Honeymoon itinerary 12 Nights

Day 1 - Day of arrival

On arrival private transfer (approximately 50 minutes) to the Hotel Xandari in the Central Valley with accommodation in a Prima Plus Villa for 2 nights on a bed and breakfast basis.

We have featured the Xandari hotel ever since we started our Latin America programme over 20 years ago. This hotel is one of our firm favourites. It is set in the magnificent landscape of the Central Valley in 40 acres of coffee plantation and tropical gardens. All the 24 bungalows have contemporary, colourful furniture and a large, walled terrace which ensures privacy but also panoramic views. There are three swimming pools, a private trail through the estate and a waterfall. The spa offers massages, jacuzzi and yoga. Much of the food in the restaurant comes from the Xandari’s own gardens and greenhouse. A special property. The Central Valley is very lush with a mild and dry year round climate. The valley is surrounded by four main volcanoes - Poas, Barca, Irazu and Turrialba and represents over a fifth of the country’s area. Two rivers dominate, the Tarcoles to the west and the Reventazon to the east.

Overnight stay at Xandari hotel in Central Valley

Pool, Xandari hotel in Central Valley

Day 2 - Central Valley - Full day guided tour

Private guided full day tour to Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfalls including lunch. The Poas volcano is an active 2,708 metre stratovolcano. The crater of the volcano is over a mile across. Visitors are allowed a maximum of 40 minutes in the park. 10 minutes for the trek to the crater, 20 minutes at the crater and 10 minutes for the return walk. La Paz waterfalls gardens has 5 waterfalls, safe hiking trails, aviary with numerous species of birds, insect exhibition, butterfly observatory, hummingbird garden and serpentarium.

Overnight stay at Xandari hotel in Central Valley

Day 3 - Transfer and raft on the Pacuare river

An early morning group transfer to the Pacuare Jungle Lodge. This includes a rafting trip to the Lodge. The journey in total will take approximately 4 hours. Your stay is on a full board basis for 2 nights. National Geographic rank the Pacuare as among the top river experiences in the world. The River plunges down the Caribbean slope through a series of spectacular canyons with tranquil pools after each stage. All around is tropical forest. On the final day at the Lodge, you will raft through the last section of the river (Class III and IV rapids). If you are to stay at the Lodge you should have a certain level of fitness and be able to swim and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for rafting up to Class IV. This is a unique lodge with 20 comfortable cabins set on the banks of the Pacuare river. It is also possible to access the lodge by a rough road. The staff act as boatmen, cooks, waiters and chambermaids/men. Pacuare is a member of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World and it certainly lives up to its name. This is luxury, not like a 5 star hotel but luxury in wooden jungle cabanas. There is a pool, bar and restaurant. Some of the cabins have their own plunge pool. Views are either overlooking the river or to the lush gardens. A special and very romantic place !

Overnight stay at Pacuare Jungle lodge on Pacuare river

Rafting on the Pacuare river

Day 4 - At Pacuare

Today you are at leisure in a wonderful spot ! Activities at the Lodge can be booked and paid for locally and include a canopy tour through the rainforest, horse riding and a hike to a Cabecar Indian community.

Overnight stay at Pacuare Jungle lodge on Pacuare river

Pacuare Jungle lodge on Pacuare river

Day 5 - Raft and transfer to Arenal

Raft out of the lodge and then by a private transfer to the 4 star Nayara Resort (approximately 5 1/2 hours in total) for 2 nights on a bed and breakfast basis. The Nayara shares facilities with its neighbour and sister property Nayara Springs (adults only). We have been informed that more than 15 sloths have taken up residence in their grounds. A sensitively designed hotel where the screened windows of the suites and villas manage to bring nature into the room itself. This luxury boutique hotel and spa is an ideal honeymoon retreat. It is located amongst tropical rainforest with views towards one of the most beautiful volcanoes one could wish to see. The bungalows, all of different size and dotted in different locations within the resort, are furnished in wood and local materials. They have outside as well as indoor showers, terraces and are furnished with colourful local materials. There are the two top notch spas, swimming pool, four restaurants and private hot tubs scattered around the gardens.

