Ara Macaw, a driver-guided tour, a must!
Accompanied by your private English-speaking naturalist driver/guide, discover authentic Costa Rica on this 12-day tour.
Your guide will be there to help you discover his country, its culture and the small, unspoilt wonders of Costa Rica, off the beaten track. You’ll meet indigenous populations, fly over the canopy via suspension bridges, discover the fans of the Arenal volcanoes, Tenorio Park and its Rio Celeste, share a typical barbecue evening, observe the crocodiles of Tarcoles and the fauna of Central America’s largest mangrove swamp. Finally, you’ll get to see the world’s most beautiful bird: the Quetzal.
The Arenal volcano will hold no secrets for you, and the Tenorio region – with its Rio Celeste – will surely leave you speechless. The macaws and crocodiles of Tarcoles will impress and amaze you. The Borucas Indians will introduce you to their handicrafts. The South Pacific and its exuberant biodiversity will captivate you. You’ll meet the Boruca Indians before reaching the heights of San Gerardo de Dota.
Day 1 : Just 20 minutes from the capital, Santa Ana is a transition between town and country. On the heights, spectacular views from the wind farm. It’s a small town that’s still authentic, littered with typical and gourmet restaurants. An excellent option for those seeking peace and quiet, just 30 minutes from the airport.
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 Luisiana
Days 2, 3 and 4 : Check-in for your vehicule
From Day 2 to 11 : renting of one Cat. Standard – Toyota Rav 4 – 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.
From Day 2 to 11 : 11 days with Your English-speaking naturalist guide (Includes: accommodation + meals + entrance fees to reserves/parks + gasoline + parking + tolls).
ON THE AGENDA:
• Tesoro Escondido blue waterfall – Duration : 3:00 : An easy and beautiful walk. A first stop to discover a small canyon and take a dip in the turquoise waters of the pools below. A second stop to enjoy another pool before reaching the waterfall at the foot of which the bathing is superb, if a little cool. Picnic possible.
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: 03:10 – 131 km
• 3 nights at hotel Miradas Arenal Hotsprings
– Accommodation: Bungalow Estandar for 2.
– Access to the hotel’s thermal waters
ON THE AGENDA:
• Mistico Hanging Bridges Walk (Self-guided) : Along a series of trails and 16 suspension bridges, you’ll 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. There are 3 trail options: 3.1 km, 2 km and 1.2 km.
• Entrance to Sloth Territory with your own guide : In the midst of 12 ha. of forests and meadows, the Perez family has opened 1.4 km. of trails to the public for observing 2- and 3-toed sloths, toucans, butterflies, frogs, reptiles, tanagers and majestic trees over 40 m tall. The trails are easy to access.
Days 5 and 6 : This region, situated between the Arenal and Miravalles volcanoes, is ideal for nature lovers and birdwatchers of all kinds. Activities such as horseback riding, tubing and hiking are very popular, as are bird and mammal watching.
A visit to Tenorio National Park and its famous Rio Celeste, the celestial blue river, remains the region’s highlight. Climatic conditions influenced by the Caribbean and the Pacific make it an ideal place for observing numerous species such as birds, tapirs, pumas, sloths, anteaters, coatis, frogs,
butterflies…
Driving time: 02:00 – 82 km
• 2 nights at hotel Finca la Amistad Cacao Lodge
– Accommodation: Casa Jardín Clonal – 1 hab. for 2.
ON THE AGENDA:
• Cacao tour included
• Entrance to Tenorio National Park – Rio Celeste : Visitors are attracted first and foremost by the Río Céleste river, whose color is due to the mixture of copper and sulfur from 2 tributaries. Legend has it: “When God finished painting the sky blue, he washed his brushes here”. Biodiversity includes tapirs, monkeys, hummingbirds, toucans and the occasional puma. Trail 3:00 easy: L 7.3 km / D 814 m
• 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 7 : 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: 02:55 – 160 km
• 1 night at hotel Rancho Capulin B&B
– Accommodation: Le Mirador for 2.
ON THE AGENDA:
• Entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park : Covering 683 ha of land and 55,000 ha of sea, it is one of the country’s most visited parks. Manuel Antonio enchants visitors with its easily visible fauna (monkeys, coatis, raccoons, sloths, birds and many other small mammals and insects), but above all with its postcard-perfect white sandy beaches. Trail from 3:00 to 7:00: L 10 km / D 71 m – Closed on Tuesdays. Remember to bring swimsuits and towels.
Days 8, 9 and 10 : 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: 02:40 – 152 km
• 3 nights at hotel La Uvita Perdida
– Accommodation: Doble Estandar for 2.
ON THE AGENDA:
• Mangrove Tour – Duration : 3:00 : Take a boat trip to discover the mangroves on the Sierpe River, one of the world’s 12 RAMSAR sites. On the program: observation of numerous species of birds, monkeys, squirrels, caimans, crocodiles, iguanas and many more.
• Entrance to Marino Ballena National Park – PAYABLE ON THE SPOT : Surface area: 100 ha land – 5375 ha sea – Peaceful and tranquil, this little-visited park offers the chance to spend a few days away from the more densely populated tourist areas. Every year, hundreds of humpback whales come here to breed and give birth. Take advantage of low tide to walk the “whale’s tail” for which the park is famous.
