A week of immersion in local flavors with Kristof and Nimi, followed by a week of spiritual journey with Noémi Csémy
- Location: Costa Rica
- Date: 6-18 January, 2026
- Travel: flights organised individually (ask for our personlaised offer)
- Number of participants: maximum 16 person
- Star guests : Kristóf Steiner and Nimrod Dagan
- Yoga teacher, and spiritual leader: Noémi Csémy
- Tour leader: Eszter Horváth
- Board: breakfast, one vegan main dish cooked and served by Kristóf&Nimi between 7-11 January, as well as vegan breakfast and dinner in the second half of the program at the hotels
- Accommodation: 11 nights of accommodation in exciting, close-to-nature “lodges” deep in the jungle, next to hot springs, in comfortable two- or three-bedded rooms with private bathrooms
- Local transport: with private minivan, English speaking driver-guide
This culinary and wellness-focused trip takes you through some of Costa Rica’s calmest and most refreshing places. Start at Playa Hermosa, just south of Jacó, where the quiet beach and ocean breeze help you ease into a slower rhythm. Enjoy three days at a naturelly inspiring location, cook and eat together the healthy, tropical local food with Kristof and Nimi!
Then spend a few days tucked away in the forest at Macaw Lodge, a peaceful retreat surrounded by birdsong, gardens, and waterfalls—perfect for yoga, walks, or simply resting in nature.
From there, head to La Fortuna, where the Arenal Volcano sets the scene for hot springs, forest hikes, and plenty of options to relax or explore, depending on your mood.
Wrap up the journey in the hills above San José at Pura Vida Retreat, where yoga sessions, fresh meals, and mountain views make it easy to reset before heading home.
Tours and activities:
- Cook and eat together with Kristof and Nimi
- Everyday yoga lessons at special locations
- Adventure Park Zip Line Canopy Tour
- Manuel Antonio National Park tour
- Tarcoles River wildlife safari
- Cocoa tour in Macaw Lodge
- Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna Waterfalls
- Hotsprings bath
- Night walk in the rainforest
- Kayaking in Arenal Lake
Day 1 Tuesday, 06 Jan 2026 San Jose, Costa Rica
Welcome to Costa Rica, one of the happiest places on earth.
Meeting at the exit of the SJO International Airport. Local guide will welcome us to Costa Rica, introduce and drive to the hotel for the first night in Costa Rica!
Overnight at:
Canal Grande Lodge
Day 2 – 5 Wednesday to Saturday, 07 – 10 Jan 2026 Jacó, Playa Hermosa
Go to a tour for a great adventure and a way to enjoy nature. With spectacular views of Herradura Bay and the Nicoya Gulf, tons of wildlife like scarlet macaws, toucans and whiteface monkeys in their natural environment, the location is perfect.
The adventure starts on a 15-minute tractor ride. Once you reach the top of the mountain, your guide will explain -step by step- all the safety procedures. Then you start gliding a series of zip lines, including 12 platforms and 10 cables with a total cable distance of 3.5 kilometers, among them longest cable in the area (2400 ft.). You finish by enjoying a well deserved snack, of fresh fruits and water.
Three nights at:
Hermosa Point
Day 5 Saturday, 10 Jan 2026 Carara National Park
Traveling to Macaw Lodge is a short but interesting ride.
However, you will first travel south, to you visit the famous Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most visited parks in Costa Rica. It is a unique protected Rainforest by some of the most amazing beaches of the Central Pacific. A naturalista guide will take you there to observe the abundant wildlife in its natural and breathtaking habitat. You will be able to spot sloths, racoons and some species of monkeys that travel through the tree canopy, playing with each other and searching for insects and tropical fruits to eat. You will also be able to see several types of reptiles and birds. It is a 2 ½ – hour nature walk where you will have fun and learn.
Departing the coastal village, the route meanders through verdant mountains and rural communities, gradually transitioning to the Pacific’s transition forests still lush and biodiverse rainforests of the Central Pacific. Nestled in the Cerros de Turrubares, Macaw Lodge is a haven for wellness enthusiasts, particularly those passionate about yoga. The lodge features two open-air yoga platforms, each accommodating up to 30 participants, set amidst tranquil gardens and lily ponds, providing an immersive experience in nature . Complementing the yoga experience, Macaw Lodge offers vegetarian and vegan cuisine crafted from its organic gardens, ensuring a holistic retreat that harmonizes body, mind, and spirit.
Overnight at:
Macaw Lodge
Day 6 Sunday, 11 January 2026, Carara National Park
Today we visit the Tarcoles River to see the big crocodiles! As we go by boat down the Tarcoles River and into the river mouth, we will be treated to an awe-inspiring spectacle of nature in action. Get up close with the giant ancient reptiles measuring over 4 meters in length, as well as iguanas and basilisks in their natural habitat. The knowledgeable captain and bilingual guide will provide you with fascinating insights into the fauna and flora of the river, while you enjoy opportunities to snap photographs and capture footage of the wildlife.
Overnight at:
Macaw Lodge
Day 7, Monday, 12 January, Carara National Park
Today we will experience the magic of cocoa!
Nestled in the lush tropical paradise of Costa Rica, the tour invites you on a one-of-a-kind journey through the art of chocolate-making. From its ancient roots as a ceremonial beverage for Mayan royalty and priests, to its current status as a daily indulgence enjoyed by people from all walks of life, cocoa has long held a place of cultural and culinary significance.
At the lodge, you will have the chance to delve deep into the rich history of this beloved treat, exploring the cocoa tree and its various strains, and learning about the traditional methods of fermentation, drying, roasting, shelling, crushing, and grinding that are used to create the essential cocoa paste. Along the way, you will discover the unique qualities of the cocoa fruit and the factors that influence its growth and flavor, as well as the numerous benefits of consuming this precious commodity.
