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Surfer walking along a dark-sand Pacific beach in Costa Rica

CANYONS · HOT SPRINGS · SURF

Costa Rica Hidden Gems: Dry Forest & Beach

Canyon adventures and thermal rivers in Bagaces, then the surf and sand of Nosara

Costa RicaTailor-Made7 days / 6 nightsFlights IncludedPrice on enquiry

A seven-day escape into the quieter side of Guanacaste, pairing the tropical dry forest around Bagaces, canyon cable adventures, river tubing and natural thermal springs, with the laid-back surf town of Nosara on the Nicoya Peninsula, one of the world's "Blue Zones" and a haven of empty beaches and warm Pacific water.

We arrange it as a private, tailor-made holiday with return UK flights, a thermal-river hotel and a boutique surf hotel, all transfers and guided activities, relaxed, active and ATOL protected from the moment you book.

Guided kayak through the mangrove estuary near Nosara, Costa Rica

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Holiday Highlights

Rio Blanco canyon adventure, a cable circuit of platforms, a Tarzan swing and a challenge bridge through the dry-forest canyon
Thermal river & mud baths, soak in a natural thermo-mineral river beneath the Miravalles Volcano
River tubing, drift the Rio Blanco spotting birds and monkeys
Learn to surf at Nosara, a beginner lesson on one of Costa Rica's most consistent, friendly beach breaks
Sea stand-up paddle & mangrove kayak, calm-water SUP and a guided estuary kayak in the Ostional refuge
Blue Zone beaches, free time on Playa Guiones, Pelada and Garza
ATOL protected & flight-inclusive, return UK flights and full financial protection (licence 10898)

Your Itinerary

Day 1: Fly from the UK · Arrive Liberia · Bagaces

Fly from the UK to Liberia (via a US or San José gateway). Your private driver transfers you to a thermal-river hotel set in the dry forest near Bagaces; the evening is free to enjoy the hot springs.

Day 2: Canyon adventure & thermal river

Tackle the Rio Blanco canyon cable adventure, 15 platforms, a Tarzan swing and a challenge bridge, then a traditional Costa Rican lunch and an afternoon easing tired muscles in the thermo-mineral river.

Day 3: River tubing in the dry forest

Float the Rio Blanco by tube through the canyon, watching for birds and monkeys, with a leisurely afternoon by the hotel pool.

Day 4: To the coast, Nosara & first surf lesson

A private transfer to Nosara on the Pacific coast, settling into your boutique surf hotel before a 90-minute beginner surf lesson on the beach.

Day 5: Sea stand-up paddle

A two-hour stand-up paddle session on calm water, then a free afternoon to swim, read or wander the village.

Day 6: Mangrove kayak & beach time

A guided kayak on the Nosara river estuary within the Ostional Wildlife Refuge, herons, iguanas and crabs along the banks, with the afternoon free for the area's quiet beaches.

Day 7: Fly home

Transfer to Liberia International Airport for your flight back to the UK, arriving home the following day.

Stand-up paddleboarding on a calm estuary near Nosara, Costa Rica

Where You'll Stay

Two contrasting stays, a dry-forest thermal-river hotel and a boutique surf hotel at Nosara (or similar), both on a bed & breakfast basis.

Bagaces (3 nights)

A design-led hotel built around a natural thermal river, with canyon trails and hot springs on the doorstep.

Nosara (3 nights)

A relaxed boutique surf hotel a short stroll from Playa Guiones, the heart of Nosara's Blue Zone beach life.

What's Included

  • Return international flights from the UK to Liberia
  • 6 nights' accommodation in a thermal-river hotel and a boutique surf hotel (B&B)
  • All private transfers and guided activities listed in the itinerary
  • Canyon cable adventure, thermal river, river tubing, surf lesson, stand-up paddle and mangrove kayak
  • 24/7 in-destination support and ATOL financial protection (licence 10898)

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance (required, we can recommend specialist providers)
  • Meals and drinks not specified, and optional excursions
  • Gratuities, personal expenses and single-room supplements

Frequently Asked Questions

The dry season (December–April) brings reliable sunshine and clean surf. The green season (May–November) is lusher and quieter, with warm water year-round. We tailor dates to your preference.

Planning the timing? Read when to visit Costa Rica for a month-by-month weather and wildlife rundown.

Plan your Costa Rica Hidden Gems holiday

Speak to one of our Latin America specialists for a tailored quote and your preferred dates. Flights, hotels, transfers and activities all arranged, ATOL protected from the moment you book.

We typically respond within 24 hours
Tailor-Made Holiday
Price on enquiry
tailored to your tripATOL protected (10898)
Flights Included
Private holiday
Flexible dates
7 days / 6 nights (suggested)
Fully customisable

No commitment, we respond within 24 hours

Real reviews

What our customers say

From travellers who visited Costa Rica with us

We've wanted to visit Costa Rica for years and Travelfab put together a brilliant two-week trip. Arenal Volcano with the hot springs was the perfect start. Tortuguero's canals were teeming with wildlife, monkeys, sloths, caimans, an incredible variety of birds. The Caribbean coast around Puerto Viejo had a completely different vibe, reggae, jerk chicken, and lovely reef snorkelling. Pura vida indeed.

Graham & Pat D.

Costa Rica was pure magic. Monteverde cloud forest was eerie and beautiful, we saw a resplendent quetzal on our first morning which our guide said was rare. The hanging bridges walk was thrilling. We finished at Manuel Antonio where the white-faced monkeys came right up to our sun loungers. The biodiversity is staggering. Travelfab arranged everything including an excellent local driver-guide.

Victoria & Mark P.

Perfect family holiday. The kids loved the zip-lining and wildlife spotting, and we loved the volcanic hot springs and beautiful beaches. Costa Rica has something for everyone.

Natalie J.

Tailor-made · ATOL 10898

Want to customise this trip?

Every Travelfab holiday is tailor-made, extend a leg, swap a hotel, combine with another country. Tell us the shape you want and a specialist will redesign it around you.

Customise this trip with a specialist
Price on enquiry
ATOL 10898