This custom-tailored vacation for seniors will take you on a journey from the coast to the rainforest to experience many of Costa Rica’s most breathtaking destinations. You will indulge in decadent dining experiences, explore by way of private guides, and culminate each day by unwinding at five-star hotel accommodations. You will bask in Arenal’s mineral-rich, bubbling hot springs, decompressing as you breathe in the cool, jungle air. You will also encounter two-toed sloths, howler monkeys, toucans,...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
San Jose - Arrive in Costa Rica's Lively Capital City
After landing in San Jose, your private driver will meet you at the baggage claim and whisk you through customs. Driving through Costa Rica’s lively capital city, you will be amazed by San Jose’s vibrant culture. Situated in the heart of the Central Valley, San Jose’s rolling hills are dotted with homes, lined with city scrapers, and adorned with beautiful buildings. You will notice a mist as it drifts through the bordering mountains and luscious rainforest that looms in the distance. In the city’s center, expansive outdoor markets are decorated with brightly colored souvenirs, and you will be able to hear school children as they play games of soccer in the park. Locals will pour into breweries, cafes and, restaurants, and once your driver arrives at your luxurious hotel, you will be free to enjoy a night of relaxation before tomorrow’s adventures begin.
What's Included:
Day 2
Arenal - Delve into Costa Rican History on a Privately Guided Plantation Tour
Day 3
Arenal - Explore the Tropical Rainforest and Discover Wildlife in Arenal
Day 4
Arenal - Create a Costa Rican Meal and Unwind in Arenal's Natural Hot Springs
Day 5
Tamarindo - Relax on Tamarindo's Pristine White-Sand Beaches
Day 6
Tamarindo - Encounter Dolphins and Sea Turtles on a Private Boat Tour of Tamarindo
Day 7
San Jose - Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Indulge in the rich flavors of Costa Rican cuisine with daily and decadent dining experiences
- Unwind in the country’s top hotels as you observe panoramic views of the ocean, rainforest, or mountains from the comforts of your luxurious accommodation
- Immerse yourself in the local culture on a privately guided and interactive tour of a coffee plantation where you will taste a freshly brewed cup of local coffee
- Delight in stunning views of the enchanting La Fortuna waterfall as it cascades into a sparkling blue swimming hole
- Marvel at two-toed sloths, Capuchin monkeys, toucans, and much more when you come face-to-face with these creatures on a privately guided tour of the tropical rainforest
- Bask in the warm breeze of the Pacific Ocean on your skin as you decompress on Tamarindo’s white-sand beaches
Detailed Description
After touching down in San Jose, your luxurious, Costa Rican adventure will begin. Your private guide will whisk you through customs and escort you to your five-star accommodation that will be located in Costa Rica’s capital city. After a rejuvenating rest, your private driver will take you to your first excursion in Arenal. Here, you will delve into Costa Rican history on an exclusive tour of an organic coffee plantation. In addition to the tantalizing smells that emanate from this delightful plantation, you will learn all about the intricate process of crafting coffee from crop to cup. Fields that grow popular crops such as bananas, sugar cane, and oranges will span as far as the eye can see, and you will sample different types of coffee, noticing the different tones of honey, molasses, and citrus flavors that complement the distinct coffee flavor.
On your second day in Arenal, your naturalist guide will take you on a tour into the depths of the rainforest. You will feel the misty, humid air on your skin and smell the sweet peppermint aroma of the forest’s leafy canopy of ferns. Your experienced guide will point out two-toed sloths that are resting in the warmth of the day and brightly colored exotic birds that are perched on nearby branches. After a short walk, you will reach La Fortuna waterfall. The water cascades from 75 meters above, pouring into a glistening, swimming hole below. Dense, green foliage surrounds the waterfall from all sides, and you revel in this picturesque view.
During your final day in Arenal, you will learn to cook like a Costa Rican. As you learn local grilling, seasoning, and flavoring techniques, you will marvel at the spectacular views of La Fortuna waterfall that will be available just outside of your window. After savoring the delicious meal that you created, your guide will escort you to Arenal’s mineral-rich hot springs, where you will bask in their warm waters and soak in their healing properties while listening to the soothing sounds of nature. The next leg of your excursion will take you to Costa Rica’s tropical paradise of Tamarindo. Here, you will feel the warm breeze of the Pacific Ocean in your hair as you unwind on a pristine, white-sand beach. You will have the opportunity to explore the region by the sea on a regal boat excursion. As you float through the turquoise waters, you may catch a glimpse of dolphins as they spring out of the water. You will enjoy a freshly prepared lunch on the boat with the refreshing sea breeze at your back. As the day winds down, you will enjoy one last, breathtaking sunset as you reflect upon the many amazing memories that you have created on your unforgettable trip. Learn more about the Costa Rica travel agents you could be working with, whom we have personally vetted to be one of the best in the industry.
Starting Price
$2,100 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 718 reviews.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We had an unbelievably great trip! Everything went smoothly, was already lined up by Zicasso's tour company, and communication was excellent. The private drivers between locations were excellent and very informative. We could not have asked for a better experience!
Reviewed By JESSICA V.
