Day 01: USA – San Jose
Upon your arrival to the San Jose’s International Airport, clear customs and immigrations and exit the Airport, a representative from our company will meet you and present you with land portion vouchers. He will provide a private overland transfer to your hotel in San Jose (driving time: 30 minutes approximately).
The capital of Costa Rica, San Jose is located in the heart of the Meseta Central or Central Valley. Sitting in the northern region of San Jose province, San Jose sits right in the center of Costa Rica. This central location therefore, allows the capital to have direct access routes to all parts of the country. With a pleasant climate and temperate weather, San Jose province enjoys mild to moderate temperatures throughout the year, hovering around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This near perfect weather thus makes the San Jose province one of the most populated in Costa Rica. Today thousands of visitors seek out the Central Highlands, where coffee-covered mountains lead into a lush green valley.
Day 01-02: San Jose
1 night´s accommodations in San Jose at the Real Intercontinental Hotel (double club tower) or similar. (B included). http://www.realhotelsandresorts.com/cr/real_san_jose/home
Welcome to Costa Rica! Voted by Conde Nast as one of the best hotels in Central America and Mexico, this Marriott Costa Rica Hotel is a beautiful colonial hacienda set on a 30 acre coffee plantation. With its unique architecture and elegant antiques, this luxury hotel in San Jose Costa Rica features captivating grounds, exceptional service and a relaxing ambiance. Whether you are here for business or an adventurous Costa Rica vacation, enjoy magnificent natural attractions such as volcanoes, rainforest trails, and canopy tours. Experience fine dining, exquisite tapas and wines at La Isabela, known as one of the best restaurants in San Jose Costa Rica. Swim in our two outdoor pools or pamper yourself at our coffee inspired Kuö Spa.
For Costa Rica meetings or incentive groups, the hotel offers 11350 sq-ft of versatile function space, professional meeting planners and superb catering. Enjoy the splendor of this country and be assured that Costa Rica Marriott has everything for the perfect Costa Rica.
Day 02: San Jose – Pacuare
Early morning pick-up in your hotel lobby by a Costa Rica Nature Adventures representative. Transportation service (approximately 2½ hours) to our Pacuare River put-in including a typical Costa Rican breakfast in route. Exciting 1-1½ hour river rafting tour to the Pacuare Lodge (class II-III rapids) where you will enjoy a two night stay at Costa Rica’s premier eco-lodge. Arrival at the Pacuare Lodge 12:00 – 1:00 pm. After lunch participate in an optional canopy tour (not included in package price) or waterfall hike, or simply relax in your private bungalow or suite. Dine on gourmet delicacies by candlelight and then visit our upstairs lounge for a cocktail or refreshment before retiring to a restful night’s sleep. (B, L, D)
Day 02-03: Pacuare River
1 night´s accommodations in the Pacuare River at the Pacuare Lodge (double linda vista suite) or similar. (5 Meals included).
Tucked away deep in the heart of Costa Rica’s most pristine rainforest environment, on the banks of the Pacuare River, lays the Pacuare Jungle Lodge. Surrounded by nature in its purest and most primitive state, here you will experience that most coveted of travelers’ rewards, an opportunity to savor the spirit of a place. The Pacuare Lodge nineteen bungalows and main lodge were designed and constructed to blend with the surrounding environment, affecting minimal impact, and has been recognized by the World Tourism Organization as one of only sixty-five examples throughout the world of good practice in sustainability and ecotourism.
Day 03: Pacuare River – Puerto Viejo, Limon
You’ll wake up to bird song and the soothing sound of the river nearby. Then head over to the main lodge for a delicious breakfast of home-made bread, tropical fruits, yogurt, eggs, pancakes, cereal and juice and coffee. Between 9:00-10:00 am. You will depart by raft for an even more fun-filled day of white water rafting excitement (approximately 3½ hours over class III-IV rapids), including a delicious picnic lunch along the river. At our river take-out you will have a chance to change at our private facilities before being transferred by private minibus to the Puerto Viejo Beach.
Located in Limon province on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a beach lover’s paradise. Here amidst the exotic flora and fauna, lies a vibrant seaside town with gorgeous beaches, crystal clear blue waters, and some of the most amazing surfing opportunities. Fast becoming one of Costa Rica’s premier tourist hot spots, many international surfers come here from all over the world to ride the famed Salsa Brava waves, making this Caribbean influenced town is a ‘must visit’ place when in Limon.
Simply known as Puerto Viejo by the locals and not to be confused with Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui in Heredia, this bustling town lies 34 miles south east of Puerto Limon, and 10.2 miles south of Cahuita. Formerly a quiet little fishing village, Puerto Viejo has a charm that is all its own. Becoming increasingly popular, especially with the young hip crowd, this town is among the top rated surfing destinations of the world. With its relaxed atmosphere and its own unique blend of Latino, Afro-Caribbean and Bribri indigenous cultures, Puerto Viejo is a lively place to have a fun relaxing vacation.
