Starting itinerary: Your journey begins in Venecia, where Hotel Finca 360’s hillside setting looks toward the mountains and San Carlos Valley.

8-day customizable vacation
Chasing Waterfalls Romantic Getaway
Follow Costa Rica’s waterfalls from the green hills of Venecia to the brilliant blue river at Tenorio and the forest trails of La Paz Waterfall Gardens. This seven-night romantic getaway pairs two nights at Hotel Finca 360, three at Rio Celeste Hideaway and two at Peace Lodge. A guided Rio Celeste hike and a guided visit to La Paz Waterfall Gardens bring the journey’s waterfall experiences into focus, while free days leave room to enjoy the surroundings at your own pace.
Plan Chasing Waterfalls around your dates and interests.
Explore the starting route, stays, and experiences, then share the ideas that fit your vacation with a Pacific Trade Winds specialist.
- Price
- from $1,654 pp*
- Route
- Venecia → Rio Celeste Hideaway → Vara Blanca - Peace Lodge
- Duration
- 8 days / 7 nights
- Planning
- Customizable sample itinerary
*Starting price varies with travel dates, party size, availability, and the choices you make.
Make this trip mineThe sample route
Why Venecia, Rio Celeste, and Vara Blanca work together
Join us on an extraordinary adventure that will take you deep into the heart of Costa Rica's hidden waterfall wonders. "Chasing Waterfalls" is not just a vacation; it's an exploration of some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in this enchanting country.
At Rio Celeste Hideaway, the rainforest becomes the backdrop for three nights near Tenorio Volcano National Park.
Starting itinerary: The final two nights bring you to Peace Lodge in Vara Blanca.
Stays along the route
Starting stays for Chasing Waterfalls
These are the starting stays. Your planner will confirm the room, meal plan, inclusions, and price for your dates.
Included
Hotel Finca 360
During your stay at Hotel Finca 360, you'll enjoy a Deluxe room and delicious meals, including breakfast and dinner.
Included
Rio Celeste Hideaway
During your stay at Rio Celeste Hideaway, you'll enjoy a Casita Deluxe Forest View room and scrumptious breakfast.
Included
Peace Lodge
During your stay at Peace Lodge, you'll enjoy an Artisan Guest Room, and meals will be on your own.
Experiences along the way
Included tours in the Chasing Waterfalls itinerary
These are the starting experiences included in the sample itinerary. Compare available ideas for each tour in Customize.
Day 5: Celeste River and Tenorio National Park Hike
Starting experienceCeleste River and Tenorio National Park Hike
The included moderate Tenorio hike on Day 5: four to five hours, rainforest trails and waterfall stairs, for Río Celeste Hideaway guests age eight and older.
Day 7: Explore La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Starting experienceLa Paz Waterfall Gardens Tour - Peace Lodge
This included guided visit takes place at La Paz Waterfall Gardens during your stay at Peace Lodge.
Starting package
What is included in this itinerary?
These are the stays, experiences and transportation included in the starting package.
- Travel assistance while in Costa Rica
- VIP Airport Greeting upon arrival
- Rental car for airport, interhotel and activity travel along the complete route; all private transfers are available instead of the rental car.
- 2 nights at Hotel Finca 360
- 3 nights at Rio Celeste Hideaway
- Celeste River and Tenorio National Park Hike
- 2 nights at Peace Lodge
- La Paz Waterfall Gardens Tour at Peace Lodge
- Details about Included Meals/Drinks available upon inquiry
- Current sales and turismo taxes
- Optimized logistics and detailed itinerary planned with you by an expert Costa Rica Travel Planner
- Professional support before, during, and after your trip
- 24/7 Travel assistance while in Costa Rica (forget your passport or favorite shirt at a hotel? flight plan change? lose a contact lens while swimming? – WE’RE LOCATED IN COSTA RICA AND ARE HERE FOR YOU!)
- The best guides for day tours and professional drivers on transfers
- Easy booking with only a $100 deposit and flexible payment plans
Route at a glance
How Chasing Waterfalls moves through Costa Rica
See how the sample route connects each destination. Reorder the destination stops to explore another sequence; your planner will confirm the transportation and timing it requires.
Editable trip sequence
Arrival and departure stay in place while you explore a different order for the destination stops.
- 1SJO Airport
- 2VeneciaDays 1–2
- 3Rio Celeste HideawayDays 3–5
- 4Vara Blanca - Peace LodgeDays 6–7
- 5SJO Airport
8-day Costa Rica itinerary
What happens each day on Chasing Waterfalls?
Follow the starting itinerary day by day, then use Customize to explore stays, experiences, transportation, and pace.
Current route: Venecia → Rio Celeste Hideaway → Vara Blanca - Peace Lodge
Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica
Your journey begins with a warm welcome at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). Our dedicated Pacific Trade Winds representative will ensure your arrival is hassle-free with VIP Airport Greeting service. If you're arriving at a different airport, please contact us for details.
