100% customisable travel idea

Costa Rica for Aesthetes Nature in All Its Majesty and Exceptional hotel

Costa Rica - Arenal - Monteverde - Pacific Coast

50 Shades of Green

From $10700 to $13300 per person for 13 days Price depends on departure city, season, accomodation types and selected activities

Itinerary highlights

  • In the heart of the cloud forest, on the Pacific coast, or on the slopes of a volcano, explore exceptional environments in exclusive conditions
  • Sleep close to nature, sheltered in a casita on stilts, tropical chalet, designer treehouse or villa with breathtaking views
  • Waterfall hikes, cocoa-themed tours, unmissable nature reserves and little-known parks are already included
  • VIP lounges, concierge service, mobile app, Wi-Fi, recommendations: travel the Voyageurs way
Where two oceans and two subcontinents meet, Costa Rica is the Noah’s Ark of the 21st century. Misty, lush landscapes around the volcanoes - Poás and Arenal - dappled light filtering through the canopy in the Monteverde cloud forest, beaches fringed with coconut palms on the Pacific coast: here is the place to reconnect with every shade of nature. To truly soak it all in, you’ll hop from one place to another - never tiring, always exciting - in a vehicle that gives you complete freedom. This is first and foremost a nature adventure, so as soon as we arrive, we’ll leave the capital behind and head to Bajos del Toro, a precious gateway between everyday life and the magical world of your trip. Plunge effortlessly into an emerald world here, winding at leisure through Bosque de Paz Nature Reserve or Poás National Park. Next, we head towards another volcano, Arenal, as we enter a region that is exceptionally rich in biodiversity, ideal for adventures and encounters - you can already spot monkeys and sloths in the branches. As you gradually approach the Pacific coast, pause for a night in Sardinal de Carrillo, taking the time to enjoy a unique experience up in the canopy and explore the little-known Palo Verde National Park from the water. Monteverde Biological Reserve is the last “land” stop before reaching the coast - a classic destination, yet still a source of constant wonder. Life here unfolds on the mountainside, where the altitude offers exceptional tranquillity and a unique tropical rainforest filled with orchids, trees and ferns that look as if they come from another world. As you leave the highlands behind, a unique atmosphere descends as the coastline emerges, seemingly fed by the salty sea air and Pacific breakers near Uvita. A land of surfers and hedonists, this wild corner of Costa Rica’s west coast welcomes anyone willing to be lulled by the ebb and flow of the waves, the raspy song of the toucan, the gentle crunch of footsteps on fine sand, and the lazy swaying of a hammock

Your Exceptional Accommodation

This trip is already exceptional, of course, thanks to the nature of the environments visited. But your accommodation, selected with particular care, also plays a major role. In Bajos del Toro, your spa hotel on stilts is ideally located to observe the surroundings, especially the majestic Poás Volcano, encircled by tendrils of mist. Near Arenal, you will stay in what is quite simply one of the region’s most beautiful properties, with top-class amenities and farm-to-table dining - your casita extends onto a terrace with a small private pool. In Sardinal de Carrillo, you’ll find yourself on top of the world... Spend a night in a wonderful designer treehouse 9 metres (30 feet) above the ground, in a suite with a sleek aesthetic and a 360° view of the forest. In Monteverde, your home-from-home will be a chalet-style hotel whose rustic charm and comfort suit the mountain scenery to a tee. Same comfort in Uvita, this time on the ocean side, in the privacy of a villa in a secluded location. Built on the hillside, it enjoys a breathtaking panorama over Marino Ballena National Park.

