itinerary
DAY 1: Arrive San Jose International Airport
On arrival at San Jose you will be met at the airport by our representative and travel by private transfer to your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Grano De Oro, San Jose
Meals included: breakfast
DAY 2: Private transfer to Monteverde Cloud Forest (3 hrs). Night hike in Cloud Forest
You will transfer by road to Monteverde. This evening you will be picked up for a night tour of the Monteverde Reserve. This fascinating nocturnal tour begins just before sunset, and continues into nightfall. The 1.8 km trail features a host of nocturnal mammals, birds, and insects including flying bats, fireflies, and distinctive plant life such as the phosphorescent mushroom. This atmospheric experience is unique to the Cloud Forest.
Accommodation: Senda Monteverde Hotel, Monteverde
Meals included: breakfast
DAY 3: Cloud Forest hike
Today you will hike through the well-marked trails, waterfalls, rivers, and observation areas of this prestigious reserve. Acclaimed as one of the ‘seven wonders’ of Costa Rica, the Cloud Forest’s geographical, topographical, and climatic conditions have spawned a remarkable diversity of wildlife. The reserve’s forests house numerous ecosystems inhabited by mammals, birds, reptiles, spiders, and insects, along with indigenous trees, plants, mosses, and tropical epiphytes and lianas. You may be lucky enough to spot the splendidly exotic Quetzal.
Accommodation: Senda Monteverde Hotel, Monteverde
Meals included: breakfast
DAY 4: Transfer to Arenal Volcano (2 hrs). Sloth tour
The Arenal area is well known for its diverse, distinctive wildlife. Today, enjoy a guided vehicle excursion around La Fortuna, in search of the iconic sloth, whose benign smiling face has become an iconic symbol of the country's amazing rainforest wildlife. La Fortuna is home to two sloth species, the two- toed and the three-toed sloth, along with the splendid multicolored toucan, the blue jeans dart frog, monkeys, iguanas, and a multitude of birdlife.
Accommodation: Arenal Nayara, Arenal
Meals included: breakfast
DAY 5: Arenal volcano hike and Tabacon Hot Springs
Hike the trails of Arenal Volcano National Park and learn about the history of this rugged and fascinating area. Weather permitting, you will enjoy spectacular views of the volcano, along with the opportunity to walk on the dry lava fields. Although there have been no eruptions since 2010, visitors may occasionally hear the volcano rumbling and observe vapour clouds emerging from the crater. There should be good potential for wildlife viewing, as the ash layer in the soil has limited the surrounding tree growth. After the hike, relax at the hot springs in Tabacon Thermal Resort.
Accommodation: Arenal Nayara, Arenal
Meals included: breakfast and dinner
DAY 6: Rivers safari float trip
Today enjoy a delightful river excursion along the tranquil waters of the Peñas Blancas river. This relaxing half day tour is led by an informed guide and nature specialist, who will point out the beautiful flora and fauna of this region. Keep a look out for a variety of creatures such as sloth, monkey, crocodile, lizard and turtle, plus toucans and other tropical birds.
Accommodation: Arenal Nayara, Arenal
Meals included: breakfast
DAY 7: Transfer to Tortuguero National Park (5 hrs)
Take a road transfer, followed by a one hour journey by motorised canoe to Tortuguero National Park, on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast. Arrive at your accommodation in time for lunch. Known as the ‘little Amazon’, Tortuguero is home to an impressive variety of birds and animals, including large numbers of caimans, macaws, and howler and capuchin monkeys. Activities available during your stay include a guided jungle walk, a visit to the local village, and a boat tour of the national park’s waterways. Activities take place in small groups with other guests from the lodge.
Accommodation: Tortuga Lodge, Tortuguero
Meals included: full board
DAY 8: Boat excursion in Tortuguero National Park
Today, activities may include a guided hike in the jungle around the lodge and a boat tour of Tortuguero's canals. Late July to September sees turtle hatching and nesting season within the national park, and is a huge draw for nature lovers. The main action takes place after nightfall, when hundreds of turtles emerge from the sea to lay their eggs in the sandy beach. If you are extremely lucky you might see the hatchlings emerge from their eggs and make their own way back down to the ocean. Note this seasonal activity is subject to permit availability, and that allocated viewing sessions may be late at night.
Accommodation: Tortuga Lodge, Tortuguero
Meals included: full board
DAY 9: Transfer to Caribbean Coast (3 hrs)
Transfer to Playa Cocles on the Caribbean Coast for the rest of your trip. With the Pacific Coast receiving heavy rains at this time of year, the Caribbean Coast is at its driest, with lots of sunny days expected. Playa Cocles is a long stretch of sand with good surf. Playa Chiquita, the nearest beach to the property, is a low key local beach with clear calm water at low tide. Activities in the area include learning to surf on Playa Cocles, snorkelling on Playa Chiquita, sea kayaking in Punta Uva and hiking in Cahuita National Park. Bikes are also available at the property for getting around locally and to nearby Puerto Viejo, a laid back, hip and slightly ramshackle Caribbean town.
Accommodation: Hotel Aguas Claras, Playa Cocles
Meals included: breakfast
DAYS 10 - 12: Days at leisure on the Caribbean Coast
Accommodation: Hotel Aguas Claras, Playa Cocles
Meals included: breakfast
DAY 13: Private transfer to San Jose
Accommodation: Xandari Resort & Spa, San Jose
Meals included: breakfast
DAY 14: Departure
Private transfer to San Jose airport for your departure.
