Costa Rica Vacation Planner - LUXURY TRAVEL, Wellness & Surf - Uvita, Osa Peninsula, Manuel Antonio, Perez Zeledon

Ultimate Costa Rica 8-Night, 9-Day Luxury Surf and Wellness Trip Vacation Package – Pacific South. This itinerary focuses on luxury, wellness, and surfing, while incorporating the best activities and natural attractions in the Puntarenas and Osa Peninsula regions.

Itinerary Overview

• Duration: 8 Nights, 9 Days

• Region: Puntarenas and Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

• Locations: Uvita (2nd furthest), Osa Peninsula (furthest), and Manuel Antonio or Pérez Zeledón (closest)

• Focus: Luxury, wellness, surfing, and nature

• Budget: $250–$500 per night for accommodations, $100–$500 per person for each  tour or wellness option

• Airport: San José International Airport (SJO)

Day 1: Saturday – Arrival and Travel to Uvita

• Drive Time: ~3.5 hours (210 km / 130 miles) from San José International Airport (SJO)

• Activity: Settle into your hotel, enjoy the views, and relax in the serene surroundings.

Days 2-3: Uvita (2 Nights)

Why Uvita?
Uvita is a serene surf and wellness destination, known for its stunning beaches, lush jungle surroundings, and the famous whale tail-shaped sandbar at Marino Ballena National Park.

Top 5 Luxury Hotels/Wellness Retreats (Breakfast Included):

1. Oxygen Jungle Villas: Luxurious boutique hotel with jungle views and breakfast.

2. Vista Celestial: Stunning ocean-view villas with breakfast included.

3. Tiki Villas Rainforest Lodge: Adults-only eco-lodge with breakfast.

4. Hotel Vista Ballena: Affordable, with ocean views and breakfast included.

5. La Cusinga Lodge: Eco-friendly lodge near Marino Ballena National Park with breakfast.

Best Surf Spots (Within 30-Minute Drive):

• Playa Hermosa (Uvita): Beginner-friendly waves with a long, sandy beach.

• Playa Uvita: Gentle waves, great for beginners and intermediates.

• Playa Dominicalito: Smaller, fun waves for all levels.

Top 5 Restaurants:

1. Sibu Café: Healthy, organic meals and great coffee.

2. The Bamboo Room: Live music and fresh seafood.

3. La Parcela: Stunning ocean views and fresh seafood.

4. El Hornito: Delicious wood-fired pizzas.

5. Bar y Restaurante Los Laureles: Authentic Costa Rican dishes.

Top 10 Animals to Spot:

1. Humpback whales (seasonal)

2. Dolphins

3. Scarlet macaws

4. Howler monkeys

5. White-faced capuchin monkeys

6. Sloths

7. Iguanas

8. Coatis

9. Toucans

10. Poison dart frogs

Sights of Interest/Attractions:

• Marino Ballena National Park: Famous for its whale tail-shaped beach and marine life.

• Nauyaca Waterfalls: Stunning waterfalls perfect for swimming and hiking.

• Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary: Rescue center for local wildlife.

Top 5 Wellness/High-End Options ($200–$500):

1. Private Hot Stone Massage at Oxygen Jungle Villas

2. Luxury Spa Treatment at Vista Celestial

3. Private Yoga and Meditation Session at Tiki Villas

4. Guided Nature Walk in Marino Ballena National Park

5. Gourmet Farm-to-Table Dinner Experience

Top 5 Tours ($100–$200):

1. Whale Watching Tour (Seasonal)

2. Nauyaca Waterfalls Tour

3. Snorkeling at Marino Ballena National Park

4. Kayaking in the Mangroves

5. Group Surf Lessons at Playa Hermosa

Day 4: Travel from Uvita to Osa Peninsula

Travel Details:

• Drive Time: ~4.5 hours (200 km / 124 miles)

• Details: Scenic drive through lush landscapes, passing through Palmar Norte and Puerto Jiménez to reach the Osa Peninsula.

Days 5-7: Osa Peninsula (3 Nights)

Why Osa Peninsula?
The Osa Peninsula is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, offering luxury eco-lodges, pristine beaches, and unparalleled wildlife experiences.

Top 5 Luxury Hotels/Wellness Retreats (Breakfast Included):

1. Lapa Rios Lodge: Luxury eco-lodge with stunning views and breakfast included.

2. Copa de Arbol Beach & Rainforest Resort: High-end beachfront resort with breakfast.

3. Bosque del Cabo Rainforest Lodge: Boutique eco-lodge with breakfast included.

4. El Remanso Lodge: Luxurious eco-retreat with a focus on wellness and breakfast.

5. Playa Cativo Lodge: Exclusive beachfront lodge with breakfast included.

Best Surf Spots (Within 30-Minute Drive):

• Matapalo Beach: Advanced surf spot with powerful waves.

