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Home > Costa Rica, the green Eden

                     Costa Rica, the green Eden                      

Discover the Atlantic coast and its amazing Cahuita National Park, experience the Arenal region and its active volcano, relax in Punta Islita. Explore the Manuel Antonio Park and visit deep into the jungle the primitive paradise of the Osa Peninsula. Stay in luxury hotels, boutique lodges, thermal baths and spas.

Map

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Juan Santamaria Airport - San José
  • Day 2: San José - Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
  • Day 3: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
  • Day 4: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
  • Day 5: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - Arenal Volcano
  • Day 6: Arenal Volcano
  • Day 7: Arenal Volcano - Punta Islita
  • Day 8: Punta Islita
  • Day 9: Punta Islita
  • Day 10: Punta Islita - Manuel Antonio
  • Day 11: Manuel Antonio National Park - Manuel Antonio
  • Day 12: Manuel Antonio - Puerto Jimenez - Cabo Matapalo - Puerto Jimenez
  • Day 13: Cabo Matapalo
  • Day 14: Cabo Matapalo
  • Day 15: Cabo Matapalo - Puerto Jimenez - Juan Santamaria Airport

TRAVEL BOOK

Day 1: Juan Santamaria Airport - San José

Welcome to Costa Rica ! Reception at the Juan Santamaria International Airport near San José , at 1150 meters above sea level in the heart of the Central Valley.
First contact with Costa Rica, your private driver will give you your travel documents and will take you to your hotel.

Your english speaking guide will escort you to your hotel.

Night at Grano de Oro Hotel.
Standard Room.
Included : private transport, english speaking guide, room & breakfast

Day 2: San José - Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

You will head to the Southern Caribbean Coast. You can stop on the way in Limón capital of the province with the same name.

The very busy port of Moín regularly hosts cruising ships and it the place where the bananas are packed before delivering to Europe.

Arrival at the hotel in the surroundings of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, a colourful village between mountains and sea and which painted wooden houses, some on wooden piles, are absolutely charming.

Note: Approximately 4 hour drive.

Night in the Cameleon Hotel ****.
Superior Room.
Included : car rental, insurance, english speaking guide, guide expenses, fuel, room & breakfast

Day 3: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca


Free time to explore the area as you wish. The choice of activities is very broad: lounging, swimming, hiking in private or public reserves (Cahuita, Gandoca Manzanillo), observing local wildlife in the parks or in shelters (Las Pumas Rescue Center), practicing sports (surf, horseback riding, snorkeling, scuba-diving) etc. You can as well spend a day with the local Bribri community and share their unique traditions.

Suggested activities :
- Cahuita National Park (hiking, wildlife, underwater, swimming)
- Gandoca Manzanillo Reserve (hiking, wildlife, swimming, dolphin)
- Wildlife watching (leatherback turtles, dolphins, birds, sloths, iguanas)
- Small-scale fishing or sport
- Agricultural Plantations (cocoa, bananas ...) and Botanical Gardens
- Surfing, biking, kayaking, horseback
- Scuba diving (Punta Uva, Manzanillo)

Night in the Cameleon Hotel ****.
Superior Room.
Included : room & breakfast

Day 4: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca


Free time to explore the area as you wish. The choice of activities is very broad: lounging, swimming, hiking in private or public reserves (Cahuita, Gandoca Manzanillo), observing local wildlife in the parks or in shelters (Las Pumas Rescue Center), practicing sports (surf, horseback riding, snorkeling, scuba-diving) etc. You can as well spend a day with the local Bribri community and share their unique traditions.

Suggested activities :
- Cahuita National Park (hiking, wildlife, underwater, swimming)
- Gandoca Manzanillo Reserve (hiking, wildlife, swimming, dolphin)
- Wildlife watching (leatherback turtles, dolphins, birds, sloths, iguanas)
- Small-scale fishing or sport
- Agricultural Plantations (cocoa, bananas ...) and Botanical Gardens
- Surfing, biking, kayaking, horseback
- Scuba diving (Punta Uva, Manzanillo)

Night in the Cameleon Hotel ****.
Superior Room.
Included : room & breakfast

Day 5: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - Arenal Volcano

In the morning, departure to the Arenal Volcano.
Along the way you can stop in Limon, capital of the province of the same name. The port of Moín, lively, frequently hosts cruise lines; it is also here that are packed bananas for a trip to Europe.
Then you will pass near Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui nearby palm plantations, bananas and pineapple. It is an important river port since colonial times, whose forests are a refuge for tapirs, sloths, coatis and various monkeys.
The route continues to the La Fortuna and the majestic Arenal Volcano (1635 meters).
Arrival at the hotel near the Arenal, perfectly conical shape.

