ULTIMATE COSTA RICA

Day 1 Arrive in San Jose

Arrive in the Costa Rican capital today where you will be privately transferred your hotel. Located in a peaceful and upmarket neighbourhood close to the city centre, the Grano de Oro boasts attractive colonial design features and one of the best restaurants in the city.

Overnight: Hotel Grano de Oro

Day 2 Flight to the Osa Peninsula

This morning, take a spectacular flight south to Puerto Jimenez on the Osa Peninsula. On arrival you will be met and driven to Lapa Rios which lies in a 1,000-acre rainforest reserve and is one of the finest wildlife lodges in the country. Tonight fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle from your stylish bungalow perched in the canopy level of the rainforest.

Overnight: Lapa Rios

Day 3 Activities from Lapa Rios

At Lapa Rios there is an enormous choice of rainforest activities designed to maximise your time in this spectacular region. Hike through the jungle in search of myriad mammals and tropical birds, follow the medicine trail or trace a path to a pristine hidden waterfall. Adventures on the water include whale and dolphin watching tours, surfing and paddle boarding. At dusk, venture back into the rainforest to search for the creatures which emerge after dark such as colourful tree frogs, giant anteaters and tapir.

Overnight: Lapa Rios

Day 4 Hiking in the Corcovado National Park

Today you will have the opportunity to set out on a full-day excursion into the Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica's jewel in the crown for biodiversity. Accompanied by an expert naturalist guide, discover some of the array of tree, plant, bird, insect and mammal species to be found here. Highlights may include the sight of screeching scarlet macaws soaring above the forest canopy or glimpsing all four species of monkey that make their home here.

Overnight: Lapa Rios

Day 5 To Pacuare Lodge

Leaving the Osa Peninsula behind you will fly north to Guapiles in the province of Límon. From here, take the scenic journey to your boutique hideaway in the heart of the rainforest and looking out to the magnificent Pacuare river.

Overnight: Pacuare Lodge

Day 6 - 7 Activities from Pacuare Lodge

The next two days are dedicated to the complete enjoyment of Pacuare Lodge. There is plenty to enjoy during a stay here, from nature walks to hidden waterfalls, bird watching, trekking to a remote indigenous community or taking an exhilarating zip wire ride through the canopy. Back at the lodge be sure to allow ample time to relax and listen to the sounds of the rainforest from the infinity pool.

Overnight: Pacuare Lodge

Day 8 To the Arenal Volcano region

This morning an exhilarating white water rafting expedition takes you out of Pacuare Lodge. A scenic picnic stop will be taken en-route before you eventually reach the office and change into dry clothes before continuing your journey to Arenal. Here, your base is the magnificent Nayara Tented Camp where each luxurious tented suite features a private outdoor plunge pool warmed by thermal springs.

Overnight: Nayara Tented Camp

Day 9 Hiking in the Arenal Volcano national park

Today you will set out on a private guided hike in the Arenal Volcano national park, venturing through tropical forests and passing the historic lava floes of the volcano that was once one of the most active in the world. The afternoon is at leisure for you to enjoy the wonderful facilities of your hotel which include an indulgent spa, forest trails, a sloth sanctuary and frog-spotting night walks.

Overnight: Nayara Tented Camp

Day 10 At leisure in Arenal

Today is free for you to arrange further activities that may be of interest in the Arenal region, or to simply relax and enjoy the facilities on offer at your hotel. Lake Arenal provides the setting for a number of enjoyable adventures; it can be circumnavigated on mountain bike, and traversed by kayak or stand-up paddle board. The pristine forests located on the outskirts of La Fortuna town host hanging bridges and superb canopy zip lining. Join a local cookery class to create your very own Costa Rican hot sauce, or venture further afield to encounter the wildlife of the flooded forest at the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge.

Overnight: Nayara Tented Camp

Day 11 To ORIGINS

Bid farewell to Arenal today and travel northwest, to a boutique hillside hideaway that transports you to entirely different world. ORIGINS is a place to truly disconnect and feel the troubles of daily life melt away as you retreat to one of just seven sensitively designed guest lodges, surrounded by lush forest and emerald hills where toucans and mot-mots dart through the treetops. Unwind after the journey by admiring the distant views of Lake Nicaragua from your fire-heated hot tub before settling into a delicious gourmet dinner prepared with fresh, organic ingredients by the hotel's highly-acclaimed chef.

Overnight: ORIGINS

Day 12 - 13 Activities from ORIGINS

A wealth of activities can be arranged during a stay at ORIGINS, from waterfall hikes, kayaking along the Rio Niño, river tubing and riding. You may also wish to venture out on a hike in the Tenorio Volcano national park and seek out the dazzling blue waters of Rio Celeste. A stay at ORIGINS is equally about slowing the pace, however, and restoring your balance in a sublime natural setting. Enjoy yoga in the elevated outdoor shala, meditation and breathwork as well as an array of nurturing treatments in the spa which are inspired by nature and ancient healing traditions.

Overnight: ORIGINS

Day 14 To the Papagayo Gulf

Travel west to the Pacific coast to round off your adventures with some beach relaxation at the Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo. Located on the sheltered Papagayo Gulf, the Four Seasons offers access to calm, clear waters which are perfect for swimming, as well as a wealth of possibilities for activity or pure indulgence.

Overnight: Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo

Day 15 - 16 Beach relaxation at the Four Seasons

Take advantage of the opportunity to unwind completely in the blissful beachfront surroundings of the Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo. Slow the pace in the spa and wellness area, or recline in the sunshine on the beach or by one of the resort's four swimming pools. If you find yourselves getting restless, a plethora of activities are on offer ranging from golf, tennis, kayaking and paddle boarding to chocolate workshops, surfing or dolphin watching cruises.

Overnight: Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo

Day 17 Depart

After a final breakfast at the Four Seasons, transfer to Liberia airport in plenty of time for your onward flight.