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8 Day Costa Rica Elite
Highlights: Arenal, Papagayo
Trip start: Liberia
Trip end: Liberia
Price Range From $12, 929 *
* USD per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

National Geographic Adventure Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth '98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'

Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
Expand [+]

Lush tropical settings, ocean breezes and the comforts of your own private villa – let yourself be pampered during our Costa Rica Elite. Your exclusive adventure begins with a private transfer (SUV or similar) from Liberia International Airport to Arenal. Enjoy the convenience of having a bilingual guide at your disposal throughout your time in Arenal. Arrive to the luxurious Springs Resort & Spa – the newest and most exquisite property in the Arenal region. Your private villa accommodation includes 2 bedrooms, a heated plunge-pool with Jacuzzi jets, indoor and outdoor dining areas as well as a sun deck and hammocks. The resort also offers onsite hot spring pools – the perfect location to relax after an active day in Arenal. During your stay you will enjoy the highlights of Arenal including the Arenal Volcano and your choice of hiking, biking, ziplining, canyoneering or rafting. Top off each night with in-room amenities for your enjoyment. Finish off the thrills of Arenal with a private helicopter transfer to the Four Seasons Resort, Guanacaste - landing within the property! Feel like royalty as you are escorted from the landing pad to you the resort Check-in. Luxury awaits you in your secluded one-bedroom canopy suite. This elegant suite includes a marble bathroom, plunge pool with infinity edge, indoor and outdoor dining areas and more - all set in the uppermost tree level of the Four Seasons property. Your experience will include golf, spa, fine dining (including wine & beer tasting) and leisure time to explore the beautiful beaches of the Guanacaste region. As your Costa Rica Elite adventure comes to an end our private transfer service (SUV or similar) will take you to the Liberia International Airport for your departure flight. We hope that you have enjoyed your “Pura Vida” experience!

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
Arenal
  • Liberia: Welcome to Elite Program - Welcome
  • Transfer - Airport to Arenal (3 hrs) (Elite) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Arenal: Welcome Springs Resort & Spa (Elite) - Champange
  • Dinner (not included)
The Springs Resort & Spa (B)
Day 2
Arenal
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Private - Arenal Highlights Tour (with Lunch) (Elite) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Continuation of day tour
  • Dinner (not included)
The Springs Resort & Spa (B)
Day 3
Arenal
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Adventure Day (Elite) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch (not included)
  • At Leisure
  • Appetizers and Wine (Elite) - Appetizer/Wine
  • Dinner (not included)
The Springs Resort & Spa (B)
Day 4
Papagayo
  • Breakfast (included)
  • Transfer - Private - Helicopter Landing Pad (Elite) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Transfer - Private - Helicopter to Four Seasons (Elite) - Private Helicopter/Pilot/Driver
  • Papagayo: Fresh Fruit and Bottled Water (Elite) - Fresh Fruit/Bottled Water
  • Lunch (not included)
  • At Leisure
  • Mojito Evening (Elite) - Mojito Fixings
  • Dinner (not included)
Four Seasons Papagayo 
Day 5
Papagayo
  • Activity Day (Elite) - Daily Activity
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Premium Local Beer Sampler (Elite) - Three Local Beers/Snacks
  • Dinner (not included)
Four Seasons Papagayo 
Day 6
Papagayo
  • Spa Experience (Elite) - Foot Soak/90 Min Massage
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Wine and Cheese Indulgence (Elite) - Wine/Cheese
  • Dinner (not included)
Four Seasons Papagayo 
Day 7
Papagayo
  • Optional Activities at Four Seasons Resort (Elite)
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Sweet Dreams Evening Beverage (Elite) - Baileys/Truffles
  • Private Dinner (Elite) - Dinner/Wine
Four Seasons Papagayo 
Day 8
Liberia
  • Transfer - Four Seasons to Liberia Airport (Elite) - Vehicle/Driver
  • Liberia: Depart
  
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arenal

Arenal contains an active volcano, and also the only dwarf cloudforest inCosta Rica. The crater of the volcano is 1.5km (1mi.) wide and contains a hot-water lake that changes color from turquoise to green to gray. It is also a whitewater rafting center with routes on the Rio Toro and Rio Sarapiqui.

Welcome to Costa Rica Elite program! Our Elite tours boast a plethora of amenities and luxury services for the ultimate guest experience. This tour includes; 5 star accommodations at The Springs Resort & Spa and the Four Seasons Papagayo, private transfer services by SUV and helicopter, private guided tours (pre-arranged as well as menu of activities for your choice), in-room amenities, breakfast daily, 24/7 local assistance and taxes and gratuities. Costa Rica awaits you to explore the true meaning of "Pura Vida".

