Day 1: Arrival Transfer From Sjo Airport To San José City
Upon landing at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), guests are warmly welcomed by a local representative who provides personalized assistance and ensures every detail is taken care of for a seamless start. A transfer then whisks them away to their first hotel in the heart of San José, where the journey through Costa Rica begins in comfort and style.
Day 2: Departure For La Fortuna, Arenal
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before meeting a representative at reception (around 10h), who will deliver your rental vehicle and provide all the necessary information for the upcoming self-drive portion of your journey. From San José, set out on a scenic drive toward La Fortuna, a charming town nestled at the foot of the majestic Arenal Volcano.
Once considered one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Arenal frequently displayed glowing lava flows and ash emissions until activity subsided in late 2010. Today, it remains an awe-inspiring natural landmark, rising gracefully over lush tropical landscapes and renowned hot springs.
Upon arrival in La Fortuna, check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, taking time to relax and appreciate the beauty of your surroundings.
Day 3: Guided Local Experience At The Hanging Bridges
This morning, enjoy a guided tour of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours approx. through the famous Hanging Bridges of Mistico Park, an ecological reserve that offers a spectacular way to experience the rainforest from both the ground and the canopy level. Accompanied by a professional naturalist guide, you will walk along scenic trails and cross a series of suspension bridges that provide breathtaking views of the lush jungle. Along the way, your guide will help you spot and identify a wide variety of flora and fauna — from colorful birds like toucans and hummingbirds to monkeys, sloths, and fascinating reptiles and insects. This immersive experience is perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike.
We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen, and bringing a rain jacket, as weather in the rainforest can be unpredictable. Don’t forget your camera or binoculars to capture the incredible biodiversity.
By midday, the tour concludes, and you will return to your hotel. The rest of the day is leisurely to relax, enjoy the hotel facilities, explore La Fortuna town, or choose optional activities such as hot springs, waterfalls, or a spa treatment.
Day 4: Explore & Enjoy Arenal At Your Own Pace
After breakfast at the hotel, the day is leisurely to enjoy the many attractions of the Arenal region at your own pace.
Guests may choose to unwind in the area’s natural hot springs, where mineral-rich waters heated by the volcano provide a soothing retreat. For those seeking a more active experience, options include hiking along the trails of Arenal Volcano National Park, visiting the impressive La Fortuna Waterfall, or discovering the rainforest canopy on a zipline adventure. Rafting excursions on the nearby rivers also offer an exhilarating way to experience the lush tropical surroundings.
With a wealth of activities available for every style of traveler, La Fortuna perfectly combines relaxation and adventure, offering unforgettable moments in one of Costa Rica’s most iconic destinations.
Day 5: Arrival & Coastal Immersion
Approx. duration: 3 hours approx.
After breakfast and check-out, set off on your self-drive journey from La Fortuna toward Guanacaste province. The landscape gradually transforms as you leave behind the volcanic scenery and lush rainforest, giving way to wide open plains, traditional cattle ranches, and the refreshing Pacific breeze that signals your arrival in one of Costa Rica’s most beloved coastal regions.
Your destination is Casa Conde Beach Front Hotel, located in Playa Panamá, in the tranquil Papagayo Gulf—one of Guanacaste’s most exclusive and serene coastal areas. This All-Inclusive beachfront resort offers a peaceful and intimate atmosphere, ideal for guests seeking relaxation surrounded by nature. The property features comfortable accommodations, direct beach access, ocean-view pools, wellness services, and dining options inspired by local and international flavors.
Playa Panamá is known for its calm waters, natural beauty, and relaxed ambiance, making it perfect for swimming, kayaking, or simply unwinding by the sea. The area is also an excellent base to explore nearby beaches, enjoy scenic sunsets, and experience the authentic essence of Guanacaste. Whether resting under palm trees, enjoying the spa, or savoring a drink with ocean views, this stay delivers a harmonious blend of comfort, tranquility, and genuine Costa Rican charm.
Day 6: Golfo Papagayo, Guanacaste
Rental Car Return: The rental vehicle will be returned at 10:00 AM at the hotel reception, allowing guests to fully enjoy their first evening without any concerns.
Day 7: Leisure Days In Golfo Papagayo, Guanacaste
Enjoy leisurely days at Playa Panamá, where calm waters, lush surroundings, and warm Pacific sunsets create an ideal atmosphere for rest and relaxation. Guests may choose to unwind at Casa Conde Beach Front Hotel, enjoying its beachfront location, refreshing pools, All-Inclusive dining options, and relaxing spa services, or simply embrace the peaceful tropical setting just steps from the sea.
For those wishing to explore beyond the resort, Playa Panamá and the Papagayo Gulf offer a variety of experiences. Discover nearby beautiful beaches, take a scenic boat tour through the gulf, or join optional excursions such as snorkeling, kayaking, wildlife observation, or cultural experiences that showcase the natural beauty and traditions of Guanacaste.
Whether seeking quiet moments by the ocean or light adventure in a serene coastal environment, these free days in Playa Panamá offer the perfect balance of comfort, nature, and authentic Costa Rican charm.
Day 8: Leisure Days In Golfo Papagayo, Guanacaste
Enjoy leisurely days at Playa Panamá, where calm waters, lush surroundings, and warm Pacific sunsets create an ideal atmosphere for rest and relaxation. Guests may choose to unwind at Casa Conde Beach Front Hotel, enjoying its beachfront location, refreshing pools, All-Inclusive dining options, and relaxing spa services, or simply embrace the peaceful tropical setting just steps from the sea.
For those wishing to explore beyond the resort, Playa Panamá and the Papagayo Gulf offer a variety of experiences. Discover nearby beautiful beaches, take a scenic boat tour through the gulf, or join optional excursions such as snorkeling, kayaking, wildlife observation, or cultural experiences that showcase the natural beauty and traditions of Guanacaste.
Whether seeking quiet moments by the ocean or light adventure in a serene coastal environment, these free days in Playa Panamá offer the perfect balance of comfort, nature, and authentic Costa Rican charm.
Day 9: Leisure Days In Golfo Papagayo, Guanacaste
Enjoy leisurely days at Playa Panamá, where calm waters, lush surroundings, and warm Pacific sunsets create an ideal atmosphere for rest and relaxation. Guests may choose to unwind at Casa Conde Beach Front Hotel, enjoying its beachfront location, refreshing pools, All-Inclusive dining options, and relaxing spa services, or simply embrace the peaceful tropical setting just steps from the sea.
For those wishing to explore beyond the resort, Playa Panamá and the Papagayo Gulf offer a variety of experiences. Discover nearby beautiful beaches, take a scenic boat tour through the gulf, or join optional excursions such as snorkeling, kayaking, wildlife observation, or cultural experiences that showcase the natural beauty and traditions of Guanacaste.
Whether seeking quiet moments by the ocean or light adventure in a serene coastal environment, these free days in Playa Panamá offer the perfect balance of comfort, nature, and authentic Costa Rican charm.
Day 10: Golfo Papagayo, Guanacaste Sjo Airport
After breakfast and check-out, guests will be picked up from the hotel for a shared transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). Transfers operate at approximately 08:00 and 14:00 (only two services), with the journey taking around 5 hours and 30 minutes. Along the way, travelers will enjoy views of Guanacaste’s dry tropical landscapes before entering Costa Rica’s fertile central valley.
This service ensures a comfortable and stress-free conclusion to the trip, with enough time to arrive at the airport for check-in and departure formalities. Guests can simply relax, take in the passing scenery, and reflect on the unforgettable experiences of their Costa Rican journey.
