Costa Rica Rivers & Beach – Costa Rica Programs

Looking for a family vacation in Costa Rica that includes some adventure but that requires no previous experience? This program is the perfect combination between adrenaline, nature, relax and the best of all, you will stay at boutique hotels.

Rio Perdido is an amazing adventure resort located in the mountains of Bagaces, where the tropical dwarf forest, rivers, zip lines and trails are the highlights. In addition, you will enjoy the walk to the mysterious and incomparable Celeste River, considered the most beautiful river in Costa Rica that obtains its particular color from the Tenorio Volcano.

At the end of the program, you will enjoy three nights in the lush Gulf of Papagayo, which is considered the ideal place to conclude your vacation with days full of rest and relaxation, enjoying the sun and warm waters North Pacific Costa Rica.

Program summary:

Day 1: Bagaces

Day 2: Bagaces // Zip line canyon adventure

Day 3: Celeste River

Day 4: Celeste River

Day 5: Papagayo Gulf

Day 6: Papagayo Gulf

Day 7: Papagayo Gulf

Day 8: Departure Transfer (LIR)

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: LIR INT’L AIRPORT – BAGACES MOUNTAINS

Welcome to Costa Rica! Upon arrival into the Liberia International Airport (LIR), you will be met by a Swiss Travel representative, who will provide you with your full itinerary, recommendations, maps, contact information, and assistance with picking up your car rental. Swiss Travel is the in country, on-site tour operator who will be able to assist you with any questions you have throughout your getaway.

Please note: When choosing your flights, please be sure to select one that arrives in Liberia by early afternoon, in order to accommodate driving time from LIR Int’l Airport to the Bagaces area.

You will then be ready to set out on your own to explore the real Costa Rica, with its abounding natural beauty. You will travel the scenic roads and experience the country’s small villages and rural way of life, with the freedom to stop along the way, walk around the little town squares, and fully immerse yourself in the local culture.

Your first destination today will be the amazing location of Bagaces, near the base of the Miravalles Volcano, a region that is still undiscovered, so much so that the final road to the hotel is more ‘off-road experience’ but definitely guests will be rewarded staying two nights at Rio Perdido, an adventure complex where you will have facilities like, Thermal River, Zip lines, trails, Wildlife and an incredible view of the tropical dwarf forest.

Enjoy the rest of the day and evening at leisure to enjoy the Thermal River

Rio Perdido” means “Lost River”, and it is perfectly hidden by its host canyon and a canopy of dense flora. Here, where geothermal heated waters flow from underneath massive boulders, you can explore the river canyon and enjoy a hiking experience. There is excellent canyoning and rappelling, and you can cross a 200-foot hanging bridge. Hot springs are waiting for you at the end of this amazing day! Engulfed in nature, featuring a naturally heated river, excellent mountain biking trail, on site canyon adventure tour, and thermal spa, Rio Perdido is the newest and unique vacation spot in Costa Rica

Estimated driving time, non-stop: 1½ hour.

Day 2: BAGACES MOUNTAINS

Breakfast

This morning enjoys the Canyon Adventure Park an innovated, unique and exciting activities, full of adrenaline! It consists of a circuit of 15 platforms: 6 of them are rock-based, 9 are suspended on the canyon walls, a pendulum cable, a 50ft “Tarzan swing, a 90ft challenge bridge, 4 via ferratas* with lengths varying from 15 to over 30ft and 5 carbon fiber zip lines with lengths varying from 260 to over 800ft. Day concludes with a soak in a secluded thermal river which offers dozens of spots to take a dip in the hot-springs or enjoy a treatment at the spa, which offers different well-practiced massages (Extra cost).

Day 3: BAGACES MOUNTAINS – CELESTE RIVER

Breakfast

Today you will drive to the Celeste River, located near the Tenorio Volcano National Park.

Undoubtedly, as the name says, Celeste River is a natural wonder of Costa Rica. This river obtains its spectacular color from different volcanic minerals. Local legend says that when God finished painting heaven, he washed the brush in the Rio Celeste! Surely, this will be one of the highlights of your trip to of Costa Rica. Tonight you will stay at the Celeste Mountain Lodge. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included).

Estimated driving time, non-stop: 1½ hour.

Estimated length time with the recommended stops and other time to explore: 3 – 4 Hours

Places to visit: Heliconias Hanging Bridges.

Day 4: CELESTE RIVER

Breakfast

We recommend getting an early start so you can arrive at the Celeste River National Park mid-morning, and spend approximately 2 hours admiring the imposing waterfall, lookout point and blue lagoon, and exploring the trails that take you to the “Teñideros,” where the river takes its blue color from merging with a small creek.

Day 5: CELESTE RIVER – GUANACASTE BEACHES

Breakfast

Enjoy your morning at leisure to discover this beautiful area, and observe different species of birds and mammals and the exuberant flora that surrounds the forest. It is highly recommended that you take a hike to Celeste River, or visit Bijagua Village to get an immersion into the true Costa Rican rural life – with its plantation fields and cheese factories, all around rolling hills and rushing creeks. As you set out you will be driving on peaceful gravel and dirt roads that connect some isolated small villages, inhabited by friendly people who you will love to meet (and who will love to meet you!). That afternoon, continue your drive to the Guanacaste Beaches on the North Pacific Coast. This route will provide you with panoramic views of Miravalles Volcano until you reach the Pan-American Highway, where you begin to notice the change of the rainforest into the tropical dry forest that characterizes the entire Guanacaste Province. You will begin to see the beautiful, world-famous beaches of Costa Rica, set amidst jungle landscape, as well as the magnificent sunsets, which will create indelible memories in your mind! Tonight you will begin your 3-night stay in the Nosara.

Estimated driving time, non-stop: 3½ hour.

Estimated length time with the recommended stops and other time to explore: 5 – 6 Hours

Places to visit: Bijagua Village, Las Pumas Rescue Centre & Barra Honda National Park

Day 6 & 7: GUANACASTE BEACHES

Breakfast

Enjoy two days at leisure, to enjoy the hotel, the beach, and the surrounding area. This region is known for its extensive nature reserves with a plethora of flora, fauna and natural beauty. Some of the many natural attractions and activities you can take advantage of include National Parks and variety of forests; canopy/zip line tours, river rafting, horseback riding, forest hiking, fishing and much more