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Costa Rica Highlights
10 Days
Overview:
Experience a place where howler monkeys inhabit the land and toucans dwell in the trees. Discover what Costa Rica has to offer by embarking on an exotic adventure through its most popular destinations. Costa Rica is known for its breathtaking beaches, amazing landscapes, and vast diversity of natural wonders. These unique characteristics make it an ideal recreational area for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Guests will be able to zipline over the towering rainforests in search of ocelot and sloth, enjoy relaxing strolls along the pristine beaches, and unwind in world-class hotels. Paradise doesn’t get much better than this! Embark on an early morning waterway tour, accompanied by the resonating sounds of jungle creatures. Explore the rich tropical rainforest at the base of the Arenal Volcano and make tortillas with the local residents. Later, venture out on Lake Arenal and take an entertaining boat ride to Monteverde where you’ll be intrigued by the myriad of exotic birds and other wildlife. Finally, take a trip to Manuel National Park for an escorted tour, and discover the creatures that inhabit the rainforests, mangrove swamps, and marshy woodlands.
2 Days San Jose
2 Days Tortuguero
2 Days Arenal
2 Days Monteverde
2 Days Manuel Antonio
The Plan:
Day 1 San Jose
Welcome to San Jose! You will be greeted by your English-speaking assistant, and then taken to your hotel via private car. Feel free to explore the surrounding area at your leisure for the rest of the evening.
Day 2 San Jose- Tortuguero (7.5 hours by tour bus)
You will embark on a scenic bus ride to the Braulio Carrillo National Park. As you pass the beautiful scenery, pay close attention to the Limon Lowlands farming regions- where pineapples, rice, and cattle prosper. You will be transferred by boat to your hotel, where you can view the magnificent Tortuguero River, Tortuguero Village, and the Tortuguero National Park canals.
Day 3 Tortuguero (Full-day tour)
Today you’ll rise early to participate in a full-day canal and jungle shared tour. You’ll enjoy a quick breakfast before you head out to explore the Tortuguero Jungle and learn exciting facts about the wildlife from your guide.
Day 4 Tortuguero-Guapiles-Arenal (3 hours by car)
You will take a shared boat from your hotel to Guapiles. A private driver will then take you on a 3-hour drive to Arenal. When you arrive, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the spectacular views in the area at your leisure for the remainder of the afternoon.
Day 5 Arenal (Half Day Tour- 4 hours with lunch)
Explore nature with a safari float trip. Savor the peaceful sights and sounds of the tropical rainforest as you explore the Penas Blancas River. Your bilingual guide will educate you about the exotic plant and animal species’ in the area. Enjoy rich Costa Rican culture as you indulge in tropical drinks and lunch offerings from local families.
Day 6 Arenal (3.5-hour tour)
Embark on a private tour exploring the exotic landscape of the jungles of the mountainous sub-forest of Arenal. View the mesmerizing Famous Hanging Bridges and observe the diverse wildlife in the 3100-meter area of dense jungle. Be sure to wear comfortable attire as you enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Day 7 Arenal- Monteverde (4 hours by car and boat) and (3-hour tour)
Your private driver will transport you to Lake Arenal, at which you’ll take a 45-minute boat ride to the other side. You will be intrigued as you observe magnificent views of the Arenal Volcano as you cross, and, after you arrive and check into your hotel, you’ll embark on an astounding zip-lining adventure across the Selvatura Canopy.
Day 8 Monteverde- Manuel Antonio (5 hours by car) and (3.5-hour tour)
You are finally ready to see the most popular destination in Costa Rica - the Monteverde Cloud Forest. A private vehicle will take you on a five-hour scenic drive to your destination, where you’ll be entertained by exotic mammals, colorful birds, eye-catching orchids, and flamboyant amphibians. On the way, you will make a memorable stop at the famous hummingbird gardens.
Day 9 Manuel Antonio (3-hour tour)
Experience what the Manuel Antonio National Park has to offer by taking a half-day private guided tour. You will be transported by your driver to one of the most relaxing spots in Costa Rica. There will be plenty to see and do as you explore the tranquil beaches, mangrove swamps, rainforests and marshy woodlands.
Day 10 Say Farewell to Manuel Antonio (3.5 hours by car)
On your final day, your private driver will transport you to the San Jose Airport for your flight home. Expect the drive to take 3.5 hours. Safe travels!
