The Soul of Costa Rica: An 18-day Luxury Tour of Natural Beauty

Welcome to Costa Rica. Your journey into paradise begins as you touch down at San José’s international airport. A dedicated Zicasso representative will greet you for a seamless, private transfer. Feel the city's energy as you are chauffeured to your elegant hotel, a tranquil oasis in the nation's capital. After settling into your suite, your private guide will lead you on an introductory tour of San José’s historic neighborhoods. Stroll through bustling plazas where the aroma of roasting coffee hangs in the air and admire the neoclassical grandeur of the National Theatre, its gilded interiors whispering tales of a proud cultural heritage. This gentle immersion is the perfect prelude to the wild beauty that awaits, allowing you to acclimate in sophisticated comfort.

After a gourmet breakfast, your adventure truly begins. A short, private transfer brings you to a local airfield where your private charter plane awaits. Ascend into the sky for a breathtaking 50-minute scenic flight, soaring over a vast, unbroken carpet of emerald-green rainforest that stretches to the horizon. Witness the landscape transform below as you approach the shimmering Golfo Dulce.

Upon landing at a remote airstrip, you will be escorted to a private boat. Glide across the turquoise, fjord-like waters to a secluded lodge, a luxurious sanctuary where the jungle meets the sea. Settle into your private casita, the sounds of toucans and the gentle lapping of waves serving as your welcome chorus. Relish the remainder of your day with leisure time to explore your accommodations or simply lounge by the pool with a tropical cocktail.

Awaken to the glorious sounds of the rainforest. Today is dedicated to the marine wonders of the Golfo Dulce, one of only four tropical fjords in the world. Your private guide will lead you by boat into the heart of these protected waters in search of its most majestic residents. Feel the thrill as a pod of dolphins playfully dances in the boat's wake or, in season, the awe-inspiring sight of a humpback whale and her calf breaching the calm surface. In the afternoon, experience the jungle from a different perspective on a Río Esquinas mangrove kayaking expedition. Paddle silently through serene, narrow channels beneath a dense canopy, your guide pointing out elusive river turtles and exotic water birds hidden among the intricate root systems.

Venture deep into the pristine wilderness of Piedras Blancas National Park with your expert naturalist guide. This challenging hike takes you beneath the canopy of giant, ancient trees, some of which are centuries old. Feel the cool, humid air as you listen for the rustle of monkeys in the branches above and learn about the complex, interconnected ecosystem of this incredibly biodiverse lowland rainforest.

As dusk settles, board a small boat and drift into the bay to witness the natural phenomenon of bioluminescence. As you trail your hands through the water, watch it ignite with thousands of sparkling, phosphorescent organisms, mirroring the starry sky above in a silent, glittering spectacle.

This morning, a scenic boat transfer takes you across the gulf to Puerto Jimenez, the gateway to the magnificent Osa Peninsula. From there, a private land transfer will wind through lush landscapes to a world-renowned eco-lodge in a private rainforest reserve. After settling into your suite, with its panoramic ocean views, embark on a private wild waterfall hike.

Your guide will lead you through the vibrant green forest, descending along a riverbed where tiny, jewel-toned poison dart frogs hide among the leaves. The reward for your trek is a pristine, secluded waterfall, where you can plunge into the cool, crystalline pool for a refreshing swim, completely enveloped by the sounds of the jungle.

Rise before the sun for an early birdwatching tour, sharing the cool, misty morning air with the Osa Peninsula’s most colorful residents. With high-quality binoculars and your guide's expert eye, you will spot a dazzling array of species, from vibrant scarlet macaws to toucans and hummingbirds, as the jungle awakens.

After a day of relaxation, your adventure continues after sunset with a guided night walk. With a flashlight in hand, follow your guide into the velvety darkness of the rainforest. This is when the jungle truly comes alive with a new cast of characters. Your senses will sharpen to the sounds of the unseen as you scan the shadows for the glow of bioluminescent fungi, the quick flash of a snake, and the wide, curious eyes of a nocturnal kinkajou. With luck, your guide’s light will reveal the night’s most prized sighting: the iconic red-eyed tree frog, its brilliant ruby eyes shining back at you. This is a stunning reward in the darkness.

