View of Arenal volcano in Costa Rica

Costa Rica “Must Sees” Vacation

Ratings of Zicasso's Service
Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Countries Visited

Costa Rica

Places Visited

Monteverde, Nosara, Arenal

Suggested Duration

9 Days

Cloud forests and Pacific Coast waves, hidden charms of thermal springs and soaring through the treetops - these are some of the must-see experiences you will have during your personalized, custom-tailored Costa Rica vacation. Discover toucans calling in the trees of the rainforest, and howler monkeys groaning in the morning light. Traverse sky bridges and quiet mangrove canals. Trek through lava fields in Arenal, following unique trails, and treat yourself to a featured eco-resort connected to...

Customizable Itinerary

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Trip Highlights

  • Soar through the rainforest canopy at Arenal on a guided zip line excursion
  • Indulge in the featured accommodation of Lagarta Lodge, an eco-resort mixing a private nature reserve and the Pacific Ocean with remarkable luxury
  • Wander the trails of the famous cloud forest in search of the unique wildlife found in the fascinating scenery, including the magenta-pointed woodstar
  • Soothe your body and mind in the comfort of the naturally heated thermal springs on the luxury property of your resort in Arenal
  • Kayak or paddleboard through the serene canals of the mangrove forest in Guanacaste to find parakeets, pelicans, monkeys, and butterflies
  • Search for the wildlife along the banks of the Corobici River during a tranquil rafting excursion
  • Follow the advice of your private surf instructor to learn the techniques of catching the waves of the Pacific Ocean
  • Traverse the treetops of the cloud forest in Monteverde to discover the unique flora and fauna, including butterfly and hummingbird gardens

Detailed Description

A Costa Rica vacation is incomplete without viewing the cone of Arenal Volcano, dipping your toes into the warm sands of the Pacific Coast, and traveling the trails of the cloud forest in search of the diverse flora and fauna for which the country is famous. Your 9-day adventure offers luxury, discovery, and immersive tours taking you to the must-see sites. The journey begins with your arrival at San Jose’s international airport, where your private transfer greets you at customs. From the moment you land, you will feel pampered and engaged, noticing the tropical colors and vibrant life of the city as you travel to Arenal.

Enjoy the comforts of a stunning resort famous for the natural thermal springs that reach temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. While in Arenal, you can take your time lingering in the hot springs and enjoy adventurous excursions, such as zip-lining through the rainforest and trekking into the depths of Arenal Volcano National Park. Visit an organic farm to learn the techniques of cultivating crops in the tropical landscape before participating in a private cooking lesson. A private transfer takes you across Lake Arenal to relish the view of the volcanic peak and the splendors of the surrounding rainforest.

Bask in the cozy ambiance of your luxury resort in the cloud forest of Monteverde. Enjoy a welcoming afternoon followed by a night hike to find the nocturnal animals of the highlands. Choose from a plethora of adventures while in the cloud forest, from walking along hanging bridges to delighting in a birding expedition in search of the rare resplendent quetzal. You can also visit a plantation to learn about coffee, chocolate, and sugarcane cultivation in Costa Rica.

The country offers the thrills of rafting excursions that highlight the wildlife living on the riverbanks, along with the sensational canals winding through mangrove forests. Take the time to bask in the majesty and luxuries of a features eco-lodge in Guanacaste: the Lagarta Lodge. Learn to surf, enjoy a soothing massage in the award-winning spa, traverse the soft-sand beaches, and wander the trails of the protected reserve connected to the property before your brief flight to Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose. You board your flight home and bring an end to the magnificent journey of your must-see Costa Rica vacation.

To gain further inspiration on your own Costa Rica vacation, consider browsing our vacation packages to Costa Rica page.

Starting Price

$2,700 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service

4.91 stars based on 726 reviews.

Costa Rica Tour Review: Tamarindo, Arenal Volcano, Rio Celeste,...

We had a near-perfect experience, I would highly recommend Zicasso's tour company.

Reviewed By Zach O.

Costa Rica Vacation Review: Arenal, Wildlife, Photo Opportunities,...

We celebrated my daughter's high school graduation with a 12-day trip to Costa Rica. I interviewed several local travel agencies and fell in love with Zicasso's tour company from the very first phone conversation. The owner was fantastic to work with, helping me craft the perfect adventure-filled, action-packed vacation for my family. He was honest and took the time to listen to our preferences. He provided great feedback and suggestions.

Prior to our trip, I felt very confident that I was in good hands and knew that every detail was taken care of. During our trip, the company owner checked in with me several times to make sure everything was ok. Unfortunately, someone in my family had to go home early and he was so helpful in coordinating an extra trip to the airport to accommodate our family needs (it required an extra nine hours of driving and a hotel stay for the driver).

The company owner and our agent were generous enough to not charge me for this extra trip. They even canceled all the hotel and activity reservations for that family member, and I received a refund at the end of my trip! It truly was a trip of a lifetime. I found myself thinking, I wish there was a travel company like this for every country because I would use them again to plan my next vacation, wherever it may be!

I also want to give a special shoutout to my driver, who drove my family on several long road trips during our vacation. During our drives, he would spot many interesting animals and birds, and stop on the side of the road so we could get out and get great pictures. Some of my best close-up opportunities to look at animals occurred while in the car. He talked about the agriculture, the school system, and the different rainforests. He even bought plantain chips from the side of the road and shared them with my family. Even though his job was to drive us from point A to point B, I felt his knowledge and his ability to spot animals was better than many of the tour guides we had on the trip. He really cared about Costa Rica and was excited to show us all it had to offer.

I highly recommend this travel company. And ask for our driver to drive you around; you won't be disappointed.

Reviewed By caroline C.

Costa Rica Trip Review: 8 Nights

We used a Zicasso travel expert to plan our trip. The trip was absolutely fabulous and the service was very easy to use. We would definitely use them again.

Reviewed By Allison A.

Costa Rica Trip Review: Isla Chiquita, 1 Week

Zicasso's travel company was very attentive and followed up with us throughout the trip to make sure we were doing well. We had an awesome time and would recommend them to anyone planning a trip to Costa Rica

Reviewed By Tara I.

Costa Rica Travel Review: Catamaran Trip, Ziplining, National...

Everything was arranged thoughtfully, with time for "adventures" and downtime at terrific resorts to relax. All pick-ups, travel by limo, and drop-offs went as arranged. The drivers, guides, and hotel staff were all very pleasant and kind. Zicasso's tour operator did a great job planning our eight-day, family-of-10 trip to Costa Rica! We appreciated that most tours, hikes, and ocean experiences were small groups of just our group of 10. This made it a personal and annoyance-free experience all around. Thanks!

Reviewed By Lolli H.

Costa Rica Vacation Review: Family Time, 8 Nights

The Zicasso tour company was very accommodating. They put together a great itinerary and when we wanted to add something, it was no problem.

Reviewed By David M.

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