Luxury travel in Costa Rica with guide

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 Costa Rica Curio by Hilton

– Accommodation: Standard for 2.

ON THE AGENDA:

• Coffee Experience Tour – Duration : 2:30 : Guided tour of the coffee cooperative to learn about the processes involved in washing, drying, roasting and even packaging the golden beans. Tasting at the end of the tour in the coffee shop adjacent to the Cooperative. The best times to visit the plantation are: November to March for the harvest, late April – early May to admire the flowering.

Day 2 : Check-in for your vehicule

From Day 2 to 11 : 11 days with Your English-speaking naturalist guide (Includes: accommodation + meals + entrance to reserves/parks + petrol + car parks + tolls). Renting of one Cat. Standard – Rav 4/Koleos/Tucson – 4×4 Automatic Comprehensive insurance with excess waiver, two drivers, unlimited km (Sim card)

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: 02:15 – 86 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.

Days 3, 4 and 5 : 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: 02:50 – 99 km

• 3 nights at hotel Rancho Pacifico

– Accommodation: Hermosa Suite for 2.

ON THE AGENDA:

• Entrance to Nauyaca Waterfalls : A 12 km or an 8 km hike (round trip) on a difficult trail will take you to the superb Nauyaca waterfalls, among the most beautiful in the country: 1 waterfall 80 m high and another 20 m high in the form of a staircase offering a natural pool of crystal-clear water. The more adventurous can dive in. The less athletic can reach the waterfalls on horseback.

• 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.

Days 6 and 7 : The La Cangreja National Park region of Costa Rica is a true natural gem, offering visitors a unique experience. Just 2:30 from the airport, this national park covers some 2,470 hectares and is home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna.
La Cangreja takes its name from the crab-shaped mountain that dominates the area, creating a picturesque landscape. The park is covered in tropical rainforest, where dense, lush vegetation thrives. A wide variety of trees, epiphytic plants, ferns and orchids can be found here, creating a rich and colorful ecosystem.
The fauna of La Cangreja National Park is equally impressive. Many species of birds can be seen, including toucans, hummingbirds, parrots and trogons. Mammals such as howler monkeys, sloths, tapirs and coatis are also present in the region. The park’s rivers and streams are home to a variety of fish, frogs and reptiles. Waterfalls and swimming are permitted.
A little-known but enchanting region.

Driving time: 02:35 – 118 km

• 2 nights at hotel Hacienda Las Vainillas

– Accommodation: Don Cristobal / Don Diego / Don Vasco / Don Amerigo for 2.

– ALL MEALS
All meals (excluding alcohol and soft drinks)
NB: Lunch on day of arrival to be confirmed 48:00 in advance

ON THE AGENDA:

• Tour of choice : You can choose one of the following tours: the Los sueños waterfall, the Las Gemelas waterfall or the Vanille tour. When you arrive at the hotel, Frédérique or Philippe will give you a briefing, depending on the weather and your current level of fitness.

Days 8 and 9 : 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: 04:15 – 189 km

• 2 nights at hotel Koora & Spa

– Accommodation: Forest King Room for 2.

– Free access to reserve trails

ON THE AGENDA:

• Regular Foreign Entry : This cloud forest is home to coatis, howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, squirrels, agoutis and over 400 species of birds, including the quetzal. Its infrastructure is of better quality than Santa Elena’s, but don’t forget to bring boots and suitable clothing. Trail 6:00 easy – L 16km/D 1690 m

• The hummingbird café: Visitors will be able to observe over 14 different species of hummingbird from the Caribbean and Pacific parts of Costa Rica. The garden, relaxing atmosphere and beautiful natural flowers provide the perfect setting for nature photography enthusiasts. The hummingbird café provides a relaxing pose where you can enjoy a coffee and unwind.

• Orchid garden tour – Duration : 0:45 : Monteverde’s climate is ideal for orchids. Here, you’ll see every kind, from the smallest to the most surprising. Over 450 varieties await you. During the 45-minute tour, you can connect with nature and enjoy a quiet moment, while learning about wild orchids, hybrids, caring for plants at home, and much more.

Days 10, 11 and 12 : 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: 02:50 – 133 km

• 3 nights at hotel Amor Arenal

– Accommodation: Canyon Casita King for 2.

– Terrace overlooking canyon and volcano. Natural hot-spring Spa-Plunge pool

ON THE AGENDA:

• Entrance to the Observatory Lodge Reserve : This observatory is located on the flank of the Arenal volcano. Several marked trails through primary and secondary forests allow you to observe ancient lava flows, over 250 species of birds and a 20 m-high waterfall. A trail map is available at the hotel entrance.

• Typical lunch + Tour de caña – Duration : 2:00 – included meal : La Casona de la Fortuna is a former presidential residence. The current owners invite you to experience a traditional Costa Rican meal and discover how sugar is extracted from the cane. An authentic and privileged moment of sharing.

• Entrance to the hot springs : After a day of activities, there’s nothing like a dip in the natural pools heated by the volcano to relax! Various pools, a huge swimming pool and waterfalls await you for relaxation with a view of the volcano.

Road to San José.

Driving time to the airport: 03:00 – 121 km

A driver will take you to the airport for your return flight.

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