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 capital of Costa Rica proudly sits in Central Valley and is the one and true heart of all political and economic interactions of Costa Rica’s contemporary society. The land in the valley is relatively plain, despite being surrounded by several mountains and volcanoes, and the central mountain range.

Overnight: Real Intercontinental Costa Rica

Meal Plan:

Day 2 - Off to La Fortuna

This morning you will meet your Guide and Driver at the hotel reception and after a briefing you will begin your unforgettable experience in this small but warm country. 

Enjoy a half day sightseeing excursion to the spectacular Poas Volcano. This National Park is recognized as one of the most active & visited volcanoes in Costa Rica, its crater measures 1.5km in diameter and is considered the second widest in the world. After your walk at the Poas Volcano, make a stop to delight your palate with some local delicacies such as some delicious strawberries & cheeses. 

Later you'll continue your journey to the small village of La Fortuna.  On arrival, you can relax to the sounds of the rainforest and enjoy a variety of restaurants and wide range of activities. The exceptional staff will do their best to give you an intimate and authentic experience to maximize this place of breathtaking natural beauty.

Overnight: Nayara Tented Camp

Meal Plan: B

Day 3 - Conquer the Arenal

Your adventure begins in the morning. Enjoy a 2.5 hour hike along the base of the Arenal Volcano in the Arenal 1968 Park. The trail will take you to the 1968 lava flows, which has now been regenerated. You will feel the power and serenity of nature and enjoy amazing views. Admire the local flora and fauna and with a bit of luck, observe a variety of tropical birds and other animals. A special picnic is included.

Overnight: Nayara Tented Camp

Meal Plan: B,L

Day 4 - Exploring Monteverde

After breakfast prepare yourself for your next experience with a private transfer to the Arenal Lake Dam where you will board a boat to cross Arenal Lake. Enjoy the scenic boat ride and the magnificent view to the Arenal Volcano. Upon conclusion continue to Rio Chiquito and transfer you to your hotel.

Known for its Cloud Forest, Monteverde is an ideal place to explore the enchanting hiking trails meandering through the dense primary forest, with a little bit of luck, you can even catch a glimpse of the Quetzal, a majestic bird covered in green-red feathers, once worshipped by the Mayan tribe.

Senda Monteverde,  is a boutique hotel, located within walking distance to the village of Santa Elena in Monteverde. Nature conservation and sustainability is practiced wherever possible. Are you seeking rest on the edge of the mystical cloud forest, but at the same time don't want to do without service and comfort? Then Senda Monteverde is the right choice for you.

Overnight: Senda Monteverde Hotel

Meal Plan: B

Day 5 - Step into Santa Elena Reserve

After an early breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel lobby and transferred to Santa Elena Reserva (the transfer time is approximately 35 minutes). Giant tree ferns, bamboo and palm trees grow abundantl, while thick, moss-covered liana vines dangle from the canopy. Use all your senses to enjoy the frequent sightings of birds and mammals and hear the song of the Quetzal. Looking northeast on clear days you can view the Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake.

Return to town where you can stop for lunch (own expense) and then continue exploring this amazing destination. Followed by a Sugar Cane, Coffee and Chocolate tour where you will learn about the process and history of each product and have the opportunity to taste these delicious delicacies.

Also enjoy a ride on a typical Costa Rican cart to see how farmers used to transport  their crops. You will also learn about the different types of trapiches, water mills and oxen. Finally, enjoy an exquisite arracache dish, a delicious cup of coffee or a typical sugar cane drink.

Overnight: Senda Monteverde

Meal Plan: B

Day 6 - Manuel Antonio National Park

This morning meet your guide at the reception as we depart the beautiful Cloud Forest. Continue towards the tropical and warm Central Pacific coast to Carara National Park to eplore some of the hiking trails and admire the orchids in their natural habitat thanks to the biome that is at the same time mildly temperate and humid, which creates the perfect weather mixture for the orchids. Nevertheless, the park's main attraction is the large red scarlet macaw. From here we continue to Manuel Antonio, the smallest National Park in the country.

