Overview
In this 11 Days – 10 nights itinerary, you will discover fantastic opportunities to learn, enjoy and discover our flora, fauna, and biodiversity. This journey is just a little insight of what you’ll be exploring throughout.
Please let us know if there is any modification you would like to make to suit your travel expectations better. We will be happy to assist you with proper logistics.
Highlights
- Bird Walk, Tortuguero National Park
- Natural History Boat Excursion – Morning Experience
- Arenal Volcano Hike
- Arenal Hanging Bridges Hike
- Manuel Antonio National Park Walk
- Canopy Zip Line at Mid World
San Jose
San José is the capital. It is in the center of the country, in the mid-west of the Central Valley.
The city offers many options for hotel accommodations and has several historic buildings such as the Melico Salazar Theater, National Museum, Metal Building, Children’s Museum, Costa Rican Art and Design Museum, Museum of Jade (recently renovated).
Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero National Park is a protected wilderness area on Costa Rica’s northern Caribbean coast. Originally intended to protect a major nesting beach of the Atlantic Green Sea Turtle, Tortuguero now has 51,870 protected acres, one of the last large areas of tropical rainforest in Central America. Eleven habitats are found in.
Its beaches are famous nesting grounds for sea turtles, including endangered green turtles. The park’s freshwater creeks and lagoons, which can be navigated. more than 320 species of birds including all six species of kingfishers found in the new world, three species of toucans, eight species of parrots, and other neotropical species such as the Slaty-tailed Trogon, White-collared Manakin and the Purple-throated Fruit crow.
The marked trail along the beach is used mostly for observing turtle nesting. Turtle Nesting Seanson is from mid – July to September.
Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Volcano National Park is a protected area in northern Costa Rica. It’s also known for its hot springs, active Arenal Volcano, and wildlife, including jaguars and tree frogs. Within the national park, short trails pass through secondary forest as well as lava fields from previous eruptions.
A growing tourism industry has taken advantage of this natural resource to heat up pools and fountains for the amusement of visitors, together with activities such as mountain biking, canopy rides, horseback riding and kayaking on the lake.
Manuel Antonio National Park
It is one of Costa Rica’s most popular national parks — and there’s a good reason for that. It offers spectacular beaches, calm turquoise water, lush rainforest, and abundant wildlife. Best of all, the park is incredibly accessible. Walking trails surrounded by wildlife and resting on paradisiacal beaches are options that promise to captivate your senses. The magic of the beach and the greenery of the forest come together in one place, and the result is a natural paradise. Not in vain the Manuel Antonio National Park is the Protected Wild Area that receives the largest number of national and international tourists.
You will also have stunning views of the sea and you can enjoy the wildlife that is possible to find at any time.
Hilton Garden Inn San Jose La Sabana
Discover a variety of modern amenities in a stylish guest room at the Hilton Garden Inn San Jose La Sabana hotel. This hotel provides everything you need to relax and stay productive, including complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen HDTV, and a large desk with ergonomic chair and convenient power points.
Make the most of your leisure time at this Garden Inn hotel in San Jose. Exercise with the latest Precor cardio, resistance, and weights equipment in the modern fitness center, and soak up the sunshine as you refresh in the outdoor swimming pool. Start your day right with a delicious breakfast in the onsite restaurant, which also serves local and international cuisine for lunch and dinner. At the end of a long day, relax with a cold beer or a glass of wine in the cozy bar. Enjoy dinner in your guest room with evening room service and buy your favorite snacks and drinks in the 24-hour Pavilion Pantry®.
Superior Room with two Full Beds
The Deluxe Room includes a 40-inch TV, work desk, ergonomic chair, mini-fridge, and complimentary WiFi. The Standard Room is approximate 28 square meters (308 sq. f) and features two Full size Beds with Suite This room also This room features a mini-fridge, adjustable air-conditioning, coffee/tea maker and an iron/ironing board to make you feel at home. You can stay connected to the office with the 24-hour business center, which provides complimentary printing, fax, and copy machines
Tortuga Lodge & Gardens
Tortuga Lodge & Gardens offers an award-winning getaway unlike any hotel in Costa Rica. Just outside your door, the pristine rainforest surroundings beckon you to explore the mysteries of this complex ecosystem.
A rustic river lodge built in harmony with its tropical environment, our hotel offers a tranquil, relaxing, and exclusive experience. Each of our 29 rooms features sweeping views of the Tortuguero River and luxury amenities.
Thoughtful guest comforts range from free Wi-Fi and nightly turndown service to rubber boots, walking sticks and umbrellas for your rainforest excursions.
