10-Day Luxury Itinerary for Costa Rica

  • Day 1: Arrival in San José
    Estimated Time: 30 minutes (13 miles) from Juan Santamaría International Airport

    Welcome to Costa Rica! After arriving at Juan Santamaría International Airport, transfer to your luxury hotel in San José. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel's spa, enjoying a gourmet meal, or exploring the city's cultural attractions.

  • Day 2: Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs
    Estimated Time: 3 hours (84 miles) from San José

    Experience Costa Rica's nature and adventure on a day trip to Arenal Volcano. Take a hike at the national park, enjoy a canopy tour, and relax in the hot springs while admiring the stunning views. End the day with a flavorful dinner at one of the luxury restaurants nearby.

  • Day 3: Manuel Antonio National Park
    Estimated Time: 3.5 hours (104 miles) from Arenal

    Explore the stunning flora and fauna of Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its beaches and wildlife. Spot monkeys, sloths, and iguanas as you hike the trails, relax on a secluded beach, or take a dip in the ocean. Check into your oceanfront villa or luxury hotel for the night.

  • Day 4: Quepos and Marina Pez Vela
    Estimated Time: 15 minutes (5 miles) from Manuel Antonio

    Spend the day in Quepos, a charming town known for its colorful waterfront and artisanal shops. Visit Marina Pez Vela for a luxury sailing experience, deep-sea fishing, or a romantic sunset cruise. Enjoy fresh seafood and cocktails at one of the seaside restaurants.

  • Day 5: Central Pacific Coast
    Estimated Time: 2 hours (56 miles) from Quepos

    Experience the beauty of the Central Pacific Coast on a scenic drive from Quepos to Jaco. Stop along the way to admire the stunning landscapes, visit local markets, or go whale-watching. Spend the night at a luxury hotel or nearby villa.

  • Day 6: Jaco Beach and Surfing
    Estimated Time: 10 minutes (3 miles) from Jaco

    Spend the day at Jaco Beach, known for its surfing and nightlife. Take a private surf lesson with a local instructor or simply relax in a beach cabana with a drink in hand. Enjoy a gourmet dinner at one of the town's luxury restaurants.

  • Day 7: Tortuga Island
    Estimated Time: 1 hour (17 miles) from Jaco

    Sail to Tortuga Island, a secluded paradise known for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Snorkel, swim, and sunbathe while enjoying a private yacht or catamaran ride. Feast on a gourmet lunch and refreshing cocktails on the island, and relax in a beachside hammock.

  • Day 8: Nicoya Peninsula and Santa Teresa Beach
    Estimated Time: 4 hours (104 miles) from Tortuga Island

    Explore the Nicoya Peninsula and visit the stunning Santa Teresa Beach. Go for a horseback ride at sunset, try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding, or explore the nearby Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. Check into your luxury hotel or villa for a peaceful night's sleep.

  • Day 9: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
    Estimated Time: 2.5 hours (66 miles) from Santa Teresa

    Discover the beauty of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, a top destination for hikers, bird-watchers, and nature-lovers. Experience the thrill of walking along hanging bridges, zip-lining through the forest, or taking a night hike to spot nocturnal animals. Indulge in a gourmet dinner at one of the local restaurants.

  • Day 10: Depart Costa Rica
    Estimated Time: 3.5 hours (93 miles) from Monteverde

    After breakfast, transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport and head back home. Adiós, Costa Rica...until next time!

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Park Entry Fees (varies): $50-$100
  • Arenal Hot Springs Resort (1-2 nights): $500-$2000
  • Oceanfront Villa (1-2 nights): $500-$2000
  • Marina Pez Vela (sailing, fishing, or sunset cruise): $100-$500
  • Private Surf Lessons in Jaco: $50-$100
  • Tortuga Island Private Tour: $200-$500
  • Santa Teresa Beach Horseback Riding: $50-$100
  • Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Ticket: $20-$50
  • Gourmet Dining (per meal): $50-$150
  • Total Estimated Costs: $1140-$4000

Transportation

To travel in luxury in Costa Rica, a private car with a driver is recommended. Most luxury hotels and resorts offer airport transportation services. Advantages to using a private car service include personalized service, comfort, and the convenience of having all transportation needs taken care of during the trip. Approximate cost for a 10-day car service is around $2000-$4000.

Useful Tips

If you have more than 10 days, consider adding a visit to the stunning beaches of Guanacaste or a stay at a luxury eco-lodge in the Osa Peninsula. If you have less time, shorten your itinerary by skipping a destination, such as Monteverde, or reducing your stay in one location. Another option is to fly between destinations to save time on long drives.

Airports

The main international airport in Costa Rica is Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), located in Alajuela, 12 miles from San José's city center. Another important airport is Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), located in Liberia, Guanacaste. The smallest commercial airport is Tobías Bolaños International Airport (SYQ), located in Pavas, San José, primarily used for domestic and charter flights.

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