Day 01
Arrival to San José
Welcome to Costa Rica! For your added comfort, 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.
The Hotel Bougainvillea is located just 10 minutes from downtown San José. The Bougainvillea is nestled within an award-winning tropical botanical garden that attracts many of the birds and butterflies that Costa Rica is famous for. We are confident you will long remember your time spent in this ten-acre gem that is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful gardens in the country.
Private Transfer from International Airport to San José
Hotel: Bougainvillea(1 Night)
Room Type: Garden ViewRoom
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Day 02
Shuttle transfer to Selva Bananito
This eco-lodge is located on the hills next to La Amistad Biosphere Reserve in the province of Limon, 1 hour´s drive from Cahuita. The Selva Bananito Lodge often finds a mention on several lists of the world’s best eco-lodges and with good reason. Selva Bananito’s comfortable rooms and spectacular natural surroundings only add to its attractive profile. Guests can enjoy a mix of heady natural experiences (without burning too many energy resources) such as relaxing in the open-air portico and savouring a candlelight dinner (Selva Bananito Lodge doesn’t have any electric lights and is lighted with oil lights burnt during sunset). This is the place to be if you are seeking unlimited adventure and natural bliss, while still ensuring that your merrymaking doesn’t impact the environment adversely.
Selva Bananito’s accommodations are independent raised cabin-style structures that are comfortable, sprawling and exude a characteristic rustic charm. Cabins are categorized into Standard Cabins and Superior Cabins.
Shuttle Transfer from San José to Bananito AM
Hotel: Selva Bananito Lodge (2 Nights)
Room Type: Standard Room
Meals Plan: All Inclusive
Day 03
Day with activities at Selva Bananito
Close between 2 activities: Plan a Tree & Rainforest tour, Introductory Tree-climbing or Horseback ride through the farm. This eco lodge is a haven for adventure buffs and nature based activity enthusiasts. Patrons can also go on leisurely self-guided treks through the mysterious jungle paths or engage the expert services of a guide to help them negotiate the natural splendor of the area.
Day 04
Car rental reception and 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 with adventure and Eco-discovery, where you can embark on 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!
Hotel: Arenal Volcano Inn (2 Nights)
Room Type: Deluxe Room
Meals Plan: Buffet Breakfast
Day 05
Free Day at Arenal volcano / La Fortuna
From bird watching, waterfalls, exotic plants and of course the majestic Arenal Volcano, the Arenal area features a great diversity of attractions and activities to enjoy. Enjoy a natural walking in the primary forest of Costa Rica, through the Arenal hanging bridges. They are 14 in total. La Fortuna River Waterfall boasts a beautiful scenic surrounded by abundant vegetation and a great variety of flora and fauna. The hot springs are very important for your body because they have minerals coming from the volcano. You can relax in them after having enjoyed a tour or spending one day in La FortunaEnjoy 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 06
Self-drive to Tenorio Volcano National Park
The Tenorio Volcano National Park is one home to Costa Rica´s most spectacular natural wonders: the sky blue Río Celeste Waterfall. The result of sulphur and calcium carbonate from the minerals in the river is giving a bright colour. As this river is situated inside the Tenorio National Park, one must hike within the park to see it. Along its trails, wildlife abounds with extensive bird species, butterflies and monkeys. One highlight of the trails is the climb to the volcano´s symmetrical cinder cone, as well as multiple hot springs along the way.
Softly laying over a mountain top surrounded by primary forest reserves and the National Park Volcan Tenorio, Celeste Mountain Lodge invites you to share the pristine natural environment, their unique contemporary design and ambience, their Responsible Tourism philosophy, the most outstanding views of both the Tenorio and Miravalles volcanoes, the innovative Tica-fusion Cuisine, as well as their private 2 km trail in a pristine tropical jungle, all blended in efficient and friendly service.
Hotel: Celeste Mountain Lodge (2 Nights)
Room Type: Standard Room
Meals Plan: Meals
Day 07
Free Day at Celeste Mountain Lodge
As an optional excursion discover the primary transitional rain-to-cloud forest, rich in flora, fauna and birds (up to 300 species) lead by a specialized guide. Choose from a strictly Bird Watching outing or a more general Naturalist Tour, and its duration.
Day 08
Self-drive to Santa Teresa/Malpais
Santa Teresa is a booming new travel destination in Costa Rica, attracting beach lovers and surfers to its broad, white-sand beaches with world-class surf. This area is now a 10-km (6-mile) stretch of hotels, restaurants, and shops. Health-oriented spas, organic restaurants, and yoga classes are also attracting a very international, young crowd. Since the jungle hugs the shore, you find lots of shady hideaways on the beautiful, long stretched beach. Santa Teresa is one very long road that parallels the beach for several miles, with hotels, restaurants, and various businesses along both sides. Most of Santa Teresa is white sand beaches, with occasional rocky outcroppings. Santa Teresa is known as the place where the beautiful people of the world come to surf. Many celebrities and supermodels have been spotted here, sometimes riding a wave next to you. This is a surfer’s paradise with beautiful sunsets almost every night.
Hotel: Manalá (3 Nights)
Room Type: Bungalow Standard
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Days 09 & 10
Free Days at Santa Teresa/Malpais
Optional: Surf by yourself in any of the local spots, take a surfing Safari up the coast or take surf lessons with some of the locals. You can also join a guided morning horseback trip. Ride along the beach between Mal Pais and Santa Teresa. 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 11
Self-drive to Alajuela. Drop off the car at your hotel.
Set amid a tropical forest and offering stunning mountain views, Xandari Resort features a spa village, yoga lessons, outdoor pools and hot tubs and 4 km of natural trails. This eco-friendly hotel grows its own organic fruit and provides free WiFi access. The villas at Xandari Resort & Spa are spacious with plenty of natural light. They are decorated in a rustic-style and colourful way and you will find terraces with views of the gardens and mountain. The restaurant and bar at Xandari Resort & Spa serve local and international-style cuisine. The views from the restaurant are spectacular! This Hotel lies just a few minutes away from the Juan Santamaria International Airport.
Hotel: Xandari Resort & Spa (1 Noche)
Room Type: Prima Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Day 12
Departure from San Jose 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.
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.
- 11 nights of accommodation in hotels specified in the proposal.
- Breakfast at all hotels and taxes included.
- Stay at Selva Bananito Includes: Lodging, three meals per day, 2 activities: Plan a Tree & Rainforest tour, Introductory Tree-climbing or Horseback ride through the farm; tow way transfers between Salón Delia – Selva Bananito – Salón Delia and taxes.
- 8 days car rental. (Suzuki Vitara 4×4 Auto).
- Free mileage.
- 1st additional driver free of charges.
- Free GPS and rechargeable SIM card for local calls
- Coverages:
- CDW-TP-TPL: collision damage waiver-theft protection-third party liability
- Shuttle transfers between destinations included (shared): San José – Bananito
- NOT INCLUDED
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- 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, as well as a valid credit card (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.