Day 1 : Arrive San José
Let the Pura Vida way of life take over as you arrive in Costa Rica's cultural capital, San Jose. Arriving today, settle into your hotel and then head out to explore. Trendy Barrio Amon offers a wonderful glimpse into the history of the city with vast colonial mansions converted into art galleries, whilst Barrio Escalante is the gastronomic epicentre and the best place to grab dinner. Please note that you will not meet your Travel Director until day 4.
Accommodation : Crowne Plaza San José Corobicí
Day 2 : San José – Tortuguero
Meet a local guide for your journey to Tortuguero today. Travelling to Guapiles this morning, you'll hop on board a boat bound for Tortuguero. A place only accessible by air or water, float through miles of protected canals and listen for the sounds of birdsong as you venture into the Parque National Tortuguero. After settling in, meet up with a Local Specialist for a wander around the bustling little village, learning about its afro-caribbean roots and why it lives up to the meaning of its name, 'turtle catcher'. Wildlife aficionados, the fact that you've just arrived at the Western Hemisphere's largest rookery for Green Turtles is a piece of knowledge probably not lost on you, and you'll be learning more about the green, leatherback and hawksbill turtles who nest in the park on a visit to the Green Turtle Research Station later today.
Accommodation : Pachira Lodge
Day 3 : Tortuguero sightseeing and free time
You'll be up bright and early today to enjoy this beautiful region at its very best. You'll cruise the canals of the national park, keeping a keen eye out for jaguars, macaws, tapirs and over 300 different species of birds, whilst also enjoying the sensation of the park waking up for another day. This afternoon, join a Local Specialist for a guided jungle hike to discover the rare and beautiful flora and fauna of the region, as well as the conservation efforts currently being implemented to protect the region's delicate bio-diversity. Tonight, it's then the main event. Operating seasonally, opt to join a trip to watch a beautiful sea turtle laying her eggs on the beach. A real once in a lifetime experience, and a very special moment.
Accommodation : Pachira Lodge
Day 4 : Tortuguero – San Jose
Waking to the sounds of the jungle, you'll travel back to San Jose today. En route you'll pass through Braulio Carrillo National Park, one of Costa Rica's most extensive national parks that covers a staggering 44,099 hectares and is home to seven diverse types of habitat. Arriving back into the capital, you'll meet up with your Travel Director and continue your Costa Rica Adventure.
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Day 5 : San José – Monteverde
Tick off San José’s iconic sights with a quick sightseeing tour before travelling towards the creative little town of Sarchí. Seen as the cradle of Costa Rican artisanship, this is the place to buy intricate arts, crafts and souvenirs including the hand-painted and bright coloured oxcart, the national symbol of Costa Rica. The journey continues through the Tilaran Mountain range listening for the collective “oohs” and “aahs” as you enter the mysterious and misty Cloud Forest.
Accommodation : El Establo Mountain Hotel
Day 6 : Monteverde sightseeing and free time
Step into another world on your Costa Rica value tour in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. Learn about the thousands of plant and animal species that thrive in this area, many of which only exist right here, from your Travel Director. Keep your ears open for the sounds of hummingbirds, howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, and if you’re really lucky, the Quetzal bird. Leaving the forest on a real nature high, why not end the day with a tasty ‘El Trapiche’ Choice Experience tour visiting sugarcane, banana, orange and coffee plantations?
Accommodation : El Establo Mountain Hotel
Day 7 : Monteverde – Arenal
Bubbling hot springs and geothermal activity, wildlife and of course the sleeping giant, Arenal Volcano, Arenal Volcano National Park is one of the jewels in Costa Rica’s crown. Boasting outdoor pools, a butterfly garden, botanical gardens and tame iguanas roaming the grounds, your secluded resort on the banks of the San Carlos River will make you feel like you’ve entered a little corner of heaven.
Accommodation : Tilajari Hotel Resort and Conference Center
Day 8 : Arenal full day sightseeing
Best way to explore Arenal’s private reserve? On a guided hike, of course! Be astounded by leftover lava rocks and boulders and plunge through the forest for views of the volcano and Arenal Lake. Next up: Reach all new heights at Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. Join a Local Specialist for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on a ‘sky walk’ through the jungle canopy. Keep your eyes peeled on the suspension bridges while spotting birdlife. To round off the day of your Costa Rica value tour, let your worries drift away over a dip at local hot springs before heading back to your resort.
Accommodation : Tilajari Hotel Resort and Conference Center
Day 9 : Arenal sightseeing and free time
If a tranquil river float and wildlife search sounds like you, you won’t want to miss this morning’s safari float down the Peñas Blancas River. Paired up with a Local Specialist, you’ll love spotting monkeys, sloths, iguanas, caimans and tropical birds. Visit a local family, and learn how connected the people of Costa Rica are to their natural environment. Free afternoon? Your optionals are endless. Take a dip in the pool, shop or choose a horseback riding Choice Experience through the rainforest.
Accommodation : Tilajari Hotel Resort and Conference Center
Day 10 : Arenal – Guanacaste (2 Nights)
From tropical rainforests to golden beaches, it will be a complete change of scenery today as you travel towards the 'golden coast' in the northwest of Costa Rica, arriving into the province of Guanacaste. A region loved for its glorious beaches, biodiverse parklands and fun surf, there's no better place to spend a couple of days than on the sun drenched shores of Playa Tamarindo.
Accommodation : Wyndham Tamarindo
Day 11 : Guanacaste free time
With an entirely free day, how you explore is completely up to you. Keep it low key with a book and a cold beer at your resort, or choose to join one of our choice experiences. Choose to explore Palo Verde National Park with an optional boat tour inside the park. Get a close view of the amazing habitat, where hundreds of species of birds, animals and trees coexist. If you would rather be by the coast, join our Sunset Cruise optional and discover exquisite beaches of white sand and blue-green waters. This tour is ideal for swimming in the calm waters, or for snorkeling amongst the coral. Our last optional, the Mega Combo, is for those who are looking for something more active. Enjoy Zip Lines, hiking and a ride along Costa Rica's longest water slide. Natural hot springs and volcanic mud bath in the middle of a beautiful forest will take you a new level of peace and relaxation to complete the picture. However you choose to explore today, make sure you spend this evening surrounded by new friends, toasting to a final Costa Rican sunset.
Accommodation : Wyndham Tamarindo
Day 12 : Depart Guanacaste
Perhaps you will catch the sunrise and enjoy a final dip in the sea before your trip comes to an end after breakfast. Depart at leisure to the airport and then onto to your respective corner of the world, we wish you a safe journey and look forward to seeing you again some time soon!
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