Many holidays to Costa Rica take in many destinations, allowing you to see a lot of the country but linger in none. This trip is different. In 10 days you only stay in 2 places, which means that once you arrive you can really make yourself at home, and you’ll have several days to enjoy all that each region has to offer. You have the luxury of time. This is Costa Rica unrushed.
Your first home is Nayara Hotel Spa and Gardens, set within sight of the magisterial Arenal Volcano. You have 3 full days to go deep into the rainforest on suspension bridges, experience the thrills of ziplining down the volcano, go for long hikes and guided wildlife in the national park, and sooth your body with a long soak in a hot spring.
From the mountainous centre to transfer to the southern Pacific coast, Playa Cativo is on the scenic Golfo Dulce, in its own private rainforest, as you swap volcano views for sea views. Take to the water by kayak or paddle board, delve beneath the surface on snorkelling trips, or head out into the bay in search of dolphins. There are walking trails, dreamy botanic gardens and wildlife sanctuaries to be visited, but you’ll have plenty of time.
At each hotel you’ll enjoy creature comforts and excellent facilities. Both have lovely outdoor swimming pools, lush gardens, spas where you can let yourself be pampered, and restaurants serving delicious Costa Rican cuisine. You’ll feel right at home!
Day 1:
On arrival at the international airport in San José you are met by a local representative who drives you to your first hotel near Arenal volcano. Driving time is about 3 hours, as you travel through plantations of sugar cane, coffee and fruit. In due course the symmetrical cone of Arenal comes into view, and soon you arrive at your hotel, Nayara Spa and Gardens. With nothing planned for the remainder of the day you’re free to make yourself at home, unpack your bags, get your bearings and relax.
Day 2:
Enjoy breakfast as you ponder the many activities available to you today. The lure of Arenal is undeniable and if you want to explore it up close you can take a tour of the hanging bridges. This is a network of suspension bridges and platforms that takes you right into the rainforest canopy, crossing deep canyons and giving you the chance to spot birds and animals in among the foliage. Alternatively you might prefer the Sky Tram and Trek, enjoying a smooth ride up the summit, then descending through the rainforest by way of a series of 7 zip-lines. After all that excitement you might want to spend the afternoon chilling by the pool and gazing up at Arenal.
Day 3:
Another day of choices. You can return to Arenal National Park for a guided hike on the western flank taking in rainforest and a lava flow formed as recently as 1992. The trail culminates at a viewpoint where you can look down onto Lake Arenal. If you fancy a change of scene you can visit Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge for a boat trip on the river. Keep your eyes open for monkeys, caimans, sloths and a variety of birds. There are many other excursions available that hotel staff can book for you.
Summery
- Arenal 4 nights
- Golfo Dulce 5 nights