Today offers a deeper connection to the forest and its future. Join your guide for a fascinating local medicine tour, a walk through gardens and rainforest, where you will learn about the traditional uses of plants, trees, and seeds passed down through generations of indigenous tribes and local settlers. Discover the secrets of the "living pharmacy" that thrives all around you.

The afternoon gives you a chance to help this paradise flourish. Join the Lapa Rios reforestation program, where the scent of rich, loamy soil will fill the humid air as you prepare a place for new life. Feel the delicate roots of a native seedling in your hands before settling it into the dark earth. With the jungle as your soundtrack, you will leave a piece of your story here, a lasting connection to the land that you will remember long after you hold the certificate.

Trade the Pacific for the Caribbean as you board another private charter flight for a spectacular 90-minute journey to Tortuguero. From your aerial vantage point, you will witness the country’s dramatic spine of volcanic mountains giving way to a vast network of rivers and canals.

Arriving at the destination, you will notice the air is different here. It’s warm, humid, and fragrant with the scent of damp earth and tropical blossoms. A private boat will be waiting to navigate the winding canals of this "Venice of the Jungle” as you take in the sounds of chattering birds and the gentle lapping of water against the hull. You’ll pass dense walls of emerald green toward the seclusion of your lodge. This afternoon, immerse yourself in the unique local culture with a private guided visit to the small, car-free village of Tortuguero. Stroll along its sandy pathways, feel the laid-back Caribbean vibe, and learn about the community’s deep connection to the sea turtles that give the region its name.

Dedicate your day to exploring the extraordinary biodiversity of Tortuguero National Park. In the morning, board a private boat with your guide and venture deep into the smaller, more intimate creeks and canals that weave through the dense jungle. Glide silently through the still, emerald-green water as your guide points out troops of howler and spider monkeys feasting in the canopy, three-toed sloths moving in slow motion, and sunbathing caimans lurking near the water’s edge.

The afternoon brings a journey into a different set of waterways. On them, the jungle’s soundtrack changes and your ears will guide you as much as your eyes. You'll learn to listen for the distinct, croaking call that reveals a magnificent toucan hidden in the leaves or the raucous squawks that signal a flock of parrots feasting high in the canopy. With your guide’s help, the dense green walls of the rainforest transform into a gallery of breathtaking, living art, showcasing the incredible diversity of the park's over 300 bird species.

Your journey continues as you travel from the Caribbean lowlands to the volcanic highlands of Arenal. A private boat transfer takes you through the winding jungle rivers to La Pavona Dock, where your personal driver will be waiting. Settle in for a comfortable private land transfer, watching the landscape transform from flat wetlands to rolling hills with the iconic cone of the Arenal Volcano looming in the distance.

Arrive at a tented luxury camp, your opulent home for the next three nights. The afternoon is yours to simply relax and rejuvenate. Immerse yourself in the warm, mineral-rich waters of your private hot springs pool, fed directly from the volcano, and feel the stresses of the world melt away.

Experience the rainforest from a breathtaking new perspective on a guided tour of the Arenal Hanging Bridges. Your naturalist guide will lead you across a series of suspension bridges high in the canopy, offering a bird’s-eye view of the lively ecosystem. In the late afternoon, connect with the culinary heart of Costa Rica during an organic farm adventure and cooking lesson. Tour the fields where traditional crops grow in rich volcanic soil, then join a local family in their home. In a warm, inviting atmosphere, you will learn to prepare a traditional Costa Rican dinner on a woodstove, a hands-on experience that fills the air with the delicious aromas of fresh herbs and spices, culminating in a shared, authentic meal.

Today is a day of delightful discoveries, both high in the trees and deep within the earth. Your private guide will take you on a dedicated sloth-watching walk on a private eco-project. Stroll along a gentle trail, learning to spot two-toed and three-toed sloths as they rest and feed in their favorite trees. In the afternoon, prepare for an adventure of a different kind as you explore the magnificent Venado Caves. Equipped with a helmet and headlamp, your guide will lead you into a fascinating subterranean world of ancient stalactites and stalagmites, following the path of an underground river through chambers filled with crystalline rock formations and the quiet echoes of a world indifferent to light.

