En Route to the Rainforest
Itinerary
- Itinerary:San Jose - La Fortuna - Monteverde - Manuel Antonio - Costa Ballena - Corcovado National Park - Alajuela (San Jose)
- Duration:18 days / 17 nights
- Price:From £ 4,125.- per person (excluding flights)
Days 1-2 – 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. During your stay, you will take a hike through the lush landscape, with the volcano as a beautiful back-drop before being transferred to the hot springs where you can unwind.
Days 4-6 – 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.
Feel the magic of the dense cloud forest of Monteverde. Take a guided canopy walk through the forest where ferns, mosses and orchids bloom amongst the hanging tree branches and beautiful birds dart through the trees. Due to the humid climate the forest gives off a fairytale-like atmosphere, especially in often-present mist. You’ll stay in a comfortable Swiss-style chalet, set amongst wooded surroundings.
Days 6-8 – Ocean waves & jungle days
Today you will leave the highlands behind and head for the coast, Manuel Antonio is just over 3 hours away with no stops.
Manuel Antonio, located on the Pacific Coast, 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. During your stay you’ll visit an animal sanctuary inland who are hard at work rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing a whole host of animals. The area is home to the most visited National Park in the country and is easy to explore on your own with a mix of jungle trails and pretty beaches.
Days 8-11 – Dolphins & bays of the Pacific Coast
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 arrive in an area less visited by tourists, at a tented lodge surrounded by tropical vegetation near Costa Ballena. After your first night you’ll take a trip out to go dolphin spotting in the Marine Park. They sometimes swim along with the boat and there are many species to watch out for! The rest of your stay is free for you to enjoy the beaches.
Days 11-14 – Journey through the jungles of Corcovado
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. During this trip you’ll get to explore and stay in the National Park itself, before travelling to a beachside lodge to relax. The accommodation is a mixture of basic and standard, you’ll never forget the utter feeling of escapism and being at one with nature!
Your hike through the park is guided, so expect to learn all about the animals you see on your travels before taking the opportunity to relax in Drake Bay.
Days 14-17 – Snorkelling Coves & Tropical Rainforests
The isolation of the Corcovado rainforest makes it one of the most special places in the country. 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 lovely pool to cool down in (if you don’t feel like strolling to the beach). While here, you’ll go on a guided walk in Corcovado National Park and snorkel on one of the best reefs in the country just off the tropical island, Isla del Caño.
Days 17-18 – 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.
