Begin your Costa Rican journey with a single night in San José’s historic centre, where colourful markets, elegant cafés, and lively streets reveal the country’s vibrant culture, or choose the 4 night tour, an immersive journey through lush forests, volcanic landscapes, and misty cloud heights. From tranquil evenings in the capital to guided wildlife encounters and scenic boat crossings, each day blends discovery, comfort, and a gentle sense of adventure.

Following this introduction to Costa Rica’s contrasting landscapes, Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica 5* awaits on the pristine shores of the Papagayo Gulf. This adults-only sanctuary offers sweeping ocean views, refined gastronomy, and understated luxury, creating the perfect retreat to unwind and savour the beauty of Costa Rica in complete serenity.

Offer 1: 1 night in San José & Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica 5*

• 7 nights: 1 night in San José & 6 nights in the Gulf of Papagayo
• 8 nights: 1 night in San José & 7 nights in the Gulf of Papagayo
• 10 nights: 1 night in San José & 9 nights in the Gulf of Papagayo
• 12 nights: 1 night in San José & 11 nights in the Gulf of Papagayo
• 14 nights: 1 night in San José & 13 nights in the Gulf of Papagayo
• 16 nights: 1 night in San José & 15 nights in the Gulf of Papagayo

Offer 2: 4 night tour & Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica 5*

Enjoy 1 night in San José’s historic centre, wandering its lively streets, colourful markets, and vibrant cafés, and soaking in the city’s rich culture.

Get deeper into Costa Rican culture and opt for a 4 night tour, offering a condensed yet richly immersive journey through the country’s extraordinary biodiversity. Linking the capital with two of Costa Rica’s most emblematic regions, the tour unfolds through contrasting ecosystems and ever-changing scenery. From the powerful presence of volcanoes and tropical wildlife to the hushed atmosphere of cloud forests, each stage is designed to combine discovery, comfort, and a gentle sense of adventure.

1 night itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrival in San José
• Day 2: San José → Gulf of Papagayo

4 night itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrival in San José
• Day 2: San José → Arenal
• Day 3: Arenal
• Day 4: Arenal → Monteverde
• Day 5: Monteverde → Gulf of Papagayo

Please note: your itinerary may have minor adjustments, but your overall trip experience will remain the same.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN SAN JOSE

Welcome to Costa Rica. Upon arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), you will be met by a local representative who will assist with your arrival before arranging your private transfer to your hotel in San José.
The remainder of the day is free to settle in and unwind after your journey. This first evening offers a gentle introduction to the country, allowing you to relax comfortably and soak up the city’s atmosphere ahead of your nature-focused adventure.

• Overnight in San José

DAY 2: SAN JOSÉ → ARENAL

After breakfast, depart the capital by shared transfer towards Arenal and the town of La Fortuna. As the journey unfolds, urban scenery gradually gives way to lush vegetation and rolling landscapes, culminating in the striking silhouette of the Arenal Volcano.

Upon arrival and check-in at your hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure. You may choose to relax in naturally heated thermal pools, wander through tropical gardens, or explore the charming village of La Fortuna and its artisan shops.

• Overnight in Arenal
• Breakfast included 

Today is dedicated to wildlife discovery with a guided sloth tour. Accompanied by an expert guide, set out on a nature walk in search of two- and three-toed sloths in their natural habitat. The surrounding forest is also home to a wide variety of species, from colourful toucans and iguanas to the shimmering blue Morpho butterfly.

The afternoon is free to enjoy the tranquil surroundings at the foot of the volcano, with time to relax and make the most of the region’s thermal waters.

• Breakfast included
• Overnight in Arenal

This morning, continue your journey towards Monteverde via a scenic route combining road and a shared boat crossing on Lake Arenal. From the water, enjoy unique perspectives of the surrounding landscapes before ascending into the cooler, misty heights of the cloud forest.

As night falls, experience a guided night walk, revealing a different side of the forest. Equipped with torches, observe nocturnal wildlife such as tree frogs, insects, and mammals that emerge after dark, creating a truly atmospheric encounter with nature.

