Costa Rica Exposed
Duration: 9 days
Highlights:
Explore off-the-beaten-track destinations in Costa Rica, and set foot on grounds where very few people have been before!
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to San jose
Arrive in Juan Santamaría International Airport. After clearing customs and immigration formalities, you are welcomed by your Guide who will accompany you to the hotel, deliver your travel documents and explain all important things about your trip through Costa Rica.
San José, the capital of Costa Rica, is located in the Central Valley at about 1,100 meters above sea level. Thanks to its fertile volcanic soil and year-round spring-like climate, the Central Valley offers perfect conditions for the production of coffee, ornamental plants and fruit. Although a bit chaotic during rush hours, our capital is home to beautiful buildings, interesting museums, excellent restaurants, and evening entertainment. Take a stroll through the Central Market and you will be amazed at what you can buy. Admire the colonial-style main post office, the lively Cultural Plaza, and next door, the National Theater, modeled after the Paris Opera. Explore pre-Columbian and more recent history at the Gold and Jade Museum and the National Museum. Enjoy delicious food in the relaxed atmosphere of Barrio Escalante and crown your visit with an excursion to the nearby Poás or Irazú volcanoes.
Overnight: Grano de Oro
Meal Plan: D
Day 2 - Off to Tortuguero
This morning enjoy a Costa Rican breakfast. Your Guide will accompany you to the Domestic Terminal at the Juan Santamaría Airport to take your shared flight to Tortuguero.
Upon arrival to Tortuguero, the transfer boat of your jungle lodge will wait for you to drives you to the Lodge. Be welcomed by the sound of the howler monkeys and the tranquility of the ambiance. Once in the lodge, you will be greeted with a welcome cocktail. At check in, don't forget to schedule your tours.
The activities you can choose are from the list below: -
- Natural History Boat Excursion.
- Kayaking the mystical canals of Tortuguero National Park.
- A journey into the history and culture of Tortuguero Village.
- Hiking Cerro Tortuguero.
Tortuguero is just the place for you! Spend three wonderful days surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and tropical wilderness. Relax in the shade of the jungle trees on a peaceful boat trip through the canals. Watch iguanas and caimans as they sunbath. Observe playful monkeys and sleepy sloths. The colorfulness of the many different species of birds is also impressive.
Overnight: Tortuga Lodge & Gardens
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Day 3 - Explore Tortuguero
After breakfast, you start with your chosen tours for today and enjoy the interesting experiences and animal sights you will make. Don´t forget your camera!
Overnight: Tortuga Lodge & Gardens
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Day 4 - Off to La Fortuna
Today bid farewell to Tortuguero as you depart for the local airport where your shared flight awaits. Upon arrival to La Fortuna, meet your Guide & Driver, who will accompany you for the next 6 days.
The charming town of La Fortuna lies at the foot of the active, perfectly conical Arenal Volcano, near Lake Arenal. Although the volcano has been almost inactive since 2010, it is still the highlight of the region, especially on sunny days when you can see the giant in all its amazing splendor.
Located on the outskirts of the Arenal Volcano, Hotel Nayara Gardens is an oasis of tranquility that provides a uniquely natural experience, surrounded by lush tropical rainforest. Fantastic views, exquisite casitas and suites and paths lined with tropical flowers and plants are throughout the grounds. Private outdoor hot tubs contribute to make your stay an unforgettable experience.
Make yourself comfortable at the hotel and wait for your guide to bring you to enjoy an evening at the lovely hotsprings surrounded by an impressive primary forest. An awesome experience that sometimes occurs are the tropical rain showers. Enjoy these whilst being immersed in the warm waters and enjoying the sounds of the forest. After this relaxing experience be treated to a delicious buffet dinner.
Overnight: Nayara Gardens
Meal Plan: B
Day 5 - Exploring La Fortuna
Begin your adventure with a combination of adrenaline and fun, traveling through the most extreme canopy lines in the Park. This experience will offer spectacular views of the Pino Blanco waterfall, the Arenal volcano and Cerro Chato. In the hands of expert guides this adventure in the sky is sure to delight.
Afternoon is at leisure to explore the scenic escapes of La Fortuna.
Overnight: Nayara Gardens
Meal Plan: B
Day 6 - Embrace Cultural Costa Rica
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then meet your Guide and Driver in the hotel lobby to continue to the Gulf of Papagayo in Guanacaste. En route, you will experience an amazing adventure at Rio Perdido.
The Gulf of Papagayo, with its southern beaches of Panamá and Hermosa, is located on the northern Pacific coast in the Guanacaste region. The Papagayo Peninsula is home to several luxury resorts. In addition to a manicured golf course, you will find pristine dry forest and beautiful hidden beaches. The mostly light-colored sand beaches around Panamá and Hermosa are lined with dense tropical vegetation. The bays are protected by offshore reefs or the Papagayo Peninsula on the opposite side, and the deep blue waters invite you to swim and bathe. Children have a great time splashing around in the shallow water. Choose your day's activities from a wide range of nature and outdoor adventure tours. The attractive location, the impressive vegetation and the indescribable sunsets, which you can enjoy in all colors from the beach or the surrounding hills, are all facets of a perfect summer vacation.
Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, an extraordinary retreat nestled in the fascinating region of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Immerse yourself in the essence of Pura Vida as you embrace the resort's vibrant and authentic ambiance. Each room thoughtfully designed, captures the spirit of the destination, offering breathtaking deep blue ocean or tropical forest views.
Relish in the local flavors and culinary creations at the resort's diverse dining venues, showcasing the finest ingredients from the region. Relax at the hotel’s astonishing infinity pools or treat yourself to a rejuvenating experience at the spa.
Overnight: Andaz Costa Rica Resort
Meal Plan: B
Day 7 - Papagayo and the Mangroves
Today after breakfast, get your sunglases ready and meet your local guide in the Lobby. Join to this activity in the company of other guests and let yourself impress by the magic of the unique ecosystem, explore the mangroves by paddling or riding the water bikes.
The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the wonders of the Pacific.
Overnight: Andaz Costa Rica Resort
Meal Plan: B
Day 8 - Off to Alajuela
Today bid farewell to Papagayo as you depart with your Guide and Driver to Alajuela (the transfer time is approximately four hours and a half).
Upon arrival in Alajuela your Guide will assist you with the check-in and then you can enjoy the rest of the day on your own. In the evening you will have dinner at the hotel.
Alajuela as the second largest province in Costa Rica is home to a vast variety of both man-made and natural attractions. The province is the site of one of the most pristine mountain ranges, the Cordillera Central range, in addition to several volcanic national parks. Travelers seeking a cultural experience will also enjoy this region, as it is home to Alajuela, a laid-back metro area located just outside of San Jose. Sitting on a gentle slope, Alajuela is also slightly warmer and smaller than the neighboring capital.
Overnight: El Silencio Lodge & Spa
Meal Plan: B,L
Day 9 - So Long, Costa Rica
Enjoy your last Costa Rican breakfast at El Silencio Lodge. Your day is at leisure until your departure to Juan Santamaría International Airport. Upon arrival at the airport, your will say goodbye.
We wish you a safe journey home! Pura Vida.
Overnight:
Meal Plan: B