Accommodation: Aranjuez Hotel (Standard 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.

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.

Located in a tranquil residential area of the capital San Jose, cozy Hotel Aranjuez is a fusion of 5 former townhouses built in the 1930s with its architectural design still intact: High wooden ceilings, floors that mix wood and mosaic, spacious lounges, terraces and patios covered with fruit trees. The hotel is tastefully decorated with colorful elements of original Costa Rican folk art. The 34 guest rooms feature a safe, TV, ventilator, Wi-Fi, and private bath. Guests can enjoy dining at the onsite restaurant, 11-47, which offers a tasty fusion of traditional and local elements.

Hotel Aranjuez is within walking distance of the capital’s main attractions and parks.

Accommodation: Aranjuez Hotel (Standard Room)

San José, the capital of Costa Rica, is a city full of history, interesting characters, and hidden spots. In this tour by ChepeCletas, you will discover cultural spots and parks, streets and boulevards, coffee shops, food markets and more.

In this experience, you will taste San Jose’s hideaways, history and Central Market flavours.

Accommodation: Homestay Providencia Community

Your rental car will be delivered to the hotel. Mitsubishi ASX 4WD AT or similar(14 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.

Cerro de la Muerte

Cerro de la Muerte is a mountain peak of a massif located within the Tapantí – Cerro de la Muerte Massif National Park, and the highest point (3335 m) on the Pan-American Highway.

The higher areas are paramo habitats, with stunted shrubs, dwarf bamboo, tree ferns, and smaller plants. Below this zone, the natural vegetation is oak forest with bamboo understory, an excellent place to see the charismatic resplendent quetzal.

The Valle del General Valley is a tectonic depression southwest of the Talamanca Mountain range which extends into neighboring western Panama and an important coffee-growing area.

San Isidro del General is the most populous city in the country’s southwest and the rugged top of Cerro Chirripó is the highest peak (3820 m). Mainly simple, typical, and rustic accommodations as well as warm hospitality are characteristic of the mountainous Cerro de la Muerte region and its bracing climate.

Upon arrival around 12.00 noon to the restaurant Flor de Campo in Providencia de Dota, you will be welcomed by David or one of the community representatives for a short introduction and presentation of your homestay here in the mountains.

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 jewellry, earrings, portrait frames, and bracelets, by making full use of the family’s creativity.

Quetzal Tour in Providencia de Dota

The Quetzal is a beautifully colored bird. In its flight, it shows all the splendor of nature and fills its environment with magic. Observation is very active all year round, the nesting season runs from September to March with two seasons.

Accommodation: Manoas Villas and Glamping (Las Carpas)

After breakfast, start driving back up to the Panamerican Hwy #2 passing again through the Quetzal National Park. Follow the Road Map.

Situated in the southern Pacific area, the small village of Uvita is a little remote gem on the coast.

Not as developed as other beach towns, it boasts an array of wonderful attractions and activities. Uvita serves as the gateway to the incredibly scenic Marino Ballena National Park, famous for its migrating pods of humpback whales.

It features a unique península in the shape of a whale tail. Visitors can look forward to enjoying a refreshing dip in the Uvita Waterfall, as well as the impressive multi-tiered Nauyaca Waterfall and exploring the caves of Playa Las Ventanas.

Don’t miss the opportunity to catch a magnificent sunset over the Pacific Coast and spot colourful toucans flying around the jungle.

Highlights include: Whale and dolphin watching, horse riding excursions, kayaking tours and excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities.

Manoas is the ultimate place of rest so you’ll have the energy and peace of mind to experience all the adventures that await. The priority is to provide you with the resources, information, and facilities that will guarantee your stay here is memorable and exciting.

Each tent is equipped with a lush king size bed, full-service bathroom, large viewing deck with enough space to stretch out and relax.

The encampment is perched on a ridge overlooking the Ballena River and jungle mountaintops. It affords spectacular views of wildlife from exotic birds and ant eaters to howler monkeys swinging from the trees. Complete each day with a striking sunset and you’ll see why our tents are an excellent choice.

Accommodation: Manoas Villas and Glamping (Las Carpas)

Follow the Road Map and drive to the village centre of Uvita where you will be awaited by a local guide in a small group for:

Snorkelling Tour Cano Island

Cano Island is an amazing marine biological reserve located 53 km from the shore, featuring virgin blue waters.It is the perfect tropical paradise for snorkelers and divers, and is home to a spectacular variety of stunning marine flora and fauna.

The meeting point is at the Bahía Aventuras main office in Uvita, free coffee and snacks are available (suggested arrival time: 6:40 am). Then, the participants fit on the snorkelling equipment and the guide performs a safety briefing, reviews of the itinerary and makes sure the safety vests fit.

The boat departs at 7:30 AM from Uvita Beach and takes approx. 1,5 hours.

During the transit, there is a chance to spot dolphins, sea turtles, or whales depending on the year’s season. Once arrive at Cano Island, two snorkeling sessions will be performed in different locations selected by the captain and tour guides, depending on the current conditions. The average snorkelling time is about 2.5 hours depending on the visibility and the participants’ ability.