Manuel Antonio attracts the highest number of tourists in the country with its lush dense forestation and stunning shoreline ideal for swimming or bird watching. Manuel Antonio is located in the Central Pacific Coast, surrounded by a huge number of hotels and restaurants and offering fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean. The National Park is home to many endemic species of plants and wildlife.

Overnight: Makanda by the Sea

Meal Plan: B

Day 7 - Exploring Manuel Antonio

Today enjoy a privately guided walk in the National Park. Experience white sandy beaches, rocky points, turquoise coves, and rainforests. It's also home to an abundace of wildlife. Islands and inlets just offshore in the Park’s marine territory provide an important refuge for seabirds.

After your excursion return back to you your hotel where the rest of your afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities.

Bid farewell to your guide, as you will be looked after by a representative of the hotel.

Overnight: Makanda by the Sea

Meal Plan: B

Day 8 - On and into the Ocean!

Spend a few relaxing hours paddling with the currents as your Naturalist Guide reveals the protected inland waterways of the Damas Estuary and mangrove habitat. Explore the unforgettable flora and fauna during this magical mangrove and tropical rainforest experience. Paddle comfortably under the shade of several tall mangroves that grow only in certain areas of the world including Costa Rica.

Overnight: Makanda by the Sea

Meal Plan: B

Day 9 - Off to Uvita

This morning is yours to enjoy at leisure before departing to Uvita. Meet your driver for your private transfer, this will be a short journey of about one and a half hour to get to your hotel.

Uvita is a great starting point for excursions to the nearby beaches. Just like the rest of the Pacific shoreline, the beaches here have a strong and rugged surf. They are usually long wild stretches of beautiful sand strewn with driftwood. Guests in search of a secluded abode in the middle of untouched nature will feel right at home here.

Overnight: Kura Boutique Hotel

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 10 - Meet the Whales & Dolphins

Discover in Marino Ballena National Park one of the most biologically diverse marine habitats in Costa Rica. You are transferred to the meeting point at Punta Uvita Beach to start with today’s experience. You will visit the famous Punta Uvita Whale Tale, Isla Ballena, Tres Hermanas inlets and Ventana sea caves.  Throughout the whole tour, you can enjoy the scenic beauty of the Uvita coastline and the mountains of Costa Ballena.

Overnight: Kura Boutique Hotel

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 11 - Gear Up and Enjoy the Advenure!

This morning meet your driver for your journey along the coastline to Puerto Jimenez. From here a 4x4 transfer takes you to Carate. The trip takes about 4 hours - rivers may have to be crossed en route. Enjoy the scenery and keep your eyes peeled as bird and mammal species can be identified along the way.

The Osa Peninsula in the Southwestern part of the country is one of the most interesting regions of Costa Rica. Almost the whole peninsula is covered by rainforest, protected by the Corcovado National Park due to its remoteness. It’s home to many species that are in serious danger of extinction in other part of the country. The village of Puerto Jiménez is located directly on the shores of Golfo Dulce. Nowadays, it is the gateway to Corcovado National Park from the southeast it is the last village before entering the Park.

Overnight: Lapa Rios

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 12 - Enjoying the Property

Enjoy a myriad of activities offered by the Lodge, start your day with an early birdwatching tour to spot some of the numerous bird species, if you are interested you can also take part in a variety of walking tours. This evening enjoy a night tour to discover the hidden treasures that can only be spotted after the sun goes down.

Overnight: Lapa Rios

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 13 - Enjoy at Your Pace

Be enchanted by the natural charm of this place. Today is a day of leisure to enjoy the many activities included or relax at the Lodge.

Overnight: Lapa Rios

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 14 - Back to San Jose

After a morning at leisure you will be transferred from Lapa Rios Lodge to the Puerto Jimenez airstrip. Enjoy the beautiful views over the Pacific coast. A private vehicle will transfer you to the city for your last night in Costa Rica.

Overnight: Real Intercontinental Costa Rica

Meal Plan: B

Day 15 - So Long, Costa Rica

Enjoy your last Costa Rican breakfast at Real Intercontinental Costa Rica. Your day is at leisure until you meet your Guide for your transfer to the airport.

We wish you a safe journey home. Pura Vida!

Overnight:

Meal Plan: B