Welcome to the Green Paradise

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Paris - San José

  Takeoff from Paris to San José. Economy class flight with the airline Air France. 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

  Route to Sarapiquí, 2 h drive

  At 7:30 am, a representative from the car rental agency will meet you at your hotel reception to deliver your rental car. You can then drive to Sarapiqui. On the way, you will have the opportunity to visit Poas Volcano National Park. Culminating at over 2700 m in altitude, Poas Volcano has one of the largest active craters in the world (1.4 km in diameter). Known for its frequent phreatic eruptions, Poas Volcano is a must-see tourist stop. Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui has become a popular destination for nature lovers. The humid tropical forests blend with agricultural lands where bananas, pineapples, and cocoa are produced. The region's biological reserves are exemplary and attract visitors as well as researchers from all over the world. 1 night at Hacienda Pozo Azul with breakfast.

• day 3

  Route to Boca Tapada

  The Maquenque Ecolodge is the ideal place for nature lovers. Nestled in the heart of the Maquenque nature reserve, you will stay here in a treehouse 13 m high. The lodge has 98 hectares of tropical rainforest, and the developed trails allow for long walks, alone or accompanied by a guide. For those who love birds and wish to go in search of them, no less than 410 species share the park, including the Lapa Verde and the Lapa Roja. 1 night at the Maquenque Ecolodge in a treehouse with breakfast.

• day 4

  Organized activities in Boca Tapada

  On the program for this day: canoeing around the lodge's lagoon, planting a tree so that you too can participate in reforestation efforts, and hiking along the lodge's trails to interpret the trail and observe the region's fauna and flora. 1 night at Maquenque Ecolodge in a treehouse, full board.

• day 5

  Arrival in the Northern plains

  Breakfast, drive to the Arenal volcano. The Arenal volcano undoubtedly has the most eventful volcanic history of the last century in Central America. A perfect cone at 1633 m in altitude, on the edge of the lake of the same name, it offers spectacular landscapes and makes it one of the must-see destinations in Central America. Recommended activities: - Hot springs - Hanging bridges - National park 1 night at the Oasis Ecolodge hotel with breakfast.

• day 6

  Visit to Arenal Volcano National Park

  Breakfast at the hotel. In the Arenal Volcano National Park, you 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 afternoon of your choice: visit to La Fortuna waterfall, ziplining, hanging bridges, visit to the biological garden, among others... 1 night at the Oasis Ecolodge hotel with breakfast.

• day 7

  Departure for Carara.

  Carara National Park preserves a transitional forest between the dry forest of Guanacaste and the humid tropical forest of the central Pacific. Its worldwide fame is due to its many bird species (360). You can notably observe the Scarlet Macaw (red parrot), which is endangered, the Violaceous Trogon, many hummingbirds... Along a trail, you might be lucky enough to come across a group of capuchin monkeys or a coati! The trees and plants are also remarkable: here, you will find species from 2 ecosystems! For example, the national tree Guanacaste, the Guarumo trees, and the Cafecillo. 1 night at Cerro Lodge in a bungalow with breakfast.

• day 8

  Discovering the Campesinos community of Quebrada Arroyo

  Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Quepos, then, via a mountain track, you will reach Quebrada Arroyo and the Los Campesinos site, a beautiful example of community rural tourism. You will overlook a magnificent waterfall and cross one of the longest suspension bridges in all of Costa Rica. Meeting with the owners of the finca and explanation of the vanilla cultivation process. Hiking in the reserve. 1 night at the Los Campesinos lodge with full board.

• day 9

  Route to Palma Quemada, 10 km north of Dominical

  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, the deep blue waters of the vast Pacific, where whales, dolphins, and turtles live together in harmony, as well as the incredible sunsets, will surely dazzle you. 1 night at Tipi Jungla Ecolodge with half board.

• day 10

  Free day between Palma Quemeda and Dominical.

  Costa Ballena is named as such because of the whales that come to play and mate in this part of Costa Rica. Marino Ballena Park is known for its natural rock formation in the sea, shaped like a whale's tail. Many beautiful beaches are to be discovered in the surroundings, each with its own characteristics. In addition, the abundance of jungle, animals, waterfalls, and panoramic views will amaze you. 1 night at Tipi Jungla Ecolodge with half board.

• day 11

  Departure for a night in a cave.

  You will be expected at the operations center in the mountains overlooking Dominical and will begin your hike to the base camp. On the way, you will visit a botanical garden and taste sugar cane as well as cocoa. You will arrive before noon at the cave, where you will have lunch before discovering the Diamante waterfalls! You can swim in the natural pools. You will then return to the cave, where you will have some free time. 1 night in a cave with full board.

• day 12

  Back to the operations center

  Around 9:00 am, after enjoying a delicious breakfast, you will discover new waterfalls where you can, once again, jump, swim, or simply admire the splendor of the place! Around 11:00 am, you will begin your hike back to the operations center. You will arrive there around 1:00 pm. You can then retrieve your rental 4x4 and drive to San Gerardo de Dota. 1 night at Trogon Lodge in a standard room with breakfast.

• day 13

  Free day in San Gerardo de Dota

  Formerly called Los Santos Reserve, Quetzales National Park was named as such in 2005 in honor of the resplendent quetzal inhabiting the trees. Covering an area of 50 km², the park starts at the level of the humid tropical forest and rises to 3,000 m in altitude on the Talamanca mountain range. This park is recognized by ornithologists, as 20% of the bird species identified in Costa Rica can be observed here. The most well-known are the quetzal, the trogon, and the hummingbird. As for mammals, you may have the chance to spot a jaguar attacking a Baird's tapir or a squirrel monkey. 1 night at Trogon Lodge in a standard room with breakfast.

• day 14

  Back to the capital

  Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to San José. You will return the rental 4x4 at 5:00 pm at the hotel. 1 night at the Aranjuez hotel in a superior room with breakfast.

• day 15

  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 16).

• day 16

  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 16).