Costa Rica For Nature Lovers

Did you know Costa Rica has 6% of the biodiversity of the Earth?

22 Days / 21 Nights

Costa Rica For Nature Lovers

Did you know Costa Rica has 6% of the biodiversity of the Earth?

22 Days / 21 Nights

San José-Tortuguero-Puerto Viejo-Sarapiquí-Arenal-Rincón de la Vieja-Tamarindo-Monteverde-Manuel Antonio-Drake-San Gerardo

Discover the most amazing destinations

Costa Rica has 0.03% of the world's territory and, despite this, it has 6% of the biodiversity of the planet Earth. Ecotourism is extremely popular among those who decide to visit us thanks to the large number of national parks and biological reserves that we have. For nature lovers, Costa Rica is a paradise that will give you everything you are looking for. It can't get any better than with this 3 week itinerary crossing Costa rica from coast to coast!
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 José

Option A: Parque del Lago (1 Night)
Room Type: Standard 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: Pachira 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$ 16.95 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,  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.

Day 04
Boat & Bus transfer to Guapiles. After Lunch, pick up rental car 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. One can also indulge in horseback tours of the area, as well as snorkeling, diving, mountain biking, kayaking or boogie boarding. Whether you are looking forward to having a good time or just a laidback retreat, the shores of Puerto Viejo are a great place to kick back and soak in the sun!

Each of the 25 beautiful guest rooms of Banana Azul, built from local hardwoods, is unique. All are equipped with high speed fiber-optic wireless internet and are in close proximity to the pool, beach, and restaurant. The hotel grounds are equally impressive, surrounded by tropical gardens, a small, yet beautiful pool, and an ocean view. It’s a perfect vacation spot for adventurous travelers or remote working enthusiasts looking for a comfortable, tranquil place to stay while visiting the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica.

Option A: Namuwoki Lodge (2 Nights)
Room Type: Deluxe Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast

Option B: Banana Azul Hotel (2 Nights)
Room Type: Villas Banana Verde
Meals Plan: Breakfast

Day 05
Free Day at Puerto Viejo de Limón

Puerto Viejo offers a wide variety of activities, either in Puerto Viejo itself or places nearby. The activitives can be very simple and close by such as taking a surf lesson,  horseback riding along the beach, snorkeling at one of the beaches nearby and visiting the Jaguar Rescue Center to see rescued animals such as jaguars, sloths, monkeys, etc.

Day 06
Self-drive to Sarapiquí

Sarapiqui is not a popular tourist destination yet, but boasts an amazing amount of biodiversity and should be on every nature lover’s list. A great place to enjoy Costa Rica’s amazing natural beauty, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui is perfect for those who enjoy spending time outdoors hiking, horseback riding, bird watching, white water rafting, or kayaking. A great way to spend a day here would be to take an optional rafting trip down the Sarapiqui River, one of the most important trade routes between this region and the Caribbean coast. Around the rivers in this area is a mixture of farmland and protected tropical forest. It’s in these vast swaths of humid jungle that a lot of environmental research takes place. We recommend to visit Tirimbina, ( not included ) a biological reserve, research centre. Enjoy an easy-to-access network of trails, as well as a massive hanging bridge. The bridge is impressive, stretching about 200 meters (650 feet) over the raging Sarapiqui River, and has a spiral staircase halfway across that leads down to a small jungle-covered island.

Option A: SarapiquiS Rainforest Lodge (1 Night)
Room Type: Deluxe Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast

Option B: Selva Verde Lodge & Rainforest Reserve (1 Night)
Room Type: Standard Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast

Days 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.

