The program gathers the most interesting and visited spots of Costa Rica.
The area of the Tortuguero National Park is only accessible by boat or by a small aircraft. You will be entering by boat, through the different waterways along and the abundant flora and fauna located in the middle of the Tropical Rainforest definitely turn this place into a true ecotourism paradise. Tortuguero will provide a panoramic view of how the Caribbean side of our country lives.
Our next destination will be taken you to the Northern Plains, where the famous Arenal Volcano is located, with it’s almost perfect conic shape, immense in an area with a gran variety of attractions and activities to do, making the area a must place to visit.
The journey continues to the Monteverde area, which has captured the worldwide attention of biologists, conservationists, and ecologists and has been the setting for extensive investigation over the past 40 years. The area is known for its spectacular scenes and the diverse rich tropical cloud forest. In addition, the alpine like weather, will revive the rural experience of our wonderful country.
Finally, the program gives you the opportunity to stay at the beach in our Pacific Coast, for the following three nights where you can relax, enjoy the sun and the beach. (You can select to stay in the Beach area of Guanacaste or in the Manuel Antonio zone).
We have included two hotel categories for your selection: Tourist Option and Superior Option.
Program summary:
Day 1: Arrival to San Jose International Airport (SJO) and overnight in San Jose.
Day 2: Tortuguero // Visit to Tortuguero Village.
Day 3: Tortuguero // Visit to Tortuguero National Park, secondary canals.
Day 4: Arenal Volcano.
Day 5: Arenal Volcano // Visit to Arenal Volcano surroundings and Hot Springs.
Day 6: Monteverde // Cultural Tour El Trapiche.
Day 7: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Day 8: Pacific Beaches (Manuel Antonio or Guanacaste).
Day 9: Pacific Beaches (Manuel Antonio or Guanacaste).
Day 10: Pacific Beaches (Manuel Antonio or Guanacaste).
Day 11: San Jose.
Day 12: Departure transfer to San Jose International Airport (SJO).
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: SJO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – SAN JOSE
Arrival at the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). A Swiss Travel representative will meet upon your arrival, at the main International arrival exit of the Airport. At that time will provide you with all the necessary documentation that you will need during your vacation such as day by day itinerary, general important information, phone number contacts and eventually respond to any doubt that you might have. Afterwards you will be transferred to your selected Hotel in the San Jose area, for a one-night stay.
Day 2: SAN JOSE – TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Early in the morning, you will depart from San Jose to the North Caribbean Plains, where the most important attraction is the Tortuguero National Park, one of the most exuberant national parks in Costa Rica.
On the way, you will be ascending through the Central Volcanic mountain range where you will appreciate from the bus, beautiful waterfalls and the always-green forests, which adorn the Braulio Carrillo National Park. As you reach the Caribbean plains you will notice a change in the climate, as it becomes a bit warmer and humid but pleasant.
After breakfast on route, the journey will continue passing very likely through banana fields and getting deeper in the rural roads until reaching a local dock where the boats are waiting to transfer you to Tortuguero. An approximate one and half hour boat ride, will take you through the canals sheltered in the jungle of the rain forest. From the boat, you will be able to admire the unique flora and fauna of this area, along with different types of birds. Upon arrival to the Tortuguero area, normally there will be a short briefing of the lodge, activities and afterwards lunch. Lodging for the next two nights at your selected lodge in the area.
In the afternoon, you will visit the village of Tortuguero where you will learn the lifestyle of local residents as per example the different coloring of their homes surrounded by the gorgeous canals and in general also to know the significant conservation efforts that some NGOs (non-governmental organizations) have developed to protect the sea turtles that come to spawn each year along the 20 miles of the protected coastline.
Day 3: TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
During this day, you will explore (by boat) some of the secondary canals in this paradisiacal place, having the opportunity to observe in a closer form the nature that surrounds it. Many natural navigable canals and lagoons, which crosses the park, offers the opportunity to contemplate the biological diversity of this region. We can point out the variety of birds, turtles, reptiles, the forests and even some mammals. The park has a total of 76,316 protected hectares, with approximately 26,156 land with the different Canals and deltas, in which mostly is to conserve the wetlands and there is a bigger protected portion of the park which covers beaches and the sea (specially created to protect the sea turtle). The average annual rainfall is between 4,500 a 6,000mm.
Rest of the day at leisure.
From July to September, you might take on your own the optional (extra cost) excursion to observe the turtles at night. This being one of most impressive natural events, as many sea turtles arrive from hundreds of kilometers away to lay their eggs in the close by beaches.
