Destinations: Rio Celeste, Bagaces, Las Catalinas

Duration: 10 days

*Price Range: $$$ – $$$

*Rates inclusive of full vacation experience – hotels, tours, domestic transfers, and tax (excluding international airfare).  Actual price based on length of travel, number of travelers/rooms, seasonal rates (high, low, peak), number of tour activities, and mode of domestic transportation.

$$$: At or under $1,200 per person

$$$: $1,200 – $1,800 per person

$$$: $1,800+ per person

1. Day 1

   Fly into Liberia International Airport (LIR). Outside the airport you’ll find your private driver holding a sign with your name on it. He/she will help you with your luggage and take you to Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel. Rio Celeste Hideaway is an oasis of natural beauty located on the banks of the sky-blue waters of Rio Celeste and surrounded by lush rainforest on the outskirts of Tenorio National Park. Tonight, enjoy a candlelit dinner in the open-air Kantala restaurant and then relax in one of the heated jacuzzis under a star-filled sky.

2. Day 2

   Awaken to the blissful sound of the jungle and fuel-up for a moderate hike along Rio Celeste’s vibrant blue waters. Hike down to the splendid waterfall and to natural hot spring pools in the middle of the flowing river. Keep a watchful eye out for exotic birds, monkeys, butterflies, and hundreds of other creatures. Upon your return to the hotel, dive into the pool and snack on lunch and drinks at the pool-side Luna Azul restaurant.

3. Day 3

   Spend a half or full day around the Arenal Volcano, an hour’s drive from Rio Celeste Hideaway. At Arenal Volcano, you’ll find hanging bridges, hot springs, zip-lines, rappelling, rafting and more. Otherwise, tube down Rio Celeste on a leisurely float in the refreshing blue waters while your guide points on the various bird species overhead. In the afternoon sign-up for a rejuvenating massage or relax by the pool with a tropical drink.

4. Day 4

   Say good-bye to your river “hideaway” as you make your way to the “Lost River” or Rio Perdido. At Rio Perdido eight natural springs dump 400 gallons of mineral water per minute into the Rio Perdido, thus allowing guests to experience 100% natural springs as hot spring water mixes with Rio Perdido’s cooler waters. Spend the rest of the afternoon in Rio Perdido testing out different river pools of varying thermal temperatures.

5. Day 5

   Today, Rio Perdido’s 600-acre private reserve becomes your adventure playground! After a filling breakfast, take a short or long hike through the tropical dry forest to various panoramic lookouts. Intermediate to experienced mountain bikers will enjoy singletrack segments that pass by waterfalls, a historic home site, cave, and spring with medicinal qualities. Return to Rio Perdido for a fresh, delicious lunch followed by a dip in the pool. Spend the afternoon in the spa or paint your skin with mineral-rich volcanic mud down by the river.

6. Day 6

   There is much more in store today within Rio Perdido’s forest playground! Swing from the canyon walls over the rushing river on a Canyon Adventure zip-line. Slow it down a notch in the afternoon as you river tube Rio Perdido’s waters with a fun mix of leisurely floating and small rapids. Spend the rest of the afternoon’s daylight soaking in the thermal hot spring river and painting each other with volcanic clay.

7. Day 7

   Make sure to stop at the sparkling Llanos de Cortés Waterfalls for a swim as you make your way from Rio Perdido to the Pacific coastline. Check into your beach retreat, Casa Chameleon, located up on the hillside of Las Catalinas. One of the main highlights of this luxury boutique retreat is its zero-edge infinity pool with incredible ocean views. The pool is the perfect place to watch nightly sunset shows with a cold beverage. Enjoy an open-air, cliff-side dinner at Casa Chameleon’s Sentido Norte Restaurant with a farm-to-table menu.

8. Day 8

   Enjoy a delicious and fresh breakfast of freshly squeezed juices, fruit smoothies, eggs, bacon, and toast while taking in the panoramic views. After breakfast, hike or mountain bike over 22-km of trail around Las Catalinas. Looking to spend time in the water? Paddleboard or kayak the calm bay of Playa Dantas in front of the hotel. Scuba divers will enjoy the abundant marine life at the nearby Catalinas Islands, offering excellent dive sites for both beginner and advanced divers. Adventure seekers can choose excursions such as whitewater rafting on class II-III or III-IV rapids, extreme off-roading on ATVs, or flying from new heights on Costa Rica’s highest dual action canopy zip-line! For those looking for a slower-paced day, enjoy relaxing by the pool with a good book and a cold beverage. Return to Casa Chameleon in time for sunset cocktails over the infinity pool.

9. Day 9

   Enjoy your last day in paradise relaxing on the beach, by the pool, or in your villa’s private plunge pool. In the afternoon, enjoy a catamaran cruise with snorkeling, snacks, drinks, and lunch. Celebrate your last evening in Costa Rica with a private dinner in your room.

10. Day 10

    Take a private ground transfer to Liberia (LIR) for your international flight home.