Day 1 - Welcome to San Jose

Arrive in Juan Santamaría International Airport. After clearing customs and immigration formalities, you are welcomed by your Guide who will accompany you to the hotel, deliver your travel documents and explain all important things about your trip through Costa Rica.

San José capital of Costa Rica proudly sits in Central Valley and is the one and true heart of all political and economic interactions of Costa Rica’s contemporary society. The land in the valley is relatively plain, despite being surrounded by several mountains and volcanoes, and the central mountain range.

Ideally located for exploring the city, the beautiful hotel Grano de Oro has a great deal of historical charm and excellent service is the perfect place to stay,  this historical building with a new colonial-style annexe offers a comfortable and intimate atmosphere for its guests. You will love all the graceful twists and turns in this building's architecture, the small fountains and gardens all around. where you can take a book or leave one for another traveller, and the interesting historical Costa Rican photographs lined up in the hallways.

Overnight: Grano de Oro Hotel

Meal Plan:

Day 2 - Peaks of Costa Rica

This morning you will meet your Guide and Driver at the hotel reception and after a briefing you will begin your unforgettable experience in this small but warm country. 

Enjoy a half day sightseeing excursion to the spectacular Poas Volcano. This National Park is recognized as one of the most active & visited volcanoes in Costa Rica, its crater measures 1.5km in diameter and is considered the second widest in the world. After your walk at the Poas Volcano, make a stop to delight your palate with some local delicacies such as some delicious strawberries & cheeses. 

Later you'll continue your journey to the small village of La Fortuna.  On arrival, you can relax to the sounds of the rainforest and enjoy a variety of restaurants and wide range of activities. The exceptional staff will do their best to give you an intimate and authentic experience to maximize this place of breathtaking natural beauty.

Overnight: Nayara Tented Camp

Meal Plan: B

Day 3 - Views of Arenal

Your adventure begins in the morning. Enjoy a 2.5 hour hike along the base of the Arenal Volcano in the Arenal 1968 Park. The trail will take you to the 1968 lava flows, which has now been regenerated. You will feel the power and serenity of nature and enjoy amazing views. Admire the local flora and fauna and with a bit of luck, observe a variety of tropical birds and other animals. A special picnic is included.

Overnight: Nayara Tented Camp

Meal Plan: B,L

Day 4 - Natural Costa Rica

After breakfast prepare yourself for your next experience with a private transfer to the Arenal Lake Dam where you will board a boat to cross Arenal Lake. Enjoy the scenic boat ride and the magnificent view to the Arenal Volcano. Upon conclusion continue to Rio Chiquito and transfer you to your hotel.

Known for its Cloud Forest, Monteverde is an ideal place to explore the enchanting hiking trails meandering through the dense primary forest, with a little bit of luck, you can even catch a glimpse of the Quetzal, a majestic bird covered in green-red feathers, once worshipped by the Mayan tribe.

Senda Monteverde,  is a boutique hotel, located within walking distance to the village of Santa Elena in Monteverde. Nature conservation and sustainability is practiced wherever possible. Are you seeking rest on the edge of the mystical cloud forest, but at the same time don't want to do without service and comfort? Then Senda Monteverde is the right choice for you.

Overnight: Senda Monteverde Hotel

Meal Plan: B

Day 5 - Into the Heart of the Country

After an early breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel lobby and transferred to Santa Elena Reserva (the transfer time is approximately 35 minutes). Giant tree ferns, bamboo and palm trees grow abundantl, while thick, moss-covered liana vines dangle from the canopy. Use all your senses to enjoy the frequent sightings of birds and mammals and hear the song of the Quetzal. Looking northeast on clear days you can view the Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake.

Return to town where you can stop for lunch (own expense) and then continue exploring this amazing destination. Followed by a Sugar Cane, Coffee and Chocolate tour where you will learn about the process and history of each product and have the opportunity to taste these delicious delicacies.

Also enjoy a ride on a typical Costa Rican cart to see how farmers used to transport  their crops. You will also learn about the different types of trapiches, water mills and oxen. Finally, enjoy an exquisite arracache dish, a delicious cup of coffee or a typical sugar cane drink.

Overnight: Senda Monteverde Hotel

Meal Plan: B

Day 6 - Off to Papagayo

Enjoy the breakfast at your hotel, then meet your Guide and Driver in the hotel lobby to continue to the Golf of Papagayo in Guanacaste.

Upon arrival at the hotel in Papagayo, your Abercrombie & Kent Guide will help you with the check-in and then the rest of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the beach and the hotel facilities.

Papagayo is a beach resort, the area takes its name from the stunning gulf that borders the beach. The result is a secluded Papagayo with many amenities in a completely natural setting. Welcome to the spectacularly beautiful Gulf of Papagayo.

The design of the hotel is intended to seamlessly integrate Papagayo's beautiful environment and unique local heritage. When designing the Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo, the architect had wildlife in mind. He used the shapes of cocoons and shells to create an intriguing design that will stimulate senses in a new and refreshing way.

Overnight: Andaz Costa Rica Resort

Meal Plan: B

Day 7 - Enjoy Papagayo

This day is at your leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities and Papagayo beaches at your pace.

Overnight: Andaz Costa Rica Resort

Meal Plan: B

Day 8 - Welcome to Alajuela

Today bid farewell to Papagayo as you depart with your Guide and Driver to Alajuela (the transfer time is approximately four hours and a half).

Upon arrival in Alajuela your Guide will assist you with the check-in and then you can enjoy the rest of the day on your own. In the evening you will have dinner at the hotel.

Alajuela as the second largest province in Costa Rica is home to a vast variety of both man-made and natural attractions. The province is the site of one of the most pristine mountain ranges, the Cordillera Central range, in addition to several volcanic national parks. Travelers seeking a cultural experience will also enjoy this region, as it is home to Alajuela, a laid-back metro area located just outside of San Jose. Sitting on a gentle slope, Alajuela is also slightly warmer and smaller than the neighboring capital.

El Silencio Lodge is located in the central mountain range on the slopes of the Poas Volcano and offers you mountain suites, a first-class spa and restaurant. There is a very special and dynamic balance between El Silencio Lodge and the neighboring villages; For example, the Lodge works with the local villages and operates a sustainable, environmentally friendly operation.

Overnight: El Silencio Lodge & Spa

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 9 - Visit us Again!

Enjoy your last Costa Rican breakfast at the hotel. Your day is at leisure until your transfer time to the airport for your departure flight. We hope that your experience of this small country has been a gateway to contact with nature and simple relaxation. Hopefully, you are already planning your next trip. We wish you a safe journey home! Pura Vida!

Overnight:

Meal Plan: B