Day 4: TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK – ARENAL VOLCANO
Breakfast & Lunch
At mid-morning, the journey continues with a boat transfer back to the local dock and afterwards continuing by road to the Northern Plains. On route, we will be making a connection and lunch stop in the area of Guapiles.
** Car Rental Option: In this area, there is the possibility for passengers to be provided with a 4×4-car rental, in which they would drive on their own to the different locations of the program. In this alternative, all the remaining transfers in the itinerary would be taken out. The continuing description of the program here below is based in the Option of Transfers included. (Please review Car Rental Option Rates, for Car rental alternative)
The route to the Arenal Volcano offers amazing mountain views, passing nearby towns such as Sarapiqui, Muelle and Fortuna. You will also observe from the road, one of the major sources of revenue in the area: the agriculture, so you will have the opportunity according with the season to see from the distance, the crops of pineapple, oranges, sugar cane, yucca and many others.
Arrive to La Fortuna de San Carlos town late afternoon where if the weather conditions allows it, you will be able to observe the mighty Arenal Volcano, which welcomes you to the area, with its impressive perfect conic shape.
Check in at the selected hotel, where you will be staying the next two nights.
Day 5: ARENAL VOLCANO
Breakfast & Dinner
Morning at leisure.
You can eventually rest in your hotel or take one (extra cost) of the different activities, which takes place in the surrounding areas of Arenal. Some of these activities are: The Sky Tram & Sky Trek in which combines the ascent to the top of the mountain by an aerial tram, enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the Arenal Lake, while the descent is through the famous canopy tour, which goes from one mountain to another, that makes you feel the adventure and fun. Alternatively, if you prefer a more relaxed tour, you can visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges, a system of trails immerse in the tropical forest where you will find several handing bridges. There is also horseback riding near Fortuna River Waterfall, Canopy, boat rides and a whole lot of diverse of activities.
For the afternoon, you will have programmed a visit to the Arenal Volcano surroundings and the Tabacon Hot springs. Upon reaching the departing point, you will receive important information regarding the day’s itinerary and the region from an experienced tour guide. Within the trails, you will observe in the surroundings areas, the wide variety of flora and fauna and a nearby viewpoint will let you appreciate ancient lava flows that have turned to stone over the centuries. The tour guide will share important information about the area, as well as useful recommendations that will allow you to discover more secrets of the wildlife that hides among the vegetation, making this a unique and unforgettable experience. The hike concludes about 2.5 hours later; after which you will be transferred to a natural hot springs. These hot springs features a hot river that flows through a series of pools. From cascading falls to tropical gardens, the hot springs are the result of rainwater heated by magma in the Earth’s interior; once heated, the waters rise to surface, taking with them minerals found in the earth’s rocky crust; this way, waters become very benefic to your body because of its temperature that helps to relax muscles, clean pores and rejuvenate the skin.
After dinner, return back to your hotel in Arenal.
Day 6: ARENAL VOLCANO – MONTEVERDE
Breakfast
Today in the morning, you will be taken to the higher mountains in the Tilaran Mountain Range, specifically to the area of the Monteverde Cloud Forest. In some portions of trip are held through gravel roads, but this is a gorgeous tourist region, which borders the Arenal Lake, with excellent views to the mountains, Lake and the Arenal Volcano. The higher lands of the cloud forest of Monteverde makes a special place for adventure lovers with class and style. This area besides the agricultural and farming, is filled with Protected Forest Reserves, which provides a gran variety of green sceneries and nice for birdwatching, along with its cool/fresh temperature which provides an interesting experience of the rural area of Costa Rica. The vegetation is covered with orchids, bromeliads, ferns, vines, mosses and its density is part of the attractive.
Two night stay at selected Hotel.
For midafternoon, a visit to the El Trapiche is programmed.
This tour will give you the opportunity to visit a Costa Rican family-run business. The main portion of the tour is a walk through a farm that will offer you beautiful views of sugar cane, coffee and banana plantations, among others. You will also have a chance to see the entire coffee process through which coffee is put to get it ready to fill your morning cup. From drying through roasting, passing by the grinding and peeling of the beans, you will learn important information about how high-quality coffees are produced. Then, ride an ox cart all the way to the sugar mill (or trapiche, in Spanish). Sugar is another product that you will have the chance to learn about. You will see how the sugar cane is grinded and how, at the end of the process, brown sugar is obtained. Along this interesting tour, you will be able to taste and enjoy several products made from sugar cane, and to taste a cup of top-quality coffee (Logistics of tour subject to changes)
Day 7: MONTEVERDE
Breakfast
In the morning, you have programmed the visit to the Monteverde Reserve.
