Between culinary and indigenous traditions

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, 3 and 4 : Check-in for your vehicule

From Day 2 to 12 : 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: 03:10 – 160 km

• 3 nights at hotel Arenal Oasis Ecolodge

– Accommodation: Bungalow for 2.

INCLUDED:
– Admission to the hotel’s wildlife refuge (open from 9:00 to 16:30)

ON THE AGENDA:

• Choyin thermal waters : Relax in the Choyin thermal waters at the foot of the volcano. A hot pool and a wild river to relax in are at your disposal in a privileged spot little known to the hordes of tourists.

• 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.

• Private cooking class in an organic garden – Duration : 3:00 – included meal : We’ll welcome you to our farmhouse and, in the radiant light of midday or last light of day, we’ll stroll through our garden to gather the freshest organic ingredients for a delicious dinner. Once we’ve got everything we need, we’ll head into the kitchen to prepare a typical Costa Rican lunch/dinner together. Lunch or dinner included

Days 5, 6 and 7 : The Costa Rican Caribbean is characterized by its environmental and cultural diversity. It is coastal, bordering Panama and mountainous. Over 80% of its surface area is protected. This region is home to the Afro-Caribbean culture. A place that offers both superb beaches and numerous activities: diving, horseback riding, excursions, animal sanctuaries…

Cahuita National Park runs through jungle and along the sea, protected by a coral reef. The Gandoca Manzanillo refuge, between land and sea, protects a 5 km2 reef with an abundance of coral, a natural mangrove oyster bed, lagoons and mangroves. Here you can observe monkeys, iguanas, agoutis, raccoons, sloths, anteaters, coatis and more.

Driving time: 05:05 – 277 km

• 3 nights at hotel Colina Secreta Glamping

– Accommodation: Atelier Van Gogh for 2.

ON THE AGENDA:

• Bribri indigenous reserve – Duration : 7:00 – included meal : Your guide will accompany you to the Boca Yorkin organic farm in the BríBrí indigenous territory, accessible by Pirogue along the Yorkin River. You’ll discover the secrets of cocoa and banana production and taste delicious fruit. A typical lunch will be served. On the way back, you can cool off in a lovely waterfall. Don’t forget your swimsuits.

• Cocoa tour – Duration : 2:00 : Find out all about the drink of the gods, according to Amerindian cultures, by visiting a plantation over 100 years old. Between history, culture and tasting, you’ll enjoy sucking fresh beans before discovering how they become quality chocolate. In addition to cocoa, you’ll see heliconias, orchids and visit the indigenous museum. Optional French-language tour on request.

Day 8 : The Turrialba volcano is one of the most active in the country. The region offers magnificent views of the valleys bordered by coffee and sugarcane plantations and the Turrialba volcano. The small town of Turrialba has retained all its authenticity. It is home to the prestigious CATIÉ, whose beautiful tropical gardens are particularly worth a visit.
Turrialba is characterized by beautiful landscapes, lush green pastures and fields, white-water rivers and numerous outdoor activities. Adventure tourism reigns supreme: rafting, canyoning, abseiling, mountain biking and horseback riding are the region’s main attractions. Coffee growing is ubiquitous, making this one of the best places to learn all about the Golden Bean. Finally, the mountains and reserves are magical places for hiking enthusiasts.

Driving time: 03:45 – 175 km

• 1 night at hotel Hacienda Aquiares

– Accommodation: Sloth room for 2.

ON THE AGENDA:

• A Taste of Aquiares: Coffee Tour – Duration : 2:00 : Discover the coffee-making process, from seed to cup. Understand the local community and hear about coffee agronomy and its importance to Costa Rica. You’ll then discover how coffee is roasted, and taste the finished product.

Day 9 : 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: 03:10 – 115 km

• 1 night at hotel Suria

– Accommodation: Estándar for 2.

ON THE AGENDA:

• Quetzal Tour – Duration : 2:00 : A 1.5 km walk through the cloud forest to discover the natural habitat of the famous quetzal. The lodge is located in one of the bird’s most frequented areas. This tour offers an unforgettable encounter with this mystical Mesoamerican bird. Local naturalist guide

Days 10, 11 and 12 : 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: 02:35 – 108 km

• 3 nights at hotel Yuli

– Accommodation: King with Pool access for 2.

ON THE AGENDA:

• Coco Tour – Duration : 2:30 : David, a young local producer, will be delighted to introduce you to the properties of coconut, its derivatives and its uses in everyday life. You’ll also discover with him the customs and traditions of this coastal area. David will reveal all the secrets of this fascinating plant.

• 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.

Road to San José.

Driving time to the airport: 03:40 – 212 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