Our 9 day, 8 night trip is the perfect getaway for you and a bestie (or lots of besties). With its emphasis on luxury, fun, adventure, and a little pampering, this would also be a perfect honeymoon package, or a great couples getaway. You’ll spend time at two different beach destinations, try your hand at surfing, enjoy a sunset horseback ride, get up close with nature on rainforest adventures such as ziplining, and an aerial tram ride, all combined with destinations that check off all the boxes for a memorable vacation.

 

Price

• $2,600 per person

• Based on a minimum of two people in a double occupancy room with separate beds

• $1,000 additional for 1 additional person staying in the same room. There may be room for a 2nd additional person in the same room depending on lodging availability. 

• For more than three persons, or if an additional room is needed, inquire for pricing

• Prices valid through 2023 (excluding Semana Santa / Easter week 4/2/2023 to 4/9/2023 and 12/20/2023 to 1/5/2024). All pricing subject to change until booked and confirmed. Lower rates may be available during "green season" (May to November). Inquire when booking.

 

Destinations

San Jose, Nosara, Papagayo, Arenal

 

Duration

9 days, 8 nights

 

Itinerary

 

 Day 1 

Arrive San Jose airport (SJO), transfer to hotel

Upon arrival at SJO, you will transported by private shuttle to Hotel Grano de Oro (or comparable hotel), San Jose’s most elegant and historic hotel, a seeming throwback to a bygone era of elegance and opulence. After a long day of travel, head up to the rooftop for a soak in the hot tubs, and then enjoy a cocktail in the 19th century bar before dining in the hotel restaurant (or venture out to sample some of San Jose’s nightlife). If you arrive early enough, the hotel is located just blocks away from the Costa Rican Art Museum and La Sabana Park, the largest park in San Jose, with roller skating rink, beautiful gardens and a man-made lake.

 

 Day 2 

Transfer to Nosara via Domestic Flight on Sansa

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transported by private shuttle to SJO for a domestic flight to Nosara, on the Pacific coast. This 45-minute non-stop flight will save many hours of driving and will have you in Nosara before noon. NOTE: Sansa has a baggage limit of 30 lbs. per passenger. Nosara is known as the “wellness capital of Costa Rica,” and that is evident everywhere in this laid-back beach town. You’ll be staying at the charming Olas Verdes Hotel (or comparable hotel) that is walkable to the beach and town or just a short tuk tuk ride (motorized 3-wheeled rickshaws) to or from town. You’ll end the afternoon with a sunset horseback tour, along jungle trails and across a river to the Gulf of Nosara, and at sunset you’ll ride through Playa Pelada - the perfect way to enjoy one of our famous sunsets!

 

 Day 3 

Nosara

You’ll start your day bonding with your bestie(s) during a beginner surf lesson. You and your partner will share one surf instructor, and they’re sure to have you up and riding in no time. The surf at Playa Nosara is renowned for offering great waves for all levels of surfers. We’ll help you reserve your spot, but they require payment in cash on the day of the lesson ($65 per person + gratuity). If surfing is not your thing, there are yoga classes offered at your hotel (or at other studios in the area). 

 

 Day 4 

Transfer from Nosara to Papagayo

You will check out of your hotel and be driven approximately 3 hours to the Payagayo Peninsula where you will check into the Planet Hollywood all-inclusive resort. After check in, explore the two swimming pools, 5 bars, 7 restaurants, the Spa & Beauty Bar, and the beach! And be sure to check out the resort’s nightly entertainment.

 

 Day 5 

Papagayo

Spend the morning relaxing or exploring, and hop aboard a sunset catamaran cruise, leaving from Planet Hollywood beach at 2:00pm. Lunch and drinks are provided, and you’ll sail along the coast, watching for marine life. Your captain will drop anchor in a protected cove, and you’ll be able to snorkel and swim to shore to explore a secluded beach before sailing back while watching a classic Costa Rican sunset.

