Costa Rica | Crystal Rivers, Waterfalls, Hot Springs, and the Pacific Ocean

Costa Rica | Crystal Rivers, Waterfalls, Hot Springs, and the Pacific Ocean

About this trip

Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province in the country’s northwest is known for sun, sand, and beautiful mountain ranges. On this 9-day itinerary, boutique hotels in intimate, natural settings are the perfect base for your Costa Rican experience, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Pack your days with adventure or unwind amid tranquil, tropical surroundings...the choice is yours.

Highlights

  • Explore the rivers, waterfalls, and rainforest near Rincón de la Vieja Volcano in the northwestern province of Guanacaste.
  • Soak in the mineral hot springs at Blue River Resort, and maybe opt for a treatment at the hotel spa.
  • Visit the country’s Pacific beaches for surfing, snorkeling, or to just relax.
  • Enjoy optional eco-adventures such as whitewater rafting, tubing, horseback riding, or a zip line canopy tour.

 

Rincon de la Vieja

Day 1

Upon arrival at the Liberia International Airport, after clearing customs and collecting your luggage, you will be met and transferred to Blue River Resort. The drive time is approximately 1.5 hours, so arrival in Liberia should be no later than 2-3 pm. Once at the resort, you will have the remainder of the late afternoon and evening at leisure for self-exploration. Your cabaña is equipped with a/c, mini-fridge, satellite TV, coffee maker, safe, hair-dryer, and tranquil views of the surrounding volcano and pools. The cabaña's terrace features a hammock and chairs which overlook the mountains, gardens, volcano, and jungle. The Tiki-Bar and Restaurant features a tropical ambience, serving a delicious buffet breakfast. Lunch and dinner feature snacks, starters, main courses, and desserts, which are served with impressive artistic style.

Overnight at Blue River Resort & Hot Springs

Day 2

You will have three full days to enjoy the amazing beauty of your surroundings. Located along Costa Rica's north side of the majestic volcano, Rincon de la Vieja, Blue River Resort is tucked within a lush rainforest, including grand waterfalls, natural mineral hot springs, and sparkling blue rivers. Enjoy three hot spring pools as well as two fresh water pools with a bullet water-slide. Take time in the botanical gardens, turtle & caiman ponds, the hummingbird sanctuary, and butterfly garden. Indulge in a spa treatment (extra cost), take a natural mud bath and sauna, exercise in the gym, and visit the resort's miniature horses and donkeys. You can also sign up for eco-adventure tours (at extra cost) such as white water river rafting, tubing, horseback rides, and zip-line canopy tour.

Breakfast-Breakfast- included
Overnight at Blue River Resort & Hot Springs

Day 3

Full day at leisure to enjoy the resort amenities.

Breakfast-Breakfast- included
Overnight at Blue River Resort & Hot Springs

Day 4

Full day at leisure to enjoy the resort amenities.

Breakfast-Breakfast- included
Overnight at Blue River Resort & Hot Springs

Playa Tamarindo

Day 5

This morning you will meet your bilingual driver in the lobby at 10:00 am for your transfer to Playa Tamarindo on the Pacific Coast. En route, you will make a stop at a typical "tico" restaurant for lunch. Upon arrival at Capitan Suizo, following check-in, the remainder of the day is yours to explore your new surroundings. Capitán Suizo is an environmentally conscious beachfront boutique hotel that has always treated the flora and fauna of the property with love and respect. The hotel is set beneath native trees and nestled between rich, organically maintained gardens, which are the home of a wide variety of wildlife. Your superior room overlooks exuberant tropical gardens and faces the ocean, with either a balcony or terrace to enjoy the view outdoors. You will have a king-sized bed, a comfortable sitting area, and sliding doors to let in the refreshing ocean breeze. (Upgrades to Beachfront Bungalows and Suites are available). El Barco Restaurant is located directly on the beach and offers a tranquil ambiance while being surrounded by nature. A breakfast buffet and a la carte lunch and dinner feature a mix of international dishes and classic Costa Rican cuisine. Candlelight dinners can be arranged for those who want to spend a romantic evening under the moonlight, with a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. The executive chef is Jujo Molina, who has extensive experience in international cuisine, especially Mediterranean and Spanish, thanks to his Asturian origin. He has worked in London, Italy, France, Portugal, Argentina, Chile, the United States, and now brings his professionalism to Capitan Suizo. He is well known for his creativity, giving his dishes an exquisite and unique touch through the fusion of natural ingredients and handpicked condiments.

Breakfast-Breakfast-Lunch- included
Overnight at Capitan Suizo

Day 6

You have three full days of wonderful leisure and/or adventure. The hotel's concierge will be more than happy to assist you with arranging activities that are available should you wish to keep yourself "on the move" - deep sea fishing, snorkel tours, paddle boarding, surfing, perhaps a sunset cruise - or simply relax and take advantage of the beautiful pool, beachside tropics, and the Aromas Del Mar Spa.

Breakfast-Breakfast- included
Overnight at Capitan Suizo

Day 7

Full day at leisure to enjoy hotel amenities.

Breakfast-Breakfast- included
Overnight at Capitan Suizo

Day 8

Full day at leisure to enjoy hotel amenities.

Breakfast-Breakfast- included
Overnight at Capitan Suizo

Day 9

This morning you will be transferred to the Liberia International Airport for your flight(s) home (transfer time approximately 1.5 hours - please plan your departure time accordingly).

Breakfast-Breakfast- included