Day 1 - Welcome to Costa Rica

Arrive in Juan Santamaría International Airport. After clearing customs and immigration formalities, you are welcomed by an Guide who will accompany you to the hotel and will deliver your travel documents and explain all important things about your trip through Costa Rica. Welcome to Costa Rica!

San José capital of Costa Rica proudly sits in the Central Valley and is the one and true heart of all political and economical 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 - Exploring Costa Rica

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 1.5 kilometers (0.94 miles) 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.

As you travel into the northern lowlands of Costa Rica, you will approach one of the country's volcanic attractions, the impressive Arenal Volcano. On a clear day you may be able to see this almost perfect cone from afar.

On arrival to the Resort, you can relax to the sounds of the rainforest and enjoy a variety of restaurants and a wide range of activities. The exceptional staff will do their best to give you an intimate and authentic experience to maximise this place of breathtaking natural beauty.

Overnight: Nayara Gardens

Meal Plan: B

Day 3 - Canyoning Costa Rica

Today you will enjoy a multi-sport canyoning expedition in Costa Rica that is considered one of the best things to do in Costa Rica. This adventure includes a 140-foot rappel down a rushing waterfall into a deep crystalline pool, five cliff diving waterfall jumps ranging from five to 25 feet, a canyoning swim through a narrow passage, river tracing and other climbing adventures. Rain or shine, you will have loads of wild water fun! Finish the day with a delicious Costa Rican lunch at the Hunters & Gatherers riverside restaurant next to El Salto waterfall.

In addition to the large selection of activities in this region, you can particularly enjoy the hot springs and relax in this tropical setting. The Resort offers attractive spa offers also make your stay a very special experience (own expense).

Overnight: Nayara Gardens

Meal Plan: B,L

Day 4 - Off to Tortuguero

Today bid farewell to Arenal as you depart for the local airport where your private flight awaits. Your Guide collects you from the hotel and accompanies you to the airport and assists you with check-in formalities. Your pick-up time from the hotel will be reconfirmed to you the day prior to your departure.

Upon arrival to Tortuguero, you will transfer by boat to your lodge located in the jungle. Once there, you will be greeted with a welcome cocktail. At check in your Guide will assist you to schedule your tours for the next two days before he departs. Your package includes 2 experiences per night, please note that these activities are shared, so there will be more guests joining the tours with you.

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 5 - Embracing 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 6 - Welcome to Turrialba

At 09:00 a local representative will take you to La Pavona. This journey will take approximately half a day and includes private river crossings and land transportation. Views of the mountains covered by dense jungle couldn’t be more dramatic! At you continue, you plunge ever deeper into the beauty of the jungle when you arrive at the Pacuare River where you will cross by gondola. At the other side an electric car will take you to the hotel lobby, where a refreshing cocktail awaits. During your stay at the lodge, you can choose 6 different experiences. We recommend you organize the activities that you want at the front desk, please take note that these activities are shared, so there will be more guests joining the tours with you.

Pacuare constitutes one of the most important protected areas in the region. Its proximity to the lowlands and its high annual rainfall combine to nurture the complex life systems whose abundance makes for extraordinary scenic beauty. Located within this zone, the Pacuare River forms the northern border of Central America’s most important network of national parks and reserves and offers some of the finest white water in Latin America.

Overnight: Pacuare Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 7 - Into the Heart of Turrialba

This morning you will wake up to the sound of hundreds of different animals. After breakfast, the lodge's own resident naturalist guide will provide you with unique insights into the native plant and animal world. During your stay enjoy the activities you have chosen. Some of the activities you may have chosen are:

Pacuare Canopy Adventure: Be ready to enter an unspoiled realm of magnificent scenery. The area surrounding our ecolodge is a haven for bird watchers and nature seekers and offers an unprecedented glimpse of Costa Rica’s biological diversity. This adventure tour offers dramatic views, rappelling down towering trees and sliding along cables from tree to tree as you descend the jungle-cloaked mountain toward the Pacuare Lodge.

Canyoning El Tesorito Creek: El Tesorito Creek flows out of the mountains behind the Pacuare Lodge into a narrow gorge amid the rainforest. You will enjoy a rock climbing, a descent down a small waterfall, sliding along cables, swinging through the jungle like Tarzan, and rappelling down a 30-meter (100-foot) rock face. The result is a light but exhilarating adventure in an idyllic, natural setting.