Your Trip

VIP lounge at departure, private transfers, rental car, mobile app and GPS: our flawless logistics have been designed to make your journey easier. Your itinerary includes walks and visits that will introduce you to Costa Rican nature: hiking and swimming under a waterfall in Bajos del Toro, and a cocoa-themed tour. Not to mention a boat safari in Palo Verde National Park, exploring Monteverde Biological Reserve with a naturalist guide, as well as a private full day tour of Corcovado National Park. And if, along the way, you have any concerns or you want to add to or change your plans at the last minute, you’ll have the contact details of our on-site concierge to assist you. They can work with your travel specialist to adapt your trip as you wish, even while you are en route.
Bajos del Toro - Costa Rica © Droits réservés
Bajos del Toro - Costa Rica © Droits réservés
Tortuguero - Costa Rica © guillaumeastruc - stock.adobe.com
Tortuguero - Costa Rica © guillaumeastruc - stock.adobe.com
Uvita - Costa Rica © Droits réservés
Uvita - Costa Rica © Droits réservés
Uvita - Costa Rica © Droits réservés
Uvita - Costa Rica © Droits réservés
Costa Rica © Valentine Dreyfus / Hauser
Costa Rica © Valentine Dreyfus / Hauser
Costa Rica © Mauro Grigollo / Stocksy United
Costa Rica © Mauro Grigollo / Stocksy United
Costa Rica © Valentine Dreyfus / Hauser
Costa Rica © Valentine Dreyfus / Hauser
Sardinal de Carrillo - Costa Rica © Droits réservés
Sardinal de Carrillo - Costa Rica © Droits réservés
Arenal - Costa Rica © Dudarev Mikhail/Adobe Stock
Arenal - Costa Rica © Dudarev Mikhail/Adobe Stock
Costa Rica © Victor/stock.adobe.com
Costa Rica © Victor/stock.adobe.com
Monteverde - Costa Rica © Droits réservés
Monteverde - Costa Rica © Droits réservés
Costa Rica © Valentine Dreyfus / Hauser
Costa Rica © Valentine Dreyfus / Hauser
La Fortuna - Alajuela - Costa Rica © Wirestock Creators - stock.adobe.com
La Fortuna - Alajuela - Costa Rica © Wirestock Creators - stock.adobe.com
Cerro Chato - Costa Rica © Juanmiguel - stock.adobe.com
Cerro Chato - Costa Rica © Juanmiguel - stock.adobe.com
Uvita - Costa Rica © Droits réservés
Uvita - Costa Rica © Droits réservés
Uvita - parc national Marino Ballena - Costa Rica © Alexander Konsta/Fotolia
Uvita - parc national Marino Ballena - Costa Rica © Alexander Konsta/Fotolia
Costa Rica © Valentine Dreyfus / Hauser
Costa Rica © Valentine Dreyfus / Hauser
Arenal - Costa Rica © Droits réservés
Arenal - Costa Rica © Droits réservés

Itinerary

100% customisable for you

Upon arrival, you'll enjoy priority processing at the airport and a private transfer to Bajos del Toro. You'll stay two nights in a lodge made up of over-water villas, designed in perfect harmony with their surroundings, while exuding natural elegance. The suites, opening onto the forest, provide space, comfort and state-of-the-art amenities. For ultimate relaxation, the spa offers an impressive range of treatments and wellness activities. Dining is healthy but exciting, with a focus on local ingredients whenever possible. The organic vegetable garden is a real goldmine. From your terrace, you realise how lucky you are as you settle into a rocking chair or relaxing in the hot tub, watching the sun slip behind the misty mountains.

Nestled in the shadow of Poás volcano, Bajos del Toro is a perfect base for discovering the region's natural treasure - from the misty cloud forests of the Bosque de Paz Biological Reserve to the Poás Volcano National Park. A well-maintained network of trails lets you explore up close, encounter the local wildlife and plants, while enjoying horse riding, rafting, mountain biking, ziplining or canoeing along the way. The more adventurous might even abseil down Toro waterfall, which plunges into the crater of an extinct volcano

. Scheduled: a hike to the Vuelta del Cañón waterfall
. After a walk in the wild (and a few stream crossings), you reach the impressive double waterfall of Vuelta del Cañón, surrounded by lush, beautiful vegetation. Dive in!

Pick up your rental car and drive to the Arenal region. Spend three nights at one of the region’s most beautiful hotels, located in the heart of a vast estate with stunning views of the volcano. Inside, raw, noble materials celebrate nature while standing strong against time and the humid climate. When not exploring, make the most of the pool, a relaxing spa treatment or a refined meal at one of the farm-to-tablerestaurants.

In addition to its magnificent volcano and the ecological richness of its flora, Arenal National Park features hot springs at 38°C and an 85 km² (33 square miles) lake, ideal for water sports. The “Arenal colossus”, as locals call it, long fooled people by appearing to be just an ordinary mountain. Its awakening was even more spectacular during the devastating eruption of 1968. It has never ceased its volcanic activity since then, but it has become somewhat calmer. The base of the old lava flow is the perfect spot to enjoy an exceptional view of the volcano’s almost untouched cone (often draped in clouds) and the lake that shares its name
. À la carte - Zipline courses through the heart of the canopy.

