ITINERARY

• 01 San José
  

  • Overview
  • Accommodation
  • Meals

  Welcome to San José , the colourful capital of Costa Rica . On arrival at the Juan Santamaria airport  you will be greeted by your local tour manager ,then we proceed and check into our hotel .Evening is at leisure you are free to take a stroll and explore the vibrant city . Later dinner and overnight at the hotel .

   

  San José is located in the heart of a vast and fertile valley, the Meseta Central (Central Valley). Born in the 18th century, it has few testimonies of the colonial era. The capital of Costa Rica has a population of one million and is now one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in Central America.  Costa Rican cuisine is based on fresh ingredients and local products of excellent quality. We favor places or menus that allow you to discover the vegetables, meat and other fish of our tropics, whether in a popular, family restaurant or at the table of chefs who revisit local recipes. We communicate with restaurants to ensure that drinks are served without straws or at least with bamboo or recyclable straws. 

   

  Accommodation: Presidente 4*

  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

• 02 San José - Irazu Volcano - South Caribbean - Cahui
  

  • Overview
  • Accommodation
  • Meals

  Today after breakfast we proceed for the discovery of the Irazu Volcano National Park as we depart for the Central Valley by the road overlooking the legendary city of Cartago, the former capital of Costa Rica, which will lead you through the misty countryside to the imposing Irazu Volcano (3432 meters above sea level) and its lunar landscape park (easy access on foot). On a clear day, it is possible to see both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts from its summit. The Irazu Volcano is an active volcano whose impressive main crater is a boiling emerald lake (NB: be careful sometimes the lake can dry up). Its name comes from an indigenous people who live at the base of the volcano "Istazu" (Mountain of Thunder and Earthquakes). Its last major eruption was in 1963.

  Route to the Southern Caribbean. Lunch along the way.

  We continue south where the small seaside villages of Cahuita, Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo have developed. Welcome to the unparalleled atmosphere of Afro-Caribbean culture! The inhabitants here are of Chinese origin or come from a wave of immigration of Afro-Jamaicans who speak English Creole mixed with Spanish. Surf spots, coral reefs and black or white sand beaches, lined with vegetation populated by monkeys and sloths, await you. The excellence of its gastronomy and the rich biodiversity and scenic beauty of the Cahuita and Gandoca-Manzanillo parks are also at the origin of the fame of this region with such a special charm.

  On arrival we check into our hotel and have free time to enjoy the beach.

  Later in the evening dinner and overnight at the hotel .

  Atlantida Lodge

  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

• 03 Cahuita - Bribri - Cahuita
  

  • Overview
  • Accommodation
  • Meals

  Today after breakfast we drive to Bambu . Meeting with the Bribri indigenous community

  Departure to Yorkin where you will have the opportunity to dive in an exceptional setting in the middle of nature and to be able to spend the day with the Indians of the Bribri indigenous community. You will reach the village of Bambu by road where the local guide Humberto will be waiting for you with the motorized canoe to go up the river. You sail through lush tropical rainforest vegetation between the Yorkin and Sixaola rivers on the edge of Panama. After about 1 hour by canoe, you arrive at the community house. The day will take place between walks in the community, visit and explanation of local medicinal plants, introduction to the cocoa making process and tasting, typical lunch and cultural exchanges.

  The Bribris who currently inhabit the Talamanca Mountains speak Spanish and use Western clothing. However, they are very attached to their culture. Community leaders are active in ensuring that the language and culture continue to live and be transmitted. To go out and meet them is to participate in this transmission.

  The region of Talamanca means "the place of blood" in Bribri language, probably because of the turtle massacres that took place on the Caribbean coast. The Bribri and the Cabécar are part of the same ethnic group and maintain a complex clan system. They have kept intact their religious myths to the supreme God and creator of the Sibo universe, passed down from generation to generation. It is in the house of Sibo that the Universe is located. Its roof is dotted with holes through which daylight passes, so constellations are formed. The houses of Talamanca are built according to the image of Sibo, round and tall.

  Lunch on site with local specialties. Later return to Cahuita. Little free time to relax, walk around the village or enjoy a swim in the sea.

  Later in the  evening dinner at the village and overnight at the hotel .