Note: 6 hour drive

Night at the Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens.
Casita Deluxe Room.
Included : breakfast buffet , room

Day 6: Arenal Volcano

Discover the Arenal National Park hiking around the Arenal volcano, on the paths covered with ancient volcanical ashes and native vegetation specific to the area. If the weather is clear enough you will even have the chance to enjoy a beautiful view of the Arenal lake.
A 3 kilometer path will lead you through the primary forest. In total safety you will enjoy a stunning view of the tropical vegetation and of the Arenal volcano, while crossing over 8 fixed bridges and 6 hanging bridges over the canopy (the extent of the outer layer of leaves of an individual tree or group of trees).
Remember to bring walking shoes, otherwise, you will not be able to enter the park.

Late afternoon treat yourself to a relaxing time in the spa resort of Ecotermales in an intimate setting. The warm waters of "Eco Spa" come directly from the hot springs of Arenal Volcano, without ever coming into contact with the magma. This exceptional site is preserved from mass tourism, what makes it heavenly peaceful.

Night at the Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens.
Casita Deluxe Room.
Included : entrance fees, breakfast buffet , room

Day 7: Arenal Volcano - Punta Islita

Departure to the Nicoya Peninsula.
You will pass through various landscapes before reaching Nicoya, administrative center of the peninsula. Then you will reach Playa Samara and Playa Carrillo, a sport fishing hub.
Transfer to hotel in one of the most beautiful and isolated costal areas of the Nicoya Peninsula, between deserted beaches, clear waters and wild hills.

Note: 5 hour drive

A great range of activities is included (golf, hiking, horseback riding ... ). For more informaion, check with us.

Night at the Hotel Punta Islita*****.
Deluxe Ocean view room.
Included : room & breakfast

Day 8: Punta Islita

Free time to relax in an idyllic setting.
You can also, if you wish, explore the mangroves and immerse yourself into deep sea fishing.

Suggested activities (Hotel Punta Islita) - contact us:
- Observation of nesting Olive Ridley Ridley (June to December)
- Dolphin Watching
- Kayak (sea, river, mangroves)
- Barra Honda National Park (caves)
- Fishing, surfing, riding, golf (9 holes)
- Observation of the seabed (mask and snorkel)

A great range of activities is included (golf, hiking, horseback riding ... ). For more informaion, check with us.

Night at the Hotel Punta Islita*****.
Deluxe Ocean view room.
Included : room & breakfast

Day 9: Punta Islita

Free time to relax in an idyllic setting.
You can also, if you wish, explore the mangroves and immerse yourself into deep sea fishing.

Suggested activities (Hotel Punta Islita) - contact us:
- Observation of nesting Olive Ridley Ridley (June to December)
- Dolphin Watching
- Kayak (sea, river, mangroves)
- Barra Honda National Park (caves)
- Fishing, surfing, riding, golf (9 holes)
- Observation of the seabed (mask and snorkel)

A great range of activities is included (golf, hiking, horseback riding ... ). For more informaion, check with us.

Night at the Hotel Punta Islita*****.
Deluxe Ocean view room.
Included : room & breakfast

Day 10: Punta Islita - Manuel Antonio

Departure towards Manuel Antonio.
Along the way you will take the Puente (Bridge) Tempisque to cross the Gulf of Nicoya, before joining Panamerican highway.
Arrival on the central Pacific coast and in at the hotel.

Note 1: 4 to 5 hour drive

Note 2: Manuel Antonio National Park is closed Monday

Night at the Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort*****.
Ocean breeze superior room
Included : room & breakfast

Day 11: Manuel Antonio National Park - Manuel Antonio


You head to Manuel Antonio National Park, its stunning beaches, coral reef and great fauna and flora variety. Swim in the cristal clear waters, relax on the thin sand beaches, walk in the tropical vegetation...
This is the perfect place to watch numerous animals such as sloths or squirrel monkeys.

Note 1: We suggest you to go to the park for the day with a pic-nic to really enjoy it.
Note 2: The park is closed on Mondays.

Hop aboard a catamaran for a cruise off the coast of Manuel Antonio National Park. You will have the opportunity to admire the idyllic countryside between islands and rock formations and maybe have the chance to have the visit of dolphins.

Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Night at the Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort*****.
Ocean breeze superior room
Included : entrance fees, private transport, cruise, lunch, room & breakfast

Day 12: Manuel Antonio - Puerto Jimenez - Cabo Matapalo

Morning departure to the Osa Peninsula.
You will be able to walk along the coast to Corte and reach Palmar Norte where you will enter the Panamerican highroad. Thirty kilometers away, in Chacarita you take the bifurcation to Puerto Jimenez.
Arrival at the lodge, located between the Corcovado National Park and the Golfo Dulce, the heart of a private reserve, with breathtaking ocean views.

