San José

Our driver will be waiting for you at the airport to welcome you to Costa Rica and drive you to your hotel, located in the capital, very close to parks and museums.

PRIVATE TRANSFER AIRPORT - HOTEL
LODGING IN SAN JOSE, BREAKFAST INCLUDED

Optional activities:

1/ San José city walking tour with a local: Local citizens of San José are called “Chepe”. They love their city and like to show you why they are proud to call it their home. They can tell you about buildings, hidden pieces of the Berlin Wall, corky parking lots, and take you to kitsch canteens nestled in the local markets. Our guides speak Spanish and English. Snack included.

2/ The local bar tour : Let our local guide take you to the cantina’s where the Chepe’s go themselves and enjoy some drinks with your new local friends. In every bar 1 drink or shot is included in the price. You can also enjoy a “Boca” or Gallo”, a typical tapa, at one of the bars.

Accommodation

Caño Negro

A representative from the rental car company will meet you at the hotel to deliver you the car. Then, you will start your road trip along Costa Rica!

Just miles from the Nicaraguan border lays a phenomenal bird-watching and natural sightseeing heaven. Situated in the Northern Lowland plains 25,000 acres of wetlands, rainforest and swampland make up the Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge.

Caño Negro is a very special little town, its heritage came from the Maleku Indigenous people, the river is a sacred place for them.  One of the last  so called “living fossils” on earth lives here: the Gaspar fish!

CAR RENTAL, LDW & GPS INCLUDED
LODGING,  DINNER INCLUDED

Distance from San José: 117 km
Duration: 3 ½ hours approx.

Accommodation

Caño Negro

Free day to explore the area.

CAR RENTAL, LDW & GPS INCLUDED
LODGING, BREAKFAST & DINNER INCLUDED

Optional activities:

1. Boat tour to Caño Negro Wildlife Reserve
   Visit the channels and lagoons that create this spectacular destination. You will be impressed by the stunning scenery and the variety of fauna and flora which you can observe within the incredible beauty of the wetlands. This refuge is home to more than 350 bird species, 310 plants and at least 160 species of mammals, such as: the howler monkey, the white faced monkey and the spider monkey. Also, there are many species of fish. (duration: 2 hours)
2. Guided walk to Rio Celeste
   You will hike through the primary forest of the Tenorio Volcano NP. Alongside the forested trails, you will be able to spot a variety of plant and animal species. You will continue walking until you reach an impressive waterfall, near a place called El Teñidor. Here two rivers come together and the Rio Celeste suddenly turns from green into a remarkable bright blue. Distance is approx. 7 km (4 miles). This tour is recommended for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. It is not physically challenging but you should be in decent shape. Due to recent regulations it is no longer aloud to swim in the National Park.
3. Birdwatching tour in the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
   Discover the Secret Garden! Thanks to the vast amount of natural diversity in Caño Negro it is an important feeding ground for both resident and migratory birds which is why there is such a wide variety of birds that can be observed, 350 species in total. A local, experienced naturalist guide will help you to identify each bird and recognize their calls. Emerge yourself in the wonderful world of ornithology. (start at 08 AM, 2 hours)

Arenal

Drive to La Fortuna near Arenal Volcano.

La Fortuna (which means The Great Fortune) is home not only to one of the most exciting volcanoes in Costa Rica (Arenal), but to some of the most beautiful waterfalls, hot springs and indigenous communities.

CAR RENTAL, LDW & GPS INCLUDED
LODGING, BREAKFAST INCLUDED

Distance Caño Negro - Arenal: 60 km
Duration: 1 ½ hour approx.

Accommodation

Arenal

CAR RENTAL, LDW & GPS INCLUDED
LODGING, BREAKFAST INCLUDED

We recommend you take advantage of this place as you can do many activities to explore the local flora and fauna, relax and get to know the local people.

Optional activities:

1. EcoTermales Hot Springs
   Whatever you choose to do in Arenal, your visit will not be complete without spending a little time resting and relaxing in some of the best eco-thermal hot springs in the world.  Lunch or dinner included.
2. La Fortuna Waterfall Hike
   Enjoy the magnificent nature an do not forget your swimming gear as you will be able to swim at the waterfall. The distance is only 3 kilometers but we do suggest that you wear comfortable shoes: the terrain is not completely flat and there are some stairs. Also, the high humidity and temperatures can make the walk harder than you would expect.
   What to bring?  sun tan lotion, mosquito spray, towel, flip flops, water.
   Please note that there are no dressing rooms or services in nature.
3. Visit Maleku Indigenous Community
   Don Alfredo is a Maleku who loves to show you the regular life of this specific indigenous community.  A the beautiful Maleku Rancho he will share with you his stories and traditions. There will also be a small ceremony and the opportunity to enjoy a typical Maleku snack. It is important to understand that all places in the surroundings, like the volcano, the waterfall and the forest are sacred places to the Maleku and so they should be treated with respect.
4. Guided walk to Arenal Volcano National Park
   There are different trails that you can take. You can choose to do them all or just a few. The total length is only 5 kilometers but should take into account the heat, humidity and the fact that some paths could be slippery. The trails are flat with moderate hills. (see picture)
5. Kayak on Lake Arenal
   Admire the beautiful scenery and views of the Arenal Volcano while kayaking on the lake.
6. Cook a typical Costa Rican dish
   Learn to cook a typical dish which you can eat yourself afterwards, so: pay attention! 

