Blog

Contact Us

< BACK TO ALL ITINERARIES

Tropical Romantic Getaway

9 Days | Bajos del Toro - Arenal - Nosara

Itinerary for a Romantic Getaway in Costa Rica

Day 1: Arrive in Costa Rica

Upon arrival in the capital of San José, meet your private transfer service, rental car, or Serendipity guide. You’re headed off the tourist trail to the rugged wilderness in Bajos del Toro. This small reserve in Costa Rica’s Central Highlands sits at the foot of the towering Poás volcano and is famous for its waterfalls and rivers. This evening, head out on a night hike through the rainforest.

Day 2: Del Toro Waterfall & Oxcart Painting

Leave in the morning to visit the star waterfall in the region, Catarata del Toro. This roaring 290-foot (88 m) cascade plunges over a mountain cliff into an extinct volcanic crater. The trek to the base only takes about 30 minutes, and as you make your way down the steep jungle path, you’ll be treated to the sight of hummingbirds and howler monkeys. There will also be brief stops to rest and enjoy breathtaking views from lookout points along the way. Afterward, embrace your inner artist through local culture. This private workshop will teach you to use bold strokes and kaleidoscopic patterns to create one of Costa Rica’s most emblematic crafts. The finished product is perfect to frame and take home as a memento of your getaway in Costa Rica.

Day 3: Cloud Forest Hike

Your jungle adventure continues today with a hike around the famous cloud forests of Bajos del Toro. These ecosystems are typically found at higher elevations and are characterized by lush, misty landscapes created by the humidity from tradewinds. The best part is there are rich cloud forests right on the hotel property, accessible via a trail network. As you stroll the pathways, your private guide will point out the exotic flora and fauna that thrive in this unique and diverse biosphere. This afternoon, indulge yourself in a relaxing spa treatment or arrange a private yoga class to feel revived after your morning of adventure.

Day 4: Coffee, Chocolate & Volcanic Hotsprings

After breakfast, you travel the scenic route to Arenal for the next part of your adventure. Along the way, stop at a local farm to learn about the history and cultivation of coffee and chocolate. You’ll be invited to participate in all steps of the process- harvesting, peeling, roasting, and grinding. You’ll also get to experience one of the best parts of the tours- tasting the fruits of your labor! Before sunset, we’ll head up to Arenal Volcano. In this area, we will soak in our favorite hot springs. Steaming hot springs will provide a time of relaxation like no hot tub would ever offer. Again, we will stay away from mass tourism and take you to amazing and almost untouched destinations.

Day 5: Discover the Rainforest Canopy

Abraham is over 400 years old, the patriarch of this ancient primary forest. Serendipity’s observation platform suspends from its lowest majestic branches, 110 feet above the jungle floor. This forest is a safe haven for monkeys, forest birds, lizards, and mammals. Sitting comfortably on Abraham’s platform is gaining a sense of what birds experience — see nature from their viewpoint, hear the jungle noises with no interference, and enjoy lunch served at treetop level. This truly exclusive experience is a highlight for many travelers with Serendipity.

Day 6: Journey to the Coast

Finish your romantic escape with some time exploring Costa Rica’s beautiful Guanacaste coastline. On your journey today, stop for a boat tour of the Palo Verde Wetlands, with a chance to see a great number of birds, monkeys, crocodiles, and more. To satisfy the tastebuds, experience the process of producing high-quality artisanal rum from the purest sugar cane. Enjoy a delicious rum cocktail and traditional flavors of homemade cuisine before continuing your journey to the coast.

Day 7: Beach Hopping in Nosara

We have the day for beach fun. With five magical beaches in the area, you are spoilt with choices as to where to explore. With luck, you may see the arribada – the massive turtle arrival that occurs in the north-central Pacific beaches between August and November. Sea turtles are only one of nature’s attractions at our favorite isolated beaches. And sunsets. Ocean sunsets in the tropics have special colors of reds oranges and pinks – in Costa Rica we call these “celaje evenings”. As the sun goes down this evening, soak in the sunset while horseback riding along the beach.

Day 8: Surf, SUP & Snorkel

Renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty and commitment to sustainable living, Nosara attracts surf enthusiasts, yoga practitioners, and nature lovers alike. With one of the best surf spots in Costa Rica close by, you can learn to ride the waves with some private surf lessons today. Try stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking, through mangroves or open ocean, or discover life below water and the pink sands of Isla Rosada on a snorkeling adventure.

Day 9: Departure from Costa Rica

Finish your romantic getaway in style with a flight over the Nicoya Peninsula to San José. This journey is an adventure in itself and means that your travel time back to the capital city is a fraction of what it would be by land. An evening international departure is best, or stay the night in San José for a morning flight.

Pricing

Your final price depends on how many people will be in your group, your preferences for action, hotel choices, and what tourist season or holidays are involved. Please note that our itineraries do not include international airfare, travel insurance, lunch and dinner (unless stated as included), optional activities and tips, and additional services (e.g. laundry).

When you speak with one of our Travel Specialists, they will ask you what your individual or family budget is. This is so they can create a trip plan that fits your needs, while also respecting the budget available.

How to Plan Your Trip

1. Click the link below or call us toll-free at (+1 ) 888-226-5050

2. A Serendipity Travel Specialist will liaise with you to customize your itinerary

3. Your trip plan will be tailored until you are ready to book

Over 30 years of Experience

Serendipity are leading experts in premium travel in Costa Rica.