Nine nights from San José to Liberia without doubling back: a night by the airport, three at a hot-springs resort below Arenal Volcano, then five on the Papagayo coast, with every transfer and outing private.
A bed a short drive from the airport, on a night when the flight lands late. It is a simple room-only stop, and it beats a three-hour drive to Arenal in the dark with tired children. The long drive waits until everyone has slept.
Hot springs on the property, below Arenal Volcano, so the afternoon soak needs no car. The room is set up for a family: a king bed and two day beds for the children, and breakfast for everyone.
A beach, pools, a children's club, paddleboards and kayaks, on the coast and close to the flight home from Liberia. A suite with a king bed and a queen sofa bed, breakfast daily, and water, soft drinks and snacks in the minibar at no charge. An all-inclusive plan is available as an add-on.
A late landing in San José, then a private transfer for the short run to the hotel. I asked for snacks for the children to be in the car.
From the airport to the volcano: a private transfer of about three hours to La Fortuna, check-in at Nayara Gardens, and the afternoon in the hot springs.
Sloths, toucans and whatever else is moving, on a private guided walk. It's a gentle walk, not a hike. The rest of the day belongs to the hot springs.
Monkeys, sloths, iguanas, crocodiles and birds, seen from the water on a private safari float. It is a gentle drift down the river, not rapids. Back to the pools for the afternoon.
From the volcano to the Pacific: a private transfer of about three hours to the Andaz, then beach and pool for the rest of the day.
Left open, on purpose. Breakfast comes with the room, and the day gets decided over it: the pool, the beach, a paddleboard or a kayak, or the children's club.
A day out on a private boat: snorkeling for anyone who wants it, dolphins if you're lucky, and a barbecue on the beach.
A last breakfast, then a private transfer to Liberia airport for the flight home.
The sloth walk. I’ve done one around La Fortuna myself, in my long weekend in La Fortuna. Our guide carried a spotting scope on a tripod, and phone photos taken through the lens came out sharp. We saw four sloths, one of them a mother with her baby.
Eat early in town. La Fortuna starts winding down around nine, and most kitchens are dark by ten.
Pack a rain shell. Easter falls inside the driest stretch, December to April, but pop-up showers still come through.
Cash and tips. Colones and US dollars are taken nearly everywhere and cards do most of the work, but keep small bills for fruit stands and tips. Restaurants add a 10% service charge, and a guide or driver who made the day appreciates a little extra on top.
Passports. US passport holders need no visa. The passport should be valid for at least a month past arrival, and you can be asked for proof of onward travel.