Day 03-05: Puerto Viejo
2 nights ‘accommodations in Puerto Viejo de Limon at Le Cameleon Hotel (double suite) or similar. (Breakfast included). http://www.lecameleonhotel.com
Le Caméléon Boutique Resort is located on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast within the tropical forest of Puerto Viejo, Limón. With its laid back attitude and Caribbean lifestyle, Puerto Viejo has it all: long walks on the pristine beaches, exotic flora and fauna in a wildlife refuge, snorkeling or diving among the many reefs in crystal clear waters, world-class surfing, mountain biking, kayaking and cultural visits to indigenous communities creating a natural and soothing ambiance. Cocles Beach, with its beautiful golden sands, is within walking distance from the resort. The serene atmosphere here is wonderfully relaxing. Smart, contemporary décor cleverly melds with the rustic ambience and intriguing lighting that changes color each day, adding a sophisticated warmth and sense of fun. This is the place for surfing, diving or snorkeling. Cocles Beach is just steps away; alternatively, visit Playa Chiquita, an isolated beach area, exclusively for guests of the hotel. Try mountain biking, or a trip to Cahuita National Park with its coral reefs and fascinating birdlife. Return to the hotel for cocktails at Numu Lounge before sampling world-class International fine dining at Le Numu Restaurant.
Day 04: Puerto Viejo
Free day to explore the area on your own or just relax at the beach and enjoy the resort facilities.
Day 05: Puerto Viejo – Arenal
Morning pick up at your hotel for a private overland transfer to the Arenal Volcano Area (driving time: 5 hours approx).
Acknowledged for its amazing natural beauty, the Arenal region of Costa Rica is a tourist hotspot with millions of visitors coming here every year. Located near the base of the Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica’s most active volcano, the tiny town of Nuevo Arenal is a must visit when exploring this region. A picturesque and quaint town with close proximity to the beautiful Lake Arenal, this town is known for its breathtaking vistas and superb mountain and volcano views. Lying some 30 minutes from the town of Tilaran on the north east side of Lake Arenal, Nuevo Arenal can also be easily accessed from the town of La Fortuna de San Carlos as well. Located at an altitude of 620 meters above sea level, the weather here is great as the climate remains cool and fresh all year long. Created in 1973 when a dam was built in the region, Nuevo Arenal or New Arenal came into existence when the waters of the lake rose and the former town of Arenal disappeared underwater.
Built on higher safer ground, Nuevo Arenal is a small town with all the basic necessities that one needs. Found in town are a number of banking services, a health clinic, grocery stores, mini-markets, a gas station, restaurants, hotels, resorts, bars and plenty of souvenir shops. The nightlife in Nuevo Arenal is quite active as well. When in town, do remember to stop at the German bakery for some delicious local delicacies and snacks. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the fishing in Lake Arenal is very good, as there are plenty of Rainbow Bass and other fresh water fish found here. For the more daring, windsurfing in the lake is a great way to spend the day. With strong winds lasting from November to April, Lake Arenal attracts world class windsurfers from all over the globe. If you like, you can also take some lovely nature hikes around the lake area where you will get the chance to see various birds and animals, such as the Howler Monkeys, toucans, White Hawks and Chachalacas.
Day 05-07: Arenal
2 nights´ accommodations in Arenal at Arenal Nayara Hotel (double suite) or similar. (Daily breakfast included). http://www.arenalnayara.com
A world of comfort and style surrounded by an untouched natural paradise. Located in the outskirts of one of the world’s most amazing volcanoes, Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens is the experience of a lifetime. At Arenal Nayara Hotel & Gardens, you will find a unique blend between the hospitality of our local culture and the warm tropical climate, making your Costa Rican vacation an unparalleled experience that soothes your senses and rejuvenates your spirit. Make one of our luxurious casitas your home in this lush and verdant natural wonder, where simply waking up to the wondrous sight of the Arenal Volcano is an experience in itself. We at Nayara aim to provide the best service and amenities so that your stay with us is the highlight of your travels in Costa Rica and a truly unforgettable vacation.
Day 06: Arenal
Enjoy the Arenal Hanging Bridges, this amazing project is located in a wonderful rain forest preserve with 250 hectares protected land. You can go into the natural paradise along walking trail of three kilometers passing 15 bridges, six of them are hanging bridges with an spectacular design as a secure – enjoyable adventure to see the forest from the ground (like a Jaguar) from the middle (like as Monkey) and from the treetops (like an Eagle)…One of our hanging bridges is called The Waterfall Bridge and is over 60 meters high off the ground. Another one is called The Tyra Bridge and is 98 meters long, just to give you an idea. In this heaven of nature live over 250 species of birds, including the White Hawk, Great Curassow, Rufous Motmot, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Black-throated Trogon, reptiles like the: Fer-de-lance Snake, Boa Constrictor, Basilisks Lizard, Glass Frog, Poison Dart Frog… and amazing mammals like: Howler Monkeys, Spider Monkeys, Tyras, Coatimundis, Three-toed Sloths, White-collared Peccary…Some of our clients have the fortune of seeing some of them. Thousands of beautiful insects like: Butterflies, colorful Beatles, amazing Leaf-cutter Ants, or the artistic Web-making Spiders… That’s just the animals, but the diversity of trees plants like, Orquids or Elephant Ears is tremendous and incredible.
Day 07: Arenal – San Jose
Free morning to explore the area on your own or just relax taking advantage of the hotel facilities. In the afternoon a private overland transfer will take you back to the central valley (driving time: 3 hours approx).
Day 07-08: San Jose
1 night´s accommodations in the San Jose outskirts at the Xandary Plantation Hotel (double prima) or similar (breakfast included). http://www.xandari.com
Xandari Resort & Spa is a tropical paradise of 22 individually designed villas nestled on a 40 acre plantation overlooking the Central Valley of Costa Rica, and only 20 minutes from the San Jose International Airport. At an elevation of 3900 feet (1200 meters), Xandari enjoys a near–perfect temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit all year.
Day 08: San Jose – USA
Departure transfer back to the International Airport on time to take your flight back home. Due to local regulations, international travelers need to check in around 3 hours before flight departure. End of services.
07 nights / 08 days
