A complete 21-day tour of nature from the Caribbean to the Pacific

Day 1 : Villanueva de la Boca del Monte, the previous name of 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! Since the 1970s, the capital has experienced an economic boom, with suburban expansion and a strong presence of universities. With a population of 1,500,000, San José is a cosmopolitan city that may be a little confusing at first, but you’ll soon 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 Colonial

– Accommodation: Standard for 4.

Day 2: Private Transfer SAN JOSÉ / MUELLE GOSHEN (PARISMINA) 

Days 2 and 3 : Barra Rio Pacuare, south of Tortuguero, is the end of the world in a real ecolodge! Less touristy than Tortuguero, you’ll observe the same biodiversity.
The Pacuare Reserve is located 30 km south of Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast.
It is a sanctuary for leatherback turtles, and the reserve’s aim is to observe and conserve this endangered species. The nesting season for leatherback turtles runs from March to June, and for green turtles from June to September. From May onwards, thousands of hatchlings can be seen heading out to sea.
A freshwater lagoon also shelters a small island where the agami heron comes to breed. This is one of the few accessible sites in the world.
The 800-hectare reserve is home to no fewer than 270 species of birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles. You’ll come across 3 species of monkey, sloths and even jaguars.
NB: there is no Internet access at the hotel.

Driving time: 02:35 – 133 km

• 2 nights at hotel Pacuare Reserve

– Accommodation: Paquete 3 dias y 2 noches – GARZA AGAMI & TOUR CENSO NOCTURNO TORTUGA BAULA for 4.

Days 4 and 5 : Check-in for your vehicule

From Day 4 to 17 : renting of one Cat. Standard – Rav 4/Koleos/Tucson – 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: 03:30 – 193 km

• 2 nights at hotel Miradas Arenal Hotsprings

– Accommodation: Casa Campo for 4.

– Access to the hotel’s thermal waters

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.

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: Supérieure 2 Beds for 4.

Access to the botanical garden

ON THE AGENDA:

• Tenorio NP and Rio Celeste – IN ENGLISH – Duration : 3:30 – Déj. inclus : Set off with your English-speaking guide along the trails of the Tenorio volcano park. Admire the famous Rio Celeste and its turquoise waters. The flora and fauna of the region will hold no secrets for you. An enriching experience. Lunch included

• Night tour – Duration : 2:00 : A tour of the botanical garden trails with a specialist guide. A wonderful experience for nature lovers and its impressive nocturnal activity. In an hour and a half’s walk, you can observe a large number of insects, amphibians, fireflies and much more.

Days 8 and 9 : 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: 02:05 – 75 km

• 2 nights at hotel Rinconcito Lodge

– Accommodation: Superior for 4.

ON THE AGENDA:

• La Cangrega Waterfall & Pailas – Duration : 8:00 – Lunch Included : An adventure that starts in Rinconcito to reach the Pailas sector of Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Then enjoy a 5 km hike to the La Cangreja waterfall. After a refreshing swim, you’ll return to the starting point to explore the Las Pailas circular trail, some 3 km long, for a day of nature and hiking.

• Entrance to Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park : Volcanic activity is what makes the Rincon de la Vieja volcano so attractive. Towering at an altitude of 1,916 m, its gas fumes can be quite impressive. Hot springs and pools allow you to observe this perpetual activity. 57 species of birds, pumas, game, coatis and sloths. Trail 5:00 easy – L 16km / D 866 m (To be paid on site)

Days 10 and 11 : South of the Nicoya Peninsula, this region is bordered by the Gulf of Nicoya. Playa Naranjo and Paquera are the two landing points for ferries to the Costa Rican mainland at Puntarenas. The south is home to reserves such as Karen Mogensen and Curu.
Beaches such as Playa Blanca, with its turquoise waters, are exclusive and enjoy calm waters all year round.
Paquera is a popular base for visiting the surrounding islands: Tortuga, Gitana, Parajos, San Lucas, but also for the bioluminescence phenomena.
The area’s beaches – playa Blanca, playa Gigante, playa Organos and playa Tambor – are an eco-tourist’s paradise.

Driving time: 03:45 – 210 km

• 2 nights at hotel Vista Las Islas

– Accommodation: Standard Family Room for 4.

ON THE AGENDA:

• Refugio + Snorkeling Tortuga : You’ll have free access to the trails of the Curú reserve, where you can observe capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, white-tailed deer, agoutis, crocodiles, macaws and more. You’ll then head off to Isla Tortuga, on a beach less crowded than that used by conventional tour operators. Discover the seabed and snorkel on the most beautiful reefs. 2:00 lazing on the beach before returning to the reserve. Entrance to Curu Reserve included.

Days 12 and 13 : 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 like 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 highlight of the region.

Driving time: 03:50 – 174 km

• 2 nights at hotel Valle Escondido Nature Reserve

– Accommodation: Junior Suite Garden View for 4.

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

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 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: 02:10 – 93 km

• 1 night at hotel Rancho Capulin B&B

– Accommodation: Le Mirador for 2.

ON THE AGENDA:

• Crocodile tour – PRIVATE (captain + guide) – 4 pax – Duration : 2:00 : 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).

Days 15, 16 and 17 : 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: 02:25 – 138 km

• 3 nights at hotel Villas Rio Mar

– Accommodation: Junior suite for 4.

ON THE AGENDA:

• Mangrove Tour – PRIVATE – 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. 

Drive to Sierpe, return your rental car.

Days 18, 19 and 20 : 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.

Driving time: 03:20 – 192 km

• 3 nights at hotel Finca Maresia

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

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

ON THE AGENDA:

• Tour San Pedrillo – Duration : 5:00 : A 45-minute boat ride from the hotel takes you to Corcovado National Park, the country’s richest! On the program: monkeys, macaws, tapirs, crocodiles, toucans, pumas and jaguars for the lucky ones…

• 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

Day 21 : Domestic Flight BAHIA DRAKE / SAN JOSÉ
Flight time 30 to 45 min. NB : Authorized weight: 18 kg in hold / 4,5 kg in cabin (+3 USD / kg sup)

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