Pura Vida Lifestyle: Your Costa Rican Guide to Adventure, Rejuvenation and Wellness

Curated By
Sylvia Tawfik
Curator’s statement
From sustainable coastal resorts to wellness retreats nestled in the heart of the mountains, Costa Rica is more than just a destination. It is rather an invitation to reconnect with nature and embrace a life of wellness. Surrounded by vibrant rainforests, pristine beaches and majestic volcanoes, this small yet breathtaking country offers solace for every type of traveler. The essence of “Pura Vida”, the pure life, teaches us to slow down, embrace the simplicity of life and appreciate the beauty even in the small moments. This destination encourages connection with the local people who have integrated eco-friendly practices into the fabric of their daily lives. Whether you seek adventure, rejuvenation, wellness or a deeper connection with the environment, Costa Rica is the perfect destination. This is a magical place where eco-conscious luxury meets the healing power of nature. I invite you to embark on this journey of wellness, discovery and relaxation.
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Day 1: Arrive in Liberia

Arrive in Liberia and take a private shuttle (about 50 minutes) to Peninsula Papagayo to check in to your hotel.
I recommend Andaz Peninsula Papagayo, with a beautiful property, incredible cuisine and private beach club — what’s not to love?!
Head to Rio Bhongo for happy hour and light bites (highly recommend the ceviche). Enjoy the pool and oceanfront view as the sun sets.
After enjoying a beautiful sunset, it’s time for tapas at Chao Pescao and enjoy your evening strolling around the property's grounds.
Day 2: Beach day!

Start your morning with a delightful breakfast at the hotel.
Take the boat ride over to Casa de Playa for a beach day! Spend your time paddle-boarding, kayaking or just lounging with an ocean view with a cocktail in your hand. Enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired lunch by the water with the service while at the beach club.
After heading back to the room, get ready for sunset dinner and take the hotel shuttle down to the pier or around the peninsula for off-site dining options.
Day 3: Trip to Monteverde

Start your morning at the wellness center, enjoying the steam room, cold plunge and the pool to get ready for your travel day!
After breakfast, it is time to check out and take your private shuttle to Monteverde.
Check in to your accommodations at Monteverde and head to Taco Taco for a late lunch. Walk over to the Frog Pond to explore some of the different Costa Rican Frog species.
Spend some time unwinding and getting ready for dinner. For a more formal option, head over to San Lucas Treetop for an elevated dining experience — reservations with optional shuttle required. For a more casual option, try Tree House Restaurante in Santa Elena. Enjoy a more relaxed environment with live entertainment (make a reservation for the third floor).
Rest up for an adventure day tomorrow!
Day 4: Monteverde hikes, ziplines and butterflies

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and take your private shuttle out to Monteverde Reserve. Spend your time on a self-guided hike or reserve a tour with a nature guide.
Don’t forget to stop at Café Colibri to enjoy a cup of coffee and watch the hummingbirds!
After spending the morning exploring the Cloud Forest and learning about the species, it is time for lunch! Try the cafeteria at the Cloud Forest or head back to town to try Soda Amistad. Spend the rest of the afternoon strolling down Santa Elena and don’t forget to stop at the butterfly sanctuary!
Optional: For adrenaline lovers, spend your afternoon ziplining through the rainforest! (Original Canopy Tour, Extremo Adventure Park, Adventuro, etc.)
Head back to the hotel to unwind and have dinner at the hotel.
Day 5: El Tigre and coffee farms

Enjoy an early breakfast and get ready to head to El Tigre Waterfalls.
Choose between completing the entire trail, exploring or arranging for a horseback ride with the guides. Have lunch at the El Tigre cafeteria before heading back to the hotel.
Take a tour of the coffee farm with Café Monteverde or El Pueblo Coffee (family-owned) in the afternoon. There is an option for a chocolate, coffee and sugar cane tour with Don Juan, however, chocolate is best in La Fortuna region.
Day 6: Head to La Fortuna

After a delicious breakfast, it is time to relocate! Take a prearranged private shuttle or your car to head over to La Fortuna for the next stop!
Check in to your hotel and get ready to hit the hot springs! There are plenty of options for hot springs- Tabacón is our preference as these are the only natural hot springs and the scenery is beautiful! The resort offers shuttles to the guests and there is a private hot springs garden for hotel guests only. Other options include Springs Resort and Baldi Hot Springs. Grab lunch at the springs and spend the afternoon unwinding after a long car ride!
Grab dinner at the hotel and rest up for an adventure-packed day.
Day 7: La Fortuna waterfalls and hanging bridges

Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel and head over to La Fortuna Waterfalls. This location can get crowded later in the morning, so head out early to capture amazing views before the crowd sets in. Be sure to bring a swimsuit and towel if you plan to swim. There are about 510 steps, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle!
Stop at Chante Verde on your way back for lunch and take a stroll in the downtown La Fortuna area.
Optional: If you are feeling adventurous after your morning hike, head to the Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges. I recommend including the nature guide in your package to help show the different species of wildlife throughout your hike.
Optional: Try one of the treatments at the hot springs for a fully immersive experience. My favorite was the Volcanic Mud Body Wrap at Tabacón Thermal Spa.
After unwinding and getting ready for dinner, head to Don Rufino for a nice dinner to enjoy your last night in La Fortuna!
Day 8: All-inclusive wellness retreat

After breakfast, it is time to head to San Jose! From the Juan Santamaría International Airport, your dedicated concierge will arrange transportation to the mountain property.
Hacienda AltaGracia: Nestled in the foothills of the Talamanca Mountains, this luxury haven is where wellness meets tranquility. This is the perfect place to reconnect with yourself and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. The serene setting, combined with a personalized wellness itinerary, encourages you to set intentions and reflect before returning to the hustle and bustle of daily life. It's a transformative space to pause, recharge and gain clarity before moving forward.
The Retreat: This intimate escape is dedicated to rejuvenation and self-reflection. Surrounded by lush forests and the peaceful sounds of nature, this sanctuary provides a perfect environment to relax, reset and focus on setting new intentions. Whether through yoga, meditation or simply soaking in the breathtaking views, you will leave feeling balanced, refreshed and ready to step back into the real world with renewed clarity.
Need to know
If you choose to rent a car, you should research your routes prior to arriving. While having a car is a nice freedom, it can also be a source of stress if you do not plan accordingly. Consider the car's size as well as the road conditions in this decision. Google Maps will automatically direct you to the quicker route, however, these roads may not be in a good condition (ex Monteverde to La Fortuna). There are plenty of shuttle options that can help avoid these hassles and are offered with almost every excursion.

Travel Advisor
Sylvia Tawfik

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