Anita Rani in Costa Rica

You’ll be met on arrival to San José International Airport and whisked out of the city and into the Highlands to Naranjo. Your home for the next two nights will be charming Chayote Lodge, where local culture and nature meet amid cloud forests and coffee plantations.
We recommend dining in the lodge’s excellent restaurant, Quelites, which offers fusion cuisine bringing local flavours into international dishes. It’s a favourite spot with locals.

Chayote Lodge
12 individually designed, spacious and stylish bungalows surround the main lodge at Chayote. Each with its own private terrace, look out over breathtaking views towards across the Central Valley, whilst enjoying a coffee from the neighbouring plantations. Stroll around the lodge’s flower-filled gardens taking in the sounds and colours of the native birdlife. From the lively bar to the forest yoga deck, Chayote is the perfect place to settle into “Tico time” setting you up for the rest of your trip.

After breakfast, head to the nearby Don Carlos Estate for a tour of the coffee plantation. Walk through the grounds, admiring the stunning views as your guide shares the history of the farm and the art of coffee cultivation. Of course, they’ll be time to enjoy a cup of home brewed coffee and enjoy the peace of the countryside setting.

Your rental car will be delivered to the lodge ready for the adventure to come, but enjoy one more night relaxing at Chayote.

Time to hit the road as you head out from Naranjo on a scenic drive to Caño Negro. The journey meanders through lush hills, expansive farmlands and picturesque rural villages before giving way to the wetlands. Caño Negro is one of Costa Rica’s most biologically diverse areas and offers the chance to explore rich ecosystems teeming with birds, reptiles, and aquatic life. Spend the next two nights glamping at beautiful Tocu Tent Camp. All meals and activities are included during your stay here, with the choices available for that day advised on arrival.

Tocu Tent Camp
You’ll feel completely immersed in your natural surroundings at Tocu but there’s no roughing it. The spacious tent interiors feature luxurious king-size beds, sofas, handcrafted lamps, bathrooms with double sinks, plus a private garden with outdoor hot tub. Each tent has private deck looking out to the tropical gardens.

Choose from a range of unique Caño Negro experiences. Explore the area’s rich natural history on a guided nature walk or take a peaceful boat ride through the wetlands. Spot colourful birds in their natural habitat, discover the incredible biodiversity of the Rio Frio on an ecological tour, or set out after dark on an adventurous night hike.

If you’d like to delve into local life, take a horse riding tour with an agricultural focus, or join a hands-on cookery class learning how to make classic Costa Rican dishes and mix a few cocktails.

Today you’ll set off to the enchanting region of Rio Celeste, famed for its vivid, blue river. On the edge of Tenorio Volcano National Park, where you might hike to a waterfall, looking out for birds along the trail and finish with a soak in natural hot springs. Spend two nights at Rio Celeste Hideaway.

Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel
This secluded resort is surrounded by wildlife-filled rainforest on the slopes of Tenorio Volcano. Bosating One MICHELIN Key. The guest casitas are spacious and feature private balconies and back gardens with outdoor showers. Open-sided Kantala Restaurant is a sensory treat.
The lodge also features a pool and jacuzzi, spa, a true jungle gym and a host of optional experiences.

Join a guided tour of the incredible Heliconias Hanging Bridges this morning. Nestled in the foothills of Tenorio Volcano, walk along well-kept rainforest trails and cross suspension bridges taking in breathtaking views of the jungle canopy. This lush reserve is a prime habitat for sloths, and you may also spot toucans, motmot birds and monkeys helped by the knowledge and spotting skills of your expert guide.

The afternoon’s adventure takes you in search of the elusive tapir, Central America’s largest land mammal and an endangered species. Walk through the foothills of Tenorio on the lookout for these incredible animals in their natural habitat. The tour has been developed in partnership with local farmers and focuses on the conservation and protection of tapirs.

Head to one of Costa Rica’s most iconic regions, Arenal, famous for its almost perfectly conical volcano and surrounding scenery. The picturesque drive of around 75km, takes you through rolling hills, forests and quaint northern villages. Check into Amor Arenal, near La Fortuna, for a three-night stay. The rest of the day is yours to explore or relax by the pool with a view soaking up your setting.

Amor Arenal
You can’t fail to embrace ‘pura vida’ at this wilderness wilderness lodge perched on the edge of a forest-filled canyon. Each of the 21 spacious casitas features a king size bed and stunning rainfall shower. Outside the private deck boasts its own naturally-heated spring water plunge pool. There are three natural hot spring pools, complimentary yoga sessions and meandering jungle trails around the property.

Dining at Amor Arenal is serious business, with a choice of styles to suit all tastes. Table-side grills for DIY barbequeing, organic local dishes and mouthwatering baked goods with fresh coffee all feature.

Start the day scaling new heights with a Sky Tram and Sky Trek zip-lining experience. Set in lush tropical rainforest, take in stunning views of Arenal Volcano. Equipment and safety briefing done, ascend 800 meters on the Sky Tram to the treetop launch point. From there, unleash your thrill-seeking spirit on the Sky Trek, a 2-hour adrenaline-pumping experience across seven zip-lines, some up to 200 meters high and 750 meters long. This tour delivers the perfect mix of adventure, excitement and breathtaking scenery high above the rainforest canopy.

In the afternoon, take the pace down a notch as you join a guided tour in search of one of the world’s most laidback inhabitants – the sloth. The Arenal region provides a sanctuary for these gentle creatures, thanks to its ideal climate and plentiful food. Your guide will share insights into the importance of protecting sloth habitats and explain the risks posed by human interaction.

Explore Arenal from a different perspective on a guided kayaking adventure. Paddle along tranquil waters, soaking up the sights and sounds of the rainforest. Keep your eyes (and ears) peeled for monkeys, and tropical birds, including toucans and herons.

The afternoon brings the chance to explore the dramatic landscapes formed by the region’s most famous eruption in 1968. Join a guided tour into Arenal 1968 Park. Follow the Lava trail across solidified lava fields and through regenerating forest, where ferns, bromeliads, and young trees now thrive. The trail opens onto breathtaking viewpoints towards Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal, and the surrounding mountains. You may spot toucans, coatis, deer, and playful white-faced monkeys along the way.

Leaving behind the lush rainforests of La Fortuna, drive through fertile farmland and winding mountain routes en route towards San José for you final night on the outskirts of the city at colourful Xandari Resort.

Drive the short distance to San José International Airport, drop off your rental car and board your flight home.