Already planned - Chocolate-themed tour. A setting as delightful as the visit itself: cacao trees flourish in the shadow of the majestic Arenal volcano. A private guide reveals the secrets of the mysterious beans which, when expertly processed, become exquisite chocolate. You learn about every stage in its production before tasting it
. Optional - A bike ride around Lake Arenal.

Head west towards Sardinal de Carrillo, where you stay for the night. The accommodation, set within the forest, partly overlooks it with charming cabins perched high above. Suspended nine metres high, they appear to float over the canopy. This breathtaking perspective can be enjoyed through large floor-to-ceiling windows and a private 360-degree terrace. The architecture is both understated and highly aesthetic, blending wood, glass and steel. The suites, accessed via walkways, are well equipped, comfortable, stylish and intimate. Staying in these stylish capsules in the heart of nature is a truly unique experience. The hotel also provides massages, and boasts a pleasant swimming pool and a restaurant serving contemporary Costa Rican cuisine, prepared with great care taken to ensure the authenticity of the ingredients. As for the beach, it’s never far away.

Drive to Monteverde.  
Planned en route - Boat trip in Palo Verde National Park
. Guided by a private skipper, you set off on a two-hour trip along the Tempisque River, weaving between mangroves, lagoons, marshes, brush and forests. Within this park - a wetland with incredible diversity  - salt-water meets freshwater, and the deciduous forest meets the tropical rainforest. Whether resident or migratory, many birds find abundant food and shelter here.
Upon arrival in Monteverde, settle in for two nights at altitude in a nature-surrounded hotel with a cosy, chalet-style atmosphere. Perched on the hillside, it enjoys superb views of the tropical forest. The focus is on self-sufficiency:. The hotel has its own farm, where cows, chickens, vegetables and coffee plants are carefully tended, and it even brews its own beer.

In your itinerary - Private tour of the Monteverde Biological Reserve,. A cloud forest perched on the Tilarán mountain range, the Monteverde Reserve is a world in itself. You find yourself in a lush green setting where towering trees, orchids, ferns and mosses thrive, their growth seemingly unstoppable.
Optional - gourmet dinner in the treetops.

Drive to Uvita, on the west coast, and settle in for three nights in a villa with minimalist architecture, built on an impressive chain of mountains. The road to get there is tricky. The owners are keen to preserve its discreet character but once you reach the top, what a surprise! The breathtaking view stretches across the coast and Marino Ballena National Park. The handful of rooms are decorated with a fresh, stylish touch. The infinity pool is sublime, the cuisine inspired, and the atmosphere wonderfully calm .

Scheduled - A day in Corcovado National Park. A true gem, Corcovado is home to thirteen ecosystems and harbours the last remaining patch of primary rainforest along the Mesoamerican Pacific coast. As such, it serves as a refuge for hundreds of plant species and for extremely diverse, yet highly endangered, wildlife. Here you may spot squirrel monkeys, tapirs, golden frogs, crocodiles, pumas, jaguars, and the largest population of scarlet macaws in Central America. Explore this extraordinary environment with the expertise of a private guide.

The Uvita region is one of the most renowned in Costa Rica for its waves and beaches that seem to stretch on forever. The one in nearby Dominical stretches for four kilometres (2.5 miles). The mountains of the hinterland hold many treasures, including abundant wildlife and flora. The jagged coastline, with its many bays, promises breathtaking views and a striking contrast between the deep green of the rainforest and the intense blue of the Pacific Ocean.
Do not miss - Hike to the Nauyaca waterfalls. A lovely two-hour walk along a wide, shaded path, including a few river crossings. At the top, two trails lead to the network of waterfalls. Hidden in a canyon along the Barucito River, the Nauyaca falls split into two before plunging into a deep natural pool. You dive in with delight, savouring the well-deserved reward.
Things to see and do -  Slip on a mask and snorkel to get closer to the corals and colourful fish; walk through the primeval forest with your senses alert; enjoy fresh coconut water on the beach.
Optional - A private surf lesson.

Drive to the airport and direct international return flight. Night on board and arrival the following day.

À la carte

This suggested itinerary can be customisable down to the smallest detail, including duration, stops and content. An à la carte menu of experiences is also available to create a journey that reflects who you are.

