From the Caribbean to the Pacific

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..

• 1 night at hotel Aranjuez

– Accommodation: Superior for 2.

Days 2, 3 and 4 : Check-in for your vehicule

From Day 2 to 11 : renting of one Cat. Mid. Size – Suzuki Vitara 4×4 – Automatic vehicule, comprehensive insurance (TPL + CDW) with damage waiver, 2 drivers, unlimited mileage + SIM card with unlimited Waze/Google Maps. A credit card imprint of 100 US$ will be taken by the rental company.

The Costa Rican Caribbean is characterized by its environmental and cultural diversity. It is coastal, cross-border with Panama and mountainous. Over 80% of its surface area is protected. This region is home to the Afro-Caribbean culture. A place that offers both superb beaches and numerous activities: diving, horseback riding, excursions, animal sanctuaries…
Cahuita National Park runs through jungle and along the sea, protected by a coral reef. The Gandoca Manzanillo refuge, between land and sea, protects a 5 km2 reef with an abundance of coral, a natural mangrove oyster bed, lagoons and mangroves. Here you can observe monkeys, iguanas, agoutis, raccoons, sloths, anteaters, coatis and more.

Driving time: 04:10 – 220 km

• 3 nights at hotel Satta Lodge

– Accommodation: Bungalow Deluxe for 2.

ON THE AGENDA:

• Guided visit of NP Cahuita – Duration : 3:00 : Stroll the trails of Cahuita Park to discover the monkeys, sloths, iguanas and many other animals that inhabit the area. After exploring the park, relax on its white sandy beaches. Don’t forget your bathing suit 😉 – Park entrance not included (voluntary contribution, approx. $5/person)

• Entrance to Cahuita National Park – PAYABLE ON THE SPOT : Located on the Caribbean coast, the park is both marine and terrestrial, and is home to the country’s largest coral reef. It is the marine part of the park that attracts visitors for its richness and ease of snorkeling and diving.

Days 5 and 6 : A volcano with the perfect cone of legend makes the Arenal a must-see, and while lava flows ceased in 2009, the steam from the crater and the warmth of the thermal waters clearly indicate that the colossus lives on. The musts remain the suspension bridges and the thermal waters, but a wide range of other natural and/or sporting activities are available to visitors.

Driving time: 05:05 – 277 km

• 2 nights at hotel Fortuna Retreat

– Accommodation: Tropical Forest – 3 rooms for 2.

NB: breakfasts are served nearby, a 5-minute walk away, in the Arenal Oasis ecolodge.

ON THE AGENDA:

• Entrance to Arenal Volcano National Park SILENCIO – PAY TO GUIDE : Covering 2,920 hectares of land, Arenal National Park lies at the foot of the volcano. Here you can observe ancient lava flows and exceptional flora and fauna. Park wildlife: parrots, Finsh’s Conure, Costa Rican touit, hummingbirds, quetzals, Grand Tinamou, etc. Trail 2:30 easy: L 3.5 km / D 682 m

• Entrance to Fortuna Waterfall (international) : After a descent of around 30 minutes and 530 steps, you can cool off in the cool, crystal-clear waters at the foot of this 70 m-high waterfall and observe the lush vegetation that surrounds it. A path running parallel to the waterfall offers spectacular views over the canyon. There is also a viewpoint accessible to people with reduced mobility.

• Wild and free thermal waters – Rio Chollin : After the Tabacon site, a small bridge allows you to park and go down to the river to enjoy the region’s warm waters. Some of the natural pools are particularly pleasant. A beautiful place where Ticos love to come and relax. Not very easy to get to, so shoes that don’t get damaged in the water are recommended. Address: Free Natural Hot Springs River

Days 7 and 8 : 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 plant species including 420 orchids, 400 bird species and over 100 mammal species make this an exceptional region.
Hanging bridges, zip-lining, night tours and walks in the various nature reserves are a must.

Driving time: 03:05 – 111 km

• 2 nights at hotel Tityra

– Accommodation: Bourbon y Geisha Tiny Cabin Delux for 2.

ON THE AGENDA:

• Entrance to the refuge – Duration : 2:30 : Entrance to the Monteverde wildlife refuge. Here you can observe over 150 species of high altitude birds endemic to the region. It’s also an opportunity to discover different microclimates and dense, varied vegetation. This refuge is one of Monteverde’s most important areas for species conservation.

• Sunset at Cerro Plano : While you’re in Monteverde, don’t forget to head for Cerro Plano at the end of the day to enjoy a majestic sunset. A view of the Gulf of Nicoya on the horizon, the mountains in the foreground and the ever-present clouds make for an absolutely magnificent spectacle. Address: Mirador Valle Escondido Reserve

Days 9, 10 and 11 : Mal Pais, Santa Teresa and Montezuma are well worth a visit. You’ll need a good 4×4 to enjoy the area’s trails. In the green season, adrenalin is guaranteed! The beaches of Santa Teresa, Hermosa and Manzanillo are magnificent, and it’s not unusual to find yourself alone. Isla Tortuga, off the coast of Montezuma, is a small island ideal for snorkeling and lounging on a beautiful white-sand beach, while Cabo Blanco Park and the Curú Reserve are ideal for excursions.WHY THIS ACCOMMODATION A hotel, villas and exceptional views – that’s what Akwa has to offer. A haven of peace away from the dusty Santa Teresa road, the rooms and villas are decorated with care. The small villas are just perfect for relaxing and enjoying the Zen environment. The service is impeccable.the manager, Eduardo, takes great care of his guests.the breakfasts are excellent.a 4×4 is required to climb up to the hotel.

Driving time: 02:55 – 134 km

• 3 nights at hotel Akwa Resorts

– Accommodation: Romy o Belmondo room – Ocean View for 2.

No Breakfast – Private Pool

ON THE AGENDA:

• Admission to Cabo Blanco Reserve – To be paid on site : On the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, this is the first reserve created in Costa Rica. It features a secondary forest populated by monkeys, reptiles, agoutis, deer, butterflies, birds and magnificent beaches. Trail 5:00 moderate: 8.9 km / D 212 m

Road to San José.

Driving time to the airport: 05:10 – 172 km (ferry included)

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

Note: If you wish, we can add a 25-minute local flight to San José airport.

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