Discover Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa, a green friendly luxury hotel located just ten minutes from the town of La Fortuna, Costa Rica. The tranquility of the rainforest setting and the proximity to the replenishing waters of the Titokú hot springs provide a peaceful setting for exploring the beauty and exhilarating activities of Arenal Volcano National Park. Located on 27 acres of rolling, green countryside, the hotel is framed by the crystalline waters of the La Palma and Kioro streams, lush, vibrant gardens and private thermal water spas. Guest comforts in all suites include two “Juliet” balconies with panoramic volcano and mountain views

Option A: Arenal Volcano Inn (2 Nights)
Room Type: Deluxe Room
Meals Plan: Buffet Breakfast

Option B: Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa (2 Nights)
Room Type: Suite Room
Meals Plan: Buffet Breakfast

Day 08
Free Day at Arenal/Fortuna

Without a doubt one of the main attractions of La Fortuna are its hot springs. There are several areas of hot springs in La Fortuna such as Tabacón and Baldí. Located about 6 km from La Fortuna and very close to the Arenal Volcano National Park you will find the La Fortuna river waterfalls. Like the hot springs we highly recommend visiting this waterfall. It is a waterfall about 70 meters high surrounded by bathing areas!

Day 09
Self drive to Rincón de la Vieja

Given its proximity to Liberia, this 141-sq-km national park feels refreshingly uncrowded and remote. Wildlife, rivers, waterfalls, and mud baths are just the tip of the volcano when it comes to the natural wonders of Rincón de la Vieja National Park. The national park’s 34,800 acres are home to two peaks, the most impressive being Rincón de la Vieja at 1,895 meters (6,254 feet), which is often enveloped in clouds. Expect to see monkeys, sloths, and birds in a single day’s exploration.  To get a taste of the area, there are plenty of activities that blend nature and adventure, like horseback riding, river rafting, zip lining, and hiking on a network of trails that set off from the Santa María ranger station and wind past hot springs, mud baths, and waterfalls. Lathering up with the volcanic mud softens the skin and detoxifies the body, and it makes for a fun photo op. Exhaling geothermal energy, the park bubbles with multihued fumaroles, tepid springs and steaming and flatulent mud pots. All of these can be visited on foot via well-maintained trails.

***Note that the Rincón de la Vieja National Park is closed on Mondays.

Option A: Hacienda Guachipelin Hotel (2 Nights)
Room Type: Superior Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Included: Visit to the Hot Springs.

Option B: Borinquen Mountain Resort & Spa Hotel (2 Nights)
Room Type: Villa Room
Meals Plan: A la Carte Breakfast
Included: Lodging, daily A la carte breakfast and use of the pool and volcanic treatment areas (natural steam room, volcanic mineral mud and thermal pools).

Day 10
Free Day at Rincón de la Vieja

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.

Rincón de la Vieja Tours
Day 11
Self-drive to Tamarindo

The main attraction in Tamarindo 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.

Charming Cala Luna is located on Langosta Beach in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region. Set in tropical gardens, it offers spacious rooms and villas with a private pool, free Wi-Fi and a private beach area. Rooms and villas at Cala Luna offer unique décor, with cream tones and dark wood furniture. All include a terrace with garden views and a lounge area with minibar, sofa, satellite TV and safe.The Cala Moresca Restaurant serves Italian fusion dishes and seafood, while the La Caletta Lounge offers refreshing cocktails on the terrace and fresh sushi. The resort’s centre is 10 minutes’ walk away. There is a large outdoor pool and massage services are available. The hotel organises trips and activities, including quad biking, fishing, jungle boat safaris and horse riding.

Option A: Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort Hotel (2 Nights)
Room Type: Family Poolview
Meals Plan: Breakfast

Option B: Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas (2 Nights)
Room Type: Deluxe King
Meals Plan: Breakfast

Day 12
Free Day at Tamarindo

Tamarindo is famous for its landscapes, particularly its coasts and protected mangrove forests. This landscape forms a dreamy backdrop for a horseback ride, which is one of the most popular ways to tour Tamarindo. Order a boat to go out to sea on a deep sea fishing expedition; Or, continue your exploration of the Costa Rican coasts with some surf lessons. Tamarindo has an abundance of qualified instructors.

Day 13
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 1800 meters above sea level in some isolated areas.

