Costa Rica off the beaten path

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Paris - San José

  Takeoff from Paris to San José. Economy class flight with the airline Air France. Upon arrival at the airport, transfer and check-in at the hotel, delivery of the travel booklet. If your flight schedule allows, you can improvise a cultural outing in San José in the afternoon (gold museum, national museum, national theater, etc.). 1 night at the Aranjuez hotel in a superior room with breakfast.

• day 2

  Barra del Pacuare

  Pick up the rental car and drive to Barra del Pacuare. Lirio Lodge is located in a low-density tourist area, facing the lush Laguna Madre de Dios (900,000 m²) and close to the mouth of the Rio Pacuare, as well as many projects dedicated to the study and protection of leatherback turtles, green turtles, or hawksbill turtles (with scales). It is a small lodge made up of bungalows and modern, spacious, and comfortable eco-tents, set up on raised platforms. During your stay, you can observe many species of animals, such as howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, spider monkeys, sloths, exotic plants, crocodiles, basilisks, iguanas, and a wide variety of birds. 1 night at Lirio Lodge in a bungalow, full board.

• day 3

  Barra del Pacuare

  Early in the morning, awakened by the singing of birds nearby, you will start the day with a visit to the canals and lagoons of Barra del Pacuare, surrounding this tropical paradise, in order to observe the flora and fauna at an early hour. After this beautiful walk, you will return to enjoy a delicious breakfast. Then, the boat will take you to the "Congo" trail for a walk lasting more than 2 hours, during which your naturalist guide will explain all the details of the route. Relaxing afternoon. Dinner will be served at 7:00 pm in the "El Tucan" restaurant and, if the weather permits, you will have a campfire on the artificial beach "Collar Beach". 1 night at the Lirio Lodge hotel with full board.

• day 4

  In the heart of the Turrialba valley

  Breakfast and boat trip from Lirio Lodge. Then, you will head towards Turrialba. After lunch, you will leave for the highlands in the center of the country. You will visit a farm run by a French-speaking Costa Rican family who will share their love for their country with you. A small mountain town, Turrialba is renowned for its fresh air, its coffee, and its rafting trips. It is the ideal place to discover the Turrialba volcano, the Guayabo archaeological site, go mountain hiking, rafting, and canyoning. 1 night at Finca Integral Dikla in a guest room with half board.

• day 5

  Day in Turrialba

  The Turrialba volcano is an active stratovolcano in Costa Rica. It is located in a 1,250-hectare national park, fully protected since 1955. With an altitude of 3,339 m, it contains three craters, one of which is active. Due to its activity, the area and the volcano are under close surveillance. On clear days, it is possible to observe its "twin," the Irazú, from certain slopes. 1 night at Finca Integral Dikla in a guest room, half board.

• day 6

  Take to the heights in San Gerardo de Dota

  Here, visitors will find a deep cloud forest, filled with massive oaks and other native species. The woods serve as a refuge for a large number of mammals, as well as countless species of insects, amphibians, amazing plants, and colorful birds, making this place a true paradise for birdwatchers. More than 170 species of birds have been observed in the region and along its many hiking trails through the rainforest. This place is recognized as one of the best spots in the world to observe Quetzals, which live here year-round. 1 night in a guest room at El Quetzal with half board.

• day 7

  Assault on the Corcovado

  The Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park were considered a wild and unknown no man's land until the 1960s. The first pioneers were gold prospectors and new settlers in search of land, braving inhospitable conditions to exploit natural resources that seemed inexhaustible. The environmental damage caused by humans did not have time to spread as in other Latin American countries, thanks to the early declaration of Corcovado National Park. Currently, it covers 27,000 hectares of virgin forest, representing 5% of the world's biodiversity, delighting adventurers who brave the humid tropical heat to discover these natural wonders. 3 nights at Danta Lodge with breakfast.

