Eco Opulence: Rainforest Retreat, Pacific Escape

Near Bijagua de Upala, rainforest and countryside views give way to Santa Teresa’s Pacific shore. The change of scene connects a quiet northern retreat with time to explore Santa Teresa and Mal Pais or walk the palm-lined coast.

Curu adds a deeper encounter with the Nicoya Peninsula’s natural world. The refuge protects forest and coastal waters, with conservation work that includes reintroducing scarlet macaws and spider monkeys and restoring coral reefs. A naturalist leads you along its trails, helping you notice wildlife and understand the landscape around you. Bring your camera and binoculars for this rewarding forest day.

Tortuga Island offers another perspective on the coast: a Gulf of Nicoya boat journey, snorkeling near volcanic rock formations and white-sand beach time.

• Who will enjoy this week? Travelers who want a quiet rainforest retreat followed by Pacific beach time, with guided exploration and room to unwind. The two free days leave space for slow mornings or additional optional activities.
• Can I choose different stays? Yes. Rio Celeste Hideaway offers rainforest bungalows and private terraces as an equal-value northern alternative. On the coast, Casa Chameleon offers hillside villas with plunge pools in Mal Pais and welcomes guests aged 16 and over.
• Can I change the coastal adventures? Yes. The Curu hike and Tortuga Island outing each have alternatives: choose a different forest walk at Cabo Blanco or the Suntrails canopy zipline near Montezuma, or exchange a forest outing for island snorkeling. Ask your planner to shape the two activity days around your interests.
• How much open time is there? Days 2 and 5 are free in the included plan, balancing the northern retreat with time on the Santa Teresa coast. Keep them relaxed or request additional activities; these are optional additions.

Your journey connects Liberia airport, the green country around Bijagua de Upala and your selected Pacific coastal stay. Choose private transfers for airport arrival, travel between hotels and return to the airport, or a rental car for the complete journey. Any specialized connections and transportation provided by each tour remain as described for that service.

Keep the rainforest and beach combination, or explore a different stay and another coastal adventure. Choose the hotel that draws you in, trade a forest hike for canopy ziplining, or leave more room for slow mornings and time outdoors. Tell Pacific Trade Winds what you would love to experience.

The per-person price example used double occupancy, October dates and a rental car. Your exact quote reflects travel dates, room occupancy and transportation, and includes taxes, hotels, tours and transfers as described. International airfare, travel insurance and unlisted services are excluded. Rio Celeste Hideaway is an equal-value alternative, and lodge-only activities remain specific to each property. Optional activities on free days are additional.

Wear fully enclosed shoes for hikes. The zipline involves stairs, has a minimum age of five and a 260-pound limit. Cabo Blanco closes Mondays and Tuesdays and has a separate entrance fee. Santa Teresa’s large waves can make ocean swimming difficult; Nantipa’s pool is another place to swim. Snorkeling depends on sea conditions.