Costa Rica in full size - 14 days

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Welcome to San José

  Welcome to Costa Rica! Meet and greet by our French-speaking representative and transfer to your hotel located in the capital, San José. Delivery of your travel booklet.

• day 2

  Direction Arenal

  Meet in the lobby of your hotel to pick up your rental car. A representative from the rental agency will be waiting for you there. Continue north to reach La Fortuna, a town located at the foot of the Arenal volcano. Despite a decrease in volcanic activity over the past 3 years, the Arenal volcano offers an unforgettable spectacle to its visitors, who can see fumaroles escaping from the crater on clear days. Rest of the day free to enjoy the lodge or explore the surroundings.

• day 3

  Walking on suspension bridges

  This morning, walk on hanging bridges (activity included). This takes place in the 250 ha private natural reserve of primary tropical rainforest, for observing the fauna and flora at the canopy level; different viewpoints of the volcano. Free afternoon to enjoy the lodge or take an optional excursion in the region, such as: Arenal Volcano National Park: walk on the national park trail. La Fortuna River Waterfall: walk down on foot (500 irregular steps in the forest) to a superb waterfall over 70 m high. You will find yourself in the midst of a lush setting and you can swim in this luxuriant environment.

• day 4

  Direction Rincón de la Vieja volcano

  Continuation to the province of Guanacaste, with a cowboy atmosphere and a radical change of scenery. The road ends on a track that leads to the Rincón de la Vieja volcano national park. Free afternoon to enjoy the lodge's facilities, such as the pool, hot springs, or spa, or to go explore the Rincón de la Vieja volcano national park and its extraordinary volcanic features.

• day 5

  Discovery of the region

  Free midday for you to enjoy one of the many activities offered by the lodge, such as: Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park: hike in the tropical forest located on the slopes of the volcano to discover amazing volcanic phenomena. Horseback riding: ride along the trails of the forest surrounding the park and swim in one of the many rivers in an enchanting setting. Tubing: sitting on a large inner tube, you will float down the river; it's a fun and refreshing moment during which the heat will no longer be a problem. Ziplining: the country offers many opportunities to go ziplining. In the Rincón de la Vieja area, you will discover the dry tropical forest.

• day 6

  Expedition to the Monteverde Cloud Forest

  Departure to the locality of Monteverde, on the slopes of the Tilarán mountain range, first taking the Pan-American Highway, then a rather picturesque road. Monteverde was founded in the mid-20th century by American Quakers who immigrated during the Vietnam War because they shared Costa Rica's pacifist values. At the end of the afternoon, meet at the Monteverde Ecological Sanctuary for an exciting night excursion in the forest! (activity included) At night, the forest comes alive, and you will be able to observe animals that are invisible during the day, such as certain reptiles and amphibians (frogs, snakes, etc.), nocturnal mammals (porcupine, raccoon, etc.), and many insects!

• day 7

  Monteverde

  Free day to enjoy the lodge or take an optional excursion in the region: Visit to the Children's Eternal Rainforest: this is the largest private reserve in Costa Rica, with an area of 20,000 hectares of protected tropical forest in the northeast of the country. Zipline: this is another way to experience the forest. You will discover a breathtaking panorama by taking the path of the birds. Glide from tree to tree, accompanied by your guides and fully equipped for safety.

• day 8

  On the way to the South Pacific

  Departure for the South Pacific region for an overnight stay in the Uvita area. During the rainy season, between September and October, many humpback whales can be observed off the coast of Uvita on their migration route. Free afternoon to stroll along the large sandy beaches of Marino Ballena National Park or to go explore the inland forest.

• day 9

  The Osa Peninsula

  Early departure to reach the small town of Sierpe where your boat awaits to take you to the Osa Peninsula. Arrival at the Sierpe dock around 10:30 am and meeting with your local Spanish/English-speaking guide. Transfer by semi-shared boat (only lodge guests) to reach the village of Drake where the lodge is located, passing through the Sierpe River and then by sea. Arrival at the lodge and free afternoon to enjoy the lodge and the lush surrounding nature.

• day 10

  Corcovado National Park

  Departure for a full day discovering Corcovado National Park (activity included), one of Costa Rica's most beautiful biodiversity treasures! You will leave by boat to the San Pedrillo station for a walk along the national park's trails. This park is considered a marvel of ecological diversity, as it has the largest primary forest on the American Pacific coast! You will be able to see a large number of animals of all kinds: mammals, reptiles, insects, birds, etc. If you are very lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the shy jaguar!

• day 11

  Free day

  Free day to enjoy the lodge's facilities or to organize an optional activity with the lodge. We suggest the following optional activity: Snorkeling on Isla del Caño: Caño Island offers a unique combination of marine life and represents an archaeological curiosity. Snorkeling will already allow you to appreciate many colorful tropical fish, such as the parrotfish. A walk on the island will let you discover its archaeological uniqueness.

• day 12

  Manuel Antonio

  Return by boat to Sierpe, where you will find your vehicle. Continue north to your destination: Manuel Antonio. Free afternoon at the hotel and at Playa Espadilla beach, a paradise for surfers and those who love to relax.

• day 13

  Manuel Antonio Region

  Free day to enjoy the beautiful beaches of the national park (the most beautiful on the Pacific coast!) or to go on an excursion in the region. Some examples of excursions below: Visit to Manuel Antonio National Park: a little gem with its emerald-colored coves and tropical forest, making it a place of serenity. It is home to monkeys, sloths, coatis, toucans, and iguanas… Kayak or boat tour in the Las Damas islands (mangroves) – with a local Spanish/English-speaking guide, 45 US$ per person: this type of flooded area is an extremely rich habitat and this excursion is ideal for discovering it. Kayak or boat tour in the Las Damas islands (mangroves) – with a local Spanish/English-speaking guide.

• day 14

  Return to the capital - airport

  Continuation to Juan Santamaría International Airport - San José.