Trip Overview
On this epic week-long journey, you’ll learn all about the country’s motto of pura vida, or pure life. Take rafting trips through slot canyons, laze on the best Pacific beaches at Papagayo, ride horseback through Rincón de la Vieja National Park, taste organic chocolate, soak in volcanic mud baths, zip-line over the forest canopy and look out over Arenal Volcano from the private balconies of our deluxe bungalows.
We start in Costa Rica's capital, San José, then we’ll head straight into the rainforest to reach the country’s most famous volcano and check into our bungalow resort, looking up to the smoldering purplish cone-crater of Arenal Volcano. Our next stop is the Guanacaste region, famous for steaming-hot springs, rushing rivers, epic adventures and even cowboys. We'll spend a few blissful days here, at a deluxe bungalow resort on the edge of Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Our final stop is Playa Hermosa on the 1,400-acre Papagayo Peninsula, what GQ magazine calls “Costa Rica’s best-kept secret.” We’ll immediately see why, with the dozen or so miles of gorgeous sandy coast outside our new abode, which feels more like a private beach house than a hotel.
This trip overview is designed to answer questions regarding our Modern Adventure experience, including the itinerary, food and drink, packing list and more. Keep this document handy and refer to it whenever you need information regarding our trip.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
DAY 1: SAN JOSE > ARENAL
Day One! Meet in San José, Costa Rica at 7:45am on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 (see Travel & Logistics)
Drive to Arenal region and town of Fortuna
Forest hike across Mistico Hanging Bridges
Evening at leisure
Lodging: Arenal Kioro Hotel
DAY 2: ARENAL
Zipline adventure
Lunch
Rainforest chocolate tour and tasting
Explore area hot springs
Evening at leisure
Lodging: Arenal Kioro Hotel
DAY 3: ARENAL > GUANACASTE
Drive to Guanacaste
Lunch
Floating trip on Corobici River
Drive to bungalows
Group dinner
Lodging: Borinquen Mountain Resort
DAY 4: GUANACASTE
Explore Rincón de la Vieja National Park
Volcano visit
Lunch
Horseback riding
Group dinner
Lodging: Borinquen Mountain Resort
DAY 5: GUANACASTE > PLAYA HERMOSA
Forest hike and swim at Sensoria
Lunch
Transfer to Papagayo Peninsula
Check in, afternoon to relax or swim
Group dinner
Lodging: Hotel Bosque del Mar
DAY 6: PLAYA HERMOSA
Morning at leisure
Visit Playas de Coco
Lunch
Catamaran sunset sail
Group dinner
Lodging: Hotel Bosque del Mar
DAY 7: PLAYA HERMOSA > DEPARTURES
Final breakfast
Group transfer to Liberia's LIR airport (30min) or San José's SJR airport (3.5hrs)
Our Accommodations
Heredia Province, Heredia, 40703, Costa Rica
Tel. +506 2298 0000
Costa Rica Marriott | Hotel Hacienda Belen
This is our meeting spot on day one. We'll meet in the lobby at 7:45am and head out to Arenal Volcano in our private transport.
Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa
Alajuela Province, La Fortuna 21007, Costa Rica
Tel. +506 2479 1700
Arenal Kiora Suites & Spa
You can’t get much closer to an active volcano than at our luxury resort on the outskirts of the town of La Fortuna. All of the roomy suites have wide windows and private decks to look out over the green rainforest rising before you to the misty, purplish peak of Arenal, Costa Rica’s most famous volcano. Drop by the full spa, rest in a garden hammock, jump into the pool facing the volcano, or visit the nearby hot springs for a refreshing dip.
Borinquen Mountain Resort
Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica
Tel. +506 2690 1900
Borinquen Mountain Resort
It's true comfort and a warm welcome at this luxury bungalow resort hidden in the lush mountainscape. Set on a 570-acre ranch, Borinquen Mountain Resort offers the same natural wonder as nearby Rincon de la Vieja National Park, with three waterfalls and endless opportunities to spot toucans, quetzals, sloths and monkeys. Hot springs and mud baths on offer, too, plus a pool that catches superb sunsets.
Hotel Bosque del Mar
Guanacaste Province, Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica
Tel. +506 2672 0046
Hotel Bosque del Mar
Papagayo Peninsula—one of the New York Times’ 52 places to go in 2019—is one of Costa Rica’s most exclusive spots, and our hotel here feels more like checking into a private beach house. Palm trees press up onto the balcony of your room. When not relaxing on the nearby beach, lit by the golden sun, you can swing in a hammock, keeping an eye (and ear) out for parrots or jump in the pool.
Inclusions & Exclusions
INCLUSIONS
On a Modern Adventure, we’ve worked out all the details for you. Included in your experience are luxury boutique accommodations, delicious local food and drink, private transport between destinations, expert local guides, and much more. Here’s what’s included:
Six nights at unique four- and five-star accommodations
Private transportation—just for us—for all day trips and excursions
Private tours with local guides and cultural experts
Guided activities, adventures and expeditions
Exclusive VIP access and tours
Daily breakfasts, most lunches and dinners
Departure airport transfer
Entrance fees
EXCLUSIONS
What’s not included on this trip?
International roundtrip airfare to and from Costa Rica
Transportation to the trip’s starting point
Travel insurance (see Get Ready)
Hotel incidentals including room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs
Food, beverages and activities not included in itinerary
Gratuity for Modern Adventure trip leaders