River View Upstairs Balcony Room
Experience the call of the wild from your balcony! Staying in the Balcony Rooms gives our guests a sweeping view of the canals and grounds.
An array of bedding options is available. Five upstairs rooms have 1 King bed, three upstairs rooms have two full beds, two upstairs rooms have one Queen and one full bed, and two upstairs rooms have one Queen and two single beds.
Maximum occupancy is 4 guests. All rooms are non-smoking and feature free Wi-Fi, nightly turndown service, safes, hot water, rain showerheads, ceiling fans and large screened windows and private balconies/terraces so you experience the sounds of the rain forest. Also, enjoy the hammock in front of your room, two wooden chairs & small table.
King size beds are available on a very limited basis, if requested we will do our best to assign upon check-in, however we do not guarantee king beds prior to arrival.
All rooms have:
- 1 Queen or 2 Full size beds (King beds are available on a VERY LIMITED basis, if requested we will do our best to assign upon check-in, we DO NOT GUARANTEE king beds prior to arrival)
All rooms don´t have
- AC
- Minibar
Arenal Manoa
This is a practical hotel for the budget oriented, but do not expect proactive service or gourmet dining. Located 10 minutes by car from La Fortuna the hotel has 80 Junior Suites with volcano view, private bathroom with a small interior garden and balcony. Surrounded by gardens, pastures and animals, all rooms are equipped with two queen sized beds, air conditioning, satellite television, telephone, terrace with a view of the volcano, mini bar, safe-deposit box and coffee maker. The hotel also features a heated and cold pool, Jacuzzi, restaurant, and wet bar. Business center Warm Climate.
Superior Junior Suite
The Superior Junior Suites are equipped with Two queen sized beds and feature Air conditioning and Satellite television. All the Superior Suites have private Bath with hot water and a hair dryer, and a Terrace with a view to the Arenal volcano.
Telephone, Refrigerator, Safe-Deposit Box, Coffee Maker & Sink
Minibar, Steam iron & Desk
Slippers and bathrobes, Fine quality linens and pillows, Superior Amenities
Hotel Parador Resort & Spa
El Parador Hotel is located high above the Pacific coastline. The resort is isolated but just minutes from Manuel Antonio National Park, beaches, restaurants, and the village of Quepos. Parador has 129 rooms and suites. Breakfast buffet, three ocean-view swimming pools, four restaurants, three bars, spa, workout room, tennis court, miniature golf, nature trails, pool table, and private dining rooms are some of the features and facilities the hotel offers. Concierge services and a tour desk are available. Hot climate.
Parador Resort & Spa offers an ocean-view restaurant with a variety of international and local cuisine. Two private dining rooms provide settings for a romantic evening or a small private party.
Important Notes: To reach the closest beach, you need to walk a little more than half a mile (each way) on a public road and a forest trail. Parador Hotel does NOT provide beach chairs or umbrellas. Sometimes, an independent supplier offers services on a fee like SUP & kayaks rental, chairs & umbrellas, but he only accepts cash.The Parador Hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to Manuel Antonio beach (a front desk and leave your name for the next available free service)
Premium Room
The Premium Rooms are built on a rock high atop the resort’s extensive grounds. The 12 Premium Rooms offer wide 180-degree ocean and jungle vistas. Premium Rooms are accessible via interior and exterior stairs or a panoramic incline elevator. They include shower with bathtub and two sinks. Two queen size beds. The Premium Rooms are conveniently located, close to the resort’s restaurants, spa, gift shops and swimming pools.
Cable TV, clothes iron, hair dryer, safe box and telephone
Itinerary
After passing through migration and customs, you can meet your Costa Rica Travel Adventures English Speaking Guide and your Spanish Driver with a sign with your name on it. Transfer to your hotel.
<img class="alignnone wp-image-2192" src="https://www.costaricatraveladventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Juan-SantaMaria-Airport-300x198.jpg" alt="" width="185" height="122" /><img class="alignnone wp-image-2216" src="https://www.costaricatraveladventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Inn.jpg" alt="" width="220" height="123" /><img class="alignnone wp-image-2217" src="https://www.costaricatraveladventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Inn1.jpg" alt="" width="177" height="121" />
Transfer from your San Jose hotel to the domestic aviation airport. You will board a domestic flight (shared with other guests) for the 30-minute flight to the Tortuguero airstrip. Fly over Braulio Carrillo National Park and the Caribbean lowlands until landing in Tortuguero.
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At Tortuguero National Park with activities included: Early Morning Bird Walk.
Departing from the reception, you may join the complimentary Early Morning Bird Walk. Your local guides will lead a natural history walk in the gardens.
