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

Costa Rica Marriott | Hotel Hacienda Belen


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