Costa Rica

From San José we’ll bring you straight into the rainforest, looking up to the smoldering purplish cone-crater of Arenal, the country’s most famous volcano. Get acquainted with Arenal on a unique forest hike, listening for howler monkeys and traversing 14 waterfall-adjacent bridges spanning the forest canopy.

Ride a sky tram up into the mountains, then zip line your way through the jungle over eight lines—sometimes 600 feet above the ground!—taking in volcano views as you go. Celebrate your aerial adventures back on ground at an organic chocolate farm, with a private tour that includes grinding and tasting local organic beans. In the afternoon explore the area’s hot springs, including the hotel’s own springs, or simply relax poolside with unforgettable volcano views.

After breakfast get ready for a thrilling float on the Corobici River, where you’ll take a (mostly gentle) ride, looking out for tropical wildlife as you squeeze through curving slot canyons draped in tropical trees and vines. Next stop is Rincón de la Vieja national park. This is geyser country, so coat yourselves in volcanic mud—great for its restorative powers, or at least a memorable photo or two. Afterwards, kick back in the hotel pool, or take hikes through its 570 acres, filled with wildlife and three waterfalls.

Today you’ll explore Costa Rica’s cowboy country at a working ranch. Hike a trail past boiling mud pots as toucans and monkeys play in the laurel and guanacaste trees. Look out for more elusive sloths and maybe even a jaguar. Follow the steep steps leading down to the stunning Oropendola waterfall, a narrow cascade tumbling into a very tight pocket canyon. Jump right in its gorgeous blue-green waters and take in the falls’ spray, then ride back to your vehicle—like any true sabanero—by horse.

You’re beach bound today! We’ll transfer you to the beach of Playa Hermosa, on the 1,400-acre Papagayo Peninsula and what GQ magazine calls “Costa Rica’s best-kept beach secret.” You’ll immediately see why, with the dozen or so miles of gorgeous sandy coast outside your new abode, which feels like a private beach house on the world’s most stunning stretch of sand.

The Pacific’s blue waves are yours! It’s the perfect place to snorkel, surf or just kick back in the sun on the beach’s dozen miles of sandy shoreline. Meet up in the afternoon for a private catamaran bay tour, surf lesson, snorkeling and an epic sunset. Dinner is a private banquet of freshly caught seafood.

After breakfast, transfer back to San Jose or the nearby airport in Liberia, or extend your time with a few additional days on the beach. Or maybe a few days on the Osa Peninsula are calling you. Either way, Modern Adventure’s Costa Rica is unforgettable.