Costa Rica - Nicaragua Combo: between nature and culture

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival in San José

  

  Welcome to Costa Rica! Your driver will be waiting for you at Juan Santamaria International Airport, near San José, at an altitude of 1,150 meters, in the heart of the Central Valley, to take you to your hotel. Overnight in a modern and comfortable boutique hotel, located in a quiet area of San José.

• day 2

  The little Amazon of Costa Rica

  

  Tortuguero National Park Early in the morning, departure in a shared service to the must-see region of Tortuguero, on the Caribbean coast. On the way, you will first cross the lush Braulio Carrillo Park, covered with thick humid tropical forest watered by torrential rains, before passing by the banana plantations for which Costa Rica is one of the world's leading exporters. It is at La Pavona or Caño Blanco, depending on the water level, that you will board a motorboat to navigate among the tropical flora and fauna to the lodge. Overnight in a lodge located between the sea and the lush jungle of Tortuguero National Park.

• day 3

  The little Amazon of Costa Rica

  

  Tortuguero National Park Departure for the canals of Tortuguero National Park. This large aquatic park is entirely made up of canals and lagoons in the middle of an impressive jungle, which is why it is nicknamed the "Amazon of Costa Rica." It is through this unique and extraordinary network of rivers and marshes in the heart of the jungle that you will set off, with your guide, to discover caimans, toucans, turtles, howler monkeys, parrots, sloths, iguanas, and multicolored birds. Overnight in a lodge located between the sea and the lush jungle of Tortuguero National Park.

• day 4

  Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí

  

  This morning, you will sail to the Caño Blanco or La Pavona dock, depending on the water level, before taking the road to Guápiles, where you will pick up your rental vehicle, then head to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, an important river port since colonial times (1 hour drive). Meeting nocturnal animals Discover the region's wildlife during a night hike. Your naturalist guide will help you observe snakes, spiders, frogs, and other nocturnal species... Approximate duration: 1.5 hours. Overnight in a lodge in the heart of a wildlife reserve.

• day 5

  Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí - Arenal Volcano

  

  Cocoa tour Discover the secrets and wonders of one of mankind's favorite foods: chocolate. After crossing a suspension bridge that leads you to the cocoa plantation, you will discover the natural and cultural history of the cacao tree. On the plantation, you will learn about the process by which cocoa is transformed into chocolate and you will be able to taste the indigenous chocolate drink, as well as chocolate bars made from organic cocoa. Approximate duration: 2 hours. Return to the road towards the La Fortuna region and the majestic Arenal volcano (1,650 meters), perfectly conical in shape (1h30 drive). Thermal waters At the end of the day, you will enjoy a moment of relaxation at the Ecotermales hot springs, in an intimate setting. The hot waters come directly from the Arenal volcano's springs, without ever coming into contact with the magma. Approximate duration: 3 hours. Overnight in a charming Eco Lodge located on the slopes of the Arenal volcano and near the La Fortuna waterfall.

• day 6

  Arenal Volcano

  

  Walk on the hanging bridges You will enjoy a route of about 3 kilometers crossing the primary forest and around fifteen hanging bridges above the canopy, from where you will have a breathtaking view of the tropical vegetation and the Arenal volcano! Approximate duration: 2 hours of walking. Discover the Arenal region. Enhance your stay by booking one of the following activities: - Eco Termales or Baldi hot springs - Arenal Volcano National Park with English/Spanish-speaking guide - Canopy exploration (hanging bridges, cable car) - Tour on Lake Arenal (boat, kayak, stand-up paddle, fishing) - Hiking and horseback riding - Rafting, canyoning, canopy, mountain biking - Excursion to Caño Negro (swamp - protected area) - Exploration of the Venado caves (caving) Night in a charming eco-lodge located on the slopes of the Arenal volcano and near the La Fortuna waterfall.

• day 7

  Tenorio Volcano

  

  Departure to the Miravalles and Tenorio volcanoes (2 hours by road). Tenorio National Park You will explore one of the most beautiful trails in the country, between jungle, waterfalls, and natural hot springs. You will have the opportunity to discover the Rio Celeste, renowned for its unreal turquoise blue color (which intensifies with the reflection of light rays), due to the minerals in its waters that contrast with the intense green of the tropical vegetation. Stretching for 36 km, the Rio Celeste originates at the meeting point of 2 rivers, passes through volcanic hot springs and sulfur springs, before forming a magnificent waterfall. Approximate duration: 2 hours 30 minutes. Overnight in a charming wooden bungalow, on a finca away from tourist circuits and close to Tenorio National Park.

• day 8

  Tamarindo and its beaches

  

  This morning, departure to the province of Guanacaste, land of Sabaneros, those proud and colorful cowboys. On the way, you will cross varied landscapes and can make a short stop in Liberia, the white city, before reaching the seaside resort of Tamarindo, on the Pacific coast (3 hours by road). Free day to enjoy the beaches of the region. Contact us for the various water activities not to be missed on site. Overnight in a glamping tent at a hotel nestled in a tropical garden between coconut trees and the sea.