Zipline course through the canopy

The canopy is the topmost level of the treetops in Costa Rica’s dense, humid forests. As it is the part that gets most sunlight, it is very rich and diverse. Access the first platform via a small open-air cable car. From here, the views of Arenal Volcano and Lake are awe-inspiring. The cable car ride is an opportunity to scan the treetops for a glimpse of a monkey or sloth, around the bend of a tree trunk or branch. Return to earth by a series of zip lines, several hundred metres above ground, sometimes reaching speeds of up to 60 km (37 miles) per hour. Thrills - and views! - guaranteed!

Cycle around Lake Arenal

Lake Arenal, situated at the foot of the volcano of the same name, is the largest lake in Costa Rica today. Accompanied by your private guide, set off by bike along a dirt track beside the lake, observing the region’s wildlife along the way and enjoying wonderful views of the national park. The route is just over 20 km (12 miles) long.

Dine in the Treetops

Very close to the Monteverde Biological Reserve, your evening meal is served in a very special restaurant. Perched in the treetops, with glass walls, it offer an absolutely sublime view of the forest. A wonderful setting to enjoy a nine-course gourmet menu - imaginative dishes that pay a fitting tribute to the natural richness of Costa Rica.

Why visit Costa Rica with Voyageurs du monde?

Every day, our travel specialists craft bespoke experiences shaped around each traveller's profile, desires and budget. These passionate experts design experiences delivered on the ground by a local network of Concierges and trusted contacts. These fully customisable, made-to-measure trips are complemented by a wide range of high-end services (lounges, 24/7 assistance, travel booklet, app, Wi-Fi, restaurant booking, etc.)

Let us create your trip

A few of the advantages of travelling with us to Costa Rica

  • Globally unique concierge service
  • Wi-Fi: 1 GB/day included
  • Gourmet Voyageurs
  • Adjust your trip while travelling
  • 24-hour assistance
  • CO2 absorption

Estimated budget

Price depends on departure city, season, accomodation types and selected activities

The estimated budget for this trip is $10,700 to $13,300 per person.

A fixed price is rarely applicable to a bespoke journey. The final cost depends on various factors, such as the level of service, travel dates, and booking lead times. The only definitive price will be the one provided in your personalized proposal.

The average price for this trip is $12,600 per person


Included in this suggestion

  • Direct international flight with a scheduled airline
  • Airport taxes and fuel surcharges
  • Carbon absorption contribution for your trip's CO2 emissions through reforestation projects (via our Philippe Romero Insolite Bâtisseur Foundation)
  • Access to the Air France Business Lounge at Roissy (for departures from Paris)
  • Access to the VIP lounge at San José airport on the return
  • Private transfers as mentioned in the travel itinerary
  • Car rental for 10 days
  • One night in Bajos del Toro, in a double suite with breakfast included
  • Three nights in Arenal, in a double *casita* with breakfast included
  • One night in Sarinal de Carrillo, in a cabin with a hot tub and breakfast included
  • Two nights in Monteverde, in a double room with breakfast included
  • Three nights in Uvita, in a double suite with breakfast included
  • Hike to the Vuelta del Cañón waterfall, with a private guide
  • Chocolate-making tour with a private guide
  • Boat trip in Palo Verde National Park with a private skipper
  • Visit to Monteverde Biological Reserve with a private naturalist guide
  • Full day in Corcovado National Park with a private guide
  • Our on-site Concierge service
  • Wi-Fi access during your trip: an international mini router or eSIM allowing you to connect your various devices (phones, tablets, computers)
  • A travel booklet with useful information (your day-by-day itinerary, hotel contact details, a personalized selection of our recommendations, etc.)
  • Our recommendations and reservations at selected restaurants
Ref:1717621
The Voyageurs du Monde spirit

Travel with complete freedom, guided by your interests,
ideas and passions.

Wherever you want

250 travel specialists, organised by country and region. Driven by a passion for beauty and never short of ideas, they inspire you and design an ultra-personalised journey: itineraries, accommodation, workshops, encounters, and more.

Whenever you want

Always at your service: with a dedicated travel specialist, Concierge service and 24/7 assistance, our teams support you and adapt in real time, for a trip that is both flexible and expertly supported.

However you want

With family, as a couple, in a group of ten, on a road trip, by train, by boat, for a weekend or a round-the-world journey... Trips tailored to your preferences, enhanced by clever services, for ever smoother travel.