Gecko Lizard, 19 days in Costa Rica

Day 1 : Villanueva de la Boca del Monte, formerly known as San José, is the capital of Costa Rica. At an altitude of 1,150 m, the city enjoys one of the 3 best climates in the world: 23°C on average! Some districts are worth a visit, such as Barrio Amon, with its neoclassical architecture, and Barrio Escalante, with its many small restaurants.
Since the 1970s, the capital has experienced an economic boom, with suburban expansion and a strong presence of universities. San José, with its 1,500,000 inhabitants, is a cosmopolitan city.
A little disconcerting at first, it’s easy to fall under the spell of this constantly bustling city. A capital full of life and color.

Landing to the airport. A private driver will be waiting for you. You’ll be taken to your hotel where a member of the staff will give you your roadbook. and your SIM card that can fit any smartphone

• 1 night at hotel Presidente

– Accommodation: Concept for 2.

Days 2 and 3 : On the edge of the Caribbean lies an ecological marvel, in the middle of a tropical rainforest of exceptional animal diversity, hence its nickname of “Little Amazon”. You reach this region by bus, then by boat, and breakfast is served en route.

Transfer from Tortuguero to Guapiles by boat and bus – Lunch included
Driving time: 1:00 by boat + 1:15 by bus – 47 km

• 2 nights at hotel Manatus

– Accommodation: Deluxe + tour des canaux + repas + transferts for 2.

ON THE AGENDA:

• Entrance to Tortuguero National Park : Nicknamed “the little Amazon”, this park is made up of a series of canals and a lagoon between the tropical rainforest and the Caribbean Sea. The park’s beaches are home to thousands of turtles of 4 different species. Biodiversity here is extremely rich: felines, birds, turtles, manatees, otters, caimans, iguanas, basilisks, howler monkeys, capuchins, atelas, etc.

Days 4 and 5 : Check-in for your vehicule

From Day 4 to 18 : renting of one Cat. Standard – Rav 4/Koleos/Tucson – 4×4 Automatic Comprehensive insurance with excess waiver, two drivers, unlimited mileage (Carte Sim – Frais de mise à disposition/ Restitution)

La Fortuna, a small town at the foot of the Arenal volcano, is not the one that attracts visitors, but rather the many breathtaking sites that surround it. The legendarily perfect cone of the volcano makes the region a must-see.
Volcanic activity in the form of lava flows ceased in 2009. However, the steam still escaping from the crater and the warmth of the thermal waters flowing through the area are clear signs that the colossus is still alive and kicking.
Suspension bridges, zip lines, waterfalls and thermal springs are musts.
The national park is home to ancient lava flows and exceptional birdlife.
Canyoning is also a popular activity at Lake Arenal.

Driving time: 02:10 – 118 km

• 2 nights at hotel Arenal Glamping

– Accommodation: Honeymoon Suite for 2.

ON THE AGENDA:

• Natural History Private Tour – Duration : 2:30 : Along a series of trails and 16 suspension bridges, you’ll set off with a naturalist guide (bilingual in English and Spanish) who will help you discover the secrets of the forest, a veritable natural sanctuary where you can observe the many species that inhabit the area, both in the trees and on the ground.

Days 6 and 7 : Expect to enter the sanctuary of ecology.
Our advice here is to take a guide to visit the many sites and reserves in this region, where flora and fauna blend harmoniously. Discovering the cultivation of cocoa, coffee and sugar cane is also a must.
You’ll feel as if you’re on top of the world, as the mountainous landscapes overlooking the not-so-distant sea offer spectacular views.
Tens of thousands of insects, 2,500 species of plants, 420 of which are orchids, 400 species of birds and over 100 species of mammals make this an exceptional region.
Hanging bridges, zip-lining, night tours and walks in the various nature reserves are a must.

Driving time: 03:25 – 115 km

• 2 nights at hotel Koora & Spa

– Accommodation: Forest Junior Bungalow Deluxe for 2.

– Free access to reserve trails

ON THE AGENDA:

• Guided natural history walk – Private – Duration : 2:30 : Discover the Santa Elena reserve with an esp/ang naturalist guide. Much less touristy than the Monteverde reserve, its trails (approx. 12 km) are more peaceful. Here you can observe monkeys, small mammals (squirrels, agoutis, coatis, raccoons, etc.) and numerous birds, including the famous quetzal.

Days 8, 9 and 10 : The small seaside resorts of Nosara, Samara and Carillo have only recently come into their own.
Local activities focus on fishing, wellness, lounging and surfing.
Isla Chora in the bay of Samara is a wildlife reserve, home to birds, rays and dolphins all year round.
Access to both the north and south of this region, especially in the green season, is not easy, but ensures rest and contemplation of these superb beaches.
Every year, the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge plays host to the “arribadas”, or mass arrivals of turtles. Sometimes more than a thousand turtles come here to lay their eggs in one night!
From May to November, 4 species of turtle can be seen laying their eggs on the beaches of the Camaronal refuge.

Driving time: 03:20 – 142 km

• 3 nights at hotel Nammbu

– Accommodation: Junior Suite for 2.

