you included flight to San José’s Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel, Grand Hotel Costa Rica, for an evening of leisure.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Costa Rica – Curio Collection by Hilton
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11: San José – Tortuguero National Park
Today we depart San José and travel towards Costa Rica’s famous Tortuguero National Park. Declared a national park in the 1970’s, the park is internationally renowned for its conservation projects, freshwater rivers, lowland rainforest and for offering the perfect grounds to turtle nesting: Green Sea turtles, Leatherback and Hawksbill turtles all nest on the beaches here.
Blessed with an extensive network of freshwater creeks and lagoons, incredible wildlife and spectacular natural scenery, Tortuguero National Park is an unmissable stop in Costa Rica.
Tonight we check in at Aninga Hotel & Spa, a secluded and private oasis ideally located five minutes from the national park’s entrance.
Accommodation: Aninga Hotel & Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12: Tortuguero National Park
After breakfast, we depart for a full day in the national park.
Our expert wildlife guide will take us on an exciting walking tour through the trails, taking us deep into the vegetation and giving us the chance to admire wildlife in its natural habitat.
In the afternoon, we enjoy a canal boat tour through the many freshwater rivers around the park, taking in the impressive landscapes, looking out for colourful birds, monkeys, and turtles.
Return to the hotel tonight for some time at leisure.
Accommodation: Aninga Hotel & Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13: Tortuguero National Park – San José
Depart for San José after breakfast, where we will enjoy one last lunch together at a popular restaurant in town, El Ceibo Restaurant.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Costa Rica – Curio Collection by Hilton
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 14: Depart San José
Your tour comes to an end today with a private transfer to San José’s Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast
The ‘7 day change of mind guarantee’ does not apply for Tour bookings. Due to the high demand and limited departures any cancellation / refund requests must be made within 48 hours of purchase. Otherwise, the standard Refund Policy applies.
After you have made your booking, please follow the instructions on your confirmation email and ensure you complete your traveller information details within 48 hours.
DEPARTURE DATES:
LOW SEASON
20 September 2019 - SOLD OUT
25 October 2019 - SOLD OUT
HIGH SEASON
27 April 2020 - SOLD OUT
15 May 2020 - SOLD OUT
26 June 2020 - SOLD OUT
18 September 2020 - SOLD OUT
27 April 2021
15 May 2021
26 June 2021
18 September 2021
PEAK SEASON
24 January 2020 - SOLD OUT
21 February 2020 - SOLD OUT
10 July 2020 - SOLD OUT
21 August 2020 - SOLD OUT
Important: Please allow for travelling time from Australia. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive in San José on your chosen tour start date.
Instant Booking: To secure your dates at purchase, click ‘Instant Booking’ and select your preferred package. Once your preferred package is selected you’ll click through to ‘Choose Your Dates of Travel’ and will be able to enter in your preferred tour commencement date.
Twin-Share Package: The package is valid for ONE PERSON (based on twin share). If you are travelling with another person you must purchase TWO PACKAGES, otherwise, an additional solo traveller surcharge will apply. Solo travellers will get their own room throughout the tour.
Private departures available: If you wish to travel with children under the age of 18 years, on your own private tour, or together with friends, please enquire for further information (minimum two travellers – surcharges apply).
Tour includes accommodation at the following hotels:
Grand Hotel Costa Rica, San José – Superior Room
El Silencio Lodge & Spa, Bajos del Toro – Suite Room
Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort, Arenal Volcano National Park – Orchid Room
Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo, Peninsula Papagayo – Andaz Forest Room
Extended Tour includes accommodation at the following hotel:
Aniga Hotel & Spa*, Tortuguero National Park – Standard Fan Cooled Room
*Please note: Hotel standards in the Tortuguero National Park area are limited and do not offer the high standards compared to the rest of the country. In this area we will always use the best available options with private en suite bathrooms. This is what makes the Tortuguero National Park area so unique and adds to the allure of this fascinating region.
Maximum Room Capacity: The maximum room capacity is two adults.
Travellers should have a good level of physical fitness and mobility and must be able to negotiate uneven surfaces, climb stairs and board boats. Please note that we do a lot of walking through national parks so please be sure to pack comfortable hiking shoes.
Domestic Flight Baggage Restrictions: Please note that baggage restrictions apply to your included domestic flight from Liberia Airport to San Jose on Day 10. Passengers are permitted one piece of checked-in baggage with maximum weight of 40 lbs. /18 kgs and up to 45 linear inches / 114 cm. (length + height + width). Passengers are permitted one carry-on piece with a maximum weight of 10 lbs/4.5 Kg and up to 20 linear inches/ 50 cm (length + height + width). Excess baggage storage can be arranged at our local office in San Jose (extra charges may apply).
Packages do not include international flights to and from Costa Rica, visa fees, travel insurance, additional activities and upgrades and anything else not listed in the itinerary
Travel insurance is compulsory. We suggest purchasing travel insurance as soon as possible after purchasing this package.
Strictly no refunds for this package for amendments and change of date.
Not valid in conjunction with any other offer or on existing reservations.
Any unused portion of the package is non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for other services or cash.
Additional expenses such as (but not limited to) flights are not included with this package.
Package cannot be split.
Multiple packages cannot be purchased or combined.
Offer only available for consecutive nightly stays.
Your passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond your intended stay overseas.
A visa may be required to the countries you are visiting and transiting. It is your responsibility to ensure you are holding a current visa.
The value and comparative savings have been determined based on published rack rates and the value of inclusions. Please be advised that rack rates may not be reflective of actual rates being charged, dependent on the timing and manner of your booking and therefore are only indicative of the level of saving.
Occasionally our itineraries are updated prior to departure to incorporate improvements stemming from past travellers’ feedback as well as updates from our ground operators. Please note that while we operate successful tours in this region throughout the year, some changes may be necessary due to inclement weather and common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes. This can happen with little notice so please be prepared for modifications to the route. The order and timing of included activities may also vary from time to time.
Tipping and gratuities are not included in the package and are at your own discretion (as a guide, approx. US$10-15 per person, per day is the industry standard and can be paid at each camp with either cash or card).
All activities and services are subject to availability.
Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.