This program has been designed to enjoy the best of Costa Rica. In the northern part of the Costa Rican Caribbean, you will enjoy on boat through access channels to Tortuguero, surrounded by lush rainforest that will enable you to enjoy a rich diversity of flora and fauna. You can feel a pure contact with nature in a paradise that offers visitors 2000 species of plants and 400 species of trees, just as you can observe some of the 405 bird species. Continuing to the north plains where the impressive Arenal Volcano will welcome you with its majestic, almost perfect volcanic cone. Then will be time to enjoy at Rincon de la Vieja, this area is famous for its cowboys and cattle breeding.
After that will be time to explore Monteverde Cloud Forest an area of great wealth where 3,021 species are known, including a total of 755 species of trees, besides being considered site on the planet with the greatest diversity of orchids, over 500 species, of which there are 34 endemics, making Monteverde a paradise for nature lovers. In addition, it is the ideal place for bird watching, being the most famous of these the beautiful quetzal. Then, you will visit Manuel Antonio, a paradise that mixes lovely white sand beaches with jungle and rain forest full of wildlife. Manuel Antonio National Park, since it has a charming combination of lush tropical forest and beautiful beaches with clear waters listed on Trip Advisor (Travellers Choice 2013) as the best beach in Central America and its park was recognized in 2011 by Forbes Magazine as one of the twelve most beautiful national parks in the world. Finally, you will enjoy in a unique place in the whole world, Corcovado National Park surrounding, this area of the South Pacific of Costa Rica is currently called “The Final Frontier” or “The Navel of Life”, as described by National Geographic as “the most biologically intense place on Earth”. This region is home of 350 species of birds, 150 species of mammals, over 100 species of reptiles and amphibians, about 5500 insects, and 500 species of trees. Staying in this area will allow you to have a deeper contact with nature, especially for those seeking a unique and eco- tourism vacation.
Program Summary:
Day 1: San Jose
Day 2: Tortuguero // Tortuguero Village
Day 3: Tortuguero // Tortuguero National Park
Day 4: Arenal Volcano
Day 5: Arenal Volcano // Hanging Bridges & Tabacón Hot Springs
Day 6: Rincón de la Vieja
Day 7: Rincón de la Vieja
Day 8: Monteverde
Day 9: Monteverde // Monteverde Biological Reserve
Day 10: Manuel Antonio
Day 11: Manuel Antonio // Manuel Antonio National Park
Day 12: Manuel Antonio
Day 13: Corcovado
Day 14: Corcovado // Corcovado National Park
Day 15: Corcovado // Del Caño Island Biological Reserve
Day 16: San Jose
Day 17: Departure SJO
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: SJO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – SAN JOSE
Upon your arrival at SJO International Airport, a Swiss Travel representative will meet and greet you, and he will provide you with all the necessary documentation you will need during your vacation. Then, you will be transferred to your selected hotel in San Jose.
Day 2: SAN JOSE – TORTUGUERO
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 and check in at your select lodge in the Tortuguero area, there could 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
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today, we will visit Tortuguero National Park that will dazzle you with its enormous biodiversity.
From the boat, you can feel a pure contact with nature in a paradise that offers visitors 2000 species of plants and 400 species of trees, just as you can observe some of the 405 bird species.
Among mammals is white-faced monkeys and howler monkeys, three-toed sloths, plus some endangered species such as the jaguar, ocelot and the tapir, which is the largest in the rain forests of Latin America. There is also presence of crocodiles, