DURATION: 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16 or 21 nights
BEST FOR: Cultural immersion
PACE: Moderate

Explore Costa Rica

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Costa Rica’s most diverse landscapes, from the cultural rhythm of San José to the lush rainforest of Manuel Antonio and the untamed wilderness of Drake Bay. Travel through the Central Valley’s volcanic scenery, along the Pacific coastline, and deep into protected marine and jungle ecosystems. Experience the country’s extraordinary biodiversity through rainforest walks, mangrove exploration, and time at sea, where jungle meets ocean in its most dramatic form.

8-night itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in San José

Day 2: San José

Day 3: San José → Manuel Antonio

Day 4: Manuel Antonio → Quepos → Drake Bay

Day 5: Drake Bay

Day 6: Drake Bay

Day 7: Drake Bay → Manuel Antonio

Day 8: Manuel Antonio → San José

Day 9: Departure from San José

For longer stays, enjoy 1 to 13 additional nights in Manuel Antonio, where you can extend your time between lush rainforest and golden Pacific beaches, and explore the region at a more relaxed, unhurried pace.

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

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN SAN JOSÉ

Arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) introduces you to the warm air of Costa Rica’s Central Valley, where distant green hills rise softly beyond the runway. A private transfer carries you into San José, passing through a gentle blend of urban life and tropical vegetation. The city feels relaxed yet alive, offering a first impression of the country’s easy rhythm. Later, a local representative contacts you by phone to welcome you and provide useful guidance for the days ahead.

Included:

• Private airport transfer from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
• Night at Gran Hotel Costa Rica 4*

DAY 2: SAN JOSÉ

The morning in San José opens gently, with the city gradually coming to life beneath a soft Central Valley light. Time is yours to wander at an unhurried pace through lively streets, where markets, museums and cafés reveal the capital’s cultural heartbeat. The atmosphere shifts easily from historic architecture to modern urban rhythm, offering a layered introduction to Costa Rica. As the day unfolds, you may choose to explore further into nearby volcanic landscapes or simply linger in the city’s relaxed energy.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Night at Gran Hotel Costa Rica 4*

Optional:

• Guided city tour of San José with local guide
• La Paz Waterfall Gardens, coffee plantation and Poás Volcano
• Visit to Irazú Volcano, Orosi Valley and a botanical garden

DAY 3: SAN JOSÉ → MANUEL ANTONIO

The day opens with breakfast before setting off on a private transfer towards Manuel Antonio, tracing a scenic route that leads from the Central Valley to the Pacific coast. Along the journey, the landscape transforms into a rich tapestry of jungle, plantations and distant mountain views. As you near the coast, the atmosphere becomes noticeably more tropical, with the sound of the ocean beginning to define the horizon. Arrival in Manuel Antonio offers time to unwind and absorb the natural surroundings.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Private transfer San José → Manuel Antonio
• Overnight stay at San Bada Resort 4*

Optional:

• Mangrove kayaking experience
• Guided exploration of Manuel Antonio National Park

The morning begins with breakfast before a private transfer leads you from Manuel Antonio towards Quepos, where the marina marks the starting point of your coastal journey. Once on board, the cruise sets sail along the Pacific, revealing a dramatic meeting of rainforest-covered cliffs and open ocean horizons. Later, a guided exploration of the Barú Wildlife Refuge brings you deep into a protected ecosystem alive with wildlife and dense vegetation. As the afternoon unfolds, return to the vessel for relaxation, dining, and the gentle movement of the sea.

Included:

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Private transfer Manuel Antonio → Quepos
• Entrance to Barú National Wildlife Refuge
• Night onboard Galaxy Zibo 

DAY 5: DRAKE BAY

Morning light breaks over Drake Bay as breakfast is served on deck, with the surrounding sea reflecting soft tones of gold and green. The journey continues inland through the Sierpe River mangroves, a vast and intricate ecosystem where water and forest intertwine. Gliding silently through narrow channels, you encounter rich wildlife hidden within the roots and canopy of this living landscape. In the afternoon, return to the open sea for moments of rest, swimming and quiet observation of the Pacific’s ever-changing horizon.

Included:

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Night onboard Galaxy Zibo

DAY 6: DRAKE BAY

After breakfast, the journey continues towards Isla del Caño, where deep blue waters and a preserved marine ecosystem define the horizon. The island emerges as a sanctuary of natural beauty, once a ceremonial site and now a protected biological reserve. The day unfolds through gentle exploration of the surrounding waters, offering encounters with rich marine life in an environment of exceptional clarity. Later, time on deck allows for rest and contemplation as the Pacific light shifts across the ocean.

Included:

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Entrance to Isla del Caño Reserve
• Night onboard Galaxy Zibo

The morning begins with breakfast onboard as the vessel gently traces its way back along the Pacific coastline. Soft ocean light reflects across the water while the jungle-covered shores of the Osa Peninsula gradually give way to more familiar coastal landscapes. After disembarkation in Quepos, a private transfer brings you back towards Manuel Antonio, where the rainforest meets the sea in a final stretch of vibrant greenery. The afternoon is free to unwind, with the sound of the ocean offering a calm return to shore life.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Private transfer Quepos → Manuel Antonio
• Night at San Bada Resort 4*

Optional:

• Kayaking through mangrove channels
• Guided visit to Manuel Antonio National Park

DAY 8: MANUEL ANTONIO → SAN JOSÉ 

After breakfast, a private transfer carries you away from the Pacific coast, where the lush greenery of Manuel Antonio slowly gives way to rolling hills and rural landscapes. The journey back towards the Central Valley unfolds through changing scenery, from dense tropical vegetation to open farmland and distant volcanic silhouettes. As you arrive in the Alajuela region, the air feels cooler and more serene, marking a gentle transition back towards the highlands. The rest of the day is free to unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Private transfer Manuel Antonio → San José
• Night at Buena Vista Chic 4*

DAY 9: DEPARTURE FROM SAN JOSÉ 

Following breakfast, a private transfer carries you towards Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) through the calm landscapes of the Central Valley. Rolling greenery and distant peaks accompany you along the way, marking a gentle farewell to Costa Rica. You arrive at the airport in time for your international flight.

Included:

• Breakfast
• Private transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)

At each of your stops, you will be staying in thoughtfully selected hotels and aboard a luxury cruise yacht, accommodating up to 10 guests across 5 cabins.

Your hotels (or similar):

• San José (start): Gran Hotel Costa Rica 4*
• Manuel Antonio: San Bada 4*
• Drake Bay: Galaxy Zibo cruise
• San José (end): Buena Vista Chic 4*

If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.

Stay connected on the move with this exclusive mobile internet offer, perfect for modern travellers. Activate your included eSIM and enjoy connection wherever you go. Easily share your internet connection with friends and family without limits.

Please note: 3GB of internet data represents around 30 hours of web browsing/audio streaming or 3 to 4 hours of video streaming/social networking/video calls.

Add an extra 20 GB of internet data to stay connected without exceeding your plan. Activate your eSIM and enjoy connectivity wherever you go. Easily share your internet connection with your loved ones, find the best restaurants nearby, and use your GPS with peace of mind.

Please note: 20 GB of internet data represents approximately 250 hours of additional web browsing/audio streaming or 20 to 30 hours of additional video streaming/social media/video calls.

Discover San José on foot with a local guide, uncovering the city’s cultural landmarks, bustling markets, and hidden corners. This immersive walk offers a genuine insight into everyday life and the capital’s vibrant character.

Discover La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a lush nature park showcasing Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity with waterfalls, cloud forest trails, and wildlife. Continue to a coffee plantation and the Poás Volcano, where steaming crater views and fertile highland landscapes reveal the country’s volcanic heart.

Discover Irazú Volcano, where vast crater views and highland landscapes create a striking volcanic setting. Continue to the charming village of Orosi and a botanical garden, where peaceful scenery, lush vegetation, and rural traditions reveal the quieter beauty of Costa Rica’s Central Valley.

Discover Manuel Antonio National Park with a guide, exploring lush rainforest trails where wildlife, golden beaches, and ocean views come together in a striking natural setting.

Explore the region’s mangroves by kayak, gliding through calm waterways surrounded by dense vegetation and rich wildlife. This peaceful journey offers an intimate perspective of Costa Rica’s coastal ecosystems and natural tranquillity.

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.