Option A: Trapp Family Lodge Hotel (2 Nights)
Room Type: Superior Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast

Option B: Belmar Hotel (2 Nights)
Room Type: Peninsula Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast

Day 14
Free Day at 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 15
Self drive to Quepos/Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio National Park combines the rainforest with breathtaking white-sand beaches, among the most beautiful in Costa Rica. The Manuel Antonio Region has received plenty of coverage in travel magazines, earning it the distinction of one of the 10 most beautiful places in the world. From Manuel Antonio you can experience whitewater rafting, guided rainforest waterfall walks, horseback riding, snorkeling and sports fishing.

The charming Si Como No hotel is set in the jungle above Costa Rica’s Manuel Antonio National Park and is a 5 minute car ride to the beach. It offers a cinema, spa, hot tub and 2 outdoor pools with a waterslides and a swim-up bar and a butterfly garden. The air-conditioned rooms at the Sí Como No Resort, Spa & Wildlife Refuge feature tiled floors and modern décor.

***Note that Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesdays.

Option A: Playa Espadilla Hotel (2 Nights)
Room Type: Standard Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast

Option B: Si Como No Hotel (2 Nights)
Room Type: Superior Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast

Day 16

Free Day at Quepos Manuel Antonio

Experience the Greentique Wildlife Refuge with exciting journeys of discovery and wonder that immerse you in the flora and fauna of the Central Pacific Coastal and Mountain Wet Forests. Swim, surf, or just kick back on the golden sand beaches of Manuel Antonio. Delve into a host of other amazing activities.

Day 17
Self-drive to Sierpe, park your car rental. Boat Transfer from Sierpe to Drake Bay Area

One of Costa Rica’s most isolated destinations, Bahía Drake is a veritable Lost World, bordered by Parque Nacional Corcovado to the south. In the rainforest canopy, howler monkeys greet the rising sun with their haunting bellows, while pairs of macaws soar between the treetops. Offshore in the bay, pods of migrating dolphins glide through turquoise waters near the beautiful Isla del Caño marine reserve. One of the reasons why Bahía Drake is brimming with wildlife is that it remains largely cut off from the rest of the country. The more remote corners of Bahía Drake are home to some of Costa Rica’s best wilderness lodges. One reason Drake Bay is so special is that it is difficult to access and gives you that feeling of being away from it all! Arriving via boat is a great experience. They leave from the small riverside town of Sierpe and bring you down the beautiful Sierpe River, through mangroves, out to the ocean, and along the coastline to Drake Bay. Once you arrive in the village, nature surrounds you.

Located by the mouth of the River Aguijitas just outside Costa Rica’s Corcovado National Park, the eco-friendly Aguila de Osa hotel offers amazing views of Drake Bay. The charming rooms have a private terrace with sea views. The rooms at the Aguila de Osa Rainforest Lodge feature traditional, hand-crafted interiors with high ceilings. It comes with a minibar, coffee maker and ceiling fan. The open-air restaurant serves gourmet food, including fresh fish and organic vegetables, with great views of the bay. There is also a bar serving cocktails and other drinks.

Taxi – Boat (Round Trip Sierpe – Drake Bay – Sierpe)

Option A: Pirate Cove Hotel (3 Nights)
Room Type: Bungalow Room
Meals Plan: Meals
Included: Boat transfers from Sierpe – Drake Bay – Sierpe, guided tour to Corcovado National Park, guided tour to Caño Island Biological Reserve and all taxes.

Option B: Aguila de Osa (3 Nights)
Room Type: Corcovado Jungle Experience Standard Room
Meals Plan: Meals
Included: All necessary transfers from Palmar Sur or Drake Bay airport, complementary welcome cocktail, lodging Standard Room, all Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner), 1 Day guided tour to Corcovado National Park, 1 Day guided tour to Caño Island Biological Reserve, appetizers before dinner on the jungle Terrace, unlimited kayak use and all taxes.

Day 18
Corcovado National Park Tour, San Pedrillo Station

We will leave at 6 am, and the transfer takes around 30 minutes by boat. A visit to the Corcovado National Park is a must when on the Osa Peninsula. The National Park is one of the most beautiful conservation regions of the world. Here live ocelots, jaguars, tapirs, red macaws and toucans. There may be one hundred different types of trees in one hundred meters. At midday you stop to eat on a deserted beach or swim next to the San Pedrillo waterfall. The 3 km walk is not terribly difficult but be prepared for a lot of ups and downs through the uneven jungle. You will be ready for a shower and a snooze when you return to the hotel.