Lunch and dinner included.
Note 1: 5 to 6 hour drive
Note 2: Pick-up / Drop-off instructions for your rental car will be provided later.
potopipicaca
Reception at the airport of Puerto Jimenez and transfer to your hotel.
End of day free to enjoy the area.

Night at Lapa Rios ****
Meals included.
Included : room & breakfast, lunch (no drinks), dinner (no drinks), private transport

Day 13: Cabo Matapalo

Free time to immerse yourself in nature.
You can enjoy the activities included in your stay and offered by the lodge like bird watching, walk in the jungle, discovering medicinal plants or night turn.
You can also, according to your desire, enjoy the wild beaches of the Pacific Ocean, stroll on the trails of the lodge in the middle of forest, explore Corcovado National Park considered the jewel of tropical reserves, go for a dolphin and whale watching tour...

► To discover video of lodge activities, click HERE

Night at Lapa Rios ****
Meals included.

Day 14: Cabo Matapalo

Free time to immerse yourself in nature.
You can enjoy the activities included in your stay and offered by the lodge like bird watching, walk in the jungle, discovering medicinal plants or night turn.
You can also, according to your desire, enjoy the wild beaches of the Pacific Ocean, stroll on the trails of the lodge in the middle of forest, explore Corcovado National Park considered the jewel of tropical reserves, go for a dolphin and whale watching tour...

► To discover video of lodge activities, click HERE

Night at Lapa Rios ****
Meals included.

Day 15: Cabo Matapalo - Puerto Jimenez - Juan Santamaria Airport

Free time at the hotel then transfer to Puerto Jimenez airport.
Return to Puerto Jimenez for your flight to San José.

Note 1: approx. 1 hour flight. times and compagny to be advised at booking time.
Note 2: Be aware of the baggage weight limitation (about 12 kg per person).

Three hours before departure time is the connection with your international flight.

Meals are not included

IMPORTANT: depending on the time of your international flight, plan to sleep the night before in San Jose.
Included : domestic flight

Hotel Grano de Oro   San José

Level : 4*
Included : room & breakfast

Grano de Oro is located in a street close to San Jose main avenues. The hotel is really an oasis, a sanctuary Cet hôtel est un véritable oasis, un sanctuaire dans le cœur de la ville. C'était anciennement une maison victorienne et aujourd'hui l’hôtel a su garder la qualité et la commodité d'un lieu exclusif.

Cameleon Boutique Resort   Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Level : 4*
Included : room & breakfast

Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel offers upscale beach accommodations within the tropical forest of Puerto Viejo, Limon. The 23 Rooms sit around the pool surrounded by lush tropical gardens, across the street from its Beach Club.

Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens   Arenal Volcano

Level : 4*
Included : breakfast buffet , room

Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens is a boutique 5 star hotel renowned for being a romantic and serene destination offering personalized services and high quality. Boasting stunning views of the impressive Arenal Volcano, Nayara Hotel is an oasis of peace surrounded by a lush tropical forest offering guests all the comfort and luxury in the heart of nature. Nayara is an ideal place for couples or honeymooners seeking privacy, romance and a natural environment. Nayara adds a special touch with baths with rose petals or providing a dinner under canddle light to make your stay even more memorable. The romantic and cozy atmosphere of Nayara will captivate you and seduce your partner.

Hotel Punta Islita   Punta Islita

Level : 5*
Included : room & breakfast

Hotel Punta Islita is Costa Rica's most unique and engaging destination. Its signature Authentic Costa Rica program includes a full menu of complimentary eco-adventures, cultural activities, and a learning program with your stay. Perfect for travelers who wish to live Costa Rica's authentic experiences. Couples and families are welcome!

Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort   Manuel Antonio

Level : 5*
Included : room & breakfast

Set on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this posh resort surrounded by rainforest is a 1-minute walk from Playitas Beach and 2 km from Manuel Antonio Nature Reserve & Wildlife Refuge.

Lodge Lapa Rios   Puerto Jimenez

Level : 4*
Included : room & breakfast, lunch (no drinks), dinner (no drinks), private transport

Set in a private nature reserve spread over 1,000 acres of Central America’s last remaining lowland tropical rainforest in the wild Osa Peninsula, Lapa Rios Ecologe is paradise for wildlife, nature and beach lovers.

► To se the lodge's activities click HERE

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