Costa Rica: From the Clouds to the Coast

The Trip

From the swaying palms and golden sand beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula, to the mountain jungles and cloud forests of Arenal Volcano, to the monkeys, sloths, toucans, and macaws of Manuel Antonio National Park, discover the incredible ecosystems and magnificent beauty of Costa Rica. This 9 night, 10 day trip is designed to unleash your adventurous spirit and explore the wild side of one of the world's most biodiverse countries.

Begin by catching some waves in Tamarindo, one of the world’s best surf towns, before heading to the lush mountain town of La Fortuna, where the slumbering, cone-shaped Arenal Volcano quietly overlooks. Soar across jungle valleys, rappel down massive waterfalls*, soak in natural hot springs and learn the secrets behind delicious Costa Rican coffee and chocolate. The trip continues to the stunning beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park, where the rainforest meets the ocean, howler monkeys swing from the trees, sloths take it easy, and wildlife roams in every direction.

The Details

Price:

From $3,328 per person

Duration:

9 nights, 10 days

Includes:

Boutique hotels
Rental car
Private & small-group experiences
Costa Rica mini-guide
Trip preparation & support

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The Itinerary

Nicoya Peninsula

Day 1: After touching down in Liberia, jump in your rental car and drive about one hour to the beautiful beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula, along Costa Rica's Pacific Coast. Check in to your boutique beach resort and head to the pool for some well deserved rest and relaxation.
Day 2: After a breakfast of gallo pinto - beans & rice with eggs - under the palm trees, head to the beach where you’ll meet your local surf instructor for a private lesson* at one of the world’s best surf breaks. Learn how to pop up and hopefully catch a few easy waves before calling it a day. Spend the rest of the day embracing Tamarindo’s chill beach town vibes.
Day 3: Sleep in, eat some breakfast, and enjoy a relaxing morning. Today is completely free to explore town, hit the beach, or pick up a couple surf boards and work on those techniques you learned yesterday.

La Fortuna & Arenal

Day 4: It’s a travel day so pack some snacks, hop in your rental car, and hit the road for a four hour drive to beautiful La Fortuna, at the footsteps of Arenal Volcano. Check in to your boutique mountain lodge (see below) and take the rest of the afternoon to relax by the pool, soak in natural hot springs, or explore the town.
Day 5: After a delicious Costa Rican breakfast, discover the canopy of the rainforest that surrounds Arenal Volcano while flying through the air at more than 40 miles per hour*. Zipline across jungle valleys, waterfalls, and with views of the volcano from every angle before heading back to town for lunch at a local soda. In the afternoon visit a local, family-owned coffee and chocolate farm for a one-of-a-kind tour and tasting experience. Learn how cacao pods are transformed into delicious chocolate, through the drying and grinding process, as well as what makes the perfect cup of Costa Rican coffee.
Day 6: Awake to the sounds of tropical birds chirping and leaves rustling in your relaxing, luxurious mountain eco-lodge. You’ll be picked up bright and early for what may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience: rappelling down 165-foot waterfalls, hiking through the dense rainforest, and swinging into jungle pools*. After your adventure, enjoy a delicious Costa Rican ‘casado’ for lunch before taking the rest of the day to explore the area. Hike the trails of Arenal Volcano, jump from ‘El Salto,’ the local rope swing into Rio Fortuna, or swim in the pools of the amazing La Fortuna Waterfall.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Day 7: For your third and final destination, you’ll drive about five hours south to the spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park, where tropical rainforests meet white sand beaches and monkeys, sloths, and toucans roam freely in the trees. Check in to your tropical boutique hotel with stunning sea views - just a hop, skip, and a jump from the park. Take the rest of the day to relax by the pool or explore the surrounding beaches and coastline.
Day 8: Wake up and eat a hearty breakfast before taking off to experience Costa Rica's tropical rain forests and incredible wildlife. After being picked up from your hotel, you'll hike through Manuel Antonio National Park on a half-day, guided nature excursion, learning about its complex ecosystem and looking for various species of plants and animals such as monkeys, sloths, birds, and reptiles. After the tour, walk down to the crescent-shaped beach inside the park - regularly named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon at your hotel or by the beach.
Day 9: On your second to last day in Costa Rica, you'll explore the largest mangrove ecosystem in Central America on a kayaking trip* to Damas Island. You'll be picked up at your hotel before jumping in a kayak and paddling past twisted roots, numerous species of birds, and other indigenous animals. A delicious local breakfast or lunch is also included!
Day 10: It's your final day in Costa Rica - eat a good breakfast before jumping in your car for the easy two and a half hour drive to San Jose Airport.

*Experiences can be adjusted to your preferred activity level. Private transportation is available upon request.

Pricing & Inclusions

Inclusions

3 hotel nights in Tamarindo on the Nicoya Peninsula
- Boutique hotel: The Coast Beachfront Hotel or equivalent
- Luxury boutique hotel: Capitan Suizo Beachfront Hotel or equivalent
3 hotel nights in La Fortuna / Arenal
- Boutique hotel: Lost Iguana Resort & Spa or equivalent
- Luxury boutique hotel: Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa or equivalent
3 hotel nights near Manuel Antonio National Park
- Boutique hotel: Villas Nicolas or equivalent
- Luxury boutique hotel: Tulemar Resort or equivalent
10 day rental of compact SUV
Private surf lesson in Tamarindo
7 cable canopy zip line on the slope of Arenal Volcano
Chocolate & coffee tour in La Fortuna
Canyoning adventure on the slope of Arenal Volcano
Guided hiking experience and nature walk in Manuel Antonio National Park
Mangrove kayaking trip to Damas Island near Quepos
Curated Costa Rica mini-guide
Trip preparation & support

Exclusions

International flights to Costa Rica
Meals & activities not listed above
Travel insurance

Pricing

From $3,328 per person with boutique hotels
From $4,281 per person with luxury boutique hotels
Pricing for Cohica Designed Trips is based on double occupancy and may vary depending on travel dates and total number of travelers.
This Designed Trip offers the flexibility to make date changes after booking (ask us for details)

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This Designed Trip was developed based on our personal travels, with local contacts, favorite hotels and authentic activities that we've experienced first-hand.
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FAQs

WHAT IS A DESIGNED TRIP?

A Designed Trip is a pre-designed travel plan based on our personal, first-hand travel experiences in each destination. As they are pre-designed, our Designed Trips have been created as a turnkey travel option and can be booked and delivered in as little as one week.

CAN I MAKE ANY CHANGES TO A DESIGNED TRIP?

Absolutely! Pre-designed doesn’t mean there isn’t any flexibility. Whether you want to shorten or lengthen your trip, switch out a destination or change an activity, let us know. If, however, you want a trip built around your specific desires, a Custom Trip might be more appropriate. We can help you decide, so get in touch.

HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE?

Once you’ve selected your Designed Trip and chosen between a Boutique, Luxury Boutique or Luxury experience, your trip can be booked and delivered in as little as one week. If you would like to make some changes to your trip, such as including an alternative activity, shortening or lengthening your trip, then this can take a bit longer.

HOW DO I KNOW HOW MUCH MY DESIGNED TRIP WILL COST?

Once you have decided on your Designed Trip, your dates, and any adjustments we will provide a personalized itinerary and pricing for your trip. We have included base pricing on each Designed Trip page to give you an idea as to what the final cost might be, but prices can fluctuate depending on time of year and any personalization. Get in touch and we can help.

If you have any other questions, feel free to check out more FAQs or send us an email.