Natural History Boat Excursion – Morning Experience
After breakfast, your Tortuguero local naturalist Guide and fellow guests will explore the creeks of Tortuguero National Park. The morning hours are especially active in the rain forest when the wildlife is hungry and in search of their energy source for the day. It’s not uncommon to find troops of Howler monkeys in search of tender young figs or the leaves of the Monkey Plum tree.
This tour is a three-hour trip into the back-water lagoons and creeks of Tortuguero National Park. Your boat is equipped with an ice chest with water and if you’d like to have additional beverages in the boat you can ask your guide to stock the ice chest with your favorite drinks (at additional cost).
The time of your scheduled tour may change depending on weather conditions and availability.
What to bring: Be sure to bring your binoculars. Two of the most important things to bring to Costa Rica are a pair of Binoculars and a field guide. They are a must for getting a closer look at wildlife and are not available for rent in Costa Rica. Insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, and hat. Return to the lodge in time for lunch.
Afternoon Bird Walk.
You may join the complimentary - Afternoon Bird Walk. Your Tortuga Lodge guides will lead a natural history walk in the gardens.
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Today you’ll meet your Captain and the boat at the dock to cross the canal. It takes only minutes to be on the air strip in Tortuguero from Tortuga Lodge. Your SANSA flight will be ready to fly to Town of La Fortuna (40 min).
Your private transportation is ready to transfer you to any of the lodges and hotels in the Arenal area. It takes from 30 to 45 minutes to your accommodation. Along the way, you pass by lots of different crops, some patches of forest and the community of La Fortuna.
Although the main attraction in this region is the volcano, the area offers a variety of activities including boat tours on the lake, stand up paddling, a canopy walkway, zip lines, hot springs, horseback riding, canyoning, sustainable farming and biking just to name a few.
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At Arenal Volcano National Park Region with the following activities included:
Arenal Volcano Hike
Meet your Naturalist Guide and Spanish Speaking Driver, and drive to the trails of Arenal Volcano 1968. This private area offers access to unobstructed views of the Arenal Volcano that erupted violently in the year of 1968.
With your Naturalist Guide, you walk the paths around the flanks of Arenal Volcano. Your walk takes place on land used as buffer zones to help protecting the adjacent National Park. There are possibilities to observe a few species of birds on your way to the observation area.
<strong>Notes: </strong>this hike takes place on private land next to the Arenal Volcano National Park. The trails do not enter the Park. The hike is recommended for guests in good physical condition who can hike steep terrain with strong descents. Not recommended for guests with knee, back or legs problems that affect mobility.
Evening Visit to Ecotermales Hot Spring
The high temperatures and mineral rich waters require that you spend no more than 10 minutes in the higher temperature pools and alternate an equal amount of time between hot and cold water. You have access to a cooler water pool and cold-water showers so that you can cool off as needed. The time limit in the hot water pools is especially important to keep in mind when you are traveling with children. While moving through their pools or letting a waterfall deliver a natural massage, you have access to their spring side bar where an assortment of blended smoothies and cocktails are prepared (additional cost). When you’ve had your fill of the springs and you’ve changed into dry cloths, a buffet style Costa Rican meal is waiting in the restaurant.
<strong>What to bring: </strong>Bathing suit, sandals, camera, sunglasses, and bug repellent.
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At Arenal Volcano National Park Region with the following activities included:
Arenal Hanging Bridges Hike
Meet your Naturalist Guide and Spanish Speaking Driver at the lobby of your lodge in Arenal to drive for 30 - 50 minutes to the Hanging Bridges. Once there, your Naturalist Guide will start the hike with you on the suspended bridges that traverse the rain forest canopy. All the bridges are made of galvanized steel and high-strength aluminum. The safety mesh and the suspension cables are all galvanized steel. As you walk, you can observe diverse flora, reptiles, birds, and insects from tropical rain forest as well as some views of the Arenal Volcano (weather permitting). The trails are made of cement tiles and have some steep sections with 15 –20% gradient. You return to your lodge after the activity at the bridges.
La Fortuna Waterfall Walk and Costa Rican Lunch
Meet your Naturalist Guide and Spanish Speaking Driver at your lodge and drive for about half an hour (depending on your location) to La Fortuna Waterfall. At the base of the waterfall there is a natural pool where you can refresh in the cool waters of La Fortuna River. After some time enjoying this natural site, you must climb the steps again to reach the parking area and reception.
After completing the walk to the waterfall, you drive to an interesting place called “Arenal Vida Campesina” (Arenal Countryside Life) for a buffet lunch prepared with fresh ingredients cultivated in the farm. They offer organic food cooked on a woodstove and you can also take pictures of local crops, fruits and farm animals. Get ready to enjoy the aroma and flavor of coffee dripped in a typical “chorreador”. After lunch you drive back to your lodge.
