13-Day Luxury Itinerary for Cartagena, Costa Rica, Cabo

  • Day 1: Cartagena's Walled City
    25 minutes (6.2 miles) from Rafael Núñez International Airport

    The first day in Cartagena will be spent exploring the city's iconic Walled City. This colonial enclave is full of charming streets, beautiful architecture, and vibrant culture. Stop by the Plaza de la Aduana, the San Felipe Castle, and the Torre del Reloj. End the day with dinner at the elegant La Vitrola.

  • Day 2: Rosario Islands
    1-hour ferry ride from Cartagena's port

    Experience the beautiful beaches of the Rosario Islands. Spend the day snorkeling, swimming, and soaking up the sun. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach and explore the lush landscapes of this tropical paradise.

  • Day 3: Coffee Plantation Tour in Costa Rica
    4-hour flight from Rafael Núñez International Airport to Juan Santamaria International Airport

    Travel to Costa Rica for a coffee plantation tour. Discover the origin of the world's best coffee and learn about the sustainable farming practices. Sip on some unique blends and enjoy lunch with a breathtaking view of the coffee fields.

  • Day 4: Zip-Lining in Monteverde
    2.5-hour drive from San Jose

    Experience the exhilarating zip-lining adventure in Monteverde. Soar through the cloud forest canopy with stunning views of the landscape. Relax in the thermal pools and treat yourself with a spa session at the end of the day.

  • Day 5: Papagayo Peninsula
    4-hour drive from Monteverde

    Travel to the luxurious Papagayo Peninsula for some beach time, gourmet restaurants, and spa treatments. Take a sunset catamaran cruise, ride horses along the beach or simply relax by the crystal clear waters. The Four Seasons Resort or Andaz Costa Rica offer unparalleled luxury accommodations.

  • Day 6: Cabo San Lucas Beaches
    2.5-hour flight from Liberia International Airport to San Jose Del Cabo

    Relax on the beautiful beaches of Cabo San Lucas. With clear waters and ultimate lounging amenities, there's no better place to unwind. Visit the iconic El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, enjoy a sunset dinner at The Office on the Beach, and try your luck at the blackjack tables in the luxurious Cabo San Lucas Casino.

  • Day 7: Snorkeling & Scuba in Cabo
    20 minutes (4.5 miles) from center of Cabo San Lucas

    Experience the crystal-clear water of Cabo San Lucas via snorkeling or scuba diving. Cabo Pulmo Marine Park is known for its colorful coral reef, abundant marine life, and clear waters. End the day with a beachside dinner at the acclaimed Edith's restaurant, serving fresh seafood and Mexican cuisine.

  • Day 8: Whale Watching in Cabo
    20 minutes (4.8 miles) from center of Cabo San Lucas

    Set out on a whale watching adventure to witness the majestic humpback and orca whales. The winter months, from December to April, are the perfect time to catch these animals up close. Enjoy lunch at the luxury Thompson Hotel, overlooking the scenic views of Cabo San Lucas Bay.

  • Day 9: Luxury Shopping & Art Galleries
    30 minutes (16 miles) from Cabo San Lucas to San Jose del Cabo

    Shop in style in San Jose del Cabo's luxury boutiques, art galleries and design stores. Discover the traditional Mexican handicrafts at La Sacristía, contemporary jewelry designs at Nomad Chic, and designer clothing and accessories at Luxury Avenue. Enjoy dinner at Flora's Field Kitchen overlooking the fields and sampling organic farm-to-table dishes.

  • Day 10: Todos Santos Art and Culture
    50 minutes (36 miles) from Cabo San Lucas

    Explore the charming town of Todos Santos, an artists enclave famous for art galleries, picturesque town squares, and architecture. Visit the iconic Hotel California, stroll through the local colorful mercado's and treat yourself with some handmade ice cream at Paleteria Unión. Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner at Hierbabuena Restaurant.

  • Day 11: Luxury Spas & Wellness in Cabo
    30 minutes (21 miles) from Cabo San Lucas

    Spend a day at one of the luxurious spas in Cabo San Lucas, with world-class treatments and services. Try the signature Golden Facial at the Waldorf Astoria Spa, the traditional temazcal sauna at the Solmar Spa Collection, or the oceanfront massage services at Esperanza Resort. End the day with a romantic dinner at the cliffside Sunset da Mona Lisa Restaurant.

  • Day 12: Hiking & Rock Climbing in Cabo
    1-hour drive from Cabo San Lucas

    Take a day trip for some outdoor adventure in the beautiful Sierra de la Laguna region. Hike through the scenic trails of Sierra de la Laguna Reserve or try rock climbing in El Potrero Chico. Enjoy dinner in the family-run Flora Farms, a sustainable farm and restaurant with a relaxing atmosphere and farm-to-table cuisine.

  • Day 13: Departure
    45 minutes (22 miles) from Cabo San Lucas to Los Cabos International Airport

    Depart back home with unforgettable memories of the luxury-filled adventure.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • La Vitrola (2 hours, $50-70)
  • Rosario Islands Day Trip (8 hours, $150-200)
  • Coffee Plantation Tour in Costa Rica (5 hours, $100-150)
  • Zip-lining in Monteverde (6 hours, $90-120)
  • Papagayo Peninsula Beach Day (8 hours, $100-200)
  • The Office on the Beach (2 hours, $70-100)
  • Cabo Pulmo Snorkeling & Scuba (6 hours, $120-170)
  • Whale Watching Tour in Cabo (4 hours, $120-150)
  • San Jose del Cabo Shopping Tour (6 hours, $150-200)
  • Todos Santos Art and Culture Tour (5 hours, $100-150)
  • Luxury Spas & Wellness Day in Cabo (8 hours, $200-300)
  • Hiking & Rock Climbing in Sierra de la Laguna (8 hours, $150-200)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $1380-$1950

Transportation

Transportation options may include car rentals or hiring private drivers for maximum flexibility and convenience. Commercial flights between Costa Rica and Cabo San Lucas are plentiful, and a ferry ride is available between Cartagena and Rosario Islands.

Transportation costs will vary depending on the mode of transportation and specific itinerary, but budget roughly $1000-1500 between flights, car rentals, private drivers, and ferry rides. Travel times can range from 20 minutes to 4 hours depending on the distance and mode of transportation.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to Tulum's ancient ruins and beaches in Mexico or Cusco's Machu Picchu in Peru for a grand finale. Alternatively, if you have less time, consider shortening the itinerary to focus on the most important locations, or skipping a destination altogether. Keep in mind that the estimated costs are just an estimate, and prices can vary depending on a variety of factors.

Airports

Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) is located in Cartagena, Costa Rica's Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) is located 11 miles from San Jose, and Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is located 30 minutes from San Jose del Cabo.

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