Costa Rica, Natural Paradise
Overview / Highlights
9 NIGHTS / 8 DAYSCosta Rica is a country of spectacular natural beauty boasting an array of attractions including exotic beaches and coral, volcanoes, mountains, tropical rainforests, scarlet sunsets and a very diverse range of wildlife. One of the most popular travel destinations in the world created demand that can make some parts of costa Rica seem overexposed, leaving the discerning tourists searching for an authentic Costa Rican experience, something less-explored and off the grid. We designed this program to allow you to visit some of the more pristine beaches of Costa Rica while enjoying the eco-diversity, balancing activities with just plain downtime to savor the unique charm and relaxation Costa Rica can offer.
CountriesCosta Rica | CitiesSan Jose, Arenal, Samara |
Tour Program Summery Outline
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Features
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Interest
Adventure / Beaches / Cosmopolitan Cities / Culinary / Cultural / Eco Tours / Family Adventures / Flora / Luxury / Nightlife
Day 1: Arrive San Jose
Meeting services upon arrival and transfer to the boutique Grano de Ouro Hotel, centrally situated near the heart of the capital city, San Jose. The hotel exudes the charm and character of a stately mansion with the comforts and amenities of a fine hotel.Overnight Grano de Ouro Hotel
Day 2: San Jose – Arenal
Following breakfast our tour begins with a drive to La Fortuna -Arenal. Gorgeous scenery of ornamental plant farms, papaya plantations, and lush green vegetation everywhere. We arrive at the San Carlos Region and the Arenal Volcano situated amidst the northern region of Costa Rica, near the base of the magnificent Arenal Volcano. As we approach La Fortuna Arenal Volcano’s imposing silhouette will start emerging on the horizon arriving at the Nayara Springs is a new ultra-exclusive boutique hotel located in the Arenal Volcano National Park, host to one of the world’s highest concentration of tropical plants and wildlife. Sitting on an unspoiled mountain, the cluster of secluded luxury villas are surrounded by the lush vegetation of Costa Rica’s pristine rainforest, and bounded by a creek and underground mineral thermal springs.Overnight at the Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens. (B)
Day 3: Arenal (Sky Tram & Sky Trek + Hike Arenal)
This morning we experience the forest from a completely different perspective as you view the environs of the jungle from the canopy tops. We enter the Arenal Reserve, a tourism complex inside the tropical rain forest, offering adventure tours, bird watching, forest hiking, research and diverse entertainment for all ages. Our tour begins with a ride in the Sky Tram; a gondola will take you to the top of the mountain. From this point you can appreciate the forest, Arenal lagoon and Volcano, continuing with the Sky Trek a secure system of trails zip lines.In the afternoon we visit the National Park, where you will walk along the old lava beds in the park. Along the beautiful hike, you'll learn about the active volcano, the tropical forest surrounding it and the abundant wildlife from an informative guide. Perhaps the most fascinating part of the tour is what you will learn about this captivating ecological paradise.
Next you will be going to the Tabacon Hot Springs, a truly luxurious, world renowned resort. This natural hot spring resort features a hot river that flows through a series of pools and tributaries. From cascading falls to tropical gardens, Tabacon is a very unique location, very well deserving of its immense popularity. Following the relaxing hot springs, the group will enjoy a delicious meal at the Tabacon resort before returning to the hotel.
Overnight at the Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens. (B,D)
Day 4: Arenal (Whitewater River Rafting)
Early morning pick you up for the transfer to the Sarapiqui River (or Rio Toro). Upon arrival to the river there will be some brief safety instructions before starting out on this incredible rafting journey. This stunning rainforest river offers an excellent choice for a first rafting trip to Costa Rica. Vegetation and thick tree canopy along the narrow, winding river are home to cormorants, kingfishers, howler monkeys, hummingbirds and much more. Depending on weather conditions, we may be able to offer Class IV rapids but those opting for Class IV adventure must have proper experience – be of excellent physical condition and at least 14 years old. After finishing return to the Arenal for this evening’s activities.Overnight at the Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens. (B,D)
Day 5: Arenal – Samara
Today we transfer to Samara Beach, one of the few remaining peaceful regions left in Costa Rica. Formerly known as a thriving fishing and farming village, the city of Samara used to be a well-kept secret among the upper class living in the area. Offering long, pristine and pure white sand beaches, Samara also is home to coral reefs rendering it as one-of-a-kind for diving and snorkeling. Considered one of the safest beaches in Costa Rica, Samara is the most pollution-free beaches in the country. Adding to the charm are the occasional cowboys passing by or riding their horses. Upon arrival we check-in to the boutique Lagarta Lodge strategically situated amid two rivers, expansive sandy beaches, and woods along the Pacific shores of Costa Rica. The eco-lodge maintains its own, private nature reserve with magnificent mangrove trees. Savor this personalized experience in the naturally elegant ambiance offered by the hotel.Overnight at the Lagarta Boutique Lodge. (B)
Day 6: Samara
Today is free for you to select the activity of your choice. One of the main draws of Samara is its centrally located downtown. The downtown abuts the beach and is full of restaurants and trendy boutique shops. Another draw is its surrounding forest and wildlife. Unlike areas to the north, thick tropical dry forest borders Samara. Even on hotel grounds, you can find animals like monkeys, iguanas, and many kinds of birds.Overnight at the Lagarta Boutique Lodge. (B)
Day 7: Samara
Another day in paradise. While many people visiting Samara do little more than hang out at the beach, there are plenty of things to do. But Samara offers many activities including hidden waterfalls, beaches, and nature-filled forest. You can visit the Werner-Sauter Biological Reserve, a 140 hectare (346 acre) private reserve just outside Samara where you’ll discover a tropical dry forest and learn why it is such an important, though often overlooked, ecosystem. Enjoy the reserve’s abundant wildlife like monkeys, porcupines, and owlsOvernight at the Lagarta Boutique Lodge. (B)