Fly & Drive
Discovering begins right of your arrival at (LIR) Daniel Oduber International Airport as you will be driving to the Rio Celeste River area closely located to Tenorio Volcano National Park. If nature allows on your own exploring can observe the unique phenomenon of clear water turning blue by means of a volcanic chemical reaction.
Your next destination will be the northern plains, where you could see one of the greatest natural attractions of the country, the imposing Arenal Volcano with its almost perfect conical shape. In addition, the area provides many different attractions and activities to discover.
Continue your driving experience to Rancho Humo; this is a natural reserve of 1068 hectares, which protects an important ecological wetland that is part of the International Ramsar Convention. This is located close to Palo Verde National Park and Tempisque River, with a wide range of flora and fauna such as herons, martinets, hawks, ducks, roseate spoonbills, wood storks and the jabiru, the largest waterfowl in Latin America.
To conclude your experience, you will enjoy some days at the selected beach in the Nicoya region at the Carrillo Beach o Nosara Beach. This is a great out setting to enjoy the sun, the views from the Hotel and just to relax after this wonderful experience.
Program summary:
Day 1: Celeste River
Day 2: Arenal Volcano
Day 3: Arenal Volcano
Day 4: Palo Verde Wetlands
Day 5: Palo Verde Wetlands
Day 6: Carrillo or Nosara Beach
Day 7: Carrillo or Nosara Beach
Day 8: (LIR) Liberia International Airport
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: LIBERIA (LIR) INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – CELESTE RIVER
Dinner
Arrival to the Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR). A Swiss Travel representative will meet and greet you upon arrival and provide you with all the needed documentation for your vacation, day-by-day itinerary, main contacts information and phone numbers.
Afterwards, a representative from the car rental company will deliver to you a 4WD car (Suv Compact Category) only for 7 days, so you can continue the rest of the trip by driving on your own. The first driving venture will be taking you to the Celeste River, located near the Tenorio Volcano National Park. Undoubtedly, as the name says, Celeste River is a natural wonder of Costa Rica. This river obtains its spectacular color from different volcanic minerals. Local legend says that when God finished painting the heaven, he washed the brush in the Rio Celeste saving the privilege of watching the enchanting river just for a few adventurers. Surely, this will be one of the most unforgettable places of your trip to of Costa Rica.
Overnight at Celeste Mountain Lodge.
Estimated driving time, non-stop: 2 hour.
Estimated length time visiting places on route: 3 – 5 Hours
Places to possible visit: Liberia city, Las Pumas Rescue Center, Bijagua.
Day 2: CELESTE RIVER – ARENAL VOLCANO
Breakfast & Lunch
Morning at leisure to discover this humid area and observe different species of birds and mammals and the exuberant flora that surrounds the forest. It’s highly recommend the hike to Celeste River (Entrance fee not included) or the visit to Bijagua Village and get an immersion into the true Costa Rican rural life with its plantation fields and cheese factories, all around rolling hills and rushing creeks. You will be driving on peaceful gravel and dirt roads that connect some isolated small villages, inhabited by friendly people who you will love to meet.
During the afternoon, you will continue driving on your own to the Northern area of Costa Rica, home of the famous Arenal Volcano. The drive from Celeste River to Arenal Volcano area is relatively short; in fact, you can take it at your own speed to admire the scenery as you go along the different plantations. Two nights stay at Lomas del Volcan hotel in the Arenal volcano area.
Estimated driving time, non-stop: 2 ½ hour depending on route.
Estimated length time visiting places on route: 4 – 6 Hours
Possible Places to visit: Maleku Reserve, Eco Centro Danaus.
Day 3: ARENAL VOLCANO
Breakfast
Day at leisure to visit any of the different optional attractions offered in the area (Extra cost), such as Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna Waterfall, Canopy, hanging bridges or just relax and enjoy nature from your hotel facilities. Also in the area, you will be able to experience a different type of forests and the different ecosystem habitats while enjoying the spectacular view of this great volcano.