Day 11 : 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 h
igh-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: 03:35 – 206 km
• 1 night at hotel Cedrela Ecolodge
– Accommodation: Villa for 2.
On January the 12th, dropoff of your vehicule.On GROS PROBLEME DE DATE the th, ending of your guide’s services.
ON THE AGENDA:
• Quetzal tour – Duration : 3:00 : The quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno) is a typical bird of the Central American mountain oak forest ecosystem. This mythical bird, sacred to the Mayans, is easily observed in this region. Ornithologists consider the Dota region to be the best place in the world for its observation.
Road to San José.
Driving time to the airport: 02:10 – 86 km
A driver will take you to the airport for your return flight.
END OF OUR SERVICES
Please consult our terms and conditions – Click here
WEST SAN JOSE – SANTA ANA
Luisiana
– Accommodation: Deluxe for 2.
WHY THIS HOTEL?
Hotel Luisiana is located near the center of Santa Ana. Its 1950s Louisiana-style architecture features a beautiful swimming pool. The rooms are large and comfortable.
Excellent value for money, not too far from the airport. Quiet neighborhood.
ARENAL
Miradas Arenal Hotsprings
– Accommodation: Bungalow Estandar for 2.
WHY THIS HOTEL?
11 bungalows, scattered around the property, thermal waters, a restaurant and an exuberant garden allow you to enjoy the region in a more authentic way. Magnificent views of the volcano are an undeniable privilege.
The rooms are simple and comfortable, with beautiful views. The design could do with a refresh.
Roberto and Estrella will welcome you with the sincerity and kindness that characterize Costa Ricans.
TENORIO
Finca la Amistad Cacao Lodge
– Accommodation: Casa Jardín Clonal – 1 hab. for 2.
WHY THIS HOTEL?
If Finca Amistad Cacao is one of the region’s best-known hotels, it’s the Finca Amistad Cacao.
Whether it’s the welcome, the conviviality or the property, everything here comes together to make your stay a success.
The bungalows are rustic but well-equipped and spacious, with lovely terraces to enjoy the surrounding nature.
Meals and breakfasts are of the highest quality, using products from the garden.
The cocoa plantation is a real feast for the eyes and for tasting, as is the vanilla plantation.
CENTRAL PACIFIC – TARCOLES
Rancho Capulin B&B
– Accommodation: Le Mirador for 2.
WHY THIS HOTEL?
This friendly B&B on the Central Pacific is perfect for a stopover between the north and south of the country.
It has 4 rooms and 2 villas, all different, with modern, comfortable and functional furnishings. Tranquility reigns.
Claudine and her husband prepare excellent breakfasts.
From the hotel’s terrace, enjoy a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean and Carara National Park, which borders the hotel. There are also many birds to watch and listen to.
Too hot? Relax by the pool below.<
SOUTH PACIFIQUE
La Uvita Perdida
– Accommodation: Doble Estandar for 2.
WHY THIS HOTEL?
A small hotel set on the mountainous coastline of the Pacific Ocean, overlooking the ocean which, together with the harmony of the flora and fauna and the constant sea breeze, creates a unique and ideal place for rest, observation and meditation, located specifically in Whale Bay and 5 minutes from Marino Ballena National Park, very close to national parks, ecological reserves and beaches, as well as with direct access to the coastal road that runs along the country’s entire south Pacific coast.
DOTA – SANTA MARIA DE DOTA
Cedrela Ecolodge
– Accommodation: Villa for 2.
WHY THIS HOTEL?
An exclusive address for this small hotel nestled in nature.
The property is magnificent and well laid out for enjoying the area. Exceptional trees, fruit trees and coffee plantations lend a romantic natural charm. The peace and quiet and the starry skies are truly magical.
The wooden rooms are comfortable and beautifully decorated. Some rooms have fireplaces, a welcome feature on chilly evenings.
Meals and breakfasts are simply excellent.
The tour map
Price includes:
– All accommodations and breakfasts
– All meals in Tortuguero
– All transfers mentioned
– Renting of vehicule – Cat. Standard – Toyota Rav 4 – 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.
– Our 7/7 assistance
– Your travel diary
Your English-speaking naturalist guide (Includes: accommodation + meals + entrance fees to reserves/parks + gasoline + parking + tolls)
ZARCERO
• Catarata Tesoro Escondido
ARENAL
INCLUDED AT THE HOTEL:
– Access to the hotel’s thermal waters
• Mistico Hanging Bridges Walk (Self-guided)
• Entrance with your own guide
TENORIO
ON THE PROGRAM:- Cacao tour included
• Entrance to Tenorio National Park – Rio Celeste
• Tour of cocoa offered at the hotel
CENTRAL PACIFIC
• Crocodile tour – regular
MANUEL ANTONIO
• Entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park
SOUTH PACIFIC
• Mangrove Tour
• Entrance to Marino Ballena National Park
DOTA
• Quetzal tour
Price does not include:
– International flights
– Meals and drinks not mentioned
– Tips
– Personal purchases
Thanks for checking our conditions of sale.
Fill out this short form.
12 days
Why travel with us?
A flawless reputation since 2008
A single contact in English
Our presence on the ground all year round
Our expertise for a tailor-made offer