  Atlantida Lodge

  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

• 04 Cahuita National Park - Arenal Volcano
  

  • Overview
  • Accommodation
  • Meals

  Today after breakfast we check out of our hotel and proceed for the discovery of Cahuita National Park . This national park has more than 1000 hectares of forest, 600 hectares of reef and 22400 hectares of ocean. 35 species of coral, 44 species of crustaceans, 128 species of algae, 500 species of fish, and countless animal species, including white-faced monkeys, have been re-energized. It is home to one of the largest coral reefs on the Caribbean coast and the largest in Costa Rica. It also protects a very rich rainforest, as well as some very beautiful beaches of white sand, of extraordinary beauty. Walk through the park's trails. Possibility of swimming and diving.

  Typical Caribbean lunch in the village! (Sample menu: rice and beans with coconut sauce, salad, slightly spicy coconut sauce chicken and fried plantains!)

  Continue to the "northern zone" of the country and its landscapes of hills and pastures overlooked by the imposing conical silhouette of the Arenal volcano. This stratovolcano has undergone important phases of activity and the tropical and lush vegetation that surrounds the colossus gives a glimpse of ancient traces of volcanic flows. The Arenal Rainforest is a rainforest. There are many birds, toucans and mammals (monkeys, coatis,...)

  On arrival we check into our hotel and dinner and overnight at the hotel .

  Lavas Tacotal Lodge

  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

• 05 Arenal Volcano National Park & Suspension Bridges
  

  • Overview
  • Accommodation
  • Meals

  Today after breakfast we proceed to discover the Arenal Volcano National Park . As we walk on the trails of the National Park and on the ancient lava flows of this volcano with a painful recent history: in 1968, after 500 years of inactivity and 10 hours of intense seismic activity, the Arenal experienced 3 days of explosive eruption, devastating the small village of Tabacon, 12 square kilometers of forest and killing more than 70 people. As you approach the volcano, you can easily make out the traces of past eruptions whose lava flows made their way to the base of the colossus, consuming everything in their path. During the walk, your guide will comment on the history of this giant stratovolcano and teach you about the biological riches of the nature that surrounds it. Have lunch.

  Later walk on the suspension bridges of Arenal . On route , you will cross the rainforest by paths connected by 8 fixed bridges and 6 suspension bridges. The trails have been designed to be accessible to everyone. Bridges are high-tech metal structures that provide all the necessary safety. They range in length from 8 to 98 metres and the tallest of them is 45 metres high. The succession of trails and bridges allows you to appreciate the flora of this tropical rainforest from a different perspective, from the roots to the canopy.

  A short guided tour of the village of La Fortuna, an opportunity to learn more about this famous village and its volcano! Free time to do some shopping or enjoy the hotel's facilities.

  In an island of tropical forest preserved by the owners of the place, you can enjoy the benefits of the swimming pools and the waterfall of hot water perfectly integrated into nature.

  Later dinner and overnight at the hotel . 

  Night in Arenal 

   

  Breakfast ,Lunch &Dinner included

• 06 Arenal - Tárcoles - Manuel Antonio
  

  • Overview
  • Accommodation
  • Meals

  Today after breakfast we check out of our hotel and drive to the Pacific Centre for the pleasures of a seaside and tropical holiday. On the road, from the Tarcoles bridge, crocodiles are frequently seen on the banks of the river.

  Boat tour on the Tarcoles River (NB: regular group tour)

  The captain sails up the Tárcoles River to reach the area where huge crocodiles live; The guide will help you discover their natural habitat. The tour continues to the Guacalillo estuary and its mangrove swamp; An ecosystem that allows you to observe many birds (56 species recorded), such as egrets, parakeets, flycatchers, sandpipers and the rare scarlet macaw...Have lunch.

  Continuation to Manuel Antonio. Manuel Antonio is a tropical region with beaches bordered by abundant vegetation, many animals (monkeys, coatis, toucans, iguanas, etc....). Between the small town of Quepos and the beaches of the Manuel Antonio National Park, there is a hill on which are nestled many hotels for all tastes and budgets.

  On arrival we check into our hotel and later have dinner and overnight at the hotel .