Monteverde

Welcome to the mysteriously hypnotizing cloud forest of Monteverde. This is the perfect setting for zip-lining and exploring the tree canopy via hanging bridges.

Monteverde is a breathtaking rainbow-covered valley in the clouds offering spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and even of the Pacific Ocean on clear days.

CAR RENTAL, LDW & GPS INCLUDED
LODGING, *BREAKFAST INCLUDED*

Distance Arenal - Monteverde: 106 km
Duration: 3 ½ hours approx.

Accommodation

Monteverde

CAR RENTAL, LDW & GPS INCLUDED

LODGING, *BREAKFAST INCLUDED*

Optional activities

1. Hanging bridges & Sloth habitat
   Take a calm walk through the canopy and soak up the beauty of this unique cloud forest. The challenge is to spot a sloth climbing by slowly! They hang out in the trees.
2. ​Zipline, Superman & Tarzan Swing
   Yes, you will scream, and yes, you will think twice before doing it, but once it is over, you will all want to go again.  Monteverde is the absolute perfect spot to go ziplining. You will start off with about 10 smaller ziplines so you really get the hang of it before facing the Superman zipline. This is a zipline with a length of 1500 meters! You go in true Superman style, meaning: on your belly, head first. Once you have recovered from flying over the valley, you can swing through the forest in Tarzan style!
3. Meet the Quakers of Monteverde
   In 1949, after serving time for refusing to fight in the Korean War, four pacifist Quakers from Alabama sought a country where they could embrace their peaceful beliefs and continue to cultivate their dairy farms. Costa Rica had abolished its army in 1948 and had underdeveloped mountainsides that were perfect for their trade. So, in 1950 several Quakers picked up their belongings and moved to Monteverde where they began to farm and live in peace.  These families, along with some of the area’s locals, have established the most eco-minded community in the country. On this exclusive tour, you will get to meet the families of the original Quakers and you will hear their story first hand.
4. ​Monteverde Reserve Guided Walk
   Discover the tropical rainforest with our experienced guide. This will give you great opportunities to spot mammals, birds and plants, which you would probably not even notice without the presence of our guide. Easy walk of about 3 hours, moderate hills, entrance included.
5. ​Doña Hermidia Farm
   Hermidia is a very friendly Costa Rican lady with a good sense of humor. She opens the doors of her property and shows how she lives of almost nothing else but what she grows herself. In her backyard you will find: plantains, yuca, papaya, pineapples,  heart of palm and others. At the end she cooks a Costa Rican dish with the things she has picked up in the garden during the tour. You can enjoy tasting the dish in her living room, a regular day at the farm!
6. ​Finca Life, coffee tour
   Learn all about coffee harvesting and its history related to the development of Monteverde and Costa Rica. This is a sustainable farm which grows organic coffee. In order to do so, they need other trees, plants and animals. And of course you will also get to enjoy a coffee tasting. Entrance included.

Rincón de la Vieja

In the midst of the Guanacaste volcanic mountain chain, Rincón de la Vieja is the heart of what many would call the real Guanacaste. The cattle-hacienda, horseback-riding, hardcore Guanacaste that gave birth to this area’s iconic culture and soul. It is a modern-day Wild West, where the locals have managed to turn haciendas into sustainable, farm-to-table accommodations surrounded by almost-sacred silent volcanic landscapes.

CAR RENTAL, LDW & GPS INCLUDED
LODGING, DINNER INCLUDED

Distance Monteverde – Rincón de La Vieja: 135 km
Duration: 3 hours approx.

Accommodation

Rincón de la Vieja

Trek your way up to a hidden cascade, get your cowboy hat on and ride your way to amazing hot springs or simply take in what true Costa Rican cattle-country is all about. This area is one of the most significant pillars of Costa Rican culture and a great contrast from the post-card tropical beach and monkey Costa Rica that we’ve all come to recognize and love.

Milk your own milk, pick your own salad and just marvel at the endless views while bathing in volcanic hot springs. Not bad for the middle of nowhere, huh?

