Between beaches and volcanos

Caroline and Sylvain meet up with you at Liberia Airport in the early afternoon. Transfer to the villa at Los Nancites.

Once you’ve unpacked and freshened up in your new base camp, it’s time to discover the nearby beaches and connect with the local “Pura Vida” vibe. On the agenda: sand, sunshine, cocktails…

At the end of the day, Caroline and Sylvain will discuss the week’s program with you while you sip a well-deserved pre-dinner drink.

Your chef has cooked up your first dinner, which you’ll enjoy poolside – the perfect way to gently soak up the atmosphere!

Travel time: 1.5 hr.
Meals included: dinner.

In the morning, off for a surfing lesson (1.5 hr)! Whether a total newbie or already comfortable on a board, you’ll quickly find out that here, in the warm waters of Costa Rica, catching the wave is GUARANTEED!

The surf instructors will take care of you from A to Z – you’ll emerge from the ocean with a smile on your face... You might then want to laze in a hammock and continue to enjoy the tropical atmosphere.

Chill and relax on the beach for the rest of the afternoon.

Travel time: 5 min.
Meals included: breakfast + dinner.

Late morning departure to visit the typical town of Santa Cruz, with its painted wooden houses. Grab a bite in a traditional Soda.

In the early afternoon, drive to Palo Verde Park where George, a Costa Rican and lover of biodiversity, awaits with his boat to take you on a cruise around the Tempisque River estuary. Tropical birds, crocodiles and white-faced monkeys can be spotted from the boat, on what is one of Central America’s largest rivers and a Costa Rican biodiversity hotspot. The uncrowded site will make you feel like you’re on an adventure to the edge of the world, and the late afternoon light is perfect for photography. Why not take a few tips from Sylvain, who’ll help you take great shots?

Travel time: 1.5 hr.
Meals included: breakfast + dinner

Take off just after breakfast to discover the picturesque Pirate Beach: relaxation, SUP or snorkeling near the infamous rocks where the pirates’ treasures are hidden… the choice is yours

Your hosts know of another secret beach down the road, which might be a great option weather permitting… it’s always an adventure, almost alone in the world in a little corner of paradise! It’s also the perfect spot to learn paddle boarding techniques as the water is always calm. There is even a mangrove swamp tucked away at one end of the beach. But you can also just lay down your beach towel and take in the scenery. A great opportunity to try out the photo skills you acquired yesterday!

On the way back, stopover in Villa Real for a break in one of the town’s best Soda, where a cheap and hearty lunch awaits.

Travel time: 1 hr.
Meals included: breakfast + dinner

In the early hours, your hosts invite you to a short stretching and planks session - if you’re up to it.

And then, a full day to chill on one of the area’s pretty beaches awaits!

A choice of optional activities is on offer, but you may just want to enjoy the Pura Vida, wind down, and sip a chilled seasonal fruit smoothie in your hammock, in the shade of a palm tree (optional activities not included – book and pay on site).

Cocktails and sunset on the beach before driving back to the Villa for dinner.

Travel time: 10 min
Meals included: breakfast, dinner

An early start today (5:45am) off to volcano region for the next two nights. You’ll grab breakfast on the way, road-trip style.

You’ll start with Rincón de la Vieja volcano and its natural park, and a scenic hike along the park’s trails: 1.5 – 2 hrs. to reach a fantastic waterfall – and a refreshing swim - and 1.5 – 2 hrs. to return.

Along the way, plenty of viewpoints over the varied landscape of ridges and forests, magnificent trees, and perhaps a few monkeys, blue morpho butterflies or tropical birds… but only if you tread lightly and don’t scare them away!

Lunch at a nearby Soda – you’ll definitely have built an appetite on the trail :)

Afternoon drive to Tenorio Park to settle down in your beautiful hotel, with pool and hot tub.

Evening meal in a Soda close by, after pre-dinner drinks and a game of billiards or darts!

Note: don’t forget to pack your poncho - it sometimes rains in the volcano region
Travel time: 2 hrs. in the morning, 1 hr. 45 in the afternoon
Meals included: breakfast

In the morning, a hearty breakfast on the patio with views of the toucans and many other birds that live around the lodge.

Next, a hike around the National Park, across the rainforest, along a river with amazing blue water… it’s almost unreal!

Back to the hotel for a well-deserved shower. Time to pack and hit the road towards Arenal Volcano.

After a quick lunch on the road, a little surprise awaits… Caroline and Sylvain are spoiling you!

You’ll finish the day with dinner at a lively restaurant in the picturesque town and eco-tourist hotspot of La Fortuna.

Travel time: 20 min in the morning, 1hr. 45 in the afternoon
Meals included: breakfast

In the morning, visit to the hanging bridges with a naturalist guide: a great walk above the giant treetops with breathtaking views of the volcano. This hike is also a perfect opportunity to discover the wildlife typical of the rainforest, and feel like an explorer far above the lush vegetation!

For lunch, Caroline and Sylvain will treat you to a timeless experience at a Costa Rican grandma’s typical family-run restaurant where you can sample traditional cuisine.

If the rain is too heavy, you can also visit a frog and reptile farm (additional charge paid on site, approx. $23). The center’s guides are passionate about their job and have plenty of knowledge to share about frogs, snakes and other rainforest species. (Note: this activity is only offered if it’s raining hard)

On the way back to sunny Guanacaste, drive around the lake for fine views of the volcano and perhaps spot a few birds and mischievous white-nosed coatimundis.

Travel time: 45 min in the morning, 4 hrs. at the end of the day
Meals included: breakfast, dinner

In the morning, if you’re feeling up to it, yoga session or run with Caroline. You can also schedule another surf lesson if that’s your thing (not included, book and pay on site).

With Caroline, shopping therapy in Tamarindo, where you’ll find all sorts of souvenirs, surf shops, jewelry or apparel, or a visit to the bank or supermarket if you need one. Caroline knows all the best places to grab yourself a bargain ;)

Travel time: 30 min
Meals included: breakfast, dinner

If you’re feeling brave, you can go for an early morning run with Caroline before breakfast on the Villa patio.

You will then head south to the Nicoya Peninsula and its turtle nesting areas. Discover a variety of landscapes, from picture-perfect spots (including a uniquely original white sand beach, bordered by the ocean on both sides), to black sand tropical beaches bordered by palm trees, and typical villages where you can sample Costa Rica’s famous “Gallo Pinto”.

Get a chance to visit Brenda Bombard’s "Refuge for Wildlife", which is setting an example for the rehabilitation of wildlife in the region (not included, $ 50 contribution). This requires advance booking; please specify you’d like to visit the refuge when confirming your stay. Only possible if the whole group is going.

Travel time: 1.5 hr.
Meals included: breakfast, dinner

After breakfast and time to compare your holiday snapshots, Caroline and Sylvain will drive you back to Liberia Airport. Book a flight out after 12pm. Hasta luego, Costa Rica…

Travel time: 1.5 hr.
Meals included: breakfast