 

 Day 6 

Transfer from Papagayo to Arenal

After breakfast you will check out of your hotel and be transported by private shuttle approximately 3 hours to Arenal. You will check into Arenal Manoa Hot Springs Hotel (or comparable hotel), and weather permitting, you will be able to see the breathtaking Arenal volcano in the distance. Soak away your worries in the natural and healing hot springs, visit the spa, try a cocktail at the swim-up bar, explore nature trails, where you may spot some of the magnificent birds and wildlife that live in the rainforest. Head into town for dinner and some souvenir shopping, or dine at the hotel restaurant.

 

 Day 7 

Arenal

Catch an early breakfast and then you will be picked up to go on an Arenal Volcano Hike and La Fortuna Waterfall. You’ll enjoy learning about the Arenal area while your guide helps you to spot birds and wildlife along the way. You’ll be ready for a traditional Costa Rican lunch before visiting the beautiful La Fortuna Waterfall. It is worth the 500 steps there and back. Don’t worry, there are places to rest every 100 steps or so! After this you will be returned to your hotel, where a soak in the hot springs will feel especially rewarding! 

 

 Day 8 

Arenal

On your last full day in Arenal, you’ll head over to an eco adventure park where you will explore the rainforest canopy through a series of hanging bridges, soar to new heights on an exciting zip line course, and see breathtaking views on the sky tram. This is a full day of memory-making adventures for you and bestie(s) to enjoy. And once again, the hot springs will beckon your tired muscles at the end of your day. 

 

 Day 9 

Transfer to SJO for your departure flight

You will check out of your hotel and be transported by private shuttle to SJO (approximately 3 hours) for your return flight home.

 

Included

• Lodging for 1 night at Hotel Grano de Oro (or comparable hotel) in San Jose

• Lodging for 2 nights Olas Verde hotel in Nosara (or comparable hotel)

• Lodging for 2 nights at Planet Hollywood all-inclusive resort in Papagayo

• Lodging for 3 nights at Arenal Manoa Hot Springs Resort (or comparable hotel) in Arenal

• All hotel and activity taxes are included in price

• Private transport from SJO to San Jose Hotel

• Private transport from San Jose Hotel to SJO

• Domestic Flight from SJO to Nosara Airport

• Private transport from Nosara Airport to Nosara Hotel

• Private transport from Nosara to Papagayo resort

• Private transport from Papagayo to Arenal

• Private transport from Arenal to SJO

• Sunset Horseback Riding Tour

• Semi-Private Surf Lesson (1 instructor, 2 surfers)

• Catamaran Sunset Cruise with drinks and lunch

• Arenal Volcano Hike and La Fortuna Waterfall with Lunch

• Eco adventure park with Sky Trek, Tram & Hanging Bridges

• Breakfast on days 2 - 9 (depending on time of departure on day 9)

• Lunch on days 4, 5, 7

• Dinner on days 4, 5

• In-country assistance via text, phone and email

 

Not included

• You are responsible for lunch on days 2, 3, 6, 8

• You are responsible for dinner on days 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8

• Price does not include gratuities - it is customary to tip drivers, tour guides, housekeeping staff. There is a 10% gratuity added to restaurant bills, but additional tips for good service are greatly appreciated.

• International airfare not included.

 

What to bring

• You will be traveling to different regions, which have their own climates. Depending on when you come, there may be some rain, so rain jackets (lightweight) or ponchos are a good idea. 

• It can also be chilly and misty in the higher elevations, so layers are important. 

• Be sure to bring several long sleeve and long pants (or leggings) options as your clothes may need to dry out in between wearings if you encounter wet conditions.. 

• You will also want bug repellent and sun screen (ocean-friendly brands if possible). 

• Your footwear options should include flip flops, sports sandals, and sneakers.

 

Note

We always have one or more comparable back-up hotels. The further out you book your vacation, the better our chances of booking our preferred hotels. If hotel availability is going to have a significant impact on your stay, we will discuss alternatives with you prior to making hotel reservations on your behalf.