The Tale of Two Jungles: A 6-Day Costa Rica Itinerary

La Fortuna journey

Upon arrival in San Jose, our group promptly proceeded to Arenal, prepared for an engaging experience. The drive to The Springs Resort can feature short stops in towns such as Grecia and Sarchí, scenic vistas at Laguna de Hule, and refreshments near Zarcero. These intervals can enrich the three-hour journey, with each location providing distinct attractions and even Costa Rican empanadas.

Travel arrangements through Day Trip were efficient, with a comfortable vehicle, a courteous driver, and seamless coordination.

The Springs Resort

Upon reaching The Springs Resort, guests were welcomed with cool towels, beverages, and remarkable views of the volcano. Our accommodations were spacious and inviting, with balconies revealing dramatic jungle and volcano vistas. I appreciated the variety of room options, including large villas that could host up to 18 guests. The property’s layout impressed me, especially the accessible pathways, elevators, and ramps, which made it easy for everyone—including those with mobility needs—to get around comfortably.

We ate lunch at Tree Tops Grill, which provided an introduction to Costa Rican cuisine within a relaxed, open-air setting. The resort’s pools and hot springs were readily accessible, offering opportunities for relaxation regardless of weather conditions.

Evening in Arenal

The concierge facilitated activity bookings, including a guided night walk at Club Rio on this day, where observing a red-eyed tree frog, various plants, frogs, snakes, and even the rare sighting of a howler monkey at night was particularly memorable.

Dinner at Tres Cascadas presented a varied menu with many gluten-free and vegan options and attentive service. There were ample areas to lounge, visit, and play games at night. Although guests should be aware of very few formal evening events/activities, they do have a “game room” where families, children can play air hockey, ping pong, and video and board games.

For those seeking cultural enrichment, nearby La Fortuna (a 20-minute drive) offers lively streets and authentic local experiences.

The day concluded with an enduring appreciation for Costa Rica’s natural landscapes and outstanding hospitality.

Our second day began with rainfall as we prepared for an extensive visit to Club Rio. Breakfast options included both à la carte selections, and through FORA’s Preferred Partner Perks, access to a complimentary buffet in Tres Cascadas, offering a range of fresh fruit, hot dishes, made-to-order omelets and eggs, oatmeal, and assorted juices.

Club Rio serves as the designated area for on-site excursions and activities, conveniently accessed by a shuttle service that covers the one-mile distance from the main hotel to the riverbank. Our itinerary featured a guided morning nature walk, a tour of the property’s Animal Sanctuary, and river tubing. Facilities in this area include secure lockers, changing rooms, restrooms, a restaurant offering hot meals and snacks, a bar, as well as recreational amenities such as lounge chairs, ping pong tables, cornhole, and hammocks for relaxation between activities. Towels are provided, eliminating the need for guests to bring their own from the hotel. The grounds feature numerous hot springs, interconnected by trails leading to waterfalls and a variety of pools. It is common for guests to enjoy these spaces privately, respecting others’ use of each pool.

The staff and guides are highly knowledgeable regarding local flora and fauna, and demonstrate a strong commitment to guest service, enhancing the overall quality of the experience.

Dinner was enjoyed at Las Ventanas, the resort’s premier fine dining establishment. The restaurant offers steaks, fresh fish, and select local dishes. Across all three restaurants, the wine list is comprehensive, including a selection of premium wines catering to discerning tastes. I would suggest reservations for this venue.

La Fortuna waterfall trek

To commemorate a milestone birthday, we were collected after breakfast and transported to La Fortuna for a guided waterfall rappelling experience. This rigorous excursion comprised five distinct activities, including an ascent down a 200-foot waterfall. The event required significant hiking between rappels as well as ascending steep ladders to reach the monkey drop segment. While prior experience was not necessary, a reasonable level of physical fitness is recommended. The staff members were highly trained, attentive, and engaging.

Upon completion, participants were returned to a central location where a light lunch was provided, and professionally taken photographs were made available for viewing, followed by transportation back to the hotel or lodging. All arrangements and payments for this excursion were efficiently handled by the hotel concierge, eliminating the need to bring additional credit cards.

I would recommend quick-drying shirt, shorts, Keen or other closed-toe shoes with good traction, a waterproof phone case, a bathing suit under clothes and a change of clothes. Lockers and towels are provided.

Evening

Upon returning to the hotel, we relaxed in the property’s hot springs. For our final evening at this location, dinner reservations had been secured at Ginger Sushi. Advance booking is essential, and the menu features a variety of non-sushi options, including Asian fusion dishes, appetizers, and a curated selection of sake.

The property offers ample public spaces, nearly all of which are open-air, providing ideal settings for socializing and enjoying an evening beverage.

Hiking at Parque Nacional Volcan Tenorio

For the transfer between La Fortuna and Bagaces, I arranged transportation through Day Trip and included a stop at Parque Nacional Volcan Tenorio to break up the approximately two-and-a-half hour drive.

The national park features significant natural attractions, including an impressive waterfall and, when weather permits, a strikingly blue lake resulting from volcanic minerals and runoff.

