Costa Rica · Route map
A Luxurious Costa Rican Honeymoon
This romantic route pairs the dramatic rainforests of Arenal and the wild Southern Pacific coast of Uvita with a decadent beach finale on the Papagayo Peninsula.
- 1
Arenal
3 nights
Volcano views and lush rainforest canopy
- 2
Uvita
3 nights
Where jungle meets the wild Pacific
- 3
Papagayo Peninsula
2 nights
Ultra-luxury bays and pristine white sands
- ✦3 stops · 8 nights
A sample from our journal — written by Waypora, kept as inspiration
Use this as a starting pointThe day-by-day
Arrival and Arenal Foothills
Arrive into San José Airport
Flight · Morning · San José
Fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport.
Private transfer to Arenal
Transfer · Afternoon · La Fortuna
A scenic three-hour drive into the northern highlands.
Ask your driver to stop at El Jardín in Ramon for a superb chorreada corn pancake.
Overnight at Nayara Springs
Accommodation · Evening · La Fortuna
Each villa has a private plunge pool fed by natural hot springs.
Hanging Bridges and Hot Springs
Mistico Hanging Bridges guided walk
Excursion · Morning · Arenal
Walk the canopy bridges with a naturalist guide.
Spotting tiny eyelash pit vipers requires the sharp eyes of an expert guide.
Afternoon at leisure at thermal pools
At leisure · Afternoon · La Fortuna
Overnight at Nayara Springs
Accommodation · Evening · La Fortuna
Volcanic Trails and Local Flavours
Hike the Peninsula Trail
Excursion · Morning · Arenal
An easy walk through Arenal Volcano National Park.
This lesser-visited sector offers the best panoramic views of Lake Arenal.
Private artisanal chocolate workshop
Excursion · Afternoon · La Fortuna
You will roast and grind your own beans the traditional way.
Overnight at Nayara Springs
Accommodation · Evening · La Fortuna
Journey to the South Coast
Private transfer to Uvita
Transfer · Morning · Uvita
Drive south along the Pacific coast for five hours.
Break up the drive at the Tarcoles River bridge to observe the wild crocodiles.
Unwind poolside overlooking the ocean
At leisure · Afternoon · Uvita
Overnight at Kurà Boutique Hotel
Accommodation · Evening · Uvita
This adults-only hotspot has the most spectacular infinity pool in the country.
Whales and Wild Beaches
Marino Ballena marine safari
Excursion · Morning · Uvita
Boat tour to spot whales and dolphins.
August to October offers the best humpback whale sightings from the Southern Hemisphere.
Sunset walk on the Whale Tail
Excursion · Afternoon · Uvita
Check the tide charts; you can only walk the sandbar at low tide.
Overnight at Kurà Boutique Hotel
Accommodation · Evening · Uvita
Hidden Waterfalls and Jungle Views
Explore Nauyaca Waterfalls
Excursion · Morning · Dominical
Visit these monumental two-tiered falls by horseback or 4x4.
Go early in the morning to swim in the deep pools before the crowds arrive.
Beach time at Playa Hermosa
At leisure · Afternoon · Uvita
Grab a fresh coconut from a vendor and watch the local surfers.
Overnight at Kurà Boutique Hotel
Accommodation · Evening · Uvita
North to the Papagayo Gulf
Private transfer to Papagayo Peninsula
Transfer · Morning · Papagayo
A five-hour transfer north to the dry forest coast.
The scenery shifts dramatically from dense rainforest to gold-hued tropical dry forest.
Beachfront relaxation at Prieta Bay
At leisure · Afternoon · Papagayo
Overnight at Four Seasons Resort
Accommodation · Evening · Papagayo
Nestled between two golden beaches, it offers unparalleled luxury.
Pacific Sailing and Pristine Bays
Private catamaran snorkeling charter
Excursion · Morning · Papagayo
Sail to secluded coves only accessible by water.
Keep an eye out for sea turtles and manta rays in the calm bays.
Final sunset stroll on the beach
At leisure · Afternoon · Papagayo
Overnight at Four Seasons Resort
Accommodation · Evening · Papagayo
Adios Costa Rica
Private transfer to Liberia Airport
Transfer · Morning · Liberia
A smooth forty-five minute drive to the terminal.
Departure flight
Flight · Afternoon · Liberia
Ensure you book your outbound flight from Liberia (LIR) rather than San José.
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