• day 9

  Tamarindo and its beaches

  

  Free day to enjoy the region's beaches. Contact us for the various water activities not to be missed on site. Night in a glamping tent at a hotel nestled in a tropical garden, between coconut trees and the sea.

• day 10

  Goodbye Costa Rica, hello Nicaragua!

  

  This morning, drive to the Nicaraguan border, Peñas Blancas (3 hours by road). Welcome to Nicaragua! Arrival at the Peñas Blancas border post. First contact with the country. Pick up your rental vehicle on the Nicaraguan side of the border, then drive to the small seaside resort of San Juan del Sur, on the Pacific Ocean (1 hour by road). Overnight in a comfortable and charming hotel, located directly on the beach.

• day 11

  San Juan del Sur

  

  San Juan del Sur Free day to enjoy the hotel and relax in the small fishing town of San Juan del Sur. From here, you can, among other things, explore the wild beaches of the Pacific coast, visit a natural reserve for the protection of sea turtles, try surfing or other water activities, discover typical dishes in restaurants ideally located by the sea, and end your day with the sunset in the magnificent bay of San Juan del Sur. Night in a comfortable and charming hotel located directly on the beach.

• day 12

  The volcanic island of Ometepe

  

  You leave this morning from San Juan del Sur and head to the port of San Jorge, Rivas. Boarding the ferry towards Ometepe Island, the largest island on a freshwater lake. You will be able to observe its two majestic volcanoes, Concepción and Maderas. Then, you will continue your journey on the island to your hotel (about 1 hour by road and 1 hour 15 minutes by boat). A sunset on the lake! We suggest you go at the end of the day to Punta Jesus Maria to admire the sunset on this stretch of land nearly a kilometer long in the middle of the lake. Overnight in a finca in the heart of a fruit tree plantation on the slopes of the Maderas volcano.

• day 13

  The volcanic island of Ometepe

  

  Free day to enjoy the many possible activities on Ometepe Island. We recommend a walk in search of the petroglyphs, mysterious marks left in the stone by the Chorotega Indians in many places on the island more than 1500 years ago. To discover the local fauna and flora, you can go kayaking for half a day in the mangroves starting from the Istian isthmus. For swimming, the ideal is to go on foot, by bike, or by taxi to Ojo de Agua, a natural pool with clear, thermal waters. For hiking enthusiasts, we recommend going to see the San Ramon waterfall by walking from your hotel, or climbing the slopes of the Maderas volcano to reach the viewpoint and enjoy the panoramic view it offers. Overnight in a finca in the heart of a fruit tree plantation on the slopes of the Maderas volcano.

• day 14

  Granada, colonial city

  

  This morning, drive to the port of Moyogalpa and board the ferry to reach the mainland. Once on solid ground, drive towards the city of Granada (1h15 by boat + 1h30 by road). End of the day free at your hotel. Overnight in a comfortable hotel in the center of Granada.

• day 15

  Grenada and its surroundings

  

  Free discovery of Granada We suggest you discover this colonial gem on foot or by carriage. You can visit the Cathedral, the Church of La Merced, then the Xalteva Church, around which the city of Granada was originally built. You can climb the tower of the Church of La Merced to get a higher view of the city and observe the lake from above. Next, we invite you to immerse yourself in the central market and its colorful stalls. For enthusiasts, a cigar factory is located in the city center; guided tours and manufacturing workshops are offered. At the end of the morning, you can enjoy a cocktail made with Flor de Caña on Calle de la Calzada. Los Pueblos Blancos Take a stroll through the streets of these small villages renowned for their crafts (pottery, leather goods, and hammocks). La Laguna de Apoyo Free afternoon to rest and swim in the enchanting setting of the Laguna de Apoyo, a former volcanic crater now filled with fresh water. Night in a comfortable hotel in the center of Granada.

• day 16

  Masaya, city and volcano

  

  Discovery of Masaya Today, stop in Masaya to discover this small town whose artisanal market is famous. You will cross the pleasant Julio Cesar central park and meet many Nicaraguan hammock producers, whose products are then sold throughout the country. Then, you can stroll along the viewpoint that borders the Masaya lagoon, with a view of the volcano of the same name. Nearby, you can enjoy the Catarina viewpoint, which offers a panoramic view of the Laguna de Apoyo. The Masaya volcano at night! The Masaya Volcano National Park is a place that will give you another perspective on what happens beneath the Earth's crust. With its five craters, the Masaya, called "Popogatepe" by the Nahuatl natives, is the most accessible active volcano in the world. The tour consists of discovering it at dusk to enjoy the sunset, the lava lake, and the observation of local wildlife. Night in a comfortable hotel in the center of Granada.

• day 17

  See you later Nicaragua!

  

  Free time to enjoy Granada. Then, continue on the road towards Managua International Airport for your international flight (1 hour drive). Return your rental vehicle at the airport.