Immerse into Costa Rica’s Heart and Caribbean Charm

Immerse into Costa Rica’s Heart and Caribbean Charm

£2,750.00

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Description

This is a self-drive package. A private driver can be provided at your request with additional charges.

Costa Rica seamlessly blends vibrant city life, lush wilderness, and serene beaches, offering travelers a captivating mix of cultural richness and natural beauty.

San José, the bustling capital where historic landmarks, lively markets, and an ever-evolving culinary scene provide a glimpse into the country’s urban soul. Nearby, Alajuela offers a tranquil respite, celebrated for its colonial charm and the iconic Poás Volcano, one of the most accessible active volcanoes in the world.

To the north, the Arenal region is a masterpiece of natural splendor, dominated by the majestic Arenal Volcano and surrounded by rainforests, waterfalls, and hot springs. The area is a haven for adventure enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation in its geothermal pools.

In La Gloria de Aguas Zarcas, travelers can immerse themselves in authentic rural landscapes, where the verdant countryside and serene lifestyle provide a unique perspective on Costa Rican life.

The Caribbean region introduces a different rhythm, with its vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture and pristine nature.

Puerto Viejo de Limón is the quintessential coastal retreat, with golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a rich cultural vibe.

Inland, the town of Siquirres serves as a key entry point to explore the rainforest and river adventures, while Heredia, known as the “City of Flowers,” offers picturesque coffee plantations and a glimpse into the country’s colonial history.

Together, these destinations showcase Costa Rica’s unparalleled diversity, making it an unforgettable escape.

 

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Alajuela

Accommodation: Villa San Ignacio (Deluxe Room)

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

Upon arrival at the hotel meet our English speaking staff for an informative tour briefing and the Road Map details and advice.

Alajuela, the capital of the Province with the same name and called “City of Mangoes”, is located close to SJO San Jose International Airport. Known for its rich history and laid-back charm, this city represents an excellent base from which to explore the countryside. Visitors can look forward to exploring Parque Central, a lush oasis in the heart of the city and browsing the extensive Central Market, which stretches over an entire block. Alajuela is also the hometown of Costa Rica’s national heroe Juan Santamaria. Visitors of the Juan Santamaria Cultural Historical Museum, learn a lot about local history and view an array of historical artifacts. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample authentic Costa Rican cuisine at one of the many restaurants and cafes lining the bustling streets.

Hotel Villa San Ignacio is conveniently situated in El Cacao de Alajuela, 9 km from the International Airport Juan Santamaría and 50 km northwest of the capital San Jose. A wide variety of native plants and fruit trees spread throughout the 17-acre property, the garden offers peaceful mountain vistas and enhances the cozy hacienda feeling.

18 guest rooms and suites open to the hotel’s romantic setting in nature. They are equipped with a private bathroom, air conditioning, ceiling fan, safe, Wi-Fi, and some feature a balcony. Each room’s custom furniture, designed from antiques, provides cozy comfort for guests.

The intimate Pandora restaurant with artful modern details and personalised service is located in a historic building. Dine inside the charming bar, outside on the pool-side garden terrace or reserve the private dining cabana. The menu specializes in homemade dishes with fresh local ingredients and includes vegan and gluten-free selections as well as passionately crafted cocktails. The open-air swimming pool invites to relax and refresh in the hacienda-style environment.

Day 2: Alajuela – Arenal (Lunch Included)

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

Your rental car will be delivered to the hotel. Mitsubishi ASX 4WD AT or similar(13 Days), included: Basic and Top Cover insurance as well as a WIFI Hotspot.

Or if you choose this option, the Private driver will collect you from the hotel.

Follow the Road Map provided.

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 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 3: Arenal (Breakfast & Dinner Included)

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

Follow the Road Map provided.

Guided Arenal 1968 Hike

The Arenal 1968 hike is a great opportunity to admire Mother Nature forces and beauty. There are 2 different options to hike, experiencing an ancient lava stream and awesome views across the artificial lake Arenal.

Ecotermales Spa

The Ecotermales spa is perfect for relaxing. The healing waters that come from the Arenal volcano provide a bathing area that is surrounded by magnificent nature. From the pool, you can at night gaze up at the stars.

Day 4: Arenal (Breakfast Included)

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

Follow the Road Map provided.

Wildlife Tour near Fortuna

Located in the breathtaking tropical rainforests of the Arenal Volcano area, and a visit is highly recommended. During the Wildlife Tour, a trained naturalist gives visitors a brief introduction about the project.

Then, you have the opportunity to explore the reserve with the guide to get to know each animal and their story. Learn about why animal conservation is important, how it should be done, and what impact you are making while enjoying yourself with our friendly guides.