After breakfast, your journey takes you to the ethereal highlands of Monteverde. A private vehicle will bring you to the shores of Lake Arenal, where you will board a private boat for a stunning crossing of Costa Rica’s largest lake, with magnificent views of the Arenal Volcano on a clear day. You'll feel the warmth of the tropical sun on your skin as you watch its majestic cone mirrored on the sparkling, deep-blue water. As you make your ascent, the air grows cool and damp, carrying the fresh scent of rich earth as the vegetation transforms into a tangled, emerald world of dripping mosses and giant ferns.

Back at your hotel, your room opens up to the sounds and sights of the forest, offering a chance to unwind on a private terrace overlooking the misty canopy or explore the hotel's nature paths. In the evening, you will embark on a thrilling guided walk, discovering the unique nocturnal creatures of this high-altitude ecosystem.

Spend your morning on a private guided hike in the world-renowned Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve, a sanctuary of biodiversity. Your guide will help you navigate the misty, moss-draped trails, searching for the forest’s most prized resident, the resplendent quetzal. It’s a bird of almost mythical beauty, with iridescent emerald plumage and a long, flowing tail.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the flavors of the region with a coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane adventure. This hands-on tour takes you through the entire process, from seeing the ripe coffee cherries on the plant to learning about the fermentation of cacao. Smell the rich aroma of roasting beans and taste the sweet juice of freshly milled sugar cane for an authentic taste of Monteverde’s agricultural heritage.

Today you will journey from the cool mountain air of the cloud forest to the warm, sun-kissed Pacific coast of Manuel Antonio. During your private land transfer, you will stop for an exciting adventure. Board a private safari boat for a tour of the Tárcoles River, famous for its massive American crocodiles. Your expert captain will skillfully guide the boat close to the muddy banks, pointing out what at first look like fallen logs, until a slow blink or a massive, toothy yawn reveals a colossal crocodile basking just feet away. You'll be close enough to appreciate the texture of their ancient, armored skin and feel the thrill of their powerful presence. The river is also a haven for birdlife, offering chances to spot scarlet macaws, herons, and kingfishers.

After lunch, you will continue to your luxurious hotel in Manuel Antonio, arriving in time to witness a spectacular sunset over the Pacific Ocean. This is the perfect moment to find a comfortable seat on your private terrace, perhaps with a cool drink in hand, and simply let the soothing sound of the waves wash over you as the sky ignites in a fiery spectacle.

This morning, you'll wander through the living Eden that is Manuel Antonio National Park. Follow your private guide down a lush rainforest trail, where dappled sunlight filters through the canopy and the air is thick with the scent of life. Their trained eyes will help you spot the hidden wonders: a sloth hanging motionless like a part of the tree, the flash of a colorful iguana in the undergrowth, and the antics of white-faced monkeys chattering overhead. The path ends in a breathtaking reveal, as the forest parts to show one of Costa Rica's most beautiful beaches, its white sands kissed by the brilliant blue Pacific.

The afternoon invites a different kind of immersion. Trade the quiet observation of the jungle for the exhilarating energy of the ocean with a private surf lesson. Feel the warm Pacific water and the buoyant strength of the surfboard beneath you. It’s a playful way of learning to read the ocean's cues, paddling to meet a wave, and feeling that incredible surge of power as you rise to your feet, connecting with Costa Rica's legendary beach culture.

Your final day in paradise is an immersion into three of Manuel Antonio's hidden worlds. First, you will discover the world as seen from the water. You’ll paddle a sea kayak along a coastline of dramatic cliffs and secret coves, a perspective of the park inaccessible from shore. Then, you'll slip into the world beneath the waves. In the tranquil waters of Biesanz Bay, you’ll don a snorkel mask to find the silent, vibrant life of the coral reef, swimming amidst schools of colorful tropical fish. As your day seems to close, one final world awaits.

After sunset, venture back into the rainforest, where the narrow beam of your flashlight will reveal the shy, secret life of the jungle after dark, an entirely new cast of creatures that only emerges once the sun has set.

Savor one last Costa Rican breakfast, with the sounds of the ocean as your soundtrack. At the designated time, your private driver will escort you on a comfortable transfer to the San José international airport. Reflect on the incredible biodiversity and unforgettable moments of your journey as you prepare for your flight home, your heart filled with the pure, rejuvenating spirit of Costa Rica.