• Breakfast included
• Overnight in Monteverde

DAY 5: MONTEVERDE → BAY OF PAPAGAYO

After breakfast, a shared transfer will take you from the cloud forest highlands to the sun-drenched coast of Guanacaste and the Papagayo region. This marks the end of your immersive nature experience and the beginning of your beach stay by the Pacific.

• Breakfast included

1 NIGHT ITINERARY

If you opt for the 1 night stay, you will spend a night in San José, immersing yourself in the city’s vibrant culture, from bustling markets and charming cafés to the lively streets and local flavours that give the capital its unique character. The following day, enjoy a private transfer to the Gulf of Papagayo, where Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica 5* awaits. Here, you can unwind in an adults-only sanctuary, savour refined gastronomy, lounge by the ocean, and soak up the sun in complete serenity.

To ensure a comfortable stay in well-located surroundings throughout your journey, we have carefully selected the following hotels, each offering a welcoming atmosphere and easy access to the region’s main highlights. 

Your hotels (or similar):

• San José: Radisson Hotel San José
• Arenal: Arenal Paraíso Hotel
• Monteverde: El Establo Mountain Hotel

If your hotel listed above is unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply. 

Nestled along the unspoilt shores of the Papagayo Gulf, Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica 5* is an elegant all-inclusive retreat designed for relaxation and effortless escape. Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and set within a peaceful, secure environment, the resort blends contemporary comfort with Costa Rica’s natural beauty.

Thoughtfully designed spaces, attentive service and a serene atmosphere create an ideal setting for guests seeking both privacy and refinement by the Pacific.

This is an all inclusive stay. Your breakfast, lunch, and evening meal will be served in the main restaurant, with a selection of snacks and drinks. Please see the ‘details’ tab for more information.

The resort invites you to slow down and reconnect at your own pace. Unwind at the spa with a selection of soothing treatments, stay active in the fitness centre, or relax by one of the two outdoor swimming pools.

For those wishing to explore their surroundings, a variety of activities are available, including water sports, scenic walks and outdoor experiences inspired by the region’s landscapes. Throughout the day, a gentle programme of entertainment adds rhythm without ever disturbing the resort’s tranquil ambience.

Nestled in Central America, Costa Rica is a haven for eco-tourism and outdoor enthusiasts. Known for its motto La Pura Vida (the pure life), the country charms visitors with its lush rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and rich biodiversity. Offering a blend of adventure and tranquillity, Costa Rica invites you to discover its natural treasures.

Must-see:

• Arenal Volcano: Experience hot springs and dramatic volcanic scenery.
• Guanacaste: This a sun-drenched province in Costa Rica, is renowned for its golden beaches, biodiverse dry forests, and serene volcanic landscapes, offering a blend of adventure and relaxation.
• Manuel Antonio National Park: Compact yet teeming with wildlife, it’s a perfect blend of beaches and trails.
• Monteverde Cloud Forest: A mist-laden paradise, home to rare flora and fauna.

Culinary Culture:

Costa Rican cuisine emphasises freshness and simplicity. Staples include gallo pinto, a breakfast dish of rice and beans, and casado, a hearty meal of protein, rice, and salad. Don't miss a cup of locally grown coffee, often paired with traditional pastries such as tamal asado. Tropical fruits like guava and rambutan are abundant and a must-try.

Dive Deeper:

For those keen to explore off the beaten path, visit the Nicoya Peninsula, part of a Blue Zone renowned for longevity. Learn about Costa Rica’s indigenous cultures, such as the Bribri, who excel in sustainable farming and chocolate-making traditions. Adventure-seekers can traverse less-travelled trails in Rincón de la Vieja National Park, with its bubbling mud pools and waterfalls.

Good to Know:

The local currency is the Costa Rican colón (CRC), though US dollars are widely accepted. The dry season (December to April) is ideal for travel, but the green season (May to November) offers lush landscapes and fewer crowds. Getting around is easiest by rental car or domestic flights for remote regions.