After the snorkeling, the tour guide will make an informative review of the observed marine species, followed by a short break to eat some snacks and fruits on the boat.

Then, there will be a moment to relax on the beach (30-40 minutes).

Afterward, the boat returns to Uvita Beach and during the transit, the captain will be searching for more marine wildlife as dolphins, sea turtles, and whales, depending on the season.

Additional Information:

• Lunch consists of wraps, chips, fruits and natural drinks, all served on board or when the boat gets back to Uvita beach.
• Departs from the beach at 7.30 am/ Returns aprox. 1.30/2.00 pm. Duration: aprox. 7 to 8 hours.
• Suitable for all fitness levels.
• Not recommended for pregnant women, children under 6 years of age, people with serious health problems such as I.B.S (irritable bowel syndrome) or urinary incontinence (no restrooms on the boat).

To bring: Small bags to safeguard personal belongings, sunblock, reusable water bottle, shorts, bathing suit and towel, light clothes, sandals, or flip flops. During the rainy month (June-November) a raincoat or poncho is recommended.

Included: English-speaking naturalist guide, drinking water to refill, snacks and fresh fruits, entrance fees to the protected areas, snorkelling equipment, and a flotation device for snorkelling.

Accommodation: Plaza Yara (Suite)

Follow the Road Marp and head to Manuel Antonio.

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. Facilities with an artistic touch and spacious suites in a central location.

Accommodation: Plaza Yara (Suite)

Day free for Leisure.

Please note that if you prefer to visit the National Park Manuel Antonio, an early and on-time online reservation is required via: SINAC ONLINE TICKETS.

Accommodation: Posada Rural Las Orquídeas

Follow the Road Marp and head to Zapotal de Miramar.

Monteverde (green mountain), the name of a settlement and a forest described as ‘the jewel in the crown of cloud forests’ by National Geographic, lies in the Cordillera de Tilaran mountain range.

One of the rarest habitats on the planet and unique from the country’s other rainforests for its constant swathes of mist, the Monteverde Cloud Forest is an incredible wild world filled with a wide array of plant species, insects, bird varieties, and mammals. Watch brightly-colored birds at play in the Curi-Cancha Reserve; take a guided hike or horse ride through the dense jungle; watch electric blue frogs jump about at the famous Frog Pond, or take a refreshing dip in the pools around the San Luis Waterfall.

The Butterfly Gardens, Orchid Garden, Selvatura treetop suspension bridges, and a coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane tour are other recommended activities.

Let us know in the Booking form if you want one of those experiences and we take care of it for you.

Zapotal de Miramar, compared to the well-known Monteverde Cloudforest is probably the most authentic version of it.

To access this mountainous area, you drive up the road via Miramar de Puntarenas for about 26km to get to the little village of Zapotal. Check in at the Posada Las Orquideas where Fressy and Juan Carlos will wait for you.

Accommodation: Posada Rural Las Orquídeas

Sugar Mill Tour in Zapotal

After a short introduction to the village life and the people who live up there (probably 70-80) you will be taken to the farm where the famous sugar mill is located.

See and learn how to process the sweet juice coming out of the cones recently harvested. In Costa Rica this called Tapa Dulce is part of the Tico’s daily life and culture, especially to prepare and sweeten up their coffee or hot chocolate.

The rest of the day is at your leisure for optional activities or just relaxing and hiking through pure nature. Temperatures up here are rather springtime-like (16 -25 degrees).

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

Follow the Road Marp and head to Arenal.

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.

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.

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

Guided Arenal 1968 Hike

Follow the Road Map to arrive at the park.

The Arenal 1968 hike is a great opportunity to admire Mother Nature’s 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 Road Map will take you to this amazing Thermal Springs.

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

Accommodation: AO’Pacifico Hotel Boutique (Deluxe 1 Queen)

Follow the Road Map and head to Puntarenas.

Puntarenas is a quintessential port town on the Pacific Coast – full of character, a relaxed atmosphere, and down-to-earth charm. From here depart the car ferries to the Nicoya Peninsula.

Key attractions in the city include the central plaza, the old cathedral, and the Paseo de Los Turistas promenade along the Pacific shores. Close to the cruise ship terminal, a line of kiosks serve typical local snacks such as Churchill, a signature shaved ice sundae.

While you’re there, it’s worth visiting the Natuwa Macaw Sanctuary, 45 minutes out of town, where you can view these resplendent and endangered jungle birds up close; and the attractive nearby beaches of Playa Doña Ana and Playa Tivives.

This little and prestigious Boutique Hotel is located on a fantastic and tranquil beach facing the Gulf of Nicoya. It is right the opposite of where the long and narrow land tip of Puntarenas extends into the Ocean. From here you are able to access all different regions on the southernmost coastline of Nicoya, including the fascinating inland.

Accommodation: AO’Pacifico Hotel Boutique (Deluxe 1 Queen)

Day free for Leisure and enjoying the beach.

Follow the instructions on the Road Map to return the rental car 4 hrs before departure at Liberia. AirportTransfer to Liberia airport.