If you were wondering where to vacation in Costa Rica, the answer is everywhere. That’s the reason this package lets you decide how to explore the raw Costa Rican experience in every side of the country as you desire by first choosing one of tours that go between visit an active volcano, party at a catamaran in Isla Tortuga or venture in river rafting. After that, delve in a stunning channel web full of wildlife in the Caribbean coast and then get to meet the magnificent Arenal Volcano while you fly between zip lines or hang on in a aerial tram and relax in the Tabacón thermal waters, if freedom and adventure is the vacation you’re looking for, this travel package is ideal for you.
Itinerary
Upon arrival in Costa Rica, a representative from Costa Rica Top Tours will meet you at the airport and transfer you from Juan Santamaría International Airport to San José. Overnight accommodations in one of the following hotels: Hotel Auténtico, Park Inn, Wyndham Garden San Jose Escazu or similar
Today choose from one of the following full day tours:
- Póas Volcano & La Paz Waterfalls (Lunch included)
On our way to the volcano we will pas through coffee plantations, fern and flower farms and strawberry plantations. On the top of the volcano we will spend enough time to observe the main crater and its sulfuric fumaroles. As we continue towards the Caribbean area, we will stop to discover La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a Nature Park where we will walk on the truly spectacular trails that will lead us to Magia Blanca Falls. At the Park you will also witness the largest enclosed butterfly observatory in the country and an amazing hummingbird gallery. A buffet lunch will be ready for us after the tour. - Irazu Volcano, Lankester Botanic Gardens & Orosi Valley (Lunch included)
- As you travel towards Cartago, you will see why Costa Rica is called “The Garden of the Americas”, as well travel through some of the country’s most colorful and visually impressive areas. You will ascend one of Costa Rica’s tallest volcanoes, towering 11,257 feet (3432 meters) above the historic city. You will be able to go right to the rim of this natural wonder and take a close look inside the crater of this active volcano. The next stop will be the city of Cartago; the country’s capital, while Costa Rica was under Spanish rule. In Cartago we will be paying a visit to the ruins of the old Cathedral, currently a scenic park with beautiful gardens. Next, we will take you to the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles, Costa Rica’s patron saint. A delightful lunch follows and then we set our way on to the Orosí Valley and the Ruins of Ujarrás to see the country’s first colonial church founded in 1570. The final stop will be at the stunning Lankester Botanical Gardens. Created by Charles Lankester in 1917, these gardens, now under the administration of the University of Costa Rica, have become one of the most valuable botanical research centers in Central America. They cover 25 acres and houses over 800 species of native and hybrid orchids and a variety of other plants, including bromeliads, anthuriums and many types of ferns. There are species in flower year-round, but the peak season for the large orchids is February to April.
- Full Day Pacuare River Rafting, Class III-IV (Breakfast & Lunch)
This tropical river is a trip of pure magic, unsurpassed beauty, and wildlife and exhilarating rapids. Located on Costa Rica’s Atlantic slope, the Pacuare River borders the Talamanca Mountain range, home to native Cabecar Indians and an incredible variety of wildlife. An early morning departure from San José will bring you to the Operations Center for a delicious, typical Costa Rican breakfast. At the private put-in you’ll initiate your rafting experience as you raft 16 miles deep in the heart of densely vegetated gorges, past gushing waterfalls, serene pools and pounding rapids, in one of Costa Rica’s most impressive primary rain forests. After an adrenaline-packed afternoon running rapids like Upper and Lower Huacas, Cimarron, Dos Montañas and many more you’ll finish a short drive from the Operations Center for a hearty and delicious lunch, showers, optional drinks and visit to the souvenir store. On the return drive to San José, you’ll enjoy remarkable views of Braulio Carrillos National Park and Irazú Volcano. An unbeatable experience!
Overnight accommodations at one of the following hotels: Accommodations at Hotel Auténtico, Park Inn, Wyndham Garden San Jose Escazu or similar
After breakfast, departure towards Tortuguero National Park.
Tortuguero is one of the most popular ecological destinations, a wonderful network of scenic canals, considered one of the most exotic and rich areas of flora and fauna of the country. It is the most important nesting site, in the western Caribbean, for the great green sea turtle. Nesting period is between the months of July and October.
Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at the Lodge’s Restaurant. Afternoon tour to the town of Tortuguero. Dinner at the Lodge. Lodging at Pachira or Mawamba Lodge.
After breakfast guided morning tour around the Lodge’s trails. Rest of the morning free to enjoy the Lodge’s facilities or take any of the optional tours offered around the area.
Afternoon visit to the canals and the National Park of Tortuguero. Lunch and dinner included. Lodging at Pachira or Mawamba Lodge.
After breakfast, get ready to leave Tortuguero. A stop along the way for lunch and then late afternoon arrival in San José. Overnight accommodations at one of the following hotels: Hotel Auténtico, Park Inn, Wyndham Garden San Jose Escazu or similar
After breakfast, departure to the area of Arenal. In La Fortuna de San Carlos is the majestic Arenal Volcano active since 1968. Cloud forests, a world-famous lake for windsurfing and an incredibly diverse population of wildlife are part of what you will find in this amazing area of Costa Rica. Lunch on route.
A short hike in one of the trails close to the volcano area will give us the chance to enjoy some forest and the activity around it. Next we will visit the Hot Springs, where you can bathe in the natural pools a. An extraordinary relaxing experience.
Overnight at one of the area’s Hotel.
Breakfast in the hotel and morning departure to Peñas Blancas Safari Floating or Sky Tram & Sky Trek Tour.
- Safari Peñas Blancas: Enjoy the sights and the sounds of the rainforest and experience its peacefulness as you quietly travel through the Peñas Blancas River. Floating down the river wou will find monkeys, sloths, iguanas, crocodiles and numerous tropical birds. Make sure to bring your camera and binoculars on this tour!
- Sky Tram & Sky Trek Tour: Experience the most spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano & Lake from the Sky Tram or the Sky Trek. Sky Tram is a 15 minute aerial tram tour through the rain forest to the ”Miguel Angel” observatory, where you will have spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano & Lake, and the Tilarán mountain range.
Sky Trek is a 3280 feet long zip line system that gives you the opportunity to enjoy the rain forest and its beautiful views in a fun, easy and safe ride.
In the afternoon departure back to San José.
Overnight accommodations at your choice of the following hotels: Hotel Auténtico, Park Inn, Wyndham Garden San Jose Escazu or similar
After breakfast, a representative of Costa Rica Top Tours will meet you at the lobby of the hotel and transfer you to the Juan Santamaría International Airport in time to check-in for the flight back home.
- Round-trip transfer Airport / Hotel / Airport
- Meals described in program
- 4 nights accommodations in San José. Breakfast Included.
- 3 Days / 2 Nights in Tortuguero National Park (full board included, tours with bilingual guide)
- 1 Night lodging in Arenal. Breakfast Included.
- Tours: Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs, Peñas Blancas Safari or Sky Tram & Sky Trek, including bilingual guide
- Entrance fees to the National Parks and Biological Reserves.
- Local Hotels and Taxes
- Meals not in program
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses (telephone, laundry, airport taxes, tips)