<strong>Important Notes: </strong>This walk is not recommended for guests with difficulties on knees, back or specific health conditions that affect mobility. There are restrooms and changing facilities at the reception’s site only. You can change clothe before you start the descent to the waterfall.
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Departure from Arenal with your Naturalist Guide, and your Spanish Speaking Driver and to Manuel Antonio National Park & Beach (5 hour drive approximately).
White-sand beaches, cliffs, promontories, ravines, rivers, rainforests, varied wildlife, beautiful seascapes, and a hot climate all describe Manuel Antonio. It remains one of Costa Rica's most popular beach destinations. The beaches within the park are a main attraction to the area.
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At Manuel Antonio National Park & Beach with the following activity included:
Manuel Antonio National Park Walk.
Meet your Naturalist Guide and depart to Manuel Antonio National Park.
This park offers a good variety of environments from the beach to the surrounding hills. The main natural communities are the primary, secondary and mangrove forests, as well as lagoon and beach vegetation. The fauna remains varied with many species. The Park is easily accessible through its comprehensive trail system.
Note: Moderate physical condition required. Hot temperatures (average 90°F) and high humidity all year-round.
<strong>What to bring</strong><strong>:</strong> sunscreen, insect repellent, camera, binoculars, sunglasses, hiking shoes (beach towel and bathing suit optional. There will be about 30 minutes to swim in the ocean).
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At Manuel Antonio National Park & Beach with the following activity included: <strong>Fishing in Damas Mangroves </strong>
This tour in the estuary of Damas Island is a unique experience leading you to discover the flora and fauna of the tropical rainforest and the delicate mangrove ecosystem while you cruise quietly in one of our vessels through the numerous water channels.
Once your guide has spotted the perfect location, you will stop and begin with the sport fishing. You will be able to catch snooks, roosters, corvinas, mackerel, red snapper, and black snapper. This activity is perfect for an experienced fisherman or a family. Capture the magic of the mangrove waters and learn about trolling - the spectacular local art of yoyo fishing. Your specialist guide will assist you and prepare live bait, assist with the equipment, and nourish you with refreshments and more.
Don’t leave Manuel Antonio without having experienced the beauty of the Mangroves and this unique fishing adventure.
Call - Tour Times depend on the Ocean Tidese
Private Tours Available.
<strong>Includes</strong>
Round trip transportation, bilingual guide, snacks, soft drinks, sandwiches, fresh fruits, water, and fishing equipment.
<strong>RECOMMENDATIONS</strong>
Maximum 4 people per group.
<strong>REQUIREMENTS</strong>
Suitable for all ages, bring your camera and insect repellent.
<img class="alignnone wp-image-3120" src="https://www.costaricatraveladventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Fishing-in-Damas-Mangrove.jpg" alt="" width="195" height="147" /> <img class="alignnone wp-image-3121" src="https://www.costaricatraveladventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Fishing-in-Damas-Mangrove.jpg-family-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="218" height="145" /> <img class="alignnone wp-image-3122" src="https://www.costaricatraveladventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Fishing-in-Damas-couple-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="147" height="147" />
Today, depart with your Naturalist Guide, and your Spanish Speaking Driver for the 3 - 3.5-hour drive back to City of San José.
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Transfer to the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) at least three hours prior to the departure time for your flight out of the country (20 - 40 min drive).
Included
- Accommodations, as indicated in the itinerary.
- Meals, as mentioned in the itinerary. (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- Transfers included as indicated. Unless tours are specifically indicated as private all tour transportation are shared with other passengers and with a Spanish speaking driver.
- When the service of a guide is listed (LG) (SG) He/ She will accompany you from A to B. They will meet and greet you on arrival at the International Airport, accompany you on some legs of your trip and then meet you again for your departure transfer. They are all Costa Rican and are happy to share their insight on with you.
- Porterage: When the tour includes international airport transfers, the handling of two bags per person is included.
- Taxes & Entrance Fees:
- Hotel taxes, meal taxes (when meals are included), entrance fees to National Parks, museums and places of interest are included unless otherwise specified.
- Sightseeing: As specified in the itinerary.
- Pick up time: Tentative times have been added however, the exact time and additional details related to the activity are going to be confirmed to you a day prior of the activity.
Not included
- Costs of obtaining passports, visas, or tourist cards.
- Excess baggage fees.
- Personal expenses such as room service, beverages, and laundry.
- Personal communications charges.
- International airfare.
- Sightseeing or meals not specified in the itinerary.
- Personal insurance coverage (strongly recommended)
- Gratuities.
