Costa Rica Wilderness in Luxury

Day 1 San Jose (Arrival)

Meeting services upon arrival at the International Airport and transfer to the boutique-style Hotel Finca Rosa Blanca for overnight.

Day 2 San Jose / Arenal (Hot Springs)

Morning departure to the San Carlos Region. Nestled amidst the northern region of Costa Rica, near the base of the magnificent Arenal Volcano, Tabacon Resort’s unique location, along the banks of the Tabacón River, incorporates an array of natural elements. This extraordinary setting, combined with the constant energy of an active volcano, the warmth of flowing thermo mineral rivers and the surrounding lush tropical rain forest, provide for an unparalleled experience. The property provides the perfect vantage point for watching the impressive eruptions and lava flows that occur on a regular basis. Tonight relax or sit in the thermal hot springs as you view the drama of the still-active Arenal Volcano with its fiery red lava against the dark night sky as you enjoy the soothing hot thermal waters of the hot springs. Transfer to the Hotel Arenal Kioro. (B,D)

Day 3 Arenal (Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge)

Today, you will visit the Cano Negro National Wildlife Refuge, home to a variety of migratory and native birds, mammals and other animals. You will be driven to Los Chiles and then board a boat which will take you through the lush wetlands of the reserve to the Cano Negro Lagoon. At Playuelas, enjoy your box lunch before continuing your exploration of the refuge. Return to your hotel for overnight. (B,BoxL)

Day 4 Arenal / Quepos-Manuel Antonio National Park

After breakfast, we drive south towards Quepos. We stop for lunch at Villa Lapas before continuing to Manuel Antonio and Makanda by the Sea Hotel. (B,L)

Day 5 Manuel Antonio

Perfectly embedded in the rocky, green-carpeted central Pacific shoreline lies Manuel Antonio National Park, the tiniest and probably the prettiest of the entire Costa Rican parks network. A string of white sand beaches and cliffs framed by a calm blue sea and unusually lush evergreen forests. You’ll awaken at Makanda Hotel, a secluded luxury retreat on a rain-forested hill with a foot path winding through the 14 acre wooded property to the hotel’s small beach, a good place to snorkel. The poolside restaurant serves some of the best food in town. The villas are hidden from each other by tropical trees, which regularly attract troops of monkeys and colorful birds right off the villas’ private, oversized balconies. Today we visit the park home to primary and secondary forests; mangrove forest, lagoon and beach vegetation. The park includes 12 small islands just off the coast which are excellent bird refuges. This is home to more than 350 higher plant species and 109 species of mammals; 184 species of birds. Here you’ll also spot Squirrel Monkeys, Three-toed sloths and Agoutis. Return to the hotel for relaxation and overnight. (B,L)

Day 6 Manuel Antonio

Day is free to relax and enjoy the environs of the hotel and surrounding national park. (B)

Day 7 Manuel Antonio-Quepos / Lapa Rios (Osa Peninsula)

This morning sets the stage for an extraordinary jungle adventure. We begin with air transfer from Quepos to Puerto Jimenez situated at the remote Osa Peninsula. Then it’s a short drive along dirt roads to Lapa Rios, a luxurious wilderness experience, built on three connecting ridges 350 feet above the sea, in harmony with the ecosystem that surrounds it. Set in a 1,000-acre private reserve of primary tropical rain forest, Lapa Rios offers a vista of unequaled natural beauty. You’ll learn, first hand, the magic of the rain forest as you explore the natural surroundings and nourish yourself on gourmet cuisine. Evenings are at leisure for you to experience the sounds and sights of the jungle at night. Dinner and overnight at Lapa Rios. (B,D)

Day 8 Lapa Rios (Osa Peninsula)

This morning's walk/hike follows an old track through primary forest, with our local guide giving explanations of the traditional medicinal uses of bark, leaves, and saps; and the Indian Medicines from the rain forest. Afternoon return to the hotel, for an evening at leisure at Lapa Rios. (B,L,D)

Day 9 Lapa Rios (Osa Peninsula)

This morning an opportunity for another trail visit, this time with a different naturalist guide with the focus on the wide variety of flora and fauna found in this primary rain forest. Afternoon can be at leisure, relaxing at the lodge where the surrounding monkeys and birds are likely to drop by and visit. Have your camera ready for photo opportunities not possible anywhere else in the world. For those who like things more interactive choose from a number of optional activities including river and waterfall tours, horseback riding and hiking along some of the jungle’s more intricate trails. In the evening, a farewell dinner in this one of-a-kind, open-air museum of nature. Overnight Lapa Rios. (B,L,D)

Day 10 Lapa Rios (Osa Peninsula) / San Jose

Transfer to the airfield for your flight to San Jose and then ground transfer to the Hotel Finca Rosa Blanca. Rest of day at leisure. Overnight at your hotel. (B)

Day 11 San Jose (Departure)

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to San Jose Airport. (B)

Remarks

Not included:
Gratuities of any kind; airport departure taxes; meals unless included in the itinerary.
Ask for our special airfares on AMERICAN AIRLINES to San Jose.

Makanda by the Sea is an All-Adult-Resort. If you are traveling with kids, we will offer a children-friendly resort instead.