  Villas Rio Mar 3*

  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

• 07 Manuel Antonio National Park - Dominical
  

  • Overview
  • Accommodation
  • Meals

  Today after breakfast we proceed for the diiscovery of Manuel Antonio National Park (NB: closed on Tuesdays)

  This park protects a superb earthen formation between the coast and a rock covered with vegetation and bordered by two magnificent beaches where many animals cohabit with little shy and easy to observe. Manuel Antonio combines a very rich fauna (iguanas, monkeys and raccoons, sloths) with dream beaches where the water temperature exceeds 25°C. Free time to enjoy the park's beautiful beach. Lunch in the village.

  Heading south along the Pacific coast on the beautiful deserted beaches. Dominical is a favorite beach for surfers, for its perfect waves. Further south, the beaches of the Marino Ballena National Park provide, like an earthly paradise, more tranquility for swimming or simply a magnificent walk to the "tombolo de Playa Uvita", this perfect geological formation in the shape of a whale's tail.

  On arrival we check into our hotel and have free time to relax, enjoy the hotel's swimming pool to cool off.

  Later in the evening we have dinner and overnight at the hotel.

   

  Villas Rio Mar  ( return to the hotel )

  Breakfast ,Lunch & Dinner included

• 08 Uvita - Boat Tour & Ride
  • Overview
  • Accommodation
  • Meals

  Today after breakfast we go for a boat tour to observe dolphins and whales (NB: regular group tour)

  The Uvita region is one of the best cetacean watching sites in the country: two seasons of whale presence in its waters follow one another and it is possible to observe several species of dolphins (bottlenose dolphin and spotted dolphin mainly) all year round. In search of these large cetaceans, you will sail the waters of the Marino Ballena National Park, enjoying two geological peculiarities of the coast of Uvita: the caverns of Playa Ventanas and the tombolo in the shape of a whale's tail of Punta Uvita! A detour to the small island of Isla Ballena and the rocks of Tres Hermanas will allow you to also observe birds and possibly try your hand at a small snorkel. Have lunch.

  Walk on the trails of Hacienda Baru . Hacienda Barú's nature trails pass through many habitats, including primary forest, secondary forest, swamp forest, wetlands, pastures, and tree plantations. Some trails are short and long. Some go to the beach and others to the mountains. All trails have informative signs with information about flora and fauna.

  Later in the evening return for dinner and overnight at the hotel.

  Rancho Corcovado

  NB: the arrival at the lodge is done with your feet in the water

  Breakfast  & Lunch included

• 09 Dominical - Drake Bay
  

  • Overview
  • Accommodation
  • Meals

  Today after breakfast we check out of our hotel as we proced to the Osa Peninsula. This southwestern region is the wildest in the country. The Osa Peninsula, which juts out into the Pacific Ocean for more than 50 km, is a true natural paradise, protected by private biological reserves and the Corcovado National Park. Its dense and deep tropical rainforest vegetation bordered by countless beaches and coves makes it one of the most beautiful sites in Central America for ecotourism.

  Passing through Palmar Sur, a small banana town, then after a few kilometers of banana plantations you reach the pier on the Sierpe River. The motorboat ride (NB: in a group with the other guests of the lodge) runs along the delta of Terraba, a nature reserve protecting a vast network of mangroves, until the exit into the sea through the impressive estuary of the Rio Sierpe. A few kilometres from the estuary is a natural cove nicknamed Drake Bay, named after the legendary pirate. We reach the lodges nestled south of Drake Bay, along the beaches bordering the forest.

  It is a beautiful immersion to meet some of the richest fauna and flora in the world. Many animals can be seen including macaws, monkeys, sloths, anteaters and sometimes even tapirs.

  On arrival we check into our hotel . Have lunch. Walk on the beach in the company of your guide.

  Later in the evening dnner and overnight at the hotel .

  Hotel Rancho Corcovado ( Drake Bay )

  Breakfast ,Lunch &Dinner included

• 10 Drake Bay - Corcovado National Park - Drake Bay
  

  • Overview
  • Accommodation
  • Meals

  Today after breakfast we proceed by boat. for the dscovery of Corcovado National Park (NB: regular group tour including a local ang/esp guide in addition to your English-speaking guide)

  Departure by boat for an excursion in the Corcovado National Park on the trails of the San Pedrillo resort, along the Pargo River. The park, established in 1975, occupies half of the Osa Peninsula and is home to 13 different major ecosystems. It is one of the richest national parks in terms of biodiversity with animals such as jaguars, tapirs, monkeys (spiders, howlers, capuchins, etc.), sloths, parrots (macaws), toucans, many amphibians and reptiles as well as exceptional vegetation: heliconias, primary and secondary forest. The peninsula is home to one of the last tropical rainforests on the Pacific coast.

