12 days of family fun for young and old alike

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 Park Inn

– Hosting: Standard for 4.

ON THE AGENDA:

• Frog tour – Duration : 1:30 : With 180 species of amphibians, Costa Rica is one of the richest amphibian countries in the world: red-eyed frogs, Blue Jean, tree frogs and buffalo toads are all easy to spot. Open your ears and enjoy nature’s concert!

Days 2 and 3 : Check-in for your vehicule

From Day 2 to 12 : renting of one Cat. Standard – Rav 4/Koleos/Tucson – 4×4 Automatic Comprehensive Insurance (TPL + CDW) with damage waiver, two drives, unlimited mileage, SIM card (with inlimited Waze/Google Maps)

The town’s main source of income is the banana and pineapple plantations that can be seen as far as the eye can see to the east of the town. An ideal stopover between the Caribbean and the Central Valley, this region also thrives on its bountiful natural environment, with flora and fauna easily observed by boat on the Sarapiquí River, on foot or on horseback. The region is also ideal for birdwatching and amphibian observation.
The region has been open to tourism for many years now, and there are numerous activities to choose from: tours linked to rural tourism, of course, with the cultivation of bananas, yucca, sugar cane, pineapples, tilapias and ants, but also adventure tourism with rafting, tubing, kayaking, mountain biking, canyoning, zip-lining and horse-riding. Last but not least, the area is renowned among ornithologists as home to a multitude of sedentary and migratory birds.

Driving time: 01:30 – 68 km

• 2 nights at hotel Hacienda la Isla

– Hosting: Unidad Familiar for 4.

ON THE AGENDA:

• RAFTING class II-III – La Virgen – Duration : 2:00 : This trip takes you through a magnificent stretch of river, filled with thrilling whitewater rapids, all surrounded by wonderful natural scenery. Ideal for first-time rafters looking for excitement and adrenalin.

• Guided natural history walk – Duration : 2:30 : Discover the secrets of the rainforest on this hike accompanied by a naturalist guide. You’ll discover many animals while learning about the history and objectives of the Tirimbina reserve.

Days 4 and 5 : 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: 01:50 – 97 km

• 2 nights at hotel Miradas Arenal Hotsprings

– Hosting: Bungalow Family for 4.

– Access to the hotel’s thermal waters

ON THE AGENDA:

• Night Guaro Tour & BBQ dinner – Duration : 4:00 – included meal : From cane cultivation to the distillation of Guaro Caña – local rum – a typical Costa Rican spirit, you’ll learn all about this ancestral technique. The ox mill used to extract the cane juice is a captivating stopover. The evening continues with a barbecue, where you can also try your hand at traditional dances to the rhythm of local music. The friendly family atmosphere is always a great success.

• Natural History Guided 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.

• Sky Tram – Sky Trek ARENAL – Duration : 2:30 : You’ll set off through the jungle in a gondola at canopy level, then descend from platform to platform suspended from a cable to enjoy exceptional views of the volcano and lake. Thrills and spills guaranteed!

Days 6 and 7 : Overlooking a 14,000-hectare park, the Rincon de la Vieja volcano covers several types of vegetation, from savannah to tropical rainforest, and between the dry and wet flanks, it holds many surprises in store for visitors. The region’s equestrian trails are among the best in the country. It’s also a region renowned for its clear waters and breathtaking canopy. At almost 1,700 feet above sea level, Rincon de la Vieja offers spectacular views. The area is also ideal for observing howler, spider and capuchin monkeys, as well as a phenomenal variety of birds.
The area is also popular for its volcanic hot springs and mud baths, and the surrounding rivers offer a range of activities including tubing, canyoning and waterfalls.

Driving time: 02:55 – 132 km

• 2 nights at hotel Rinconcito Lodge

– Hosting: Superior for 4.

ON THE AGENDA:

• Canyon canopy tour – Duration : 2:00 : Challenge waterfalls, climb rock faces, cross canyons hanging from 9 zip-wire cables, cross suspension bridges over the river and finish with a Tarzan jump. Adventure and thrills guaranteed, in complete safety!

Days 8, 9, 10 and 11 : The small seaside resorts of Nosara, Samara and Carillo have only recently come into their own, with local activities centered on fishing, wellness, lounging and surfing. Isla Chora in the bay of Samara is a wildlife reserve that is 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 to lay their eggs here in a single night!

Driving time: 03:05 – 136 km

• 4 nights at hotel Villas Kalimba

– Hosting: Two bedroom Kalimba – 2 rooms for 4.

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.

Day 12 : To the northwest of the capital, Alajuela welcomes visitors from all over the world, as the airport is located on its territory.
In addition to the city, its proximity to the Poás volcano makes it a privileged location. The flanks of the volcano are covered with coffee crops, and most of the country’s strawberries come from here.
Volcano viewing is best done early in the morning, then don’t miss the gardens and waterfalls of La Paz, a true concentrate of Costa Rica.
Since its last eruption in 2019, work has been carried out to protect the public on the crater rim, and tickets can now be booked online, bearing in mind that the crater is one of the most acidic lakes in the world, with a PH of between 0 and 0.5.
Although its turquoise color is inviting for a swim, not many organisms can survive in this environment.

Driving time: 00:25 – 11 km

• 1 night at hotel Buena Vista Poas

– Hosting: Deluxe Standard for 4.

ON THE AGENDA:

• Entrance to Poas Volcano National Park : It is one of the country’s 5 most active volcanoes. Its immense, easily observable crater made it the country’s most visited national park. The volcano erupted in April 2017 and has been in constant activity ever since. Its plume of smoke is regularly visible from the surrounding area. Bookings :https://serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr

• La Paz Waterfall – Entrance – Duration : 4:00 : Close to the Poas volcano, the La Paz gardens are a condensed version of Costa Rica’s flora and fauna. Home to toucans, birds of prey, felines, snakes, monkeys, frogs and butterflies, this wildlife refuge also boasts 5 magnificent waterfalls, which you can observe on an easy stroll. An ideal family activity!

Road to San José.

Driving time: 00:30 – 11 km

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

END OF OUR SERVICES

Thank to check and change text for admin – Click here