• Tip: Advance ticket purchase is recommended to avoid the need to present a passport at the entrance; note that tickets are timed and entry concludes at 2 pm. Tickets can be purchased online through the official park website. Be sure to bring a digital or printed copy of your ticket for entry.

The park offers a limited number of trails—making navigation straightforward—the terrain is generally challenging, with uneven paths, large steps, multiple stream crossings, and muddy conditions, making most hikes intermediate in difficulty. Completing the full circuit takes approximately 2–3 hours. Facilities include a nearby restaurant (not visited) and several stores. I would wear suitable footwear (hiking boots or closed-toe water sandals). Bring a light rain jacket, insect repellent, and carry water and snacks.

Rio Perdido

Following the hike, we proceeded to Rio Perdido, a unique property that combines a canyon on one side and a thermal river on the other, surrounded by extensive hiking and mountain biking trails. This contemporary hotel, comprising 38 rooms and two dining venues, has received many accolades and awards.

Guests access the property via an unpaved road, whereupon arrival they are greeted by a concierge who provides a comprehensive overview, details about the itinerary, and available amenities (FORA includes complimentary breakfast, a 20% discount on spa and adventure activities, and complimentary room upgrades based on availability). Luggage is delivered directly to guest rooms, ensuring a seamless start to the stay.

Lunch was served in the main restaurant, which offers both lunch and snack menus, featuring local cuisine as well as sandwiches, plated meals, and fresh farm-to-table options. Given Rio Perdido’s remote location, guests should plan to dine on-site; menu selections are sufficient for stays of 3–4 days.

Wellness, accommodation & adventure

As a wellness resort, Rio Perdido caters to guests seeking active experiences, as well as opportunities for wellness and yoga—either in the thermal river or on platforms in the jungle. Amenities include several small spa pools with lounge seating, a Canyon Bar with swim-up access serving the same menu as the main dining venue, and a spa comprised of four treatment huts, complemented by the natural thermal river. The hotel has received multiple accolades, notably Conde Nast’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Award for Top 10 Hotels in the Caribbean & Central America.

Accommodation consists of chic, urban-style rooms or bungalows. My stay was in a center bungalow offering expansive jungle views through a wall of windows, a sitting area, king bed, outdoor shower, and generous space. Online images provide an accurate representation. A flashlight is necessary for navigating the grounds after dark (visited in January). There are three room types, each with patio or outdoor spaces furnished with chairs or hammocks for enjoying the natural surroundings.

On this day, we selected the Canyon Adventure activity, which includes zip-lining, swings, and mountain climbing to reach subsequent zip lines—all located 200 feet from the lobby. The activity lasted one hour, for a group of four, and was supervised by skilled guides. A photographer documented the experience. This on-site offering maximized convenience and minimized travel time.

Dinner was exceptional and reflected the status of this 2-Michelin Key hotel. Each evening features a special starter and main course. The open-air, treehouse-style restaurant immerses diners in nature, while service remains attentive, efficient, and personalized.

Tubing

We took a great hike for the first thing this morning, on property. There are so many hiking and biking trails and a guided hike offered, complimentary to familiarize you with options.

After breakfast, we reserved the tubing on property, which was authentic, serene, and relaxing. On property meant personalized service to the top of the river where for almost an hour we traversed through natural canyons and rapids, landing at the front door to our hotel. The guides were fun, helpful, and eager for us to have a great time.

Cocktails & dinner

After tubing, we escaped to the thermal river, lunch, and then a guano cocktail-making class where we were taught the basics of how to create a phenomenal cocktail. It was a hands-on workshop on property with one of the bartenders where we learned so much of what we don’t do right when making a drink! Who knew!

We again visited the thermal river and springs before another phenomenal dinner, and then there was ample space and time for socializing, games, and a nightcap in the main area of the hotel lobby.

On our final full day, we embarked on a hike to the summit of the property, reaching both the helicopter pad and the volcano lookout. Throughout our stay, we had frequent opportunities to observe howler monkeys and white-faced monkeys near the suspension bridge and main restaurant. Each day, numerous howler monkeys could be seen in their troupe, engaging in various activities such as playing, resting, and traversing the trees overhead. During breakfast, white-faced monkeys regularly descended from the roof of the restaurant and lobby, moving through the trees while maintaining distance from guests and the nearby howler monkeys. This consistent presence provided exceptional opportunities for wildlife observation.

Rafting

For the white water river rafting excursion, we were personally escorted by Rio Perdido staff to meet with the rafting company located approximately 45 minutes away. The 2-hour journey down class 2–4 rapids was conducted under the guidance of experienced professionals was fun and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The hotel coordinated all arrangements, ensuring a convenient, safe, and exclusive experience that proved well worth our time.

We concluded our stay with lunch and dinner at the hotel before departing the following morning for LIR Airport in Guanacaste, which is about an hour’s drive, to board our flight home.

Final thoughts

Costa Rica offers a secure, welcoming environment enriched with culture and natural beauty. Additional time spent relaxing at a beach resort would have been appreciated following a comprehensive itinerary spanning multiple regions.

The staff at Rio Perdido consistently demonstrated warmth, professionalism, and attentiveness. We plan to return, incorporating more urban and cultural experiences to further engage with local communities, cuisine, and daily life.