Day 1
Arrival at International Aiport in San Jose – Transfer to your first destination
Welcome to Costa Rica! Once you have passed immigration and customs and exited the airport doors, you will meet one of our travel representatives with a sign reading your name. He will drive you to your hotel and give you your welcome kit.
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!
Located 15 minutes from downtown La Fortuna, Arenal Manoa is surrounded by lush grounds, and scenic pastures. Dip into relaxing Hot Springs steps away from your suite. Pamper yourself with a massage, facial, body treatment or aromatherapy session at the onsite Manoa Spa. Savor enticing Costa Rican and international cuisine along with captivating volcano views at La Saca Restaurant. Enjoy cocktails and a swim at the pool & hot spring bars.
Private transfer to Arenal volcano
Arenal Manoa Hotsprings Resort (3 Nights)
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Day 02
Hike on Private Trail Colada in the afternoon & Tabacon + Dinner
Your guide will pick you up at your hotel, and you will arrive at about 3:00pm to the Private Reservation El Silencio. The vehicle will get as close as possible to the base of the volcano. Once on site, you will embark upon a walk of approximately 1 kilometer following a path of volcanic stone which has a moderate degree of difficulty, until arriving at the viewpoint, the point closest to the volcano allowed. At the vantage point, the guide will provide you with relevant information about the Arenal Volcano formation, its activity periods, as well as unpublished details of its first eruption in 1968, and you will enjoy the excellent views of the Green Lagoon and Arenal Lake. During the next stage of the expedition, you will change scenery and enter the forest of regeneration and little by little the primary forest in the foothills of the Arenal Volcano. On this trail of approximately 1.5 km, (if you are lucky) you will have the opportunity to find a great variety of plants and animals that inhabit these forests like the toucan, the pava, the oropendola, saínos, snakes and monkeys. After your hike you will go to the Tabacón Hot Springs and enjoy a delicious dinner.
Included: Transportation, bilingual naturalist guide, park entrance fee, water and dinner.
Day 03
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 with 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 Fortuna.
Day 04
Private transfer to the Mangroove Hotel, Golfo de Papagayo
Located in the northern Pacific Coast, the Papagayo Gulf is untamed and very beautiful. Rest and relaxation always go hand in hand in the Gulf of Papagayo, with mesmerizing ocean views and intimate settings and activities, as well as lush tropical greenery at every turn. If you enjoy sunny days, this is your spot. Traditionally known as a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers, Papagayo is also a charming experience for those interested in relaxation and fun. Papagayo’s beaches comply with most of the requirements upon which a good beach is usually judged. Water quality, views, texture of sand are probably the most specified criteria! Generous palm trees rise up from the beaches giving shade to sunbathers. Spectacular sunsets are a regular component in the scenery along the Pacific Area. From calm waters with great swimming, to the finest sand beaches with magnificent panoramas, Papagayo is a perfect destination to enjoy nature and relax
El Mangroove is a hotel inspired on barefoot luxury, its straight up laid-back and down-right cool. Perfect mixes of wood and water alongside contemporary linear architecture, natural furnishings and subtle splashes of color make it evident that true indulgence is actually found in simplicity. Indulge in an afternoon of pampering and massage at Bearth Spa. Keep up with your fitness routine in our fully equipped gym, and bask in the sunshine while in our outdoor pool. As the only resort in the area with two private tour boats, adventure awaits. After a day of exploration, dine with at one of the two beautiful restaurants, both with views of the Gulf of Papagayo, and ease into the comfort of the spacious suites with plush beds and spa-like bathrooms.
El Mangroove Resort (3 Nights)
Room Type: Bark Suite Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Days 05 and 06
Free days at leisure at the resort. Take your pick, land or water… For sweat lovers keep up your own routine at an exotic location. El Mangroove offers private and group yoga classes upon request and a multifunctional gym that is open 24 hours. If you are inspired by the ocean take a stand up paddle session, go kayaking, go fishing, go surfing or simply go beach hopping with their on site boats. Feel like getting to know the area? Bicycles are available for guest use. Make your reservation through Concierge.
Day 07
Departure from the Mangroove to San Jose
Private Transfer Papagayo – Hilton Hotel Santa Ana
Hilton Garden Inn Santa Ana (1 Night)
Room Type: Standard Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Day 08
Departure to San Jose Airport
Private Transfer Hilton Hotel Santa Ana – San Jose 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.
- INCLUDED
-
· All services indicated in the itinerary above. · Local Travel Program Support, 24-hour emergency service.
· 7 nights of accommodation in hotels specified in the proposal.
· Breakfast at all hotels and taxes included.
· Private transfers between destinations included:
· Juan Santamaría International Airport – Arenal
· Arenal – Papagayo
· Papagayo – San José
· San José – Juan Santamaría International Airport
· Excursions included (shared with other passengers):
· Guided hike Private Trail Colada 1968. Included: Transportation, bilingual guide, park entrance fee, snacks and water
NOT INCLUDED
- Other meals than indicated as included
- Other excursions, tours and activities indicated as optional or not included
- International flights
- Personal expenses. Tips and extras at hotels.
- National Park Entrance fees.
- Airport taxes (US$ 29.00 per person not included)
- 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.