Adventure in Costa Rica: 7 Days Itinerary at Nayara Tented Camp & La Fortuna
A Luxury Travel Vacation for Couples Groups and Families
Hi friends!
We based ourselves at the world-renowned Nayara Tented Camp in La Fortuna, combining luxury accommodations, private hot springs, and a week of unforgettable excursions.
This itinerary works beautifully for couples, but it’s also easily adapted for families and groups. To make it practical, each day includes Travel Tips, Couples Tips, and Group/Family Tips so you can personalize the experience.
Day 1 – Arrival at Nayara Tented Camp
Experience: After the journey into La Fortuna, the first view of the Arenal Volcano sets the stage. Check-in at Nayara feels like stepping into another world: spacious tents inspired by African safari lodges but infused with Costa Rican warmth, private hot spring plunge pools, and rainforest surroundings alive with birdcalls and frog choruses.
Dining at Ayla: Ayla serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a Costa Rican twist. Expect wood-fired lamb, fresh ceviche, and handmade breads. The open-air design makes dining feel immersive—you can hear the rainforest even as you eat.
Travel Tips: Ask for a tent with a volcano-facing plunge pool. Arrive early enough to enjoy the resort’s multiple shared hot springs before dinner.
Group/Family Tips: Families should book connecting tents. For groups, a welcome dinner at Ayla is a great way to gather everyone and set the tone.
Day 2 – La Fortuna Waterfall, Hanging Bridges & Arenal Volcano
Canyoning in La Fortuna Costa Rica
La Fortuna Waterfall: A 230-foot cascade plunges into a blue pool surrounded by cliffs and jungle. The 500-step descent is steep but worth it—swimming at the base is refreshing. The water is cold but invigorating after the humid hike.
Mistico Hanging Bridges: A guided walk along 16 suspension bridges reveals the forest at multiple levels. The perspective from the canopy is incredible—you may spot howler monkeys, leafcutter ants, or colorful toucans.
Arenal Volcano Hike: A walk across hardened lava flows from the 1968 eruption gives insight into the volcano’s dramatic past. Guides explain the unique flora that have colonized the rugged terrain. Views of Arenal on a clear day are jaw-dropping.
Dining at Asia Luna: Asia Luna offers a creative mix of Asian and Latin flavors. Think tempura vegetables with tropical fruit sauces, pad thai with a Costa Rican twist, and fresh sushi rolls paired with cocktails.
Travel Tips: Wear good hiking shoes; the lava trails can be uneven. Carry a small backpack with water, insect repellent, and a poncho—weather shifts quickly.
Group/Family Tips: Kids love the bridges but may need reassurance. Groups benefit from private guides who can tailor pacing and stops.
Day 3 – Volcano Hike, ATV Adventure & Tabacón Hot Springs
Morning Volcano Exploration: With a guide, we explored lesser-known trails around Arenal, where the focus was on ecosystems and wildlife. Learning how species adapted post-eruption was fascinating.
ATV Adventure: A thrilling ride through mud tracks, small rivers, and rural farmland. The ATVs are easy to operate, but the trails make it adventurous. It’s a fantastic way to see the countryside beyond tourist paths.
Tabacón Hot Springs: One of Costa Rica’s most famous thermal resorts, Tabacón features cascading hot spring pools landscaped into a lush botanical garden. Each pool has a different temperature and ambiance. The water is naturally heated by volcanic energy.
Dining at Jalapas: A small, authentic Costa Rican restaurant. Jalapas serves farm-to-table meals with bold flavors—try gallo pinto, slow-cooked pork, and tropical juices. It’s a $60 taxi ride from Nayara, but worth it for the cultural immersion.
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Travel Tips: Bring old clothes for the ATV (you’ll get muddy). Book Tabacón tickets weeks in advance; passes are limited.
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Group/Family Tips: Families with teens can enjoy ATVs, while younger kids may prefer to skip straight to Tabacón. Groups should book a private cabana at Tabacón to serve as a central meeting spot.
