ITINERARY
DAY 01:
Transfer from San Jose Airport to Hotels in San Jose.
Welcome to San José, 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 just enjoy a cup of Costa Rican coffee while watching the daily life of the "Ticos".
DAY 02:
Poas Volcano, Doka Coffee Tour, Grecia & Sarchi.
We take the Panamerican Highway to the city of Alajuela, passing by the international airport, the monument to Juan Santamaria and the famous Mangos Park. On the ascent to the volcano we will stop for a brief explanation about our golden bean, coffee, having also the opportunity to take a picture of the central valley and the coffee plantation. We will continue the tour through fern, flower and strawberry crops. At the volcano we will be at an altitude of approximately 2708 meters (8000 feet) above sea level where we will hike through the lush cloud forest to observe the impressive main crater, formed of different strata of volcanic materials and the sighting of sulfur fumaroles. Afterwards, we will hike along the trail to the beautiful Botos Lagoon (an ancient crater) that will allow us to learn about the different ecosystems of the park. As we descend from the volcano we will take our time to visit and have lunch at Hacienda Doka, a coffee farm where we will have the privilege to learn about all the different steps to produce the best coffee in Costa Rica. Next we will visit Grecia, a beautiful city considered one of the cleanest in Latin America, founded in 1838, where the only metallic temple in Central America, a national monument brought from Europe to the country at the end of the XIX century, which makes its inhabitants proud. In addition, a visit to the Central Market, an example of Costa Rican life. Later, we will continue to the town of Sarchi, a city known as the cradle of Costa Rican handicrafts for the abundant concurrence of workshops that work in fine woods, we will visit the factory of carts where we can observe the artisans making their best designs and elaboration of the best craftsmanship. We will visit the central park where you can see the largest typical cart in the world which occupies a place in the Guinness Book of Records. It is worth mentioning that during the visit to the wagon factory you will have the opportunity to purchase handicrafts in general.
- Includes: Transportation, bilingual guide (Spanish/English), entrance fee to Poás Volcano National Park, entrance fee to Café Doka Tour and lunch.
- Estimated duration: 8 hours
- Physical difficulty level: Moderate
- Recommended attire: Hat, coat, comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, binoculars, camera and rain coatHat, coat, comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, binoculars, camera and rain coat.
DAY 03:
Shared transfer from San Jose to Manuel Antonio.
Departure in the morning 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 04:
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, sunscreen, insect repellent, bathing suit and towel.
DAY 05:
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, craft 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.
