Day 1 - Welcome to San Jose

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

San José, the capital of Costa Rica, is located in the Central Valley at about 1,100 meters above sea level. Thanks to its fertile volcanic soil and year-round spring-like climate, the Central Valley offers perfect conditions for the production of coffee, ornamental plants, and fruits. Although a bit chaotic during rush hours, the capital is home to beautiful buildings, interesting museums, excellent restaurants, and evening entertainment. Take a stroll through the Central Market and you will be amazed at what you can buy. Admire the colonial-style main post office, the lively Cultural Plaza, and next door, the National Theater, modeled after the Paris Opera. Explore pre-Columbian and more recent history at the Gold and Jade Museum and the National Museum. Enjoy delicious food in the relaxed atmosphere of Barrio Escalante and crown your visit with an excursion to the nearby Poás or Irazú volcanoes.

Overnight: Gran Hotel Costa Rica

Meal Plan:

Day 2 - Off to Monteverde

Today enjoy a walking tour and visit the National Theatre, captivating with its architectural beauty, and the Gold Museum, where you learn many interesting facts about the Precolumbian history of Costa Rica and the whole region. Passing Democracy Square and the House of Parliament, you continue to admire the National Museum and the National Park, continue past the Atlantic Railway Station and the Spanish Park. View the Metallic School, finished in 1896 and inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and Morazán Park before you conclude your tour. Return to the hotel with many new impressions.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Monteverde, which is home to the magical Cloud Forest paradise.

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.

Overnight: Senda Monteverde Hotel

Meal Plan: B

Day 3 - Coffee Experience

Enjoy an early morning sugar cane, coffee and chocolate tour. You will learn about the process and history of each product and have the opportunity to taste these delicious delicacies.

The tour includes 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.

Did you know that there are more species of bats than birds in Costa Rica? Did you know that there is a species of bat that simulates the wing movements of a hummingbird? These and many other interesting facts are part of this extraordinary experience that takes you on a guided walk through the world of bats in approximately 45 minutes to an hour.

Overnight: Senda Monteverde Hotel and please

Meal Plan: B

Day 4 - Natural Costa Rica

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

From the mountains of Monteverde to your next destination, the Gulf of Papagayo, where you can spend some pleasant days on its sheltered beaches.

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.

Overnight: El Mangrove

Meal Plan: B

Day 5 - Papagayo at Leisure

Enjoy the day, at your pace, enjoying the natural beauty of the area and/or the facilities at your hotel.

Overnight: El Mangrove

Meal Plan: B

Day 6 - Rincon de la Vieja National Park

Spend your morning in the Las Pailas sector which spectacularly shows the power of the Rincon de la Vieja volcano, the most active and largest volcano in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Steam and sulfur come from natural fumaroles of the yellow and rusty soil. Witness clay pools in various shades of brown with boiling volcanic water, fine grey volcanic mud bubbles and explosions.

This volcano is like no other in Costa Rica.  You could walk the 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) Las Pailas circular path through the tropical forest to enjoy the best views of the volcano, incredible nature, volcanic activity, and wildlife. The Park is home to more than 300 species of birds, and many other animals, such as armadillos, iguanas, coatis, white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys and spider monkeys.

After your excursion return back to you your hotel where the rest of your afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities.

Overnight: El Mangrove

Meal Plan: B

Day 7 - Turquoise Costa Rica

This morning, after breakfast at the hotel, you are met by your Guide for your journey to Tenorio, known for its National Park with its legendary Rio Celeste. En route enjoy a boat tour to El Viejo National Wildlife Refuge, the views of Palo Verde National Park, while sailing in the magnificent Tempisque River. Enjoy the outdoors and experience the local ecology and see birds, monkeys, and more on this serene boat ride.Upon arrival at the hotel, our Guide will assist you with check-in. Please note that your hotel stay includes some experiences or activities which are shared with other guests and you can choose these directly with the hotel.

Located in northern Costa Rica, the Tenorio Volcano National Park is one of the country's youngest parks. Taking its name from the Tenorio Volcano, this national park boasts stunning river views and plenty of opportunities for wildlife adventures. The park features four different life zones as well as the beautiful aqua-hued Rio Celeste.

Overnight: Origins Luxury Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 8 - Exploring the Tenorio Volcano

After breakfast in the morning continue towards the Tenorio National Park and its Río Celeste, it is one of the most beautiful jewels in the country. Enjoy the mystical view!

Thanks to its close-to-perfect location and weather conditions, the Tenorio Volcano National Park serves as a natural boundary for trade winds coming from the Northwest. Today you visit the Celeste River on the northeastern side of the volcano. Its river is well-known for its light blue colouring, a result of certain minerals mixing in its waters. Inside the National Park, you can also find a magnificent waterfall, bubbling hot springs, and “Los Teñideros”, the part of the river where the water suddenly changes from crystalline to celestial. Mud pots and fumaroles can also be admired here. Virgin rain and cloud forest extend to the summit of the impressive Tenorio.

During a hike through the Park, travelers will find a diverse array of flora and fauna. Some areas are  challenging offering rewarding views. You will stop and rest at many interesting sites. One of the most beautiful attractions here is the Rio Celeste waterfall.

In the afternoon, upon returning to the hotel you will have free time to explore the different activities offered by the Lodge or simply relax in the hotel facilities.

Overnight: Origins Luxury Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 9 - Off to Alajuela

Today's destination is Bajos del Toro, approximately 4 hours from Tenorio. This town is set in an idyllic landscape and is indeed a very special place.

On the way you will visit one of the best volcano views points to see the Arenal volcano, with its lava trails. The Mirador Arenal 1968 offers comfortable facilities and well-maintained trails where you can observe and experience these lava fields while walking through vast areas of secondary forest.

Your next accommodation is set in the lush green of the Cloud Forest, nature lovers will tell you that if you're looking for a quiet break in an ecologically sound environment, this is the place for you.

Overnight: El Silencio Lodge & Spa

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 10 - Discover the Waterfalls

The day starts with a hiking tour of approximately 7 kilometres (4.5 miles), where you can appreciate many different waterfalls, that are characterized by their light blue color. Your adventure includes trails, pools and majestic view points.

Embrace your inner artist through local culture. Learn traditional oxcart painting techniques from Kenneth, Eco-Concierge and local Master. Bold strokes and kaleidoscopic patterns create one of Costa Rica’s most emblematic and colorful crafts.

Overnight: El Silencio Lodge & Spa

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 11 - So Long, Costa Rica

Enjoy your last Costa Rican breakfast at El Silencio Lodge. Your day is at leisure until you meet your Guide for your transfer to the airport.

We wish you a safe journey home! Pura Vida.

Overnight:

Meal Plan: B