  Lunch in the form of a picnic or at the lodge depending on the operation. Mid-afternoon free time at leisure . 

  Later in the evening  dinner and overnight at the hotel .

  Hotel Rancho Corcovado (Drake Bay )

  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

• 11 Drake Bay - Dota Cloud Forest
  

  • Overview
  • Accommodation
  • Meals

  Today after breakfast we checkout of the hotel as we proceed  by motorboat (NB: in group with the other guests of the lodge) from the beach. Exit from the sea to the impressive estuary of the Rio Sierpe. The motorboat ride crosses the mangroves. Arrival at the pier in Sierpe. Passing through Palmar Sur, a small banana town. Continue north along the Inter-American Highway, through the highest mountain range in the country and Cerro de la Muerte. Crossing the streets and market of the small town of San Isidro. Lunch along the way. Passing south of San José, the Dota Valley, between the Central Valley and the Talamanca mountain range where Costa Rica's highest peaks are located, seems lost in thick vegetation. This is the kingdom of birds, including the legendary resplendent quetzal.

  On arrival we check into our lodge .  Walk on the trails of the lodge to discover the Dota Cloud Forest and the flora and fauna it shelters.

  Later in the evening  dinner and overnight at the lodge.

  DOTA CLOUD FOREST

  Savegre

  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

• 12 Quetzal & Coffee - San José
  

  • Overview
  • Accommodation
  • Meals

  Today we leave in search of the Quetzal . The "resplendent quetzal" (Pharomachrus mocinno) has inhabited the forests of the Central American cordilleras for millennia. A mythical bird among the indigenous populations, it is also a symbol of freedom, which makes its quest a moment full of magic. Organized at dawn, at the hour when life awakens, to be on the lookout for the song and flight of birds. In the morning mists and the very particular vegetation of the high-altitude cloud forests, your local guide will be able to find the quetzals present. The quetzal nests between March and June, so it is during these 4 months that it is easiest to observe because the young parents become more sedentary

  Later return to the lodge and have breakfast at the lodge. Next we proceed as we drive to San José. Lunch along the way. Coffee Tour at the Dota Cooperative ,  here you will have the opportunity to discover the secrets of coffee. You will know all the stages of processing, from the cherry to the green bean for export and then from the green bean to the roasted coffee is detailed to you. To end the visit, you will be invited to taste the coffee produced on site. Next we continue our drive to the capital city of  San José.

  On arrival we check into our hotel and later in the evening we have dinner . Overnight at the hotel .

  Sleep Today 3*

  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

• 13 San José - Departure
  • Overview
  • Accommodation
  • Meals

  Today after breakfast we check out of our hotel  as we proceed for a historical guided walking tour through the center of the capital . You will discover the façade of the magnificent National Theatre which is the pride of the Ticos as it is considered the main national monument by virtue of its architectural beauty, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the many parks that green the city centre and the Avenida Central, a large pedestrian street very popular with the josefinos because it has all kinds of shops. The central market (NB: closed on Sundays) will open the doors to a must-see place in the capital. Lulled by a Latin atmosphere, you will find fruits and vegetables, clothes, souvenirs, typical dishes while strolling along its many alleys.

  Next we visit to the Gold Museum . The Gold Museum, housed in a modern infrastructure under the Plaza de la Culture, a stone's throw from the National Theatre, is one of the few museums in the world dedicated to gold and is certainly one of the most beautiful and rich collections in Latin America, along with those of Bogotá in Colombia and Lima in Peru. It features a fascinating collection of over 1600 pre-Columbian pieces that date from the year 500 to 1500. An extraordinary collection of objects and numerous paintings illustrate the goldsmithing techniques that were dominated by the pre-Columbian peoples of what is now Costa Rican territory, the use and function of these objects as well as their relationship with nature and the daily life of the different ethnic groups. Have lunch.

  Later we proceed to San José airport for  our return international flight back home with everlasting colourful memories of Costa Rica .

   

  Presidente 4*

  Breakfast & Lunch included

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