Day 4 – White-Water Rafting on the Sarapiquí River
Experience: The Sarapiquí River is perfect for first-time rafters. Its Class II & III rapids are exciting but not overwhelming. Between rapids, calmer stretches let you enjoy the jungle scenery—iguanas sunning themselves on rocks, herons fishing, and the occasional monkey in the trees.
Duration: 7 hours including transfers, safety briefing, rafting, and a riverside lunch of local Costa Rican cuisine.
Travel Tips: Wear water shoes or secure sandals. Bring dry clothes for after rafting. Guides are certified and prioritize safety, so follow their commands.
Group/Family Tips: Minimum age is usually 8, making it accessible for adventurous families. Groups should request a private raft for more bonding and fewer strangers.
Evening: Ordered room service and relaxed in the private plunge pool.
Day 5 – Horseback Riding & Coffee/Chocolate Tour
Horseback Riding: Gentle, well-trained horses took us through rolling pastures, shallow rivers, and forest trails. Guides shared stories about local farming traditions and native plants along the way.
Coffee & Chocolate Tour: Visiting a small-scale farm, we learned how coffee is grown in volcanic soil, hand-picked, and roasted. The chocolate segment included grinding cacao, making chocolate paste, and sampling treats.
Dining at La Street Bistro: La Street Bistro brings modern Costa Rican cuisine to a lively, urban-style setting. Expect fusion dishes like yuca fries with aioli, fresh seafood ceviche, and artisan cocktails.
Travel Tips: Wear long pants for comfort on horseback. Bring cash for artisanal coffee and chocolate—it’s fresher and cheaper at the farms.
Group/Family Tips: The chocolate-making portion is a hit with kids. Groups can buy coffee or chocolate in bulk for souvenirs and gifts.
Day 6 – Rio Celeste Adventure
Tubing: Floating down the turquoise waters of Rio Celeste is surreal. The color comes from volcanic minerals refracting light. It feels like drifting through a dreamscape.
Waterfall Hike: The hike to the Rio Celeste waterfall is moderately challenging but worth it—the blue waters crashing into the pool below is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic sights.
Wildlife Encounters: Guides are adept at spotting sloths and colorful birds. Seeing a sloth slowly move through the canopy feels like stepping into a documentary.
Zipline Canopy: Zipping through the rainforest offers sweeping aerial views of the jungle. Platforms provide photo ops and an adrenaline rush.
Dining: Back at Nayara, we opted for in-resort dining, enjoying locally inspired dishes and cocktails while unwinding after a physically demanding day.
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Travel Tips: Wear quick-dry clothes and bring plenty of water. This is a full-day adventure requiring stamina.
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Group/Family Tips: Best suited for kids 10+. Rotate tubing or zipline partners in groups to keep things social. Families with younger kids may prefer a shorter excursion.
Day 7 – Spa & Hot Springs at Nayara
Experience: After days of activity, a full day of pampering at Nayara’s spa was the perfect finale. Treatments include volcanic mud wraps, aromatherapy, and rainforest-inspired massages in open-air pavilions.
Dining at Nayara: We enjoyed a final dinner at one of Nayara’s fine dining venues, pairing Costa Rican seafood with international techniques. It was a fitting farewell to a week of indulgence.
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Travel Tips: Reserve spa services early—prime slots book quickly.
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Group/Family Tips: Parents can enjoy spa time while kids join Nayara’s explorer program (learning about frogs, bugs, and plants). Groups can stagger spa sessions, then reunite at the hot springs to toast the trip.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes—connecting tents and explorer programs make it great for families.
Very—tours are guided and accommodations cater to group travel.
Minimum is usually 8 years old for Class II & III rapids.
Yes, but stick to cooler pools for little ones.
Yes—there’s a mix of relaxing and active experiences.
Optional—tour pickups and taxis are reliable.
A mix of gourmet dining and authentic Costa Rican cuisine.
A mix of gourmet dining and authentic Costa Rican cuisine.
Yes, but some hikes (like La Fortuna Waterfall stairs) can be challenging.
Locally roasted coffee and handmade chocolate.
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