Included: Entrance Fee, Transport, Equipment, Bilingual Guide and lunch.

Day 19
Snorkeling at Caño Island

We leave each day at 7:00 a. m. The transfer to the Island takes between 50 minutes to 1 hour.  Our dive masters take snorkelers of all ages and experience levels for some breathtaking adventures in these beautiful waters. Visibility is 30 – 100 feet or more year-round, and the reefs and rocks formations are teeming with exotic sea life. Caño Island is an underwater photographer’s dream and great for families. There will be two snorkeling immersions with a break on the island to relax catch some sun, and walk the beach. After the second immersion we will head towards the hotel and stop at the beautiful San Josecito beach for an awesome picnic lunch with fruits, soft drinks, and desert. After lunch, we will head back to the hotel. For those who would like to hike back to Aguila de Osa, it’s a beautiful walk that allows for you to continue your adventure if you’d like to stop and swim in Rio Claro and continue past many deserted beaches along the way. The walk back takes a hour and half so add on any extra time that you spend swimming or relaxing and will see you back at the hotel.

Included: Transport, Equipment, Bilingual Guide

Day 20
Boat Transfer to Sierpe, pick up back your car rental. Selfdrive to San Gerardo de Dota

San Gerardo de Dota is a little known destination in the remote mountains south of Costa Rica’s capital city, San Jose. The village is set deep in a valley, but is surrounded by the towering Talamanca mountains. Among the quiet forests of San Gerardo de Dota live a variety of animals and a wide selection of birds, including the famous Resplendent Quetzal and dozens of hummingbird species. Though San Gerardo de Dota is slowly becoming known for its superb bird watching, it remains home to just a handful of quaint eco-lodges and restaurants, making it the perfect escape. This area is a nature lover’s paradise, great for hiking and seeing countless different waterfalls and primary forests. San Gerardo de Dota is a great place to visit before heading back to the airport and will show you a completely different life zone: the cloud forest. Because San Gerardo de Dota is at a high altitude, the climate is much cooler and wetter than is the lowlands

Option A: Trogon Lodge ( 1 Night )

Room Type: Standard Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast

Option B: Trogon Lodge (1 Night)

Room Type: Standard Superior Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast

Day 21
Self-drive to San José. Drop off  car at your hotel.

Option A: Parque del Lago (1 Night)
Room Type: Standard Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast

Option B: Grano de Oro Hotel (1 Night)
Room Type: Standard Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast

Day 22
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

INCLUDED

·       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.

·       21 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.

·     18 days car rental. (Suzuki Vitara 4×4 Auto OR SImilar).

·      Free mileage.

·      1st additional driver free of charges.

·      Free GPS and sim card for local phone use

·      Coverages:

·       CDW-TP-TPL: collision damage waiver-theft protection-third party liability

·      Drake Bay package includes:

·      Boat transfer: Sierpe – Drake Bay – Sierpe.

·      All meals during your stay: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners.

·      Guided tour to Corcovado National Park.

·      Snorkeling adventure at Caño Island Biological Reserve.

NOT INCLUDED

  • Other meals than indicated as included.
  • National Park Entrance fees.
  • Other excursions tours and activities indicated as optional or not included.
  • Airport taxes (US$ 29.00 per person not included).
  • International flights.
  • Personal expenses. Tips and extras at hotels.
  • Travel insurance.

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.

  1. 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.
  2. Bring plenty of sunblock. Also include insect repellent, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and a swimsuit.
  3. 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.
  4. Pack separate clothes for evenings. Simple dresses are great for women, while men will do well in long shorts and a button-down shirt.
  5. 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.
  6. Take an umbrella if you plan to travel between May and November – Costa Rica’s wettest period.
  7. A rain slicker will come in handy while hiking.
  8. Take an electric converter and adapter.