Upon arrival into Liberia International Airport, you will be met at the arrivals area by your private guide. As you exit the airport the driver and SUV will be waiting to take you to the first stop on this luxury adventure - Arenal. Begin your scenic drive east around the serene Lake Arenal - immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the surroundings along the way. La Fortuna (Arenal) is a Costa Rica's hotspot for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike, a wide variety of activities are available for all types of travelers. This private transfer is approximately 3 hours in duration (90 miles/145 kms).

Welcome to The Spring Resort & Spa - enjoy a refreshing glass of champagne upon arrival. After check-in spend the remainder of the day at leisure - soak in the hot springs or enjoy the amenities of your private villa. Review the optional activities menu for Day 3 - and advise your guide which one you've chosen. Menu of Activities: Brave the river with class 3-4 rapids on the Toro River, Rappel down the canyon wall on the Canyoneering Adventure tour, or fly through the tree tops on an amazing Sky Trek Canopy Tour (zipline). The choice is yours!

With a spectacular view of the Arenal Volcano, natural hot and cold springs, four unique dining experiences, and an impressive full service Spa, The Springs Resort and Spa at Arenal promises to overwhelm you in every aspect of quality, service and design. The resort perches one thousand feet above the Arenal Valley on a mountain ridge just six kilometers north of the active volcano. Their higher altitude relative to other hotels in the area allows for not only incomparable views of the volcano, the lush valley and the surrounding towns that sparkle at night, but also access to the area’s famous prevailing breezes. In fact, the name Arenal is an indigenous word meaning “Window of the Wind”. With an average daytime high temperature of 80°F in the shade and nighttime lows averaging 70°F, you are sure to enjoy countless comfortable hours in your balcony hammock, al fresco dining, or sipping a frothy tropical cocktail in one of their spring pools.

Overnight at The Springs Resort & Spa.


The Springs Resort and Spa
The Springs Resort and Spa
Day 2 Arenal

Your guide will arrive at your hotel at a pre-determined pick-up time. Now is the time to advise your guide which activity you would like to participate in the following day (if you haven't done so already). Begin the tour with a morning departure from the resort – you will arrive to the Hanging Bridges area to explore the native flora and fauna. The Arenal Hanging Bridges is one of the most beautiful environmentally- friendly projects in Costa Rica. Located in front of the Arenal Volcano and within the corridor followed by migratory birds between North and South America, the project's trails and bridges bring you close to the birds, flowers, and lush vegetation of the primary rainforest. With safe and easy access, the trails allow you to walk right into a beautiful forest. The imposing hanging bridges overlook a dense canopy with volcano views looming in the background. Next, travel to the La Fortuna Waterfall - a magnificent 70m cascade waterfall in the mountainous rainforest. After this stop for lunch at a local restaurant for delicious lunch of local cuisine. You will be returned to the hotel to spend a few hours at leisure before heading out for the afternoon Volcano tour. The Volcano tour will include a short rainforest hike and then a transfer to an observation point to spot lava flowing - should you be so lucky! To top off this day, return to the hotel and spend the evening at your leisure.

Overnight at The Springs Resort & Spa.


Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano
Day 3 Arenal

Today you will participate in your pre-chosen adventure: River Rafting, Canyoneering or Zipling! Private transfers to/from hotel are included.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Enjoy a mix of local appetizers and a bottle of wine, which will be delivered to your room in the evening at your request.

Overnight at The Springs Resort & Spa.


Rio Toro White Water Rafting
Rio Toro White Water Rafting
Day 4 Papagayo

The Gulf of Papagayo and its coastline is at the center of a major tourism project advanced by Costa Rica's government.  Among the most popular destinations on the Gulf of Papagayo are Ocotal Beach, Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, and Playa Panama. The Papagayo peninsula is the most developed area in the gulf region.

Your private guide and driver will meet you at the Springs Resort and Spa and take you to the helicopter landing pad in Arenal for your transfer by private helicopter to the Four Seasons Resort in Papagayo, Guanacaste.

Enjoy a private helicopter transfer from Arenal directly to the Four Seasons Papagayo in the Guanacaste province. Upon arrival, you will be met by a driver with a private vehicle and transferred to the resort.

Upon your arrival to the Four Seasons Resort, you will be welcomed with a generous serving of fresh seasonal fruit accompanied by a bottle of Evian, Fiji or Voss spring water.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

The Four Seasons' Costa Rican bartenders have perfected this refreshing tropical cocktail. You will receive the recipe, and bottle of Centenario rum (200 ml), a mixing mortar, fresh mint, brown sugar, lemon juice and ice. A great start to your beach vacation. Ingredients will be brought to your room at your request.

Overlooking the Peninsula Papagayo, the Four Seasons Resort is set on two pristine beaches in Costa Rica. Welcome to Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo. Spilling down a coastal hillside to an isthmus of golden sand, Four Seasons creates an ambience of simple luxury in this pristine natural setting. With two unspoiled beaches, an indigenous spa, championship golf and the magic of the tropical dry forest.