CAR RENTAL, LDW & GPS INCLUDED

LODGING, BREAKFAST & DINNER INCLUDED

Optional activities

1. Rio Negro tubbing adventure
   You will have the time of your life riding the watery rollercoaster of the Rio Negro in individual inner tube rafts on our Rio Negro Tubing Adventure. Enjoy non-stop fun and excitement bouncing and splashing down 5 km (3 miles) of class II and III rapids in this narrow, rushing river of crystal clear water.  There are plenty of quiet pools along the way to appreciate the beautiful tropical scenery.
   This special river tube rafts are designed with handles and protective bottoms. Guides go with you and look after your safety.
   Part of our river tubing adventure includes riding our trusty Costa Rican ranch horses  along scenic trails through the forest to get to the river. We recommend wearing a swimsuit, quick-dry shorts and shirt, and either river shoes, sneakers or strap sandals that are secure and you will not lose in the water when tubing. You will keep them on to protect your feet.
2. Canyoning
   Get an incredible adrenaline rush on this exclusive Canyon Canopy Tour. You will fly through the trees on zip lines, rappel, rock climb, swing like a Tarzan, and cross hanging bridges over a narrow river canyon. Your playground is the spectacular White River Canyon, formed by water erosion over millions of years. You will have exhilarating fun on 7 zip lines, 1 hanging bridge, 2 Tarzan swings, a controlled 20 meter (65 foot) rappel, natural rock climbing, and via ferrata traverses and climbs. It generally takes 90 to 120 minutes to complete it all.
3. Mud baths and hot springs
   On the banks of the Colorado River at the Hacienda Guachipelin Ranch, we offer a relaxing tour. For optimum natural spa experience, we recommend beginning with the sauna for 10-15 minutes to open up all of your skin pores. Then apply pure mineral clay mud all over from our volcanic mud pots. Let it dry and afterwards wash it off at the showers. Time to relax in your choice of three volcanic clay water hot springs pools. Finish off your treatment with a cold shower so the pores of your skin can close again and you will feel reborn!
4. ​Oropendula Waterfall hike
   Combine the fun adventure of hiking Rincón de la Vieja NP and swimming at a beautiful rainforest waterfall.  We will walk 45 minutes on a scenic forest trail to the Las Pailas entrance of the Park. Las Pailas means “the cauldrons” in Spanish and this area spectacularly shows the awesome power of the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, the largest most active volcano in Guanacaste. Steaming fumaroles, mini-geysers and bubbling volcanic mud pits give you an incredible experience.
   With our bilingual naturalist guide, you will hike the Las Pailas loop trail 3,5 km (2,5 miles) through dry tropical forest and you will get to enjoy the best views of the volcano, incredible nature and wildlife. Amongst the animals to be found here are: armadillos, iguanas, white-nosed coatis, white faced, howler and spider monkeys, snakes, collared peccaries and more than 300 species of bird.
   When you finish your hike you will be ready for a refreshing swim in the Oropendula Waterfall. It is a short walk from the entrance of the National Park to get down to the river bottom. The trail has a varied terrain and you will also need to take a short walk in the river to reach the falls. The Oropendula Waterfall spills an impressive 25 meters (82 feet) down to a bright turquoise pool in the picturesque lush canyon of the Rio Blanco.

To Playa Grande or Playa Samara

OPTION 1 : PLAYA GRANDE:

Separated from Tamarindo by the Matapalo River is Grande Beach (Playa Grande) located within Marino Las Baulas National Park. Grande Beach is where the leatherback turtle arrives every year to lay her eggs.

This spot of the Pacific Coast most Costa Ricans visited when growing up: pristine beaches, small fishing towns taken over by surfers and just that incomparable great feeling of being at a perfect beach community where everyone is just chilling and enjoying the Pura Vida lifestyle.

CAR RENTAL, LDW & GPS INCLUDED

LODGING AT PLAYA GRANDE, BREAKFAST INCLUDED

Distance Rincon de La Vieja – Playa Grande: 98 km
Duration: 2 hours approx.

Accommodation

OPTION 2: SAMARA BEACH

The beautiful coastal hamlet of Samara is a paradise on the Nicoya Peninsula's western shore. Known as one of the prettiest and safest beaches in all of Costa Rica, Playa Samara radiates wonderful white sand in contrast to the aquamarine water.

Samara's laidback vibe allows for rest and relaxation, an almost universal characteristic of the Nicoya Peninsula. Its village offers a number of services: stores, restaurants, hotels, and a small selection of bars.

CAR RENTAL, LDW & GPS INCLUDED

LODGING AT SAMARA BEACH, BREAKFAST INCLUDED

Distance Rincón de La Vieja – Samara: 139 km
Duration: 2 ½ hours approx.

Accommodation

Relax at the beach

At the beach, you still have the car at your disposal so you can visit nearby villages, towns or other pristine beaches. Wheels do give you freedom.

CAR RENTAL, LDW & GPS INCLUDED

LODGING AT PLAYA GRANDE OR SAMARA BEACH, BREAKFAST INCLUDED

Back to San José

CAR RENTAL, LDW & GPS INCLUDED

CAR DELIVERY

LODGING, BREAKFAST INCLUDED

Distance Playa Grande – San José: 139 km
Duration: 2 ½ hours approx.

Distance Samara – San José: 264 km
Duration: 4 ½ hours approx. 

Accomodation:

On day 15 you have the same accomodation options as on day 1 in San José.

The end

On day 16 your Costa Rican adventure unfortunately comes to an end. Today we will transfer you back to the airport for your return journey or onward flight.

BREAKFAST INCLUDED

PRIVATE TRANSFER HOTEL - AIRPORT