This region is considered one of the most biologically diverse areas in the country. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve has over 10,500 hectares and is located 6 km from the small town of Santa Elena. Located at an altitude between 1,200 and 1,600 m, this cloud forest gives you the chance of exploring a different type of forest, allowing you to make your very own comparison between the biodiversity found in a rainforest and a cloud forest, proving that Costa Rica is full of natural treasures. This tour will show you all the different types of ecosystems to be found in the region, as you learn more about the unique wildlife, many of which is endemic to the area. If you are lucky, you might be able to see the beautiful Quetzal roaming on the surrounding forest, the three-wattled bellbird or the black-faced solitaire. Equally impressive is the unique flora, like orchids, bromeliads and strangler figs, which only adds to this forest’s already impressive beauty.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 8: MONTEVERDE – PACIFIC BEACH
Breakfast
Today, you will continue your journey, toward the beautiful and paradisiacal pacific beaches of Costa Rica, which are known in the world, especially as per the combination of the tropical forest with the multicolored beaches.
You will have the option to choose one of the alternatives indicated in the program, by staying in either the Guanacaste or the Manuel Antonio area.
Indeed, unforgettable days will be waiting for you in which you will be able to relax and enjoy during your three-night stay at selected Hotel.
Days 9 & 10: PACIFIC BEACH
Breakfast
These days are at your own paste to relax, enjoy the sun and beach and eventually take one of the different optional (extra cost) activities, which are offered, in the area.
Some of these activities are Visiting National Parks, Canopy, boat rides, river rafting and many others for you to discover.
Day 11: PACIFIC BEACH – SAN JOSE
Breakfast
Programed for today is your return transfer back to the city of San Jose, place where you will be staying the last night of the program.
Day 12: SAN JOSE – SJO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Breakfast
According to your international flight departure, you will be transported from your hotel in San Jose to the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) for your departure flight.
END OF SERVICES
GUANACASTE BEACH OPTION (BI)
BI Option: Guanacaste Beach Hotel with breakfast only included.
Standard Category
| Location | Name of Hotel | Category | Type of Room | CST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San José | Park Inn by Radisson | 3 Stars | Standard | 3 |
| Tortuguero | Laguna Lodge | Lodge | Standard | N/A |
| Arenal Volcano | Magic Mountain | 3 Stars | Standard | N/A |
| Monteverde | Monteverde Country Lodge | Lodge | Superior | 4 |
| Tamarindo Beach | Tamarindo Diria | 3+Stars | Lagoon Pool View | N/A |
Superior Category
| Location | Name of Hotel | Category | Type of Room | CST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San José | Holiday Inn San Jose Aurola | 4 Stars | Standard | 4 |
| Tortuguero | Pachira Lodge | Lodge | Standard | N/A |
| Arenal Volcano | Arenal Kioro | 4 Stars | Suite | 5 |
| Monteverde | El Establo | 4 Stars | Deluxe | 1 |
| Mansita Beach | JW Marriot Resort | 5 Stars | Deluxe Garden View | 4 |
GUANACASTE BEACH OPTION (AI)
AI Option: All Inclusive System Included, only at the beach Hotel in Guanacaste.
Standard Category
| Location | Name of Hotel | Category | Type of Room | CST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San José | Park Inn by Radisson | 3 Stars | Standard | 3 |
| Tortuguero | Laguna Lodge | Lodge | Standard | N/A |
| Arenal Volcano | Magic Mountain | 3 Stars | Standard | N/A |
| Monteverde | Monteverde Country Lodge | Lodge | Superior | 4 |
| Langosta Beach | Occidental Tamarindo | 3+Stars | Standard | 5 |
Superior Category
| Location | Name of Hotel | Category | Type of Room | CST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San José | Holiday Inn San Jose Aurola | 4 Stars | Standard | 4 |
| Tortuguero | Pachira Lodge | Lodge | Standard | N/A |
| Arenal Volcano | Arenal Kioro | 4 Stars | Suite | 5 |
| Monteverde | El Establo | 4 Stars | Deluxe | 1 |
| Conchal Beach | Westin Playa Conchal | 5 Stars | Deluxe Junior Suite | 5 |
MANUEL ANTONIO BEACH OPTION (BI)
Standard Category
| Location | Name of Hotel | Category | Type of Room | CST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San José | Park Inn by Radisson | 3 Stars | Standard | 3 |
| Tortuguero | Laguna Lodge | Lodge | Standard | N/A |
| Arenal Volcano | Magic Mountain | 3 Stars | Standard | N/A |
| Monteverde | Monteverde Country Lodge | Lodge | Superior | 4 |
| Manuel Antonio | Villa Bosque | 3 Stars | Standard | 3 |
Superior Category
| Location | Name of Hotel | Category | Type of Room | CST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San José | Holiday Inn San Jose Aurola | 4 Stars | Standard | 4 |
| Tortuguero | Pachira Lodge | Lodge | Standard | N/A |
| Arenal Volcano | Arenal Kioro | 4 Stars | Suite | 5 |
| Monteverde | El Establo | 4 Stars | Deluxe | 1 |
| Manuel Antonio | Parador Resort & Spa | 4 Stars | Tropical | 5 |
Costa Rica Wonders
Car Rental Option
The Costa Rica Wonders program also offers the alternative of having client’s drive on their own a 4×4 car rental. Rented car will be provided from day #4 until day # 12, when passengers will return the car directly at the (SJO) San Jose International Airport area.
