Description

Costa Rica’s charm comes alive as you journey through its Pacific region and beyond, uncovering breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture.

San José, the vibrant capital of Costa Rica, where tradition meets modernity. This bustling city is a gateway to the country’s rich cultural heritage, offering museums, historic architecture, and lively markets filled with local crafts and cuisine. San José sets the stage for exploring Costa Rica’s natural wonders while providing a glimpse into its dynamic urban life.

From the capital, venture into the serene beauty of San Gerardo de Dota, a hidden gem in the Talamanca Mountains. This tranquil haven is a sanctuary for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts, with its cool cloud forests, abundant wildlife, and the iconic resplendent quetzal. Stroll along its forest trails or relax by the pristine rivers, immersing yourself in the unspoiled beauty of the region.

On the Pacific Coast, Manuel Antonio enchants with its blend of lush rainforests and idyllic beaches. The national park is a treasure trove of biodiversity, where monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds thrive.

Journey to the Arenal Volcano region, where dramatic landscapes, rejuvenating hot springs, and adventurous activities like zip-lining and hiking await. Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainable tourism ensures that every visit helps preserve these extraordinary places, making it a destination where natural beauty and responsible travel harmoniously coexist.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival San Jose

Accommodation: Aranjuez Hotel (Superior Room)

Welcome and transfer from airport to accommodation, check-in.

The capital San Jose lies in the heart of Costa Rica and the Greater Metropolitan Area is home to almost two-thirds of the country’s population. With few buildings over 100 years old, the mountainous capital is relatively modern compared to its Latin American counterparts, but still has a significant amount of culture, art, and history for visitors to discover. With many theatres full of Costa Rican culture, museums that include the largest collection of American jade in the world and Precolumbian gold artifacts, as well as streets full of bright murals and painted buses, San Jose is an eclectic city waiting to be experienced.

Day 2: San Jose – San Gerardo de Dota (Breakfast & Dinner Included)

Accommodation: Homestay Providencia Community

The town of San Gerardo de Dota is strung along a quiet road in the Talamanca Mountains. One of the main attractions here is Los Quetzales National Park, famous among the world’s bird-watching fraternity as one of the best places to view the resplendent quetzal, with its vivid green and red plumage that has earned it a reputation as one of the world’s most beautiful birds. The Mayans worshipped the Quetzal as the Bird of the Gods. For exercise and outdoor enthusiasts, hiking is a must-do activity in the region, with fantastic paths leading through the national park and across the Rio Savregre.

You will be welcomed at the Flor de Campo Restaurant in the Village Center of Providencia.
Short introduction into the remote community before receiving your room (private bathroom not guaranteed, but put as a request to your reservation).

Day 3: San Gerardo de Dota (Breakfast & Dinner Included)

Accommodation: Homestay Providencia Community

Coffee Tour in Providencia de Dota

The Retana family treasures a great knowledge of the artisanal coffee process. They will show you how the grandparents processed their coffee in the courtyard of their house. Additionally, you will learn to taste coffee and to differentiate organic and commercial coffee. Visitors get the opportunity to enter a coffee plantation and practice coffee picking and learn the difference between an organic coffee plantation and a conventional one. They will also compare the artisanal coffee production process and the processing in the micro mill of Coopedota. The tour includes coffee tasting and takes about 3 hours.

Day 4: San Gerardo de Dota (Breakfast & Dinner Included)

Accommodation: Homestay Providencia Community

Crafts Design in Providencia de Dota

The Agüero Cordero family is exemplary in the handling and transformation of plastic, paper, wood, cardboard, and other materials into great works of art. Using waste materials, they show the participants how to elaborate jewelry, earrings, portrait frames, and bracelets, by making full use of the family’s creativity.

Day 5: Providencia – Manuel Antonio (Breakfast Included)

Accommodation: Plaza Yara (Suite)

Neighbouring the scenic 680-hectare Manuel Antonio National Park and situated along Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, the bustling beachside village of Manuel Antonio offers a variety of comfortable accommodation options for visitors who flock here to explore this beautiful area. The undeniable highlight is the adjacent Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica’s smallest national park, featuring lush biodiverse rainforests, mangroves, lagoons, offshore coral reefs, pristine white-sand beaches, and abundant wildlife of many mammal and bird species. Visitors can enjoy a variety of exciting activities including swimming, snorkelling, wildlife viewing, bird watching, hiking and relaxing on tropical beaches.