Overnight at:
Macaw Lodge
Day 8 Tuesday, 13 January, Arenal Volcano National Park
Transfer to La Fortuna in the morning after an early breakfast.
In 1968 the Arenal Volcano, which until then was an inoffensive hill, erupted and buried the community of Pueblo Nuevo. The lands of the District lost a lot of value and many of their residents left the place. However, little by little, spectacular eruptions of the volcano attracted tourists and La Fortuna passed from an agricultural area to a touristic region. Arenal is a large symetrical volcano built upon layers of ash, rock and lava at almost 1700 meters above sea level. Although it went into a dormant phase in 2010, its internal activity produces the natural hot springs that can be enjoyed in many of the surrounding areas.
Once the sun sets at your Lodge, the rainforest changes completely—and this night walk lets you experience that shift up close. With a local guide, you’ll walk along the lodge’s trails in search of the creatures that only come out after dark.
You might spot red-eyed tree frogs, glass frogs, owls, snakes, and even sloths tucked into the branches. The guide helps you notice details you’d probably miss on your own—like the way insects communicate or how frogs hide in plain sight. It’s slow-paced, quiet, and full of little surprises.
Boots and headlamps are provided, and the walk is easy enough for most travelers. It’s a great way to connect with the forest in a different light—literally. One of those small experiences that ends up being a favorite.
Overnight at:
Finca Luna Nueva
Day 9, Wednesday, 14 January, Arenal Volcano National Park
Today we will explore the area around Arenal Volcano. A visit to La Fortuna Waterfall and The Volcano hike is a great combo for the day.
The excursion starts with a slow paced hike down through 500 steps that open the way to the magnificent waterfall. On the way down your guide will point out the various species that will be found among birds and mammals. Go easy, no rush, and take in the gorgeous views you have ahead of you. Once downstairs you can refresh and swim in the pond of the great waterfall in front of you.
After lunch you will visit the imposing Arenal Volcano National Park. The hike takes you around its base while you will be learning everything about the eruptions and the old lava flows, and you will see the transition of the rainforest growing in them. If you are lucky, you can see some rainforest animals too!
Overnight at:
Finca Luna Nueva
Day 10, Thursday, 15 January, Arenal Volcano National Park
Kayak on Arenal Lake offers the opportunity to enjoy a pleasant day of kayaking on the Lake Arenal while taking in breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano. The tour begins with an orientation where you will learn about basic paddle strokes and safety rules. Once on the water, the guides will lead you along the shoreline for an incredible view of the volcano. On the journey, you will sight different species of birds like the great blue heron, kingfisher, flycatcher and possibly hear the sounds of howler monkeys.
You will visit the world famous hotsprings of Arenal Volcano. You will feel the pleasure of the natural energy surging from the veins of the Arenal Volcano!
The thermal pools range from 37°C to 41° C (99°F to 106° F), and together with the cool water pools and waterfall, you will enjoy a complete and relaxing hydro-massage.
This is the most secluded hot springs pools, and it comes with a personalized service from the bar, located just a few steps from the main thermal pools. The thermal springs are of a magmatic origin, from the hyper-thermal magnesia filled waters, which means that those who bathe in the Arenal Hot springs will delight themselves in the mineral-medicinal properties.
Thanks to the perfectly and naturally balanced quantities of calcium bicarbonates and magnesium, they have analgesic, anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxing properties.
Overnight at:
Finca Luna Nueva
Day 11 Friday, 16 January, Alajuela
Spend your final morning relaxing and let the sounds of the nature etch a lasting memory. In the afternoon, make your way back to the Central Valley for your final nights in Costa Rica. As the sun sets, gather for a special farewell dinner—an opportunity to savor delicious local flavors one more time and toast to the unforgettable experiences and new stories you’ll be taking home.
Arriving at Pura Vida Retreat in Alajuela feels like a gentle shift into a slower pace. It’s just a short drive from the airport, but once you’re up in the hills, surrounded by coffee farms and wide views of the valley, everything quiets down. The staff greets you warmly and helps you get settled, so you can start to relax right away.
The property has a peaceful feel—lush gardens, fresh air, and rooms that open up to the outdoors. Whether you’re staying in one of the cozy tentalows or a more spacious suite, you’ll find comfort and quiet. There’s a focus on wellness here, so if you’re up for it, you can join a yoga class, book a massage, or just take in the views with a cup of tea. It’s a great place to rest and reset before jumping into the rest of your trip.
Overnight at:
Day 12, Saturday, 17 January, Alajuela
Spend the day fully unwinding at Pura Vida Retreat, where everything invites you to slow down and take care of yourself. Start your morning with a yoga session in one of the open-air studios, surrounded by gardens and mountain views. Whether you’re new to yoga or more experienced, the classes are welcoming and focus on feeling good in your body.
After class, enjoy a healthy breakfast made with fresh, local ingredients—think tropical fruits, homemade granola, and warm Costa Rican coffee. The rest of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the wellness offerings. You might choose a massage, a body wrap, or an energy treatment—each one focused on helping you reset and feel your best.
In between, you can nap in a hammock, read in the gardens, or soak in the views. Meals are thoughtfully prepared and served in a peaceful setting, and there’s always time to just be. It’s the kind of day that leaves you feeling lighter, clearer, and more connected—with no rush and no pressure, just space to breathe and recharge.
Overnight at:
Day 13, Sunday, 18 January
Check-out from Pura Vida Retreat&Spa, transfer from Alajuela to the international airport SJO.
End of Itinerary, good bye.