Overnight at Four Seasons Papagayo.


Four Seasons Papagayo
Four Seasons Papagayo
Day 5 Papagayo

Today you will have access to the Four Seasons Resort's most popular activities. You will have the ability to choose from the following mentioned excursions or activities: enjoy a day of golf at the onsite golf course designed by Arnold Palmer, this 18-hole, par-72 championship course was designed with the resort golfer in mind. Spanning over 50 hectares (125 acres), this beautiful piece of property sits on the tip of Peninsula Papagayo, nestled in the mountainside along the Pacific Ocean. Spend the day lounging at the local private beach or take an early morning birdwatching tour. The 2 level fitness centre – with 202 square meters (2,178 square feet) of state-of-the-art fitness facilities is available to all guests. The resort has activities for all types of guests such as hiking, outdoor pool, sailing, snorkeling, Spa services, tennis, fishing, Canopy Zip Lines and much more. Please see the concierge to make arrangements.

A taste of the three local chilled beers: Bavaria, Imperial and Pilsen served with spiced pecans and fried plantains for you to enjoy while sipping these refreshing beverages. The Tico´s Beer Sampler will be delivered to your room in the evening at your request.

Overnight at Four Seasons Papagayo.


Four Seasons Golf Course
Four Seasons Golf Course
Day 6 Papagayo

Capturing the essence of Costa Rica, the Spa at the Four Seasons Resort offers a calm environment with naturally chic décor and ocean views from relaxation lounges. The comprehensive selection of facials, body treatments and massages highlights therapies using indigenous ingredients, such as mineral-rich rainforest muds from the nearby Osa Peninsula. The Spa's facilities encompass 19 multi-use treatment rooms, including 4 couple's rooms, wet rooms with private showers and rooms for massages and facials. Hair-care and salon services are available, in addition to manicures and pedicures. Your experience begins with a relaxing sea salt foot soak and includes a 90-minute massage of your choice, as well as time to savour the amenities in seclusion away from the hustle and bustle of the usual busy daily life (Note- couples can receive an upgrade free of charge to a couple experience with additional features).

Enjoy your choice of wine with a delicious mix of local and gourmet cheeses that will be delivered to your room at your request in the evening.

Overnight at Four Seasons Papagayo.


Four Seasons Spa
Four Seasons Spa
Day 7 Papagayo

Enjoy your time at leisure to relax by the pool or on the beach and soak up the sun's rays. There are plenty of optional activities to choose from should you wish to try one out! The Four Season's offers may great tours and excursions. While at the hotel you may try a round of Golf, play a game of tennis, go kayaking, snorkelling or if you are certified- dive into the depths of the Pacific Ocean for a view of the amazing marine life. If you are into deep sea fishing, there is an opportunity to try to catch black and striped marlin (based on seasonality). For the fitness buffs, head to the fitness center for a workout that is as easy or intense as you like. If you are in need of a little motivation, personal trainers are on hand to guide you. If you look to expand outside of the the resort grounds, you may head to Rincon de la Vieja National Park for a nature hike with guide, a horseback riding tour to view some beautiful backcountry scenery, or if you feel very adventurous- take a day tour to cross the Nicaraguan border for a visit (minimum 4 passengers required to run tour). Please see your concierge for further details on the options available.

A chilled mini bottle of Baileys served with two glasses, accompanied by a selection of truffles garnished with coffee beans. A fantastic way end your day. All items will be delivered to your room in the evening at your request.

Enjoy a specially prepared private dinner for two beach side or on the terrace of your suite. Choose from a wide selection of menus specially designed to fit your taste with wine tasting paired specifically to each menu.

Overnight at Four Seasons Papagayo.


Snorkelling
Snorkelling
Baileys!
Baileys!
Beach Side Private Dinner
Beach Side Private Dinner
Day 8 Liberia

Liberia is a major city in Guanacaste, en route to some of the country's most beautiful beaches. The city offers similar features to its Guanecastan neighbors, including a modern-style church center facing a plaza circled by cozy local shops and restaurants. Liberia is home to a new attraction, the Africa Mia, which offers an African safari to tourists. Not far off from the city is also Rincon de Vieja Volcano National Park, where natural settings of volcano-enriched hot springs and waterfalls surround all who visit.

This morning concludes you Costa Rica Elite experience. A private transfer has been scheduled to coincide with your international departure flight home - Transfer from Four Seasons Resort to Liberia International Airport. The transfer is approximately 1 hour in duration. As you say "adios" to this incredible experience always remember; "Pura Vida"!

Depart from Liberia International airport. We hope you have had a wonderful stay in Costa Rica and thank you for travelling with us. Have a safe flight home (end of tour program).


Papagayo Bay
Papagayo Bay

Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure – Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.