ITINERARY
DAY 01:
Transfer from San Jose Airport to Hotels in San Jose.
Welcome to San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica! We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Once in the capital, you can visit the theaters, museums and beautiful parks or simply enjoy a cup of Costa Rican coffee while watching the daily life of the "Ticos".
DAY 02:
Transfer to La Fortuna, here awaits the impressive Arenal Volcano, one of the natural wonders of the country for its majesty. Today there are no lava eruptions, but you can still observe the smoke and ash spewing out of the top of the volcano. The Arenal Volcano region is an exquisite destination for its attractive landscape, its hot springs and Lake Arenal. During the tour you will see agricultural plantations, ornamental plants and cattle farms.
Floating Safari on the Peñas Blancas River
To experience the wildlife in La Fortuna, this is undoubtedly the best and easiest way to enjoy the sights and sounds of the rainforest and experience its tranquility as the boat quietly paddles down the river. This relaxing trip will take you down the beautiful Peñas Blancas River, where you can observe tropical birds such as oropendolas, toucans, kingfishers, as well as monkeys, poison dart frogs, caimans and much more. This serene river is only 30 minutes from La Fortuna and is teeming with wildlife. You will truly appreciate the wonders of this river and the surrounding jungle as you float down the current without a motor, so you will enjoy the trip quietly paddling and taking pictures. During the bus ride the guide will tell you about the farms along the way and the most important crops in the area, as well as the importance of some of them such as yucca, bananas and pineapple for the development of Costa Rica, followed by a typical snack and tasting of the final food from some of these plants.
- Includes: Transportation, bilingual guide, boat safari equipment, entrance fees, food tasting and bottled water.
- Estimated duration: 3.5 hours
- Physical difficulty level: Easy
- Recommended attire: Comfortable clothes and shoes, camera, binoculars, sunscreen and insect repellent.
DAY 03:
Hike to Arenal Volcano - 1968 Trail.
Before the active period of 1968, the Arenal Volcano was covered by lush vegetation. People who climbed to the top tell that there were trees in the crater, and spend the night in places heated by small steam vents. Enjoy the most extraordinary views of Arenal Volcano on a hike along the base and slopes of this giant in Arenal Park 1968. For this excursion we have chosen one of the most extraordinary trails and it will take us to the 1968 lava flows, rivers of rock reminiscent of the first eruption of the 20th century and also to other forested areas now in the process of regeneration. We will be on this trail for approximately 2 and a half hours. The "Colada 68" trail will give you the best experience on lava flows that you can find in the whole Arenal Volcano area, walking on volcanic rock, feeling the power and serenity of nature, enjoying incredible views of the Arenal Lake and the Monteverde Mountains. In addition to a deep contact with the local flora and fauna plus a great opportunity for bird watching and animal encounters.
- Includes: Transportation, guide, bottled water and park entrance fee.
- Estimated duration: 3.5 hours
- Physical difficulty level: Moderate
- Recommended attire: Comfortable clothes, hiking shoes, sun block, insect repellent, camera, binoculars, rain coat. In addition, good physical condition is required.
Vida Campesina Tour
During the tour of the organic farm we will enjoy a cultural activity of sugar cane milling in the sugar cane mill with tasting of three different derivatives: sugar cane juice, sugar cane guaro and peeled sugar cane segments. You will also be able to taste the farm's harvested fruits and take the tortilla class, where you will have to demonstrate your skills to knead and prepare the tortilla with the palms of your hands. At the end, you will be delighted with a delicious typical organic lunch prepared buffet style.
- Includes: Transportation, entrance to the farm, bilingual guide and lunch.
- Estimated duration: 2.5 hours
- Physical difficulty level: Easy
- Recommended attire: Closed shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, hat and raincoat.
DAY 04:
Private Transfer Arenal to Manuel Antonio
Transfer to Manuel Antonio, destination where you will find the Manuel Antonio National Park which is considered one of the natural jewels for its abundant diversity of wildlife. It is the smallest of Costa Rica's national parks but also one of the most visited for its beautiful beaches. It has several hiking trails, viewpoints and the chance to come across animals in their natural habitat. At several points in the park, the trails branch off and lead to four separate beaches: Espadilla Sur, Manuel Antonio, Escondida and Playita.
DAY 05:
Hike to Manuel Antonio National Park - Regular
Come and enjoy this national treasure! The pace of this adventure is determined by the consensus of your group's abilities and interests. There is an abundance of wildlife that you will want to stop to observe and learn all about their natural habitat. Observe two species of sloths, three species of monkeys traveling through the tree canopy, while nocturnal anteaters and several types of non-venomous snakes rest in the rainforest. Listen to the songs of the different birds as they glide above your group, curiously seeking adventure. We will enjoy some fresh fruit and natural refreshment, as we stop to enjoy the idyllic beauty of Manuel Antonio Beach, with its white sands and green forest trying to reach the foamy waves that shape this National Park. Learn about the history of the Quepoa culture, Costa Rica's past with respect to this incredibly beautiful area of Manuel Antonio. Enjoy the unique and unequivocal experience, leaving a new perspective on nature.
- Includes: Transportation, certified naturalist guide, park entrance fee, snack and beach time.
- Estimated duration: 4 hours
- Physical difficulty level: Easy
- Recommended attire: Water bottle, camera, sun block, insect repellent, bathing suit and towel.
DAY 06:
Private Transfer Manuel Antonio to San Jose
Transfer to the capital of San Jose, one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Latin America. The city is located in a strategic point near the main tourist attractions such as: historical buildings, museums, theaters, handicraft markets, beautiful parks, shopping malls and offers a varied gastronomic offer.
WHAT TO BRING TO COSTA RICA?
- Passport with at least 6 months validity.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Comfortable t-shirts and pants.
- Footwear: light waterproof hiking boots, river sandals (Teva type sandals), a pair of tennis shoes.
- If traveling to Tortuguero during turtle nesting season (June-September), bring dark pants & shirts and closed-toe shoes.
- Rain gear: poncho, raincoat and umbrella.
- Hat, visor, cap and sunglasses for sun protection.
- Reusable water bottle for hiking.
- Charger for electronic devices and American style adapter.
- Medications.
- Small backpack for hiking.
