Costa Rica is rightly famous for its incredible biodiversity and this is our way to experience it: We raft a tropical river, hike on lava fields, soar over the magical forest, search for wildlife in a rainforest, and swim with dolphins in the Pacific Ocean. At night we return to our cozy, boutique hotels, where we can get pampered at fabulous Spas and appease our hunger with gourmet cuisine.
DAY 1: Arrive in the Central Valley: Unfasten, unpack, unwind...
Upon arrival at the airport in San Jose, you will be greeted by our local crew and escorted to your hotel in the Central Valley. Join your personal guide for a fresh cup of coffee or tea and leisurely plan the days ahead before retiring to your room for some deserved rest. This afternoon we have arranged a soothing massage session so your body and mind can start tuning in to your restful holiday ahead. Your hotel's exceptional restaurant offers the ideal scenario to delve into the culinary delights of this ancestral land. Overnight.
Your Exclusive Agenda includes:
- Airport transfers
- Meeting with your personal guide
- Soothing massage
- Accommodations for two nights in the Central Valley
DAY 2: The Central Valley, amid coffee plantations and tropical rivers
In shear contrast with the hustle of San Jose, the surrounding Central Valley is a fertile agricultural region made up of primary mountain forests, biological reserves, and coffee, macadamia and sugar cane plantations. A delicate balance has been maintained between agricultural development and ecological preservation that can be seen in haciendas that still use traditional methods and the careful development of ecotourism activities that engage the local population allowing for the conservation of forests and rivers. River rafting is actually one of the area's most popular activities, which you will experience during your stay in this pastoral land. Don a vest, grab a paddle and get ready for 10 miles of the best rapids you will ever run, complete with stunning jungle scenery and tons of wildlife watching opportunities including toucans, kingfishers, herons, iguanas and bright green Jesus Christ lizards (you know, the funny ones that run over water).
Your Exclusive Agenda includes:
- Breakfast at your hotel
- A rafting excursion on a tropical river
- Lunch during tour
"Spice up Your Exclusive Journey" ideas (at extra cost):
- Horseback riding
- Mountain biking
- Bird watching
DAYS 3-5: Arenal
The perfect cone of Arenal volcano stands out as the focal point of a conservational area, which thrives around the rumblings and evening light and fire shows of the imposing giant and the natural beauty of the surrounding forests, lakes, rivers and natural hot springs. A natural playground made for both children and children at heart, Arenal offers an endless array of possibilities to explore the pristine surroundings either on horseback, mountain bikes, ATVs, soaring over the canopy, paddling down a river, or hiking on lava fields. And if you don't feel playful, then join a relaxing wildlife observation tour, soothe your muscles in the hot springs, indulge in a spa treatment or just sit down in your hotel balcony and watch the volcano perform one of its regular fiery shows.
Your Exclusive Agenda includes:
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Overland transfer from San Jose to Arenal
- Accommodations for three nights in Arenal
- A guided hike among lava fields around Arenal Volcano
- Soar over the canopy on a thrilling canopy tour
"Spice up Your Exclusive Journey" ideas (at extra cost):
- Wildlife observation at Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge
- ATV tours
- Horseback riding to La Fortuna Waterfall
- Mountain biking
DAYS 6-8: Quepos
Originally a sleepy fishing village, Quepos lost its humble status soon after a handful of visionaries discovered its bountiful waters and the beauty of its national parks. A few boutique hotels later, the unassuming village was transformed into a quaint tourist town actively sought out by honeymooners and active travelers, who flock to Quepos attracted by its fiery sunsets, luxuriant national parks inhabited by a myriad of wild creatures, and a coast blessed with spectacular cliffs, pristine white-sand beaches, and stony islands thriving with marine birds. Land and sea can be explored these days through a varied menu of eco tours ranging from horseback riding and canopy tours to snorkeling and sea kayaking. Your overland transfer from Arenal will acquire a new dimension as you hit the Pacific Coast that you will enjoy in its full magnificence during a memorable lunch overlooking the ocean.
Your Exclusive Agenda includes:
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Overland transfer or flight service from Arenal to Quepos
- Accommodations for three nights in Quepos
- A wildlife observation hike in Manuel Antonio National Park
"Spice up Your Exclusive Journey" ideas (at extra cost):
- Horseback riding
- Mangrove kayaking
- Sunset sailing charters
- Surfing classes
- ATV outings
DAYS 9-11: Osa Peninsula
A remote land of jungle forests and wild beaches, Osa Peninsula stands as the last remaining virgin forest in Central America. Osa is home to Corcovado National Park, the crown jewel of Costa Rica's National Park system where many endangered animal and plant species still thrive. Truly a paradise lost, it is a place where jaguars still roam the jungles, scarlet macaws fly freely over the canopy, and monkeys are found in numbers unmatched in all of Central America. The days in the jungle are fast-paced, with exciting activities such as sunrise bird watching tours, hikes in the forest and snorkeling off deserted islands. For the most intrepid, it is possible to arrange horseback rides, jungle biking excursions and scuba diving trips. The evenings are magical, relaxing on a hammock, searching for nocturnal animals, and listening to the sounds of the jungle under a clear, star-studded sky.
Your Exclusive Agenda includes: **
- Flight service from Quepos to Palmar Sur
- Airport transfers in Quepos
- All land and boat transfers from Palmar Sur to the lodge
- Accommodations for three nights in Osa Peninsula
- All meals at your lodge
- Snorkeling excursion at Cano Island (Watch out for dolphins and whales!)
- Jungle hiking in the rainforest
- Sunrise bird watching
** Program may vary depending on hotel
"Spice up Your Exclusive Journey" ideas (at extra cost):
- Scuba diving
- Sea kayaking
- Horseback riding
- Sport fishing
DAY 12: Return home, energized and wiser
Time to bid farewell to this magnificent land. Your guide will drive you to the airport in time for your return flight to the US. We hope you have enjoyed your Exclusive Journey and look forward to hosting you again in the near future. Safe journeys...
Your Exclusive Agenda includes: **
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Airport departure transfer
- Return flight to San Jose and transfer to International airport (If necessary)
Included:
- All land transportation at the destination
- Domestic flights
- Lodging
- Breakfast daily
- Other meals per itinerary
- Private guide services except as indicated
- Excursions per itinerary
- Hotel taxes
- English-speaking assistance
Not Included
- International flights
- Airport departure taxes
- "Spice up" ideas
- Meals not specified in itinerary
- Incidentals at hotels
- Souvenirs
- Tips and gratuities
* Itineraries subject to change.