Day 1
Arrival to San Jose
Welcome to Costa Rica! Once you have passed immigration and customs and stepped out of the airport doors, you will have one of our representatives waiting for you outside with a sign with your name on it. He will drive you to your hotel in San José.
Private Transfer from International Airport to San Jose
Option A: Bougainvillea Hotel (1 Night)
Room Type: Garden View Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Option B: Grano de Oro Hotel (1 Night)
Room Type: Standard Room,
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Day 02
Bus & Boat Transfer to Tortuguero
Tortuguero National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most incredible destinations at the Caribbean coast. It’ s beaches attract thousands of nesting sea turtles. The surrounding rainforest is filled with wildlife. And because there are no roads to Tortuguero National Park, just getting here is an adventure. Tortuguero is one of the wettest places in Costa Rica, receiving over 6 meters (20 feet) of rain each year. This is an eco-travel paradise, filled with stunning biodiversity. Each year between June and October, tens of thousands of green sea turtles returned to the dark sand beach to lay their eggs. Tortuguero is more than just sea turtles. Lying just beyond the beach are a handful of serpentine rivers that reach deep into the jungle, opening up a lush wilderness filled with wildlife. You can explore the rivers by motor boat, kayak or canoe. As you cruise through the waterways, look for monkeys, sloths, parrots, crocodiles, caimans and dozens of other exotic animals. All told, Tortuguero is home to 60 mammal species, 57 amphibian species, 111 reptile species, over 300 bird species, over 400 tree species and over 2,000 plant species! With so much biodiversity, it’s no wonder Tortuguero is the Caribbean coast’s top eco-destination and Costa Rica’s third-most visited national park.
Option A: Aninga Lodge (2 Nights)
Room Type: Standard Room
Meals Plan: Meals
Included: Ground and boat transportation from San José / to Guápiles, tour to the Tortuguero canals by boat through the National Park (entrance fee not included US$ 16.95 per person) and Visit to Tortuguero Village.
Option B: Manatus Hotel (2 Nights)
Room Type: Deluxe Room
Meals Plan: Meals (Beverages are not included)
Included: Ground and boat transportation from San José / to Guápiles, tour to the Tortuguero canals by boat through the National Park (entrance fee not included US$ 15.00 per person) and Visit to Tortuguero Village.
Day 03
Programmed activities at Tortuguero
Rise and shine bright and early this morning, where you have a chance to enjoy a famous Costa Rican coffee, or tea at the restaurant before heading out in search of adventure. Join a guided Canal Tour to experience the jungle which surrounds the nearby canals. Through an infinite network of river canals and mangroves you will experience a truly unique contact with nature. Your guide will explain what they’ve learnt about this beautiful jungle flora and fauna. Their experience in the field has provided them with plenty of knowledge about the many species of wildlife that call this jungle home.
Days 04
Day 04
Boat & Bus transfer to Guapiles. After Lunch, you receive your rental car rental and self drive to Puerto Viejo de Limón
Located in Limon province on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a beach lover’s paradise. Here, amidst the exotic flora and fauna, lies a vibrant seaside town with gorgeous beaches, crystal clear blue waters, and some of the most amazing surfing opportunities. Formerly a quiet little fishing village, Puerto Viejo has a charm that is all its own. With its relaxed atmosphere and its own unique blend of Latino, Afro-Caribbean and Bribri indigenous cultures, Puerto Viejo is a lively place to have a fun relaxing vacation. With its gold sand beaches, tropical vegetation and many interesting attractions nearby such as the Cahuita National Park, Talamanca Indian Reserve and Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, visiting Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a great opportunity to experience Costa Rica at its best.
Removed from town, the romantic Banana Azul hotel sits astride a blissfully tranquil black-sand beach. Jungle-chic decor (white linens, mosquito nets, bromeliads in the showers) is complemented by fine ocean vistas from upstairs terraces. The private bathrooms have shower. Guests can enjoy in the on-site restaurant local food and international dishes. Other options can be found in Puerto Viejo town centre. At Hotel Banana Azul you will find a terrace and a bar.
