Overview
Immerse yourself in this peaceful and protected land of natural wonders—a vibrant, living Eden on the Central American isthmus. Explore Costa Rica from Atlantic to Pacific with adventurous activities throughout your journey. From a leisurely rafting trip to walking hanging bridges through the rainforest, the journey will end in a beachside resort full of relaxation. Journey Pace: Active & Challenging

Tour Details

DEPARTURE INFORMATION

Starts any day. January to December

11 days from $4795.00

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Itinerary
Day 1

Arrive San José, Costa Rica

Welcome to Costa Rica. You are met on arrival in San José, and transferred to your resort hotel, located on a 30-acre coffee plantation.

San José, Costa Rica’s capital, is a vibrant and diverse city. This afternoon, enjoy time at leisure to relax at your deluxe resort, or explore this capital city on your own.

Day 2

San José to Turrialba & with River Rafting

This morning, depart San José with your private driver and guide, and travel to the Turrialba Valley in central Costa Rica. Turrialba, known as “the Switzerland of Costa Rica,” is where the volcanic mountains meet in a lush green valley carved out by the Pacuare and Reventazón rivers. The fun begins when you join your experienced rafting guide for a day full of safe and exciting adventures on the Rio Pacuare.

Enjoy the thrill of the rapids as you travel on one of the top ten white water rafting rivers in the world for eighteen miles of class III and class IV rapids. Or for a more leisurely experience, you can choose to raft down gentle Class I and II rapids. Either journey takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of Costa Rica. Admire the natural beauty that surrounds the river - cascading waterfalls and a variety of tropical flora and fauna. Halfway through the journey, stop at a hillside camp for a tremendous view of the Rio Pacuare, the surrounding mountains, and to enjoy lunch.

Late afternoon, arrive at your quaint hacienda accommodations set in lush green surroundings. ​(B,L)

Day 3

Turrialba to Tortuguero

Today, your private guide drives east, towards the Caribbean Sea. At Cano Blanco, board a small private motor boat for a scenic journey to Tortuguero National Park – home to over 350 species of birds and mammals, including 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered species such as tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters and manatees.

Your hotel offers remote, rustic luxury surrounded by the natural beauty of the Tortuguero Canals and its wildlife. ​(B,D)

Day 4

Tortuguero & the Cano Palma Wildlife Reserve

This morning, explore the inland canals and wetlands as you take a private guided boat tour through Cano Palma Wildlife Reserve. Wildlife of all sorts show their able ways of camouflage throughout the canal. Venture on a few of the private trails to experience the dense jungle close-up. It is truly a fascinating experience to see anhinga, yellow crowned night heron, strawberry poison dart frogs, howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys and the giant webs of golden orb spiders as you trek along the spongy earth. This area is also one of the best places for bird watching.

After a relaxing break for lunch at the hotel, enjoy another private guided boat excursion through Tortuguero National Park. Watch the caimans and sea turtles float by, as well as the giant leatherback turtles. ​(B,L,D)

Day 5

Tortuguero to Arenal

After breakfast, take a quick boat transfer to the Tortuguero Air strip, for your flight back to San José. Upon arrival, proceed with your guide on a scenic drive north towards the famous Arenal Volcano.

En route, stop for a tour and tasty coffee break at the Espirtu Santo Coffee Plantation. Make a stop for lunch at a local farm, where you also visit their sugar cane mill and enjoy a tortilla making class.

Next, enjoy a private visit to Danaus Eco Center. View this botanical garden with more than 600 species of plants, a large butterfly garden, wetlands filled with medicinal plants, and varieties of frogs, serpents, turtles, caimans, monkeys, sloth and birds.

Tonight relax at the Tabacon Hot Springs with its natural thermal springs, water wells and in-river pools. Spend the next three nights at a luxury hotel located at the base of the Arenal Volcano. (B,L,D)

Day 6

Arenal Sightseeing

This morning take a guided hike through Arenal Volcano National Park. Traverse the rainforest and cross over the large lava flow; above the lava bed take in the magnificent views of Lake Arenal and see the red-hot lava rolling down the side of the volcano.

Relax over lunch at a local organic farm, and learn about their green agricultural practices.

In the afternoon, take a ride on the Sky Tram to the highest point of the Arenal Reserve. From there your trek takes you above the trees along a series of zip-lines. See the Arenal rain forest and its landscape from a different and adrenalin-pumping perspective. ​(B,L)

Day 7

Arenal Sightseeing

This morning, you have a choice of activities. Take a horseback ride through this cloud rainforest to view La Fortuna Waterfall or enjoy a guided hike along the Arenal Hanging Bridges, a series of fourteen fixed and suspension bridges crossing through a lush reserve of native plants, birds and animals.

