Day 1
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.
The Hotel 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
Bougainvillea Hotel (1 Night)
Room Type: Mountain View Room
Meals Plan: Buffet Breakfast
Day 02
Reception of your rental car at your hotel in San José. Self drive to Puerto Viejo de Limon
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.
The Tree House Lodge is a 10-acre oceanfront ecolodge to the south of Puerto Viejo on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. Featuring just six open-air houses hidden away in the nature, steps from the white sands of Punta Uva beach, you’ll enjoy all the luxuries of an ecolodge with a friendly personalized touch. The Tree House Lodge is perfect for couples and families who wish to stay in a real Costa Rican authentic experiences and are looking for an off the beaten path destination that offers more than the typical luxury hotel experience alone. In most online travel reviews the tree house lodge is described as a super quiet, safe, and beyond beautiful vacation rental place. Others say it is the perfect beach-front hotel to relax and unwind in combination of adventure and lots of wildlife activities like canopies, fishing, and jungle hikes.
Tree House Lodge (2 Nights)
Room Type: Garden House
Meals Plan: None
Day 03
Free Day at Puerto Viejo de Limón
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!
Days 04
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.
Selva Verde Rainforest Reserve (1 Night)
Room Type: Standard Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Day 05
Self-drive to Boca Tapada
Are you looking for a true, unspoiled and virtually unvisited tropical rainforest, where you can explore the eco-system at your own pace while staying at a cosy jungle hideaway? … you found it! Boca Tapada is located in northern Costa Rica, close to the Nicaraguan border and home to a huge biodiversity, a paradise for bird-and-nature lovers. It is an important nesting site for the endangered Great Green Macaw as well as one of the last remaining areas where the Almendro tree can be found. The local biological reserve, Maquenque, protects around 50.000 hectares of tropical rainforest and gives shelter to fragile ecosystems like wetlands, lagoons, rivers and streams. Board a boat and begin a trip downstream on the San Carlos River. During the tour you can see crocodiles, tortoise, bats, herons, kingfishers, king vultures, and many more species. Or join on a short canoe trip and experience pure untouched nature.
Maquenque Eco Lodge (2 Nights)
Room Type: Tree Houses
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Included: Guided morining walk through the rainforest, canyoning in the lagoon and plant a tree in the Ecolodge.
Day 06
Free Day at Boca Tapada
Enjoy the activities included at Boca Tapada: Guided morning walk through the rainforest, canoeing in the lagoon and plant a tree in the Ecolodge. We will begin a trek of 3 km (about 2.5 hrs.), during this tour it is possible to observe a great variety flora and fauna in the area, while your Naturalist Guide explains everything around. Also, we will visit the Botanical Garden, Medicinal Garden, closing the tour at the Hotel´s Garden
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!
The very comfortable Arenal Observatory eco-lodge is perfectly positioned directly between the massive Arenal Volcano and deep blue Lake Arenal. The lodge is safely located 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles) from the south side of Arenal Volcano, but the live volcano seems so close that you could reach out and touch it. The perfectly shaped volcanic cone commands nearly every view at the hotel – from the panoramic windows of the Arenal Observatory restaurant to the main buildings and most of the guest rooms. Beautiful Lake Arenal with its many little islands stretches west into the sunset. Resting on a ridge amid tall pine trees and luxuriant rainforest, Arenal Observatory Lodge is the only hotel that is located inside the Arenal Volcano National Park.
Arenal Observatory Lodge (2 Nights)
Room Type: Standard Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Day 08
Free Day at Arenal volcano lodge / La Fortuna
One of the most popular trails at Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa offers a short, relatively easy walk from reception (30 minutes one-way), the trail ends at the base of a 20-foot waterfall. Hikers are refreshed by the moist air, cooled by the waterfall, and the surrounding forest, lush with ferns and palms.
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 1800 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. Birds are one of the main attractions in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve as a lot of them would migrate there and a variety of species are for everyone to see alive and freely hovering. Some of the famed birds found in the cloud forest are the bare-necked umbrella birds, the endangered Bellbird, quetzals and over 30 species of hummingbirds.
Chira Glamping Monteverde. Recently, a global trend has caught fire that offers outdoor enthusiasts an upgrade on rest and recreation. It’s called glamping, a new word for a new kind of travel, defined as glamorous camping. When you’re glamping, there’s no tent to pitch, no sleeping bag to unroll. Whether in a tent, yurt, pod or treehouse, glamping is a way to experience the great outdoors without sacrificing luxury! Some units have a dining area and/or balcony. There is also an outdoor kitchen, equipped with a microwave, toaster and fridge. A stovetop and coffee machine are also provided. Every unit is equipped with a private bathroom with a shower. Towels are available. A free minibar equipped with all the necessary for preparing your own breakfast, free of charge, we include fruits, croissants, coffee, beer, juice and eggs.
Chira Glamping (2 Nights)
Room Type: Adventure Tent
Meals Plan: None
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 such as the famous quetzal. 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 Uvita
Just 17km south of Dominical, this growing village consists of some a scattering of hotels in the jungle-covered hills above. Uvita has become quite a popular and buzzing travel destination thanks to its increasingly sought-after main attraction, Parque Nacional Marino Ballena. The marine reserve has become famous for its migrating pods of humpback whales and its virtually abandoned wilderness beaches, but there are also good waterfalls nearby. One of the country’s most important tourist events happens yearly in Uvita: An increasingly popular Whale and Dolphin Festival celebrating the arrival of the humpbacks. Recognizable about Marino Ballena national Park is a 1 km sand bar that reminds of the shape of a whale tail, a result of converging currents. Uvita is perfect for travelers that are looking for an off-the beaten path holiday as not many tourists are frequenting Uvita´s beaches. Don’t miss a visit to the nearby waterfalls Cascada Verde and the Catarata Pavon which are great for swimming in the crystal clear waters!
