15 days in Costa Rica, from the Caribbean to Corcovado

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 Aranjuez

– Accommodation: Superior 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: 2:45 by bus + 1:00 by boat

• 2 nights at hotel Mawamba Lodge

– Accommodation: “Pack 3D/2N – hab. standard DBL + tour canales + comidas + transporte for 2.”

INCLUDED AT THE HOTEL :
– All meals

ON THE AGENDA:
• Guided canal boat excursion
• Visit to the village of Tortuguero
• Visit of Mawamba Park (frog and iguana garden) Tour schedule will be confirmed at the hotel.
• Entrance to Tortuguero National Park

Days 4 and 5 : Check-in for your vehicule

From Day 4 to 11 : renting of one Cat. Mid. Size – Suzuki Vitara 4×4 – Automatic Assurance tous risques avec rachat de franchise, deux conducteurs, km illimités (Carte Sim)

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: 02:15 – 121 km

• 2 nights at hotel Natural Green Lodge

– Accommodation: Bungalow superior plus for 2.

ON THE AGENDA:

• 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.

• Ecotermales entrance : After a day of activities, there’s nothing like a dip in the volcano-heated natural pools to relax! The large Ecotermales pools welcome you in a magnificent natural setting. A site renowned for its tranquillity.

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 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: 03:10 – 109 km

• 2 nights at hotel Belcruz B&B

– Accommodation: Standard for 2.

ON THE AGENDA:

• English Guide en français at the Curi Cancha refuge – Duration : 3:00 :

• Entrance to the Wildlife Refuge : Follow perfectly marked trails and discover the cloud forest and its incredible biodiversity. You can observe epiphytes, orchids, colorful birds, armadillos, raccoons, monkeys, sloths and many other species of flora and fauna.

Day 8 : 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: 02:15 – 95 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 9, 10 and 11 : 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: 03:10 – 177 km

• 3 nights at hotel Rio Tico Lodge

– Accommodation: Safari Tent Bungalows for 2.

ON THE AGENDA:

• Cascada Verde et Cascada El Pavon – To be paid on site: Well signposted, the first is 2 km off the main road, taking the road to the left of the BCR bank. The second is 18 km south of the BCR bank, turn left and continue for 3 km. The entrance to the waterfall is on your left. In both cases, bring sandals and swimwear. Great refreshing excursions.

• 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 12, 13 and 14 : 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.
On January the 12th, dropoff of your vehicule.

Transfer SIERPE / BAHIA DRAKE

Driving time: 01:05 – 45 km

• 3 nights at hotel Finca Maresia

– Accommodation: “Paquete 4D/3N habitación SUPERIOR+ cenas for 2.”

INCLUDED:
– All meals (except lunch on day of arrival and day of departure)

ON THE AGENDA:

• Tour Sirena – Duration : 7:00 : 1:30h 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. La Sirena Station is wilder and less crowded than San Pedrillo.Picnic lunch included.

• Isla del Caño and Whales – Duration : 6:00 : Sea excursions to see dolphins, turtles, flying fish and, from July to October, the chances of spotting whales and their calves are great! Groups of whales and dolphins gather in Drake Bay to put on an amazing show! Snorkel the waters of Isla del Caño

Domestic Flight DRAKE / SAN JOSÉ

Flight Duration: 00:50

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

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