Must See:
San Jose:
Irazu Volcano, Orosi and Lankester Gardens, Poas Volcano National Park
Tortuguero:
Tortuguero National Park, Tortuguero Jungle
Arenal:
Arenal Lake, Arenal Volcano, Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, La Fortuna Waterfall, Rio Celeste, and Tenorio, Penas Blancas River
Monteverde:
Tilaran Mountain Range, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, El Trapiche
Manuel Antonio:
Manuel Antonio National Park, Savegre and Naranjo River
Memory Makers:
San Jose
San Jose Evening Tour with Dinner in Escazu (4 hours)
This 4-hour tour will take you on a journey to explore the hidden delights of Costa Rica's capital. Enjoy an event-filled evening exploring the streets of Escazu. Your city stops will include the National Theater, the Guachipelin District, the Metallic Building, and the Yellow House. Finish your twilight tour with a 3- course dinner and expertly selected wine pairings.
San Jose Walking Tour: Food, History, and Architecture (3 hours)
You will be bombarded with culture and cuisine as you embark on a three- hour walking tour of Costa Rica's capital city. Spend your day learning about the interesting history, stunning architecture and local flavor of the city. You will visit the Central Market, sample local foods, and drink delicious coffee on this personalized experience.
Monteverde
Bird Watching Tour in Monteverde (2.5 hours)
Monteverde is a bird-lover’s paradise. On this 2.5-hour early-morning tour, you will get to catch rare glimpses of stunning birds in their natural habitat. Prepare to start early to see these birds at their most active time of the day!
Monteverde Rainforest Night Walk (2 hours)
You haven’t lived until you’ve viewed the rainforest at night! At dusk, you will embark on a two- hour tour of the forest to watch the nocturnal wildlife spring into action. On this unforgettable and amazing experience, you will see a variety of exotic birds, mammals, insects, and amphibians.
Tortuguero
Limon Shore Excursion: Tortuguero Canals Tour (5 hours)
This tour will take you on an adventure through the Tortuguero Canals. As one of the main attractions in Costa Rica, the Tortuguero Canals has a reputation of being a bird watcher’s paradise. Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, crocodiles, iguanas and sloths as you trek. During your tour, you will also visit a banana plantation!
Shore Excursion: Tortuguero Canal Eco Cruise and Banana Plantation (5 hours)
On this five-hour Eco-cruise, you will explore the canals and gain knowledge about the ecosystems. During your visit, you will also visit a banana plantation and learn interesting facts about this amazing fruit. As you sail, you may spot a variety of animals, including howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, and birds.
Manuel Antonio
Mulguri Waterfalls Tour and Horseback Riding in Manuel Antonio (6 hours)
Experience the breath-taking Mulguri Waterfalls on this six-hour horseback riding tour. You will be able to explore some of Manuel Antonio's most popular sights-- including the hanging bridge and the remote back-country of Quebrada de Arrollo. You will be astounded by the natural beauty and wonder of your surroundings.
Manuel Antonio National Park Hiking Tour (4 hours)
A hike through one of the world's most beautiful national parks will be an unforgettable experience. You will spend four hours enjoying the scenery of the amazing beaches, exceptional coastline, and tropical rainforests. You will also partake in many outdoor activities that will allow you to learn about the interesting plants and animals in the area. You’ll get a chance to see the famous Costa Rican Garrobos as you hike as well.
Arenal
Penas Blancas Safari Boat Tour in Arenal (4 hours)
This four-hour tour will allow you to experience a remarkable jungle cruise down the Penas Blancas River. You will float through the rain forest on a comfortable river raft. Along the way, you will see native wildlife and amazing plants in lush surroundings. View treetop sloths and monkeys, and look out for the tortoises and iguanas. Feel free to paddle down the river on your raft or just relax and take in the scenery.
Single- Track Mountain Bike Tour in Arenal Volcano (4 hours)
Tour the majestic Arenal Volcano on a mountain bike. On this entertaining four- hour, 12-mile tour, you will experience a scenic ride through the Arenal Volcano and visit the Arenal Crater, and view a variety of native wildlife and tropical forests.
Weather and climate
Costa Rica
The weather in Costa Rica depends on the amount of rainfall during a particular period. Costa Rica boasts average temperatures between 70 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit. It is normally the hottest from March to May and the coolest from November to January.
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