Hotel Finca 360 - Your Hidden Oasis in Venecia
Nestled in the scenic town of Venecia, Costa Rica, Hotel Finca 360 is a charming boutique hotel surrounded by lush jungles, majestic waterfalls, and stunning volcanoes. This off-the-beaten-path destination offers a true paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The hotel provides an immersive experience, with amenities such as a spa, a restaurant and bar featuring local cuisine, and a boutique showcasing artisan crafts. From its hillside location, guests can enjoy breathtaking views of Juan Castro National Park, towering volcanoes, verdant mountains, and the expansive San Carlos Valley. Within a short drive, the captivating Bajos del Toro region awaits with its remarkable volcanoes and natural wonders. The hotel's spacious rooms are beautifully decorated with tropical art and handmade decor by local artisans, offering serene accommodations with picturesque views and luxurious amenities. Whether you're a birdwatcher, nature lover, or yoga enthusiast, Hotel Finca 360 provides a hidden gem where you can escape to the tranquility and beauty of rural Costa Rica. During your stay at Hotel Finca 360, you'll enjoy a Deluxe room and delicious meals, including breakfast and dinner.Day 2: Free Day to Explore Venecia
Today is your free day to explore the charming town of Venecia on your own. Venecia is an off-the-beaten-track gem, with numerous hidden waterfalls waiting to be discovered in nearby Bajos del Toro and Juan Castro Blanco National Park. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Costa Rica's best-kept secrets. Please note that free days are for self-guided exploration and do not include specific services.Day 3: Rio Celeste Hideaway - Nature's Paradise
Your next destination is the luxurious Rio Celeste Hideaway, a eco-friendly resort nestled in the Costa Rican rainforest near Tenorio Volcano National Park and the mesmerizing Rio Celeste Waterfall. This resort offers spacious and beautifully appointed bungalows and suites, each with private terraces or balconies overlooking the lush rainforest. Guests can explore the nearby Rio Celeste, known for its vibrant turquoise color, and enjoy guided nature walks and birdwatching tours. The on-site restaurant serves delicious Costa Rican cuisine, and the spa offers a range of holistic treatments. Rio Celeste Hideaway provides a serene and secluded retreat for those seeking relaxation and immersion in nature. Hotel amenities include a swimming pool, jacuzzi, restaurant, bar, nature trails, tropical gardens, and internet. During your stay at Rio Celeste Hideaway, you'll enjoy a Casita Deluxe Forest View room and scrumptious breakfast.Day 4: Free Day at Rio Celeste
Today is another opportunity for you to explore Rio Celeste at your own pace. The Rio Celeste and Tenorio National Park area are a paradise for rainforest enthusiasts. Marvel at the captivating Rio Celeste Waterfall and its pools, or follow trails to natural hot springs where you can relax in harmony with nature. Please note that free days are for self-guided exploration and do not include specific services.Day 5: Celeste River and Tenorio National Park Hike
Prepare for a guided hiking adventure to witness one of Costa Rica's natural wonders—the brilliant blue waters of Rio Celeste. This exclusive hiking tour is available only to guests staying at Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel. It begins at the hotel's reception area, where your guide will lead you into Tenorio National Park. After a short uphill hike, you'll arrive at the breathtaking 300-foot Rio Celeste Waterfall, cascading into a turquoise pool. Descend 250 well-constructed steps with a handrail to reach an observation platform, perfect for capturing incredible photos. Following this, continue your hike along natural rainforest trails, pausing at several observation platforms. Your journey culminates at the convergence of two mineral-rich rivers, where their brown waters merge to create a brilliant blue river. Enjoy a provided fruit snack before heading back to the park entrance. This 4 to 5-hour moderate hiking tour includes a bilingual guide, park entrance fee, and a fruit snack. It is exclusively available to guests staying at Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel. Please wear fully enclosed hiking shoes, long pants, and lightweight long-sleeve clothing. Don't forget bug repellent, bottled water, rain gear, a camera, and binoculars.Day 6: Peace Lodge - A Mountain Retreat
Your journey continues to Peace Lodge, located in Vara Blanca, Costa Rica. This luxurious mountain retreat offers a perfect blend of tranquility and natural beauty. Nestled in the midst of lush rainforest and surrounded by cascading waterfalls, this eco-friendly lodge provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The lodge boasts beautifully appointed rooms and suites, each featuring unique touches like stone fireplaces, handcrafted furnishings, and private balconies or terraces with stunning views. Guests can indulge in a variety of amenities, including a spa with rejuvenating treatments, a charming butterfly observatory, and a refreshing pool overlooking the verdant landscape. The lodge also offers guided nature walks and hikes, allowing guests to explore the nearby cloud forest and discover its rich biodiversity. Dining at Peace Lodge is a culinary delight, with a restaurant that serves farm-to-table cuisine made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Whether seeking relaxation, adventure, or a romantic getaway, Peace Lodge provides an enchanting and immersive experience in the heart of Costa Rica's natural wonders. Hotel amenities include a pool, jacuzzi, restaurant, bar, waterfall