• Backwash Bay: Fun waves for intermediate surfers.

• Pan Dulce Beach: Long, gentle waves perfect for beginners.

Top 5 Restaurants:

1. Briza Azul Restaurant (Lapa Rios): Gourmet dining with stunning views.

2. Copa de Arbol Restaurant: Fresh seafood and farm-to-table dishes.

3. El Remanso Restaurant: Organic, locally sourced meals.

4. Puerto Jiménez Soda: Authentic Costa Rican dishes.

5. Playa Cativo Restaurant: Upscale dining with a focus on sustainability.

Top 10 Animals to Spot:

1. Scarlet macaws

2. Howler monkeys

3. White-faced capuchin monkeys

4. Spider monkeys

5. Sloths

6. Tapirs

7. Jaguars (rare)

8. Toucans

9. Dolphins

10. Humpback whales (seasonal)

Sights of Interest/Attractions:

• Corcovado National Park: One of the most biodiverse places on Earth.

• Golfo Dulce: A tropical fjord with incredible marine life.

• Matapalo Trails: Stunning hiking trails with abundant wildlife.

Top 5 Wellness/High-End Options ($200–$500):

1. Private Wildlife Tour in Corcovado National Park

2. Luxury Spa Treatment at Lapa Rios Lodge

3. Guided Forest Bathing Experience at El Remanso Lodge

4. Sunset Dolphin Watching Tour in Golfo Dulce

5. Private Yoga Session at Bosque del Cabo

Top 5 Tours ($100–$200):

1. Snorkeling at Cano Island

2. Kayaking in the Mangroves

3. Horseback Riding on the Beach

4. Night Hike to Spot Nocturnal Wildlife

5. Group Surf Lessons at Pan Dulce Beach

Day 8: Travel from Osa Peninsula to Manuel Antonio or Pérez Zeledón

Travel Details:

• Drive Time to Manuel Antonio: ~4.5 hours (200 km / 124 miles)

• Drive Time to Pérez Zeledón: ~3.5 hours (150 km / 93 miles)

Days 8-9: Manuel Antonio or Pérez Zeledón (2 Nights)

Why Manuel Antonio?
Manuel Antonio offers a mix of luxury, wellness, and adventure, with stunning beaches and abundant wildlife.

Why Pérez Zeledón?
Pérez Zeledón is a hidden gem for wellness and luxury, surrounded by lush mountains and offering a tranquil escape.

Top 5 Luxury Hotels/Wellness Retreats (Breakfast Included):

Manuel Antonio:

1. Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort

2. Gaia Hotel & Reserve

3. Makanda by the Sea

4. Parador Resort & Spa

5. Tulemar Resort

Pérez Zeledón:

1. Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection

2. Kinkara Luxury Retreat

3. Rio Chirripo Lodge & Retreat

4. Monte Azul Boutique Hotel

5. Casa Cielo Retreat

Best Surf Spots (Within 30-Minute Drive):

Manuel Antonio:

• Playa Espadilla: Gentle waves for beginners.

• Playa Playitas: Fun waves for intermediates.

Pérez Zeledón:

• Not a surf destination but offers proximity to Dominical and Uvita for surfing.

Top 5 Restaurants:

Manuel Antonio:

1. Emilio’s Café

2. Café Milagro

3. El Avión

4. La Luna at Gaia

5. Barba Roja

Pérez Zeledón (Top Three):

1. Restaurante Kapi Kapi

2. Jardines Café

3. **La Esquina de Buenos Aires

Day 9: Travel from Manuel Antonio to San José International Airport (SJO)

• Drive Time (Manuel Antonio): ~3 hours

• Drive Time (Perez Zeledon): ~4 hours

Be sure to check out our Surf Costa Rica page for more Costa Rica surf and travel info. And grab some local style at our Surf Shop before your trip. For sure! A simple “pura vida” goes a long way here, so does repping the local team to start a conversation, make some friends, and let everyone know you want to be here and you’re here to surf. Because you’re one of the good ones. “Let’s Look Good Out There”.

Plus, we have tons more blogs to help you get your bearings, find your right spot, and get it wired. Join us and tag us on social and subscribe to our twice-monthly newsletter for rad event invites, news, real good discounts, and all things Costa Rica surf. We’re not trying to crowd the lineup in your email or drop in on your inbox, just trying to let you know what’s out the back and help you time it up for your set wave. Pura Vida!

Keep the stoke alive, ride with respect, and enjoy the pura vida every wave delivers. See you in the lineup!