Signature Costa Rica - Where the Wild Answers

Welcome to San José, where your journey begins in the vibrant heart of Costa Rica's Central Valley.

After your arrival transfer, settle into the elegant Hotel Grano de Oro, a beautifully restored tropical Victorian mansion tucked among lush gardens. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to unwind and ease into your surroundings. Relax in the peaceful courtyards and hidden gardens, or venture out to discover the nearby museums, galleries and lively streets. As evening falls, gather for a welcome reception in the hotel's acclaimed restaurant, where locally sourced ingredients and refined culinary techniques unite for a memorable introduction to Costa Rican hospitality.

The journey continues to the northern plains of Arenal, a region celebrated for its extraordinary volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, and natural hot springs. Signature Experience: En route, pause at Café Sombra Verde in the artisan town of Sarchí for a behind-the-scenes look at sustainability-focused coffee production, tasting fresh brews amid the gardens. A special lunch invites you to taste your way through the coffee heritage of Costa Rica. Arrive in Arenal and set out on an unforgettable walk through the striking landscapes of the Arenal 1968 Trail, where rainforest paths and ancient lava fields reveal the dramatic history of the volcano. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal and the countryside.

Later, settle into your lodge and unwind in natural thermal springs, surrounded by tropical forest.

This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel, bringing a relaxing close to your first day in Costa Rica's volcanic heartland.

Venture into the rainforest this morning with an expert naturalist in search of one of Costa Rica's most endearing residents: the sloth. As you explore the forest trails, keep watch for both two-toed and three-toed sloths resting among the canopy, alongside colourful birdlife, monkeys and other rainforest wildlife that thrive beneath the shadow of Arenal Volcano. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps indulge in a spa treatment, unwind in the thermal springs or simply relax in tropical surroundings, taking in the sights and sounds of the rainforest. As evening falls, the silhouette of Arenal Volcano and the gentle sounds of the jungle provide a memorable backdrop to another unforgettable day in Costa Rica's natural paradise.

Today is your Signature Day, where you can select a curated experience to connect deeply with Costa Rica. You could: Walk among the rainforest canopy on Mistico's hanging bridges, crossing suspended walkways high above the forest floor while enjoying spectacular views and spotting wildlife hidden among the treetops (8am-10am) Float gently along the Peñas Blancas River in search of sloths, monkeys, caimans and colourful birdlife, before joining a local family for a traditional lunch and hands-on tortilla-making experience that offers a genuine taste of Costa Rican culture (9am-1pm) Discover the ancient story of cacao on a rainforest experience, learning how this sacred 'gift of the gods' journeyed from ceremonial drink and currency to the chocolate we enjoy today, with plenty of opportunities to taste its rich flavours along the way (1pm-3pm) Glide across the tranquil waters of Lake Arenal on a paddleboard, taking in spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and the surrounding mountains while experiencing the region's natural beauty from a unique perspective (1. 30pm-3. 30pm) Signature Experience: Later this afternoon, we head out for a specially curated experience showcasing the unique essence, culture, and natural beauty of the Arenal region. We begin with a private welcome before meeting members of the Maleku community, who share their traditions through a meaningful cacao ceremony that offers insight into their deep connection with the forests, rivers and wildlife of northern Costa Rica. As dusk falls, join a naturalist-led walk into the rainforest, where the forest comes alive with nocturnal wildlife and the sounds of the jungle after dark. The evening concludes with a private riverside dinner surrounded by the beauty and tranquillity of the rainforest.

Travel to Caño Negro, a mosaic of rivers, lagoons and life. Arrive at our Signature Stay, Tocu Tent Camp, a rare opportunity to combine comfort and conservation in the heart of one of the most diverse ecosystems in Costa Rica. Celebrate with a four-course lunch that pays tribute to Caño Negro gastronomy, where each dish highlights the ancestral influence of the indigenous Maleku people. Join an exclusive, expert-led talk about local jaguar conservation efforts and take part in a tree planting ceremony to help regenerate the hacienda's biological corridor. As dusk deepens, a moonlit forest walk reveals frogs, night birds and secret stirrings of the wild, followed by a five-course tasting dinner showcasing the foundations of Costa Rican cuisine.

Signature Experience: Glide by private boat through shimmering waterways alive with migratory birds, caimans, and monkeys. Step ashore to share island life with welcoming families: lunching with Doña Rosi, visiting Doña Carmen's butterfly house, and learning traditional corn biscuit-baking over clay ovens. Return for a relaxed afternoon, then cook alongside local chefs in an intimate evening class celebrating Costa Rican cuisine.

Journey from the wildlife-rich wetlands of Caño Negro towards Costa Rica's Pacific coast, watching the landscape transform from tropical forests and fertile farmland to rolling hills and ocean vistas. En route, stop at the beautiful Llanos de Cortés Waterfall, where a curtain of white-water tumbles into a natural pool surrounded by lush vegetation, offering time to relax, swim, or simply enjoy the tranquil setting. Continue to the elegant seaside community of Las Catalinas, a charming car-free town of colourful plazas, boutique cafés and coastal pathways. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore at leisure before settling in to enjoy the laid-back rhythm of life by the Pacific.

Signature Experience: Head to the coast for a private boat journey exploring the rich marine ecosystems of Guanacaste. Joined by a marine naturalist from ConnectOcean, learn about local conservation projects while searching for marine wildlife, taking part in simple citizen science activities, and snorkelling in crystal-clear waters. Relax on board with fresh tropical fruit, local treats and cold drinks as the sun begins to set over the Pacific, before returning to Las Catalinas. Back on shore, enjoy time at leisure to stroll the town's car-free streets, unwind by the ocean, or soak up the relaxed coastal atmosphere.

This evening, gather for a special farewell dinner hosted locally, sharing memories of the journey, celebrating new friendships, and raising a glass to the adventures still to come.

Before taking your complimentary departure transfer to Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia, take a quiet moment to look back on the journey: the forests, the people, the wildlife. This chapter may have closed, yet Costa Rica's spirit travels with you, ready to be revisited. Alternatively, extend your stay and continue your journey of discovery. Speak with your Signature Collection travel expert to explore the possibilities.