Visitors will get a greater knowledge of the local wildlife and take some amazing pictures to show their friends and family.

Included: Coffee break and English-speaking guide.

Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours.

Recommended for all ages, particularly families with younger children.

Day 5: Arenal – La Gloria de Aguas Zarcas (Breakfast & Dinner Included)

Accommodation: Homestay Coopesan Juan Community

Follow the Road Map provided.

You will be hosted in the northern lowlands, near La Gloria de Aguas Zarcas.

Mauricio and his family welcome you and introduce you to this rural community. In former times, pineapple was their main source of agricultural efforts, nowadays, the more sustainable Yuca plant is grown here! It just tastes so good.

You will surely be amazed by the attention and ambition showing you around.

Days 6: La Gloria de Aguas Zarcas (Breakfast & Dinner Included)

Accommodation: Homestay CoopesanJuan Community

Day free for Leisure. Today you may optionally schedule a trip to the river and walk across the fields, learning about daily life and their history here in this community.

Day 7: La Gloria de Aguas Zarcas (Breakfast & Dinner Included)

Accommodation: Homestay CoopesanJuan Community

Survival in the Rainforest

The community offers a special experience. You learn and enjoy many interesting things while seeing a fantastic symbiosis in the midst of this dense forest.

Day 8: La Gloria de Aguas Zarcas – Siquirres (Breakfast Included)

Accommodation: Ecolirios Boutique Hotel & Spa (Mountain Suite)

Follow the Road Map provided.

A little town in the northern lowlands where the culture of the colored immigrants from Jamaica dominates more and more.

South of it, the rolling hills and mountains guarantee a fantastic view and a bit of a fresher Caribbean climate that is humid year-round. Perfect for nature exploration, relaxation, and feeling at ease.

Surrounded by the authentic and pristine Costa Rican rainforest, the Ecolirios Boutique Hotel’s welcoming design, which the owners have installed in each of its rooms, makes the most of the incredible tropical environment and takes every opportunity to bring biodiversity inside your room.

The Mountain Suite, is the most intimate and exclusive room, truly the crown jewel among all accommodations. Situated just 100 meters from the reception, it features stunning panoramic views of the majestic Turrialba volcano. With its expansive windows and exquisite bathroom, you’ll enjoy breathtaking vistas of both sunrise and sunset at any moment.

Day 9: Siquirres (Breakfast Included)

Accommodation: Ecolirios Boutique Hotel & Spa (Mountain Suite)

Hike to Cascadas Ocultas

Explore a precious waterfall together with a local guide.

Day 10: Siquirres (Breakfast Included)

Accommodation: Ecolirios Boutique Hotel & Spa (Mountain Suite)

Day free for Leisure.

Day 11: Siquirres – Puerto Viejo (Breakfast Included)

Accommodation: Namuwoki Lodge Resort (Suite with Jacuzzi)

Follow the Road Marp and head to Puerto Viejo.

This once-sleepy fishing village has become a popular tourist destination in recent years due to its incredible beaches, crystal-clear water and laid-back Caribbean charm.

Aside from the spectacular beaches fringing the town itself, two national parks, to the north and south respectively, feature pristine bays and coves where the rainforests tumble down to the waterline. These lush jungles are the natural habitat of a cornucopia of wildlife, including exotic mammals such as the howler monkey and myriad bird species.

Snorkelling and other watersports and simply soaking up the sun are the order of the day in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, and the town also features a selection of reggae bars.

Namuwoki Lodge is located close to Playa Chiquita beach, near Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, on the south Caribbean coast and offers forest and beach within 10 minutes of walking. The 18 bungalows (for up to 4 guests) are all submerged in the midst of nature and surrounded by tropical gardens.

The constructions have a Victorian-Caribbean style, with pastel colors offering a pleasant stay and comfort. All bungalows are equipped with a spacious terrace, Wi-Fi, hammocks, a fridge, and a private bath.

Located in the pool area, the cozy on-site restaurant offers seafood and grilled meats with a touch of Spanish cuisine. Two common areas offer rest and relaxation surrounded by nature. Besides, the hotel features a small pool and bar area with hammocks and a thatched roof as well as a Spa in the middle of the jungle – a unique experience of pleasure and total relaxation.

Day 12: Puerto Viejo (Breakfast & Dinner Included)

Accommodation: Namuwoki Lodge Resort (Suite with Jacuzzi)

The morning is at your leisure to enjoy the beach.

Cooking Classes and Afro-Caribbean Culture

Pickup: 17:00 at your hotel.