gardens, hummingbird gallery, aviary, trout pond, serpentarium, jungle cat exhibit, and internet. During your stay at Peace Lodge, you'll enjoy an Artisan Guest Room, and meals will be on your own.Day 7: Explore La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Today, you'll embark on a guided tour of La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a nature lover's paradise. As you follow trails through both cloudforest and rainforest environments, you'll encounter five cascading waterfalls with specially designed viewing platforms. Throughout the hike, visit nature pavilions and sanctuary habitats for a variety of wildlife, including jungle cats, birds, butterflies, monkeys, hummingbirds, sloths, snakes, and frogs, in addition to the orchid house. You'll also arrive at a 100-year-old farm reproduction where you'll learn about traditional Costa Rican life from a century ago. Here, you can enjoy ox-cart rides and even try your hand at milking a cow. La Paz Waterfall Gardens is an eco-friendly sanctuary actively participating in reforestation and wildlife reintroduction when possible. The tour includes entrance to the Gardens and a bilingual tour guide. This moderate hike involves climbing hundreds of stairs. This included guided visit takes place at La Paz Waterfall Gardens during your stay at Peace Lodge. The guided tour typically takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, depending on how long the group spends in each area. Please wear comfortable enclosed hiking shoes, bring a rain jacket, bug repellent, sunblock, binoculars, and a camera.Day 8: Farewell and Departure
As your adventure comes to a close, we bid you farewell. Transportation will be provided back to San Jose International Airport, scheduled to arrive three hours prior to your departure flight.
¡Pura Vida! We hope your Costa Rica vacation and journey of discovery has been filled with unforgettable moments and a deep connection to Costa Rica's natural beauty.
MAKE THIS COSTA RICA VACATION YOURS
Plan your waterfall vacation
Share your dates, interests and any changes you would like. You can send a request for the starting trip without making changes.
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Explore ideas for your waterfall vacation
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Compare experience ideas
Starting experiences
Compare rainforest, wildlife, culture, and adventure ideas within each destination, then choose the experiences that fit your vacation best.
Destination
Rio Celeste

Alternatives from Rio Celeste
Replace Celeste River and Tenorio National Park Hike
Choose a replacement for this outing. Your planner will confirm availability and any change in price.

Destination
Vara Blanca
THE STARTING ITINERARY
Three distinct settings for a Costa Rica waterfall vacation
Your journey begins in Venecia, where Hotel Finca 360’s hillside setting looks toward the mountains and San Carlos Valley. Nearby Bajos del Toro gives this first stop its waterfall appeal, while your free day leaves time for self-guided exploration. Tropical artwork and handmade details by local artisans give the hotel a character that belongs to its surroundings.
At Rio Celeste Hideaway, the rainforest becomes the backdrop near Tenorio Volcano National Park and the remarkable blue waters of Rio Celeste. The Vara Blanca mountain setting adds cloud forest and rainforest to the journey.
- Three nights at Rio Celeste Hideaway leave a separate free day for a quieter interval between the journey’s guided outings.
- The final two nights bring you to Peace Lodge in Vara Blanca.
Together, these three stops provide a romantic vacation shaped by forest scenery, distinctive hotels and time spent beside Costa Rica’s waterfalls. Pacific Trade Winds can help tailor the itinerary to your travel dates and preferences.
THE STARTING ITINERARY
Is this waterfall vacation a good fit for you?
- The two included guided visits suit travelers comfortable with moderate hiking and stairs: Day 5 at Tenorio includes 250 steps to the waterfall viewpoint, and Day 7 at La Paz Waterfall Gardens involves hundreds of stairs.
- Day 2 in Venecia and Day 4 at Rio Celeste leave time for self-guided exploration. These free days include no specific services.
- The starting Day 5 hike is exclusive to Rio Celeste Hideaway guests. The Tenorio River safari float is a separate, optional idea for that day.
- The hotels have different meal arrangements: breakfast and dinner at Hotel Finca 360, breakfast at Rio Celeste Hideaway, and meals on your own at Peace Lodge. Ask your planner to confirm the final meal details with your booking.
Pricing
This Costa Rica vacation is intended to be 100% customized to your needs. You may add or subtract days, hotels, tours, or even change transportation options. In order to provide the lowest prices possible, we work with a combination of contract and dynamic rates. These rates fluctuate daily based on the season and available hotel rooms and are often lower than our list rates, so inquire to find out if you can save on your travel dates!
Venecia, Rio Celeste and Vara Blanca: a waterfall journey inland
Hotel Finca 360 begins the trip with an open day around Venecia before three Rio Celeste Hideaway nights. The included Tenorio hike on day 5 supplies the blue-river chapter, with walking and steps to the waterfall viewpoint. Peace Lodge then changes the setting to the cooler Vara Blanca mountains, and day 7’s La Paz Waterfall Gardens visit brings several cascades into one guided outing. The pleasure is in these different forest environments, with two open days between the guided visits; additional waterfall outings require separate arrangements.
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