ON THE AGENDA:

• Kayaking and Snorkeling Isla Chora – Duration : 3:00 : 2 itineraries to choose from: 15 min. or 40 min. kayak to Isla Chora, depending on departure point. Once on the island, relax and swim. Then snorkel to discover the local seabed before returning to the departure point.

• Crocodile tour – regular – Duration : 1:30 : A leisurely boat trip to observe the birds and impressive crocodiles of the Tarcoles. The river is an ornithological paradise, with roseate spoonbills, macaws and herons cohabiting perfectly with the masters of the place. This operator is one of the few to observe crocodiles without feeding them (which has a negative impact on their behavior).

Day 11 : Close to the capital, the region is lined with some beautiful beaches ideal for relaxing and surfing.
But it’s the Carara National Park, with its pairs of macaws, that attracts the most tourists, and the Tarcoles River, home to a colony of American crocodiles, some as long as 6 meters!
At sunrise and sunset, thousands of birds fly in to search for food in the morning or return home at the end of the day.
It’s a transition between tropical dry and humid forests, hence its biodiversity.
One of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls, Bijagual, is accessible to good walkers.

Driving time: 03:40 – 188 km

• 1 night at hotel Rancho Capulin B&B

– Accommodation: Casa Melina #1 for 2.

ON THE AGENDA:

• Aperitif at Villa Caletas : In the late afternoon, enjoy a cocktail or dinner at the Villa Caletas hotel, which offers a masterly view of the coast and Nicoya Peninsula. The sunsets from the amphitheatre are sumptuous. A great way to enjoy the view over an excellent cocktail.

Days 12, 13 and 14 : Uvita marks the transition between the Central Pacific and the South, with its richer, denser vegetation.
This is where you’ll find the largest number of nature reserves and indigenous tribes. The area is a World Biosphere Reserve. Following the coast along the beautiful Costanera road, you’ll come across Uvita and the Marino Ballena National Park, home to humpback whales between August and November.
From here, you’ll notice the lush vegetation that covers the hills and literally flows into the sea.
Stop off at Playa Hermosa, slip into the warm Pacific waters and turn towards land. You’ll see this intense jungle right in front of you. Spectacle guaranteed.

Driving time: 02:55 – 159 km

• 3 nights at hotel Nature’s Edge

– Accommodation: Standard Mariposa / Palmas for 2.

ON THE AGENDA:

• Mangrove kayak tour – Duration : 3:30 : A leisurely stroll along the water’s edge, accessible to all, allowing you to observe the varied fauna and different types of mangrove in the Terraba-Sierpe( Boca Coronado) region. Also available by boat (same price).

Days 15, 16 and 17 : You’ll reach your hotel by boat or plane.
On the sea side, Isla del Caño is a popular destination for divers of all levels – it’s a veritable aquarium!
On land, Corcovado National Park, a sanctuary for naturalists and the country’s best observation site, attracts visitors. 10% of the mammals of the Americas are found here.
The village of Drake is of little interest, but the surrounding nature more than makes up for this. In addition to Corcovado Park, there are a number of wonderful excursions that allow you to observe the same flora and fauna as in the park, without entering it and far from the tourist crowds.
NB: there is no ATM in Drake. Bring cash before you go.

Driving time: 01:15 – 63 km

• 3 nights at hotel Aguila de Osa

– Accommodation: “Pack Lodging & Meals – Junior Suite for 2.”

ON THE AGENDA:

• Corcovado National Park – La Sirena – Duration : 8:30 : 1:30 by boat from the hotel, you’re off to discover Corcovado National Park, the country’s richest! On the program: monkeys, macaws, tapirs, crocodiles, toucans, etc. The La Sirena Station is wilder and less crowded than San Pedrillo. Admission and picnic included

• Isla del Caño Snorkeling – Duration : 7:30 – Déj. inclus : A 45-minute boat trip takes you to Isla del Caño, where you can snorkel the crystal-clear seabed of this wildlife reserve. Corals, turtles, fish, sharks, dolphins, rays and sea snakes are just a small sample of what you’ll see. Reserve entrance, equipment and picnic included.

Day 18 : From San Isidro up the Interamerican towards San José, you’re on the road to Cerro de la Muerte. You’ll want to stop off at the Savegre River, one of the best places to admire the splendid quetzal and sample a trout, a local specialty.
At higher altitudes, you can contemplate the Paramo, a very special type of high-altitude vegetation. Nestled in the valleys, several small rural villages open their doors to you: San Gerardo de Dota, Santa Maria de Dota, Copey de Dota, Providencia, etc.
Quetzals are the emblems of this magnificent mountain region, but hikers and fishermen alike will be delighted to indulge their passion.

Driving time: 04:40 – 268 km

• 1 night at hotel Trogon Lodge

– Accommodation: Superior for 2.

ON THE AGENDA:

• Quetzal Tour – Duration : 2:00 : Guided excursion in search of the resplendent “bird of paradise” revered by the Mayans. The quetzal can be seen all year round, but the best time is from February to April, when it breeds and nests.

Road to San José.

Driving time to the airport: 02:40 – 107 km

Return your vehicle to the rental company and take the shuttle to the international terminal.

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