Hidden in the hilltops overlooking the pristine beaches of Costa Rica’s south pacific, where the ocean crashes into the jungle sits La Cusinga Eco Lodge. Tucked away in a private reserve, this rainforest hotel provides guests with sweeping ocean views, sandy beaches, natural pools, and the chance to experience the burgeoning forests and astonishing wildlife of the country’s most famous ecosystem – Osa, Costa Rica. The hotel offers ten rustic cabins designed with sustainably-harvested wood and local materials to maximize comfort while minimizing impact on the environment. In addition to the hundreds of acres of privately-owned primary and secondary forest, the ecolodge borders the Ballena Marine National Park, one of only two nationally-protected marine zones in the whole country of Costa Rica.
La Cusinga Lodge Hotel (2 Nights)
Room Type: Ocean View Superior Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Day 12
Free Day at Uvita
La Cusinga is among the best ecolodges according to TripAdvisor, Rough Guides, and other global tourism leaders. Enjoy Yoga, Birdwatching, Spa, trails, tours, great food, and lots of wellness.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 13
Self-drive to Puerto Jiménez. Park your Car and take the transfer from Puerto Jiménez to the lodge in Corcovado Area.
Ecologically varied, the Corcovado National Park is among the most biologically intense places on earth. Located on the wild and untamed Osa Peninsula, this national park is breathtakingly beautiful and is one of the remotest parks in the country. Home to the largest and only tropical primary lowland rainforest in the world, the Corcovado National Park is also the habitat of a plethora of endangered plant and animal species. Mostly undisturbed because of its isolation and inaccessibility, it is home to the beautiful Scarlet Macaws, the Red-Eyed Tree Frog and the Tapir, the largest terrestrial mammal in Central and South America. Habitat of the rare Harpy Eagle, the Corcovado Park also is a great place to spot the poison arrow frog, indigenous wild cats, crocodiles, pumas and jaguars as well as four species of sea turtles. This park has plenty of rainfall but is a joy to hike through ( guided ) with its dense forestation that opens up onto stunningly beautiful beaches. With its virgin beauty, visiting this park allows you to experience nature at its finest and promises an incredible adventure for those who dare to trail blaze their way through this amazing region.
Nestled in the rainforest and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the friendly Remanso rainforest lodge is a great option on the Osa Peninsula. Choose from one of the excellent activities available including a guided birdwatching hike into the private reserve, a sunset walk to see the rainforest transform at night or perhaps take a wildlife tour with an expert naturalist guide. Back at the lodge, escape the heat with a dip in the pool before dining in the open air restaurant.
El Remanso Rainforest Wildlife Lodge (3 Nights)
Room Type: Garden View Room
Meals Plan: Meals
Included: 3 meals per day and transfer to Puerto Jimenez (Round Trip).
Days 14 & 15
Free Days at Corcovado
There’s nothing like cool, liquid refreshment (of the natural kind!) on a warm Costa Rican day. At El Remanso, water abounds: Walk the trail to the beach, lounge in sun-drenched tide pools, stroll to (and bathe in) the lagoon, and relish in the cool spray of a frothing waterfall. Suspended above the world you know, immersed in a world you don’t: El Remanso’s suspension bridges connect to the trails and dangle high in the rainforest canopy, eye-to-eye with dense and vibrant ecosystems impossible to explore from the forest floor. Weaving through primary and secondary forest – through diverse micro-habitats, where creeks warble and toucans call, waterfalls crash and monkeys roam – El Remanso’s extensive trails radiate a kind of magic that exists only in this secluded corner of the world!
Day 16
Transfer from the Lodge in Corcovado Area to Puerto Jiménez. Pick the car back up and self-drive 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.
Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa (1 Night)
Room Type: Standard Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Included: Entrance to the Private Reserve.
Day 17
Self drive to San José. Drop off your car at your hotel in San José.
San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and is by far the largest city in the country. Due to its strategic location in the geographical heart of the country, San José is the ideal place to use as a base for taking daily excursions to a variety of sites and diverse regions.
Parque del Lago (1 Night)
Room Type: Standard Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Day 18
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. End of itinerary.
Private Transfer from San José to International Airport
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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.
· 17 nights of accommodation in hotels specified in the proposal.
· Breakfast at all hotels (EXCEPT at Treehouse Lodge, Chira Clamping) and taxes included.
· Included at El Remanso Rainforest Lodge: 3 meals per day, Round trip Transfer Puerto Jimenez – El Remanso – Puerto Jimenez
· 16 days car rental. (Suzuki Vitara 4×4 Manual OR Similar).
· Free mileage.
· 1st additional driver free of charges.
· Free GPS
· Coverages:
· CDW-TP-TPL: collision damage waiver-theft protection-third party liability
· Excursions included (non private ):
· Maquenque Eco Lodge: Guided morning walk through the rainforest, canoeing in the lagoon and plant a tree in the Ecolodge
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.
- 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.