• day 8

  Assault on the Corcovado

  The Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park were considered a wild and unknown no man's land until the 1960s. The first pioneers were gold prospectors and new settlers in search of land, braving inhospitable conditions to exploit natural resources that seemed inexhaustible. The environmental damage caused by humans did not have time to spread as in other Latin American countries, thanks to the early declaration of Corcovado National Park. Currently, it covers 27,000 hectares of virgin forest, representing 5% of the world's biodiversity, delighting adventurers who brave the humid heat of the tropics to discover these natural wonders. 3 nights at Danta Lodge with breakfast.

• day 9

  Assault on the Corcovado

  The Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park were considered a wild and unknown no man's land until the 1960s. The first pioneers were gold prospectors and new settlers in search of land, braving inhospitable conditions to exploit natural resources that seemed inexhaustible. The environmental damage caused by humans did not have time to spread as in other Latin American countries, thanks to the early declaration of Corcovado National Park. Currently, it covers 27,000 hectares of virgin forest, representing 5% of the world's biodiversity, delighting adventurers who brave the humid tropical heat to discover these natural wonders. 3 nights at Danta Lodge with breakfast.

• day 10

  Nature and beach on the Dominical side.

  Playa Dominical is known for its waves; the surfing is excellent. The long beach is lined with coconut trees and the whole region has preserved its beauty and virginity. Located on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Playa Dominical is ideal for walking, from the mountains to the beach. The interaction between the ocean and the mountains, nature and the lack of development, as well as the deep blue waters of the vast Pacific, where whales, dolphins, and turtles live together in harmony, and the incredible sunsets are sure to amaze you. 1 night at Hacienda Baru in a superior room with breakfast.

• day 11

  Free day in Dominical and the surrounding area.

  The Uvita sandbar, which connects the mainland to a small rocky island near Dominical beach, looks like a whale's tail. Even more interesting, this site and its surroundings are among the best places to observe humpback whales from North and South America. Northern humpback whales are generally visible from December to April, while Southern humpback whales can be seen from July to October. The spectacle is impressive, knowing that they can measure up to 16 m long and weigh up to 40 tons. They owe their name to the small hump located at the level of the dorsal spine, which can be seen when they surface and leap out of the water. 1 night at Hacienda Baru in a superior room with breakfast.

• day 12

  Departure for Isla Chira.

  Chira Island is the largest island in the Costa Rican Pacific. It is located in the heart of the Gulf of Nicoya. The lodge where you will stay was created by the initiative of the island's women fishers. 1 night at Posada Rural La Amistad with half board.

• day 13

  Free day at Isla Chira

  On this island, you will discover the traditional fishing culture, visit impressive mangroves, and observe a wide variety of birds. 1 night at Posada Rural La Amistad with half board.

• day 14

  Arrival in the Northern plains

  Boat transfer to the mainland, then drive to the Arenal volcano. The perfect silhouette of the Arenal volcano is a sight no visitor should miss. This colossal natural wonder rises to 1,633 m above sea level. At the base of this perfect cone, many hotels and resorts have been established. Numerous excursions are offered on foot, by mountain bike, or on horseback in the region. Zipline courses allow you to discover the lush nature from above. For relaxation, the hot springs, such as those at Tabacon, are ideal. On Lake Arenal, you can swim, fish, surf, kayak, windsurf, etc. 1 night at the Oasis Ecolodge in a standard room with breakfast.

• day 15

  Free day at Arenal volcano

  Breakfast at the hotel. In the Arenal Volcano National Park, you will have the opportunity to access the famous 1992 lava flow and thus be both very close to the volcano and enjoy the view of Lake Arenal and the Tilarán mountain range. Free day. Options: visit the La Fortuna waterfall, ziplining, hanging bridges, visit a biological garden, etc. 1 night at the Oasis Ecolodge in a standard room with breakfast.

• day 16

  Back to the capital

  Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to San José. Return of the rental car at the hotel. One night at the Aranjuez hotel in a superior room with breakfast.

• day 17

  San José - Paris

  Depending on your flight schedule, a final activity may be planned. Do not hesitate to seek advice from our team. Transfer to the airport and flight to Paris (arrival on day 18).

• day 18

  San José - Paris

  Depending on your flight schedule, a final activity may be planned. Do not hesitate to seek advice from our team. Transfer to the airport and flight to Paris (arrival on day 18).