Day 1
Overview & Highlights
The best combination of Costa Rica´s famous destinations staying at some of the best hotels under the Cayuga Collection of Sustainable Hotels.
At Cayuga, they believe true luxury lies in the experience. When you can experience, learn, connect, and relax in the most inspiring settings on earth, vacations can be truly transformative.
-Grano De Oro Heritage Hotel is a turn-of-the-century, Tropical Victorian mansion in San José, wonderfully hidden from San Jose’s main thoroughfare, Paseo Colon.
-Senda Monteverde Hotel is the luxury cloud forest hotel you have been searching for. With easy access to every adventure in the area, including unlimited complimentary hiking access to the neighboring Aguti Wildlife Reserve.
-With most hotels in Manuel Antonio, you’ll have to choose between the view and the beach. At Arenas Del Mar Hotel, they have both! Beachfront. Ocean views. Rainforest. Wildlife. Manuel Antonio National Park is on your doorstep.
Welcome & transfer in SJO Airport to your hotel
On arrival at the San Jose International Airport (SJO), you will be meet & greet by our bilingual representative who will help you with your luggage and transfer you to the hotel.
Hotel Grano De Oro (1 night)
In Costa Rica, the term “Grano de Oro” is used to refer to the coffee bean, their “Grain of Gold”. The founders of this boutique hotel fell in love with the idea that such a small fruit could be so valuable. The Hotel Grano de Oro opened its doors in December of 1991, with 21 guest rooms, a gift shop and a modest café. Quickly gaining recognition from local and international agencies for its unique personality and great service, the hotel became a landmark within the city.
A charming turn of the century guest room with a lush tropical, private patio – perfect for enjoying a cocktail or glass of wine at the end of the day. These rooms offer one queen bed with fine luxury linens as well as all the amenities needed to make your stay comfortable.
Day 2
San José to Monteverde (stop Poas Volcano)
Pick up at your hotel or airport for the land transfer from San José to Monteverde Cloud Forest, on the way stop at Poas Volcano National Park.
Poás Volcano National Park visit
Upon arrival at Poas Volcano National Park, a gentle walk will take us from the visitor center to the main crater observation area.
Poás main crater is an enormous, gaping hole and 1.030,18 feet deep. At the bottom, there is a circular turquoise colored hot lake. This park protects various types of forests containing abundant epiphytes and parasite plants.
Senda Monteverde (3 nights)
Senda Monteverde is a mountain and cloud forest retreat in Costa Rica, located just a stone’s throw from the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve. Reflecting on the warmth and spirit of mountain life, this upscale hotel creates a casual and contemporary lodging experience in harmony with its lush surroundings.
All 24 rooms and suites feature a sophisticated design, luxury amenities, and open-air porches overlooking verdant gardens and, in some cases, the Gulf of Nicoya in the distance. Located up in the clouds on Costa Rica’s Continental Divide, Senda Monteverde is all about embracing the outdoors, discovering a playful sense of adventure, and experiencing pampered relaxation.
Staying at Senda gives you exclusive access to the Aguti Wildlife Reserve (entrance fee) year-round. Just hop across our hanging bridge and into a wildlife reserve with majestic, old-growth trees and rare wildlife.
Curated experiences with your hosts: Cheese-Making Classes, Cocktails Class, Patacones Class, Traditional Coffee Experience, "Cajeta" Class for kids.
Day 3
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve guided walk
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is one of the most famous reserves in the world and is important in Costa Rica for its conservation efforts and scientific research. Founded in 1972 and with an extension of 3,500 hectares of land, it holds 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity.
Geographical, topographical, and climatic conditions of the Monteverde Reserve have favored the surprising biodiversity. In this forest, we find four “Ecological Live Zones”, which give life to different ecosystems for hundreds of species of mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, insects, and arachnids, as well as a large variety of plants like mosses, vines and the common trees of the cloud forest.
Duration: 4 hours approximately
This tour is shared with a group of no more than nine people.
Day 4
Free day at Monteverde
Enjoy a day exploring on your own the nearby attractions, the town of Santa Elena, or visit CASEM the Cooperativa de Artesanas de Santa Elena y Monteverde, which is a non-profit artisan cooperative dedicated to enhancing the economic and social well-being of local women artists.
The CASEM store and workshop, situated within the heart of Monteverde, is a showcase for unique, locally produced handicrafts. These handicrafts include decorative wall hangings, ceramics, clothes, bags, jewelry, toys, and wood carvings.
You can also enjoy lunch at their typical Costa Rican Restaurant "La Cuchara de la Abuela"
Day 5
Private transfer Monteverde to Manuel Antonio
Pick up at your hotel for the private transportation from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio Beach area.
On the way stop for lunch (lunch at extra cost).
Driving time: 3.5 hours approximately
Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort (3 nights)
Located within walking distance of Manuel Antonio National Park, Arenas Del Mar is far from a traditional luxury hotel. Unique among the resorts in the area, this carbon-neutral property – the first high-end Costa Rican hotel to be awarded Five Star status and the Five Sustainability Leaf Award – offers sustainable, luxurious lodgings immersed in tropical wildlife.
Privileged cliffside position where the rainforest meets the Pacific Ocean, private beach, Premium Suites with private hot tubs, an abundance of wildlife including three-toed sloths and white-faced capuchin monkeys, world-class, Costa Rican-inspired dining & Gluten-free options and impeccable, friendly service.
Nocturnal Rainforest Adventure
As the sun sets, the rainforest comes alive. Tune into the impressive chorus of our nocturnal wildlife as you duck into the jungle in search of the many enigmatic creatures of the night. Discover red-eyed tree frogs and snakes, rare owls, translucent grass frogs, eyelash vipers and more with the help of our resident Naturalist Guides.
Day 6
Manuel Antonio National Park
Enjoy the charms of the renowned Manuel Antonio National Park. Its extensive white sand beaches are backed by beautiful green exuberant forests with diverse flora and fauna.
Your naturalist guide will teach you about the park's distinctive plant life and locate camouflaged fauna which includes around 110 species of mammals and more than 200 species of birds. You will observe monkeys, agouti, sloths, and deers. Discover new panoramic views from different lookout points of well-maintained nature trails while having a jungle beach hike and, then stop for a refreshing dive into crystalline waters.
Day 7
Free day at Manuel Antonio
Enjoy a free day to enjoy the hotel facilities or join some other attractions of the area (at extra cost) such as ocean kayaking, surfing lessons, a catamaran/snorkeling tour, white water rafting, or a fishing boat tour.
Day 8
Transfer Arenas del Mar Hotel to Quepos airport
Pick up at the hotel for the private transfer to the local airport in Quepos to take your domestic flight.
Domestic flight Quepos to San José
Take a short scenic domestic flight crossing the Central Pacific Coast towards the central valley of San José. Enjoy the views of rivers crossing the blue and green color mountains.
Domestic terminal to International Terminal SJO Airport
Upon arrival at SJO Domestic terminal, you will be picked up for the private transfer to the International Terminal on time for your check-in process with your airline.
*Check-in: 2 hours before your flight departure time.
Adiós Costa Rica!