Cabecar Indigenous Hike: Experience a Traditional Costa Rican Indigenous Culture the Talamanca Mountains are host to the Cabecar, the largest indigenous group in Costa Rica, and one that retains many of its traditional customs and beliefs.

Early Morning Birdwatching: Costa Rica is a birder’s paradise for the position between North and South America, we receive migrating species from both sides of the continent. Costa Rica is home to some 850 species of birds, of which 630 are resident species. There is ample opportunity to see exotic species every time you go out your front door.

Night Tour: You will encounter insects, amphibians, and mammals that you would otherwise miss during the day. Such creatures include snakes, spiders, porcupines, tree frogs and more. Night tours depart at sunset, right when these nocturnal animals are beginning to wake up, look for mates, and hunt.

Sustainability Tour: Take a walk with your naturist guide and visit the hydroelectric micro-central turbine, recycling program, and end with a visit to our Jaguar Hall where you learn about this endangered feline. This educational walk will give you practical examples on how simple actions can support and benefit our planet.

Overnight: Pacuare Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 8 - Turrialba at Your Pace

Breakfast is served at your hotel. Today it is entirely up to you how you want to organize your day. You can choose another included lodge activity. The rainforest is of course the main attraction. Or maybe you just want to relax in the pool or hammock and listen to the sounds of nature. This evening we have prepared a special private farewell dinner along the riverbank. You will feel one with nature

Overnight: Pacuare Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 9 - Limon Experience

In the morning we´ll launch the shared rafts for the final day of your jungle experience. Rafting this rapid will be exhilarating. You may stop to explore side streams that lead to striking waterfalls and pools with a natural waterslide that tempts you to jump right in. Later, a tasty midday picnic will be served on an overturned raft along the water´s edge. At the end of your adventure your Guide and Driver will be waiting for you to continue to the beautiful area of Puerto Viejo de Limon (the transfer time is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes).

On the coast of the Caribbean Sea lies the unique city of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, a haven for those seeking a relaxing Costa Rican vacation on the beach. The vibrant seaside town is surrounded by gorgeous beaches with crystal clear blue waters and a lush green jungle filled with tropical flora and fauna. Fast becoming one of Costa Rica’s premier tourist destinations, visitors will immediately pick up on its Rastafarian feel and authentic vibes.

Overnight: Hotel Aguas Claras

Meal Plan: B,L

Day 10 - Pristine Costa Rica

Today your Guide and Driver takes you to the little Caribbean Village of Cahuita which is the entrance to the National Park. Walking along the park's trails you may see some of the different animals. Enjoy the gorgeous beaches and let yourself be seduced by the ease of the creole culture and the sounds of reggae music coming from the village. Furthermore, your Guide will provide interesting information of the history of Cahuita.

Cahuita National Park is a combination of beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and a tropical rainforest where you can easily observe monkeys, sloths, frogs, butterflies and more of the wide variety of animals and plants in this protected area.

This evening meet an Afro-Caribbean family that has spent their life in this region and therefore knows it like the back of their hand. Visit their home and together you will prepare a typical Caribbean dish. Learn first-hand about family life as they share their stories and insight to their culture. You will even learn the secrets of their grandmother's cooking recipes.

Overnight: Hotel Aguas Claras

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 11 - Cultural Costa Rica

After breakfast a cultural journey of discovery awaits you. Immerse yourself in the Bribri culture and meet one of the indigenous tribes located in the Talamanca Mountains where you will learn about their rich ancestral culture. Meet a Bribri shaman and learn first-hand their beliefs, medicinal plants and rituals. You will also visit an indigenous family who will show you how to make artisanal chocolate, how to build traditional roofs and how to use plants and crops for its self-sufficiency.

When you return to the hotel in the afternoon you can enjoy the pool or just relax at the beach

Overnight: Hotel Aguas Claras

Meal Plan: B,L

Day 12 - Off to Alajuela

This morning is at leisure to enjoy the beaches or just relax at your hotel.

Later today meet your Guide and Driver who will transfer you back to the Central Valley. The transfer time is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.

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: Costa Rica Marriott Hacienda Belen

Meal Plan: B

Day 13 - So Long, and Pura Vida!

Enjoy your last Costa Rican breakfast at the hotel. Your day is at leisure until your transfer time to the airport for your departure flight. We hope that your experience of this small country has been a gateway to contact with nature and simple relaxation. Hopefully, you are already planning your next trip. We wish you a safe journey home! Pura Vida!

Overnight:

Meal Plan: B