The “It's a Wonderful Life” Vacation Experience

This experience brings together the thrill of white water rafting, the decadence of sipping wine on the edge of natural hot springs, and the pure silence of one of the most secluded, lush rainforests in Costa Rica. Enjoy luxury, nature, and romance at every step of the way as you embark on this one-of-a-kind journey.

San José – Pacuare River – Arenal Volcano – Osa Peninsula

11 days / 10 nights

From $5,571* per person

Day 1: San Jose
Arrival at Juan Santamaria Airport in San Jose (SJO). Meet & Greet outside the airport terminal and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at Grano de Oro

Day 2: San Jose – Pacuare Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
It’s an early wake-up on your first morning in Costa Rica. You’ll embark through the green countryside to the Pacuare River. Once at the river, you’ll start the real adventure as you board rafts and start down the river on a 1-1.5 hour rafting trip of class II-III rapids. Before you know it, you’ll round the bend and arrive at the Pacuare Lodge. 

After a well-deserved lunch, you’ll have the option to hike around the retreat’s protected forest to an idyllic waterfall, go ziplining through the canopy, take the canyoning tour, or simply relax in the hammocks at your private bungalow or suite. At night, you’ll be treated to an exquisite candlelit dinner under the stars.
Overnight at Pacuare Lodge

Day 3 and 4: Pacuare Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You decide what to do today. You can enjoy the luxurious privacy of your private bungalow, relax in the ministrations of the Juu Spa (not included) or enjoy the outdoor experiences included in your Adventure Package. Options include:

• Daybreak Birdwatching Tour: Wake up bright and early as your guide helps you find some of the many local and migratory birds that enjoy the secluded rainforest.
• Cabécar Indigenous Hike: Visit this nearby village to get a glimpse of local indigenous culture.
• Rural Experience: Hike to a nearby farming community to experience a little bit of rural Costa Rican life.
• Canopy Adventure Tour: If you didn’t experience this zipline the first day, then you’ll want to give it a go today. Your trained guide will take you gliding from treetop to treetop on the lodge’s own zipline course.
• Canyoning: Combine hiking, rock climbing, and rappelling on this adventurous experience.
• Hidden Waterfall Hike: Trek through the rainforest to this exclusive waterfall where you can even take a dip in the pool.

Overnight at Pacuare Lodge

Day 5: Pacuare Lodge – Arenal
Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, you’ll depart once again for the river for 3.5 hours of class III-IV rapids. Once you reach the end of the rafting, you’ll be able to change into dry clothes at the lodge facility at the river take-out, before getting back on the road to the Arenal Volcano region.
Your next destination is Tabacon Thermal Resort, a fashionable resort that offers awe-inspiring views of the Arenal Volcano, exclusive hot springs straight from a river heated directly by the volcano, and unparalleled comfort.
Overnight at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa

Day 6: Arenal
Breakfast
Enjoy a leisurely morning and breakfast. In the afternoon, you’ll experience a guided visit to the middle of the rainforest where you’ll find a series of hanging bridges—perfect for viewing the treetops and nearby volcano.
The adventure ends with rejuvenating hot springs at the resort’s own private retreat. The mineral waters flow from the river through tropical gardens, forming a variety of pools and cascades, each with its own temperature.
Overnight at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa

Day 7: Arenal – San Jose
Breakfast
You can choose between relaxing at the resort or joining one of the many optional tours and activities in the area during the morning.
In the early afternoon, a private transfer will take you back towards San Jose to Xandari Resort, which sits on a private forest reserve where guests can explore trails to waterfalls and appreciate fantastic views of Costa Rica’s Central Valley.
Overnight at Xandari Resort & Spa

Day 8: San Jose – Lapa Rios on Osa Peninsula
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Get up for an early morning transfer to the airport in San Jose for a domestic flight to Puerto Jimenez on the Osa Peninsula. There, you’ll find the exclusive Lapa Rios Rainforest Lodge. Experience complete immersion in the tranquil rainforest, far from any cities or crowds.
You can spend your afternoon relaxing at the pool, listening to bird song and enjoying refreshing drinks, or swaying in hammocks, under the trees.
Overnight at Lapa Rios Rainforest Lodge

Days 9 and 10: Lapa Rios on Osa Peninsula
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
There are many different tours and activities included in your stay, giving you the ability to customize your experience to the kinds of things you love most. Some of the options include:

• Wild Waterfalls Hike: This hike takes you through the rainforest to waterfalls only few in the world have seen. The way bake takes you splashing through the river itself.
• Birdwatching: Both experienced birders and curious guests will enjoy the birdwatching tour, since there are over 320 bird species that inhabit or migrate to the Osa Peninsula.
• Matapalo Tour: Walk through the forest and along the beaches in the area, enjoying the sound of  the ocean and looking for animals in the trees.
• Local Medicine Tour: Discover the medicinal plants that grow naturally in the area and learn how they’ve been used by indigenous peoples for centuries.
• The Osa Trail: Hike through palm forests as well as primary and secondary rainforests on this walking adventure.

Overnight at Lapa Rios Rainforest Lodge

Day 11: Lapa Rios – San Jose
Breakfast
After breakfast, you’ll bid farewell to Lapa Rios Lodge and transfer to the Puerto Jimenez airstrip, where you’ll take a domestic flight back to San Jose.

Accommodations:

• 1 night at Hotel Grano de Oro
• 3 nights at Pacuare Lodge
• 2 nights at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
• 1 night at Xandari Resort & Spa
• 3 nights at Lapa Rios Rainforest Lodge

Guided tours/activities:

• White-water rafting on the Pacuare River
• On-property guided tours at Pacuare Lodge, as described in the itinerary
• Guided tour to Arenal Mistico Hanging Bridges
• On-property guided tours at Lapa Rios Rainforest Lodge, as described in the itinerary

Transfers and transportation:

• Private arrival transfer from San Jose Airport (SJO) to hotel
• Transportation from San Jose to Pacuare Lodge (shared)
• Private transfer to Arenal Volcano (approx. 3 hrs)
• Private transfer from Arenal to San Jose (approx. 3 hrs)
• Private transfer to local airport in San Jose
• Roundtrip scheduled flight San Jose – Puerto Jimenez – San Jose

Meals as specified

Dedicated 24/7 in-country support and emergency assistance

Optional activities are not included

• *Price is based on a minimum of 2 people occupancy
• Local taxes are included in prices
• Accommodations will be in the above-mentioned hotels or alternative properties of similar style and ambience, according to availability at the time of booking.
• Tours on the package may be adapted according to traveler preference.
• The itinerary can be adjusted based on the arrival and departure airports (San Jose/SJO or Liberia/LIR).
• You will receive a 100% accurate price when you inquire with us and share your travel dates.