Two weeks in Costa Rica

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 Fleur de Lys

– Accommodation: Estandar 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.

Driving time: 2:45 by bus + 1:00 by boat
Transfer from Tortuguero to Guapiles by boat and bus – Lunch included

Driving time: 1:00 by boat + 1:15 by bus – 47 km

• 2 nights at hotel Mawamba Lodge

– Accommodation: Pack 3D/2N – hab. standard DBL + Canal Tour + Meals + Transfer for 2.

INCLUDED AT THE HOTEL :
– All meals

PROGRAM :
– 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.

ON THE AGENDA:

• Entrance to Tortuguero National Park : Nicknamed “the little Amazon”, this park is made up of a series of canals and a lagoon between the tropical rainforest and the Caribbean Sea. The park’s beaches are home to thousands of turtles of 4 different species. Biodiversity here is extremely rich: felines, birds, turtles, manatees, otters, caimans, iguanas, basilisks, howler monkeys, capuchins, atelas, etc.

Days 4 and 5 : Check-in for your vehicule

From Day 4 to 14 : 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.

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: 02:20 – 126 km

• 2 nights at hotel Miradas Arenal Hotsprings

– Accommodation: Bungalow Deluxe for 2.

– Access to the hotel’s thermal waters

ON THE AGENDA:

• Guided daytime Sloth tour – Duration : 1:30 : 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 6 and 7 : This region, situated between the Arenal and Miravalles volcanoes, is ideally located 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 the Tenorio National Park and its famous Rio Celeste, the celestial blue river, remains the area’s highlight. Climatic conditions influenced by the Caribbean and the Pacific make this a first-rate place for observing numerous species such as birds, tapir, puma, sloths, anteaters, coatis, frogs, butterflies…

Driving time: 01:40 – 76 km

• 2 nights at hotel L’Etoile Celeste

– Accommodation: King Superior for 2.

Access to the botanical garden

ON THE AGENDA:

• Guided botanical garden tour – Duration : 2:00 : The finca has been completely revamped by Yves and his wife Siri, and has become a benchmark for tropical plant species. You’ll discover trees, fruit trees, medicinal and aromatic plants with a collection of over 150 species. Your senses will be stimulated: smell, taste, touch…

• 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

Days 8 and 9 : The small seaside resorts of Nosara, Samara and Carillo have only recently come into their own.
Local activities focus on fishing, wellness, lounging and surfing.
Isla Chora in the bay of Samara is a wildlife reserve, 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: 03:35 – 191 km

• 2 nights at hotel El Pequeño Gecko Verde

– Accommodation: Bungalow Espavel for 2.

ON THE AGENDA:

• Sunset Catamaran Tour – Duration : 3:00 : Boat trip ideal for those who want to relax and enjoy beautiful sunsets. You can snorkel or relax with a cool drink. A little music, a few drinks, some snacks and the sun for a pleasant end to the day.

Day 10 : It’s one of the most visited regions because it’s so easy to get to. Manuel Antonio National Park lies at the foot of the hill overlooking the small fishing town of Quepos. Its biodiversity is real (birds, mammals…). The park’s two beaches are worthy of the most beautiful tropical images, but the park is so overcrowded that the feeling of naturalness has disappeared. Animals have changed their behavior and it’s wise to keep an eye on your bags if you don’t want a monkey or a raccoon to steal your belongings.nearby, Biezans beach is ideal for swimming, kayaking and snorkeling.

Driving time: 05:30 – 284 km

• 1 night at hotel La Vela

– Accommodation: Superior 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 11, 12 and 13 : Uvita marks the transition from the Central Pacific to 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: 01:30 – 84 km

• 3 nights at hotel Yaba Chigui

– Accommodation: Teribe for 2.

ON THE AGENDA:

• 1 day package – lunch + workshops + hikes + translator – Duration : 4:00 – Déj. typique inclus : A day guided through the Boruca indigenous community, discovering their crafts (masks, weaving…) and traditions. You’ll visit the village and share a delicious typical meal that you’ll help prepare… Authentic memories guaranteed! You can extend the experience by staying overnight in rustic accommodation.

Day 14 : 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 forage 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: 03:55 – 226 km

• 1 night at hotel Macaw Lodge

– Accommodation: Bungalow Standard – Half-board for 2.

Includes :
– Free access trails
– Waterfall
– Botanical gardens
– Lunch or dinner

ON THE AGENDA:

• Night Walk – Duration : 1:30 : Macaw Lodge is located in a very humid area, surrounded by streams and ponds, making it ideal for observing all kinds of amphibians. As night falls, you can witness the love parades of the red-eyed frog, the bull frog, the glass frog and others…

Road to San José.

Driving time to the airport: 01:55 – 86 km

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

END OF OUR SERVICES

Please consult our terms and conditions – Click here