Learn about the farming lifestyle over lunch at a local farm, and then have the rest of the afternoon to relax at the hot springs. ​(B,L)

Day 8

Arenal to Guanacaste

This morning, it’s a relaxing drive down the mountain, west towards the coast, reaching the Pacific Ocean by lunchtime.

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure at your full service resort. Surrounded by nature, the resort offers three beaches, golf, horseback riding, a world-class spa and more. ​(B)

Day 9 & 10

Guanacaste at leisure

Enjoy two full days at this beautiful ocean front resort. Relax and play at one of the beaches, play golf on the championship course, visit the equestrian center or world-class spa.

Other optional activities include ATV tours along the coast, beach treks, bird watching excursions, jungle trips, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, fishing or just enjoying the sun and comfort of the resort. (B)

Day 11

Depart Guanacaste & Liberia

Today you are taken to the Liberia airport for your departing flight home or on to your next destination. ​(B)

Accommodations

Costa Rica Marriott, San Jose

Voted by Conde Nast as one of the best hotels in Central America, the Marriott San Jose is a beautiful colonial hacienda set on a 30-acre coffee plantation. With unique architecture and elegant antiques, this luxury hotel features captivating grounds and a relaxing ambiance. Swim in the two outdoor pools or pamper yourself at the coffee inspired Kuö Spa. Experience fine dining, exquisite tapas and wines at La Isabela, known as one of the best restaurants in San Jose. The 299 air-conditioned rooms feature amenities including satellite TV, internet access, a minibar, in-room safe, coffee/tea maker, bathrobe and a hairdryer.

Casa Turire, Turrialba

Casa Turire is located less than 2 hours east of San Jose in the heart of the green and agricultural region of Turrialba. This beautiful place is bordered by La Angostura Lake with the impotent presence of Turrialba mountains that offer you an amazing landscape. The Hotel features a gourmet restaurant that serves both typical Costa Rican cuisine as well as international food. The hotel facilities include, but are not limited to, an English style bar, free Wi-Fi, outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, game room, and meeting room.

Manatus Lodge Hotel, Tortuguero National Park

Surrounded by the natural beauty of Tortuguero, the Manatus Hotel offers you the comfort of luxurious rooms and a delicious restaurant with international and gourmet cuisine. There is an inviting outdoor pool, massage service and a pool table. The Manatus Hotel has 12 fully equipped guestrooms designed to inspire you by connecting you with the surrounding wildlife sanctuary environment . Your spacious air-conditioned room has luxury finishes including cable TV, a mini-bar, a balcony, complimentary internet access and in-room safe.

Tabacón Grand Spa, Arenal

Tabacón Grand Spa offers the unique combination of the energy of the active Arenal Volcano, the heat of the Tabacón Hot Springs and the purity and mysticism of the surrounding rainforest. Located at the base of the Arenal Volcano, this 865-acre five star luxury resort is recognized as a member of The Leading Hotels and The Leading Spas of the World, and has been named a world’'s top ten eco-spa by National Geographic Magazine. Features and services include swimming pools, a Jacuzzi, full-service spa, lush gardens, laundry service and souvenir shops. There are two restaurants and a lounge bar. The 114 luxurious guestrooms are beautifully appointed with rich handicrafts and furnishings made by Costa Rican artisans. Rooms feature cable TV, internet access personal safes, mini bars and coffeemakers. Guest bathrooms include luxurious bathrobes, deluxe bath toiletries, hair dryers and bathtubs.

J.W. Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa, Santa Cruz

This beautiful ocean front resort is located on one of the most exclusive beaches in Costa Rica. Discover traditional Costa Rican warmth with world-class luxury. The resort is peacefully surrounded by the splendors of Costa Rican nature and offers a choice of 3 beaches, championship Golf, equestrian center, world-class spa and more. Other optional activities include ATV tours along the coast, beach treks, bird watching excursions, jungle trips, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, fishing or just enjoying the sun and comfort of the resort. The 310 luxuriously appointed guest rooms provide a private haven of comfort with rich woods and fine linens. The air-conditioned room amenities include satellite TV, internet access, a minibar, in-room safe, coffee/tea maker, bathtub with spray jets, bathrobe and a hairdryer.