For description of the program, please review at the beginning of this package (itinerary). Eventually services from the original version do remain in the same way, with the exception that all ground transfers are taken out from Day # 4 and on.
Following, please review carefully the included services in this version of the program, which will give clients a car rental for their own driving experience.
GUANACASTE BEACH OPTION (BI)
BI Option: Guanacaste Beach Hotel with breakfast only included.
Standard Category
| Location | Name of Hotel | Category | Type of Room | CST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San José | Park Inn by Radisson | 3 Stars | Standard | 3 |
| Tortuguero | Laguna Lodge | Lodge | Standard | N/A |
| Arenal Volcano | Magic Mountain | 3 Stars | Standard | N/A |
| Monteverde | Monteverde Country Lodge | Lodge | Superior | 4 |
| Tamarindo Beach | Tamarindo Diria | 3+Stars | Lagoon Pool View | N/A |
Superior Category
| Location | Name of Hotel | Category | Type of Room | CST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San José | Holiday Inn San Jose Aurola | 4 Stars | Standard | 4 |
| Tortuguero | Pachira Lodge | Lodge | Standard | N/A |
| Arenal Volcano | Arenal Kioro | 4 Stars | Suite | 5 |
| Monteverde | El Establo | 4 Stars | Deluxe | 1 |
| Mansita Beach | JW Marriot Resort | 5 Stars | Deluxe Garden View | 4 |
GUANACASTE BEACH OPTION (AI)
AI Option: All Inclusive System Included, only at the beach Hotel in Guanacaste.
Standard Category
| Location | Name of Hotel | Category | Type of Room | CST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San José | Park Inn by Radisson | 3 Stars | Standard | 3 |
| Tortuguero | Laguna Lodge | Lodge | Standard | N/A |
| Arenal Volcano | Magic Mountain | 3 Stars | Standard | N/A |
| Monteverde | Monteverde Country Lodge | Lodge | Superior | 4 |
| Langosta Beach | Occidental Tamarindo | 3+Stars | Standard | 5 |
Categoría Superior
| Locación | Nombre del Hotel | Categoría | Tipo de Habitación | CST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San José | Holiday Inn San Jose Aurola | 4 Estrellas | Estándar | 4 |
| Tortuguero | Pachira Lodge | Albergue | Estándar | N/A |
| Arenal Volcano | Arenal Kioro | 4 Estrellas | Suite | 5 |
| Monteverde | El Establo | 4 Estrellas | Deluxe | 1 |
| Playa Conchal | Westin Playa Conchal | 5 Estrellas | Deluxe Junior Suite | 5 |
MANUEL ANTONIO BEACH OPTION (BI)
Standard Category
| Location | Name of Hotel | Category | Type of Room | CST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San José | Park Inn by Radisson | 3 Stars | Standard | 3 |
| Tortuguero | Laguna Lodge | Lodge | Standard | N/A |
| Arenal Volcano | Magic Mountain | 3 Stars | Standard | N/A |
| Monteverde | Monteverde Country Lodge | Lodge | Superior | 4 |
| Manuel Antonio | Villa Bosque | 3 Stars | Standard | 3 |
Superior Category
| Location | Name of Hotel | Category | Type of Room | CST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San José | Holiday Inn San Jose Aurola | 4 Stars | Standard | 4 |
| Tortuguero | Pachira Lodge | Lodge | Standard | N/A |
| Arenal Volcano | Arenal Kioro | 4 Stars | Suite | 5 |
| Monteverde | El Establo | 4 Stars | Deluxe | 1 |
| Manuel Antonio | Parador Resort & Spa | 4 Stars | Tropical | 5 |