Option A: Azania Bungalows Hotel (3 Nights)
Room Type: Standard Bungalow
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Option B: Banana Azul Hotel (3 Nights)
Room Type: Villas Banana Verde
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Days 05 & 06
Free Days at Puerto Viejo de Limon
The Puerto Viejo area has some of the most spectacular natural areas in the country and many are even of international importance. The area includes several protected areas including Cahuita National Park and the Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge. Sloths and monkies are frequent sights here as are a huge variety of birds. Offshore there are colorful fish and dolphins to see on a snorkelling, diving or fishing trip. Enjoy the rest of the day relaxing at your hotel and surroundings.
Day 07
Self-drive to Arenal volcano / La Fortuna
The Northern Plains of Costa Rica showcases some very scenic countryside towns. Small agriculture communities and cattle ranches cover rolling hills and deep valleys. The plains, rainforests and rivers make the north central a must-see in any Costa Rica program. The main attraction is the iconic Arenal Volcano. The Arenal Volcano area is Costa Rica’s premier region of exploration and excitement: Arenal is synonymous to adventure and Eco-discovery, where you can embark in a wide variety of activities. Enjoy the thrill of whitewater rafting or canyoning, or combine adventure with ecological discovery in a canopy tour. Hike the volcano or explore the rainforest strolling through hanging bridges. Feel transformed by the beauty and variety of our wildlife and tropical jungle. Get ready for a life changing adventure!
Get the celebrity treatment with world-class service at Nayara Gardens.
Nayara Gardens is a luxury boutique hotel and spa set against the panoramic backdrop of the Arenal Volcano, surrounded by Costa Rican Rainforest. Guests at Nayara Gardens can book a safari through the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, or horseback ride to the Fortuna Waterfall. They can also hike along the Celeste River. For relaxation, the spa at Nayara Gardens offers coffee scrubs and volcanic mud treatments. Guests can unwind with en exotic cocktail from the outdoor pool and wet bar. The bamboo decked restaurant offers 360-degree gardens views and serves Costa Rican cuisine, while the wine bar features a selection of South American and Spanish wines and canapés.
Option A: Arenal Volcano Inn (2 Nights)
Room Type: Standard Room
Meals Plan: Buffet Breakfast
Option B: Nayara Hotel Spa & Gardens (2 Nights)
Room Type: Casita Deluxe
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Day 08
Free Day at Arenal volcano / La Fortuna
Enjoy your day relaxing at your hotel and surroundings or ask your travel consultant about the many optional activities that are offered in the area.
Day 09
Self-drive to Monteverde
A startling haven for all that is living and natural, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve promises a journey that will make you one with nature–at a whole new level. Located in the Cordillera de Tilarán, Monteverde is one of the top ecotourism destinations the world over, being one of the most spectacular wildlife sanctuary and nature reserve in the world. It is actually home to some of the most endangered species in the planet. Its elevation is from 600 meters to 1900 meters above sea level in some isolated areas. It currently houses about 2,000 plant & tree species, 400 bird species, 100 species of mammals and around 1,200 amphibians and reptiles as well as hundreds of unique fern and orchid species.
Option A: Trapp Family Lodge Hotel (2 Nights)
Room Type: Superior Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Option B: Monteverde Lodge & Gardens (2 Nights)
Room Type: Forest View Downstairs Room
Meals Plan: A la Carte Breakfast
Day 10
Free Day at Monteverde
What’s there to do in Monteverde? Tours are available for all nature lovers or first-time nature explorers alike. Considering the size of the reserve, hanging bridges and trails are good for hiking and sight-seeing. There is even a special private birding tour if you’re interested in learning more about these famous flying species. For the more active we offer zip lining! As the weather here is quite chilly and misty, due to the village being high up in the Tilaran Mountain Range, do bring some thick clothes and a light jacket to stay warm.