Ideally located between Quepos and Manuel Antonio, only 5 minutes by car from the National Park. Sloths, toucans, monkeys and iguanas can often be seen from the room window and balcony. 16 suites featuring a lounge area with sofa and cable TV, as well as a kitchenette with microwave oven. Wi-Fi and parking are free of charge. Guests can also enjoy a swimming pool with a jacuzzi, a restaurant and the in-house art gallery with works by national artists.

Days 6 – 7 : Manuel Antonio (Breakfast Included)

Accommodation: Plaza Yara (Suite)

Day Free for Leisure. Enjoy de beach. You may choose the public bus running in front of the hotel every 15-20min down to the beach and park.

Optional Activities: Manuel Antonio National Park Tour with local guide (£75)

Please request it on the booking form.

Explore the pristine natural beauty of this world-famous Manuel Antonio National Park filled with exotic wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, birds, reptiles and butterflies. Your picturesque 3 km hike will take you to one of the beaches named most beautiful in the world by Forbes magazine. Experience the lush rainforest behind you, white sandy beaches below, and crystalline blue waters during this refreshing 20-minute beach stop. Additionally, take advantage of the Pentax and Swarovski telescopes your professional guide is equipped with to make those images in your memories and photographs even crisper.

Day 8: Manuel Antonio – Arenal (Breakfast Included)

Accommodation: Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge (Bungalow Standard)

Located in central Costa Rica, the Arenal Volcano National Park lies within the Arenal Tilaran Conservation Area and encompasses eight of the country’s 12 ecosystems. The park is home to the majority of Costa Rica’s 850 bird species, and an array of exotic creatures such as capuchin monkeys, parrot snakes, sloths, jaguars, and deer. Its diverse landscapes include grasslands and volcanic badlands. Overlooking the park is the magnificent Arenal Volcano as well as the Chato Volcano, complete with a stunning lagoon. Experience this exciting region by hiking through lava fields and rainforests, spotting birds and animals, and taking a relaxing dip in one of the many hot springs.

Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge caters to guests who seek a vacation experience in a family-style setting. This cozy and authentic back-to-nature property, located just 3 km from the lively town of La Fortuna, allows guests to witness the diverse Costa Rican flora and fauna. The lodge features 12 bungalows and 2 villas, each equipped with a mini fridge, ceiling fan, hair dryer, Wi-Fi, and private bath. The onsite restaurant serves delicious Costa Rican and international dishes prepared with organic ingredients.

Day 9: Arenal (Breakfast Included)

Accommodation: Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge (Bungalow Standard)

Arenal Volcano Hike + Ecotermales with local guide and transfers from/to hotel.

The tour starts with a hike on a scenic trail at the bottom of the Arenal Volcano that will take you through the rainforest and over petrified lava flows. During the 3-hour guided hike, you’ll learn from your naturalist guide about the history of the majestic Arenal Volcano and the impact it had on the local area and community throughout the centuries. Marvel at the breathtaking views just before heading back to continue onto the second highlight of the day. Ecotermales Hot Springs features large and small pools, hot and cold ones, with walking paths in between. Relax in the pools and enjoy the various temperatures to rejuvenate body, mind and soul. Additionally, you will enjoy dinner at the on-site restaurant.

Includes: Transportation from/to hotel, English-speaking naturalist tour guide, bottled water, park and hot springs entrance fee, bath towel, dinner
To bring: Long pants, light sweater, hiking shoes, camera, binoculars, sun lotion, repellent, raincoat, swimwear
Important: During the hike, the swimwear can be stored in the parked tour bus

Day 10: Arenal (Breakfast Included)

Accommodation: El Rodeo Estancia Boutique Hotel & Steak House (Deluxe Room)

Day free for Leisure.

Day 11: Arenal – San Jose (Breakfast Included)

Accommodation: Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge (Bungalow Standard)

Heredia
The provincial capital Heredia, also called “Ciudad de la Flores” (City of Flowers), is located in the Central Valley and known for its mix of colonial architecture and charm. It is the seat of the UNA State University, which gives it a student flair. Attractions include the Basilica of Inmaculada Concepcon, built in 1796. Heredia is the ideal starting point for a trip through the surrounding villages, where coffee is mainly grown, and an instructive visit to a coffee plantation to learn more about the cultivation and processing of this important export good.

El Rodeo Estancia Boutique Hotel is located in San Antonio de Belén, just 8 km from Juan Santamaria International Airport. Accommodation is available in 29 Deluxe Rooms, Junior Suites, Suites and Master Suite which feature modern amenities. These include cable TV, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a hair dryer, a desk and a private bathroom. The hotel facilities also include a fully equipped gym, outdoor tennis court, sauna, and swimming pool.

Day 12: Day of Departure

Transfer to San Jose airport.