Accompanied by your hostess, you will learn a lot about Afro-Caribbean culture and the secrets of delicious Caribbean cuisine, using natural ingredients only. The dishes often include coconut, plantains, rice, beans, fresh herbs and spices as well as chicken in traditional sauce.

Enjoy cooking with tropical Caribbean flavors! At the end of the class, you will sit together with the local family and enjoy your freshly prepared and tasty culinary creations.

Day 13: Puerto Viejo (Breakfast & Lunch Included)

Accommodation: Namuwoki Lodge Resort (Suite with Jacuzzi)

Indigenous Reserve – Day Trip

Indulge in the rich indigenous culture of Watsi, get to know the secrets of chocolate making and cool off in the beautiful natural waterfalls of Bribri.

After picking you up from your hotel, the journey continues toward the Bribri Reserve, the biggest indigenous community in the country and also Talamanca´s principal town.

There begins the visit to the indigenous Watsi community. It starts with a visit to an Indigenous family where five generations live together under the same roof – a true and close contact with this family´s lifestyle. You will get to know their houses, cooking, medicinal plants, chocolate production, and many other aspects of their lives.

Also, you will taste chocolate with different aromas and flavors, have the opportunity to grind your own chocolate, and get to know the secrets behind this ancient process.

Afterwards, you will join the family for a delicious home-cooked meal prepared with typical indigenous ingredients.

After lunch, the tour continues to the spectacular Rio Catarata Waterfall and after freshening in its pools, it ends with the transfer back to your hotel.

Duration: Approx. 5 hours

Departure: Approx. 8 a.m.

Includes: Transportation from/to hotel in Puerto Viejo, local English-speaking guide, drinking water, visit to the medicinal plants garden, chocolate process, visit to the Indigenous community, visit to the waterfall, entrance fees.

To bring: Hiking shoes, insect repellent, swimsuit, towel if you wish to swim at the waterfall.

Day 14: Puerto Viejo – San Jose (Breakfast Included)

Accommodation: Bougainvillea Hotel (Standard Garden View)

Follow the Road Map.

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.

Hotel Bougainvillea is located in an award-winning 3-hectare tropical Botanical Garden not far from downtown San Jose, in Santo Tomás de Santo Domingo. 81 comfortable guest rooms and Junior Suites feature modern amenities including a ceiling fan, Wi-Fi, work desk, LCD TV, private bathroom, and a balcony with marvelous views of the gardens or the Central Valley.

The Vitrales Restaurant serves traditional Costa Rican and international cuisine in a relaxed environment.

The cozy and welcoming bar area is perfect for enjoying a light meal, drinks and cocktails as well as long conversations. Many facilities are available and include a fully equipped gym, tennis court, solar-heated outdoor swimming pool, and spa.

Day 15: Day of Departure

Follow the instructions on the Road Map to return the rental car 4 hrs before departure at San Jose Airport.

Available Packages

Immerse into Costa Rica’s Heart and Caribbean Charm

All Prices are Per Person and Does NOT include and required Flights to San Jose (airport code: SJO) and from Liberia (airport code: LIR).

Package Include:

  • Transfer from the airport to the Hotel on arrival.
  • Road Map.
  • 1N/BF Villa San Ignacio
  • 3N/BF Arenal Oasis – Bungalow
  • Volcano Hike 1968 guided
  • Ecotermales Thermal Springs
  • Wildlife tour ASIS
  • 3N/Half Board Homestay at CoopeSan Juan Community
  • 3N/BF Ecolirios Boutique – Mountain Suite
  • Hike to a cascade with a guide
  • 3N/BF Namuwoki Lodge – Suite with Jacuzzi
  • Caribbean Cooking Class
  • Visit an Indigenous tribe (day tour)
  • Private transfer back to Central Valley
  • 1N/BF Bougainvillea Hotel – STD Garden
  • Transfer Out to the airport.

Immerse into Costa Rica’s Heart and Caribbean Charm

01 Jul 25 – 30 Nov 25 – 31 Dec 25               Except  Easter 2025 (14 Apr – 22 Apr) 14 Nights
Twin / Double Room (2 pax min) £2750 Per Person

Extra Charge for Private Driver: £1300 per person for 2 Travellers.

* Minimum 2 people to operate this package.

** Discount for groups from 4 people, contact us for more details.

*** Contact us to enquire about Christmas and New Year

**** Single-room supplements are available on a 2 minimum-person trip

Solo Traveller

***** A single personal trip can be arranged; it is subject to availability and will be a tailor-made quotation just for you.

 

All Prices are Per Person and Does NOT include and required Flights to San Jose (airport code: SJO) and from Liberia (airport code: LIR).

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