Day 11
Self-drive to Tamarindo
Tamarindo has a status as Costa Rica’s top surf and party destination. The main attraction in town is a nice long, white, sandy beach that stretches for 3.5 km along the main road. Here the beach is great for swimming, especially at high tide, relaxing, sunbathing, and offers plenty of good waves for beginners looking to give surfing a try. Wide and flat, the sand here is packed hard enough for easy walking and jogging. Witch’s Rock Surf Shop has showers, toilets, surfboard rental, a swimming pool, and a restaurant where you can watch the surfers over a cold beer. Foodies will find some very nice restaurants. Its central location makes it a great base for exploring the northern peninsula with your car. Sport fishing tours are a great way to get out into the blue waters for the chance to catch Sailfish, Yellow Fin Tuna and Dorado. Watch the majestic leatherback turtles come upon shore to nest at Playa Grande or enjoy an early bird watching tour. Enjoy a horseback ride along beautiful beaches, or zip through the canopy of the tropical dry forest. Diving is also very popular, which can be arranged from Tamarindo. Snorkelling tours are often combined with sailing tours, while scuba diving trips take you out to the Catalinas Islands.
The Cala Luna Boutique Hotel is family-owned and their passion shows. Cala Luna is one of the only hotels in Guanacaste, Costa Rica that remains green all year round. Open-plan spaces and secluded accommodations meld into the lush jungle that attracts more wildlife than anywhere else in the area – monkeys, raccoons, iguanas, birds. Within this natural retreat, they offer five-star barefoot luxury that’s open to everyone. The restaurant uses delicious home-grown ingredients, gastronomic farm to table dinners, holistic wellness, spa therapies, and deep connection to Mother Earth. From dining at the homestead La Senda and walking the world’s largest labyrinth, to sipping cocktails on the beach as the sun slips over the edge of the ocean – you choose the memories to carry home.
Option A: Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort Hotel (3 Nights)
Room Type: Family Poolview
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Option B: Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas (3 Nights)
Room Type: Deluxe King
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Days 12 & 13
Free Days at Tamarindo
Enjoy your day relaxing at your hotel and surroundings or ask your travel consultant about the many optional activities that are offered in the area.
Day 14
Self-drive to Alajuela. Drop off car at your hotel.
Option A: Buena Vista Hotel (1 Night)
Room Type: Superior Balcony Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Option B: Xandari Resort & Spa (1 Night)
Room Type: Prima Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Day 15
Departure from San José to the International Airport
A privately driven vehicle will provide you with a transfer from your hotel to San José Airport today. Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.
Private Transfer from San José to International Airport
| · All services indicated in the itinerary above.
· Personalized information, complete voucher list. · Local Travel Program Support, 24-hour emergency service. · Airport transfers upon arrival and departure. · 14 nights of accommodation in hotels specified in the proposal. · Breakfast at all hotels and taxes included. · Tortuguero Package includes: · Ground transportation from San José to Pavona / Caño Blanco and back to San José. · Boat transfer from Pavona / Caño Blanco to Tortuguero and back to Pavona / Caño Blanco. · All Meals during your stay: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners. · Guided tour to Tortuguero canals by boat through the National Park (Entrance fee not included US$ 16.95 per person). · Guided visit to Tortuguero Village. · 11 days car rental.Suzuki Vitara ( Manual ) or similar. · Free mileage. · 1st additional driver free of charges. · A rechargeable SIM card, to use on your own mobile phone, for local calls · Coverages: CDW-TP-TPL: collision damage waiver-theft protection-third party liability |
- The most important things to bring are your travel documents: a valid passport, flight and hotel information, health insurance card and driver’s license (if you plan on renting a car in Costa Rica). We advise you to make three copies of these documents. Put one copy in your carry-on bag, one copy in your suitcase and leave one copy at home.Basic Tropical forests, colorful wildlife and spectacular beaches are part of daily life in Costa Rica. The climate varies depending on where you are, so pack accordingly.
- Prepare for hot, humid summers. Shorts, T-shirts, sundresses, skirts and tank tops in lightweight fabrics should keep you cool. Take a sweater for evenings at a higher elevation.
- Bring plenty of sunblock. Also include insect repellent, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and a swimsuit.
- Take rubber-soled sandals or hiking boots for journeys into the rain forests. Flip-flops and sandals are great for resorts and hanging out by the beach.
- Pack separate clothes for evenings. Simple dresses are great for women, while men will do well in long shorts and a button-down shirt.
- Prepare for cool winters, particularly in the northern regions and at higher elevations. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are a must, while a fleece jacket or a sweater is advisable.
- Take an umbrella if you plan to travel between May and November – Costa Rica’s wettest period.
- A rain slicker will come in handy while hiking.
- Take an electric converter and adapter.