Day 1 – We know the way to San José
After a long flight, you’ll be met by a representative from our local office waiting to whisk you away to your modern hotel in the centre of the city. The next morning, your hire car will be dropped off at your hotel so you can start your adventure.
Days 2-4 – Lava flows of Arenal volcano
As soon as the paperwork is out of the way, you can hit the road. Today’s journey to La Fortuna is around 3 hours, but you might want to stop along the way to take in the stunning scenery.
As you head towards La Fortuna, at the foot of Arenal volcano, you’ll notice the landscape becoming more mountainous and the winding road becoming more pot-holed. The mighty volcano and beautiful countryside is one of the most iconic images of Costa Rica. We’ll arrange for you to stay in a comfortable wooden cabin hotel, just outside the popular tourist town.
Day 3 – Hiking & hot springs
Today you’ll be collected from your hotel with a small group and a guide. You will hike through lush landscapes, learning about the history and wildlife, with the ever-present volcano as your backdrop. After marvelling at the view over Arenal Lake, you’ll be transferred to the hot springs where you can relax and unwind in the mineral baths, followed by a tasty buffet dinner.
Day 4 – Into the cloud forests of Monteverde
Next up, a drive around Lake Arenal will lead you to Monteverde, famous for its cloud forests. This journey will take you about 3.5 hours without stops. You’ll spend the next few nights in a rustic lodge with a homely feel and a beautiful garden within walking distance of the town centre. Once you’ve settled in, you can take advantage of some of the local activities available, such as visiting the frog pond to see many different species and learn all about them from a local expert. Alternatively, check out one of the restaurants and bars in this bustling town.
Day 5 – Tree top walk with a guide
With its high humidity and altitude, Monteverde is full of lush vegetation. You’ll join your guide and a small group of other travellers to experience the cloud forest for yourself. You’ll take a 3km walk along many sturdy bridges and walkways at different heights. As most animals here are nocturnal and rather shy, the tour will be geared towards a botanical experience, focusing on the diverse variety of plants.
Day 6 – Monteverde – Manuel Antonio
Today you will leave the highlands behind and head for the coast. Manuel Antonio, located on the Pacific Coast, is around 3 hours away and boasts crescent-shaped bays, jungles bursting with wildlife and an excellent bar and restaurant scene. You’ll stay in a hill-top villa resort with a pool for refreshing dips and serene views across the ocean. Settle in, relax in your hammock or head out for sunset cocktails at one of the many bars dotted along the road. There are plenty of choices when it comes to eating and drinking here – most with ocean vistas!
Day 7 – Guided walk through the National Park & departure
Today, you’ll make your way to the park gates, where you’ll meet your eagle-eyed guide and begin your walk. Manuel Antonio National Park is fairly small and easy to explore on foot. Within a couple of hours, you’ll be able to spot plenty of wildlife inhabiting the rainforest and learn about different species and their habitat. You might hear howler monkeys communicating, and with the help of your guide, spot smaller and well-camouflaged animals too!
The rest of the day is free for you to do as you please. Take a stroll through the National Park or kick back on one of the many sandy beaches.
Day 8 – Manuel Antonio – Costa Ballena
Cruise down the coast towards Ojochal on the Costa Ballena. This journey will take you approximately an hour if you’re not tempted to stop along the way at one of the many beaches dotting the coastline. You’ll stay at a luxury tented lodge, with roomy tents, private bathrooms and hot water. The resort also has great sustainability credentials and supports the local school. This unique lodge will allow you to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of the tropical rainforest. Sit back and relax on your private terrace or by the nearby river.
Day 9 – Dolphin spotting & snorkelling
Today you’ll go on a boat ride and snorkelling trip in Marino Ballena National Park, the only underwater national park in Costa Rica. Look out for dolphins along the coast; if you’re lucky, they will swim right up to the boat. The dolphins live here throughout the year and, if you’re here between Jul-Oct or Dec-Apr, you’ll also have the chance to spot whales. Afterwards, it’s your turn to take a dip as you snorkel amongst the tropical fish!
Day 10 – Free time in Costa Ballena
We have not arranged anything for today, so you can spend the day relaxing on one of the beaches nearby, hiking to a waterfall, or exploring the sea coves by kayak.
Day 11 – Onto Drake Bay
Next, you’ll head off the usual tourist trail as you drive south to the wild Corcovado National Park. The journey will take you around 2 hours. You’ll leave your car here as you journey through the park. Corcovado National Park is an area of Costa Rica less explored than most, meaning it’s managed to maintain its diverse ecosystem and attracts a myriad of wildlife. When you arrive in Sierpe, you’ll take a speedboat through narrow winding channels to Drake Bay, the coastal strip just before the park where your jungle lodge is based. All your meals here are included, and there is a swimming pool to relax by and miles of pristine beaches right on your doorstep. This place was made for total relaxation.
Please note: there are no jetties in or around Drake Bay, so you’ll need to jump off the boat into the water and walk to the beach
Day 12 – Corcovado National Park
After an early breakfast, you’ll head along the coast to Corcovado National Park, where you’ll meet your guide and walk along the marked trail through the forest. The rainforest is teeming with animals, birds and insects. Scattered among the fruit-laden trees, the brightly coloured toucans and large blue butterflies are easy to spot.
Day 13 – Isla de Caño boat trip
This morning, you will be collected early to meet your guide at the harbour as you’ll be heading out on a boat trip to the waters surrounding Isla de Caño. The journey takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the sea conditions, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a pod of dolphins along the way. When you arrive at Isla del Caño Biological Reserve, you will hop into the water for your first snorkelling stop. Alongside your knowledgeable guide, explore the clear waters, spotting colourful fish and turtles gliding gracefully beneath you.
Day 14 – Free time in Drake Bay
Today is free for you to spend as you wish. Take a hike through the jungle, passing through scenic beaches and spotting wildlife along the way, or take a kayak and explore the mangroves, spotting birds, caimans and soaking up the peaceful atmosphere in Drake Bay.
Day 15 & 16 – 1 night in Alajuela
At the end of your adventure in the National Park, you’ll take a boat to Sierpe, where you will catch a comfortable shuttle bus back to Alajuela just outside San Jose. Shuttle buses into San Jose don’t run to Alajuela, so you’ll be dropped off at Denny’s Restaurant, where you’ll need to get a local taxi. There are normally taxis waiting as they know when the shuttles are due to arrive. The journey takes around 10-15 minutes and should cost between $15-$20. You’ll stay in a cosy hotel located in the Alajuela area of the city and only a 10-minute drive from the airport. This family-run accommodation is surrounded by peaceful gardens and has a pool for a refreshing dip. The following day, your private transfer will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the airport for your flight home.
Accommodation