Day 4: ARENAL VOLCANO – PALO VERDE WETLANDS
Breakfast & Dinner
Early morning, you will drive on your own to Puerto Humo in the Tempisque River and near Palo Verde National Park region. During the first stage of the route, you will enjoy the panoramic views of Arenal Lake, continuing through the village of Cañas across La Amistad Bridge. There, we will reach the vicinity of Tempisque River where Rancho Humo is located, next to the National Park.
Rancho Humo has a natural reserve of 1068 hectares, an important ecological wetland that is part of the International Ramsar Convention. Registration and lodging for the next two nights at the Rancho Humo Hotel.
Estimated driving time, non-stop: 3 ½ hour.
Estimated length time visiting places on route: 5 – 9 Hours
Places to possible visit: Arenal Lake, Eolics, Palo Verde National Park, Tempisque River.
Day 5: PALO VERDE WETLANDS
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day is at your disposal to relax in this wonderful natural environment or enjoy on your own exploring the different ecosystems in tropical dry environment such as wetlands and mangroves, along with a wide range of flora and fauna such as herons, martinets, hawks, ducks, roseate spoonbills, wood storks and the jabiru, the largest waterfowl in Latin America.
Day 6: RANCHO HUMO – CARRILLO OR NOSARA BEACH
Breakfast
At morning, you will drive to your selected beach at just two hours driving distance from Rancho Humo.
Beaches in Costa Rica are known worldwide, especially as per the great combination of jungle and beach, in which you will most certainly relax and spoil. Sunsets are great, you will like to not only keep a picture, but to keep the moment forever in your memory.
You will be staying the following two nights at your selected beach Hotel.
Estimated driving time, non-stop: 2 – 2 ½ hours depending on beach destination.
Estimated length time visiting places on route: 4 – 5 Hours
Places to possible visit: Barra Honda National Park, Nicoya town, Samara Beach.
Day 7: BEACH AREA
Breakfast
Day at leisure for you to enjoy the hotel grounds, the beach and even consider exploring on your own the surroundings. The whitish tone of the area provides a perfect setting between nature and endless beach side. There are many other beaches and attractions to visit in the area, including the nearby village of Samara and optional cost activities fun and entertainment.
Day 8: BEACH AREA – (LIR) LIBERIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Breakfast
You will drive early in the morning to the LIR Liberia International Airport, place where you will be dropping of the rented car, in order to take your flight back home.
Please take into consideration that it will be an approximate 2 ½ – 3 hours drive and additionally passengers are requested to be at the Airport, 3 hours before flight departure time in order to do the migration and check in procedures.
END OF SERVICES
Details of Hotels (Leyenda Hotel Option at Nicoya beach region)
| Location | Hotel Name | Category | Type of Room | CST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celeste River | Celeste Mountain L. | Lodge | Standard | N/A |
| Arenal Volcano | Lomas del Volcan | 3 stars | Standard | N/A |
| Palo Verde Wetlands | Rancho Humo | Boutique | Family Suite | N/A |
| Nicoya beach region | Leyenda Hotel | 3 stars | Standard | N/A |
Details of Hotels (Nammbú Hotel Option at Nicoya beach region)
| Location | Hotel Name | Category | Type of Room | CST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celeste River | Celeste Mountain L. | Lodge | Standard | N/A |
| Arenal Volcano | Lomas del Volcan | 3 stars | Standard | N/A |
| Palo Verde Wetlands | Rancho Humo | Boutique | Family Suite | N/A |
| Nicoya beach region | Nammbú Hotel | 4 stars | Deluxe | N/A |
Details of Hotels (Boutique Lagarta Lodge Option at Nicoya beach region)
| Location | Hotel Name | Category | Type of Room | CST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celeste River | Celeste Mountain L. | Lodge | Standard | N/A |
| Arenal Volcano | Lomas del Volcan | 3 stars | Standard | N/A |
| Palo Verde Wetlands | Rancho Humo | Boutique | Family Suite | N/A |
| Nicoya beach region | Boutique Lagarta | Boutique | Jungle | 5 |