Overnight stay at Nayara Resort in Arenal

Arenal volcano

Day 6 - Arenal - Private half-day guided tour

Today includes a half day guided tour of Arenal’s Hanging Bridges, the best way to appreciate the tropical lushness which surrounds the most spectacular cone of Arenal Volcano. Explore the local area at leisure. Howler monkeys, macaws and brilliant butterflies flourish among the heliconias and cascading waterfalls. A multitude of activities are on offer in this tropical rainforest wonderland but one that must be appreciated is a swim and relaxation in the Ecotermales hot springs. This is a great area for walking, horse-riding and birdwatching.

Overnight stay at Nayara Resort in Arenal

Hanging gardens (suspension bridges) in Arenal

Day 7 - Transfer to Piedras Blancas National Park

Private transfer to San Jose Airport (approximately 3 hours) for a flight to Puerto Jimenez or Golfito in in the far south of the country (approximately 45 mins) and then transfer by boat (45 minutes) to Playa Cativo for 3 nights on a full board basis.

This delightful national park was created in 1993 and has 35,000 acres of tropical rainforest and mangroves. It has been steadily purchased with help from the Austrian government and the renowned classical Austrian violinist Michael Schnitzler. It has now been donated to the Costa Rican government. It is located across the bay from from the Osa peninsula and Corcovado National Park. The perfect romantic spot. Playa Cativo is a smart lodge located in an idyllic setting on the shores of the Golfo Dulce. There is a restaurant, bar, freshwater outdoor swimming pool, library and organic farm. The beautiful and lush gardens are abundant with butterflies , birds, small mammals and exotic birds. If you are interested in bird watching then you could not find a better place. The National Park surrounding the Lodge accommodates 750 species of trees, 140 species of mammals, 367 species of birds and 117 species of reptiles.

Overnight stay at Playa Cativo in Piedras Blancas National Park

Playa Cativo in Piedras Blancas National Park

Day 8 & 9 - Piedras Blancas National Park

Apart from just relaxing there is much to do in this heavenly spot. You can hike, take self-guided walks, nature tours, fish, kayak, whale and dolphin watching, snorkel, paddle board, yoga and experience the rainforest at night (all tours are payable locally except for kayaks, paddle boards and snorkelling gear which are included in room rates).

Overnight stay at Playa Cativo in Piedras Blancas National Park

Playa Cativo in Piedras Blancas National Park

Day 10 - Transfer to Nosara (Nicoya peninsula)

Group transfer to Golfito airstrip (approximately 45 mins by boat), fly to San Jose (approximately 45 minutes) and then connect with a flight north-west to Nosara (approximately 40 minutes) followed by a private transfer to Lagarta Lodge (approximately 15 minutes) for a 3 night stay on a bed and breakfast basis.

Located on the Nicoya Peninsula, this elegant boutique hotel is set on a hilltop overlooking the Nosara and Montana rivers, verdant subtropical vegetation and the Ostional coastline. A stay at the Lagarta Lodge is a fantastic end to your adventure and it enjoys stunning sunsets. There are 26 rooms; some with ocean view, some with partial ocean view and eleven with jungle/forest views. The rooms have large balconies or terrace. There are 2 infinity swimming pools, jacuzzi and spa. The Chirriboca restaurant and Gecko bar afford panoramic views of the surrounding scenery. Don’t forget to visit the Lodge’s own 90 acre biological reserve which is located below the hotel (steep steps down).

Overnight stay at Lagarta lodge in Nosara

Lagarta lodge in Nosara

Day 11 & 12 - Nosara

25 minutes from Nosara is the Ostional Pacific coastline, the world’s largest nesting ground for the Olive Ridley turtle. Between July and December at night there is the opportunity to view this primeval ritual of the turtles heaving themselves up the beach in order to lay their eggs. Nicoya is the largest peninsula in Costa Rica and interestingly is considered by the Quest network to be one of the Blue zones in the world where people commonly live active lives past the age of 100 ! What better recommendation!

Overnight stay at Lagarta lodge in Nosara

Nosara

Day 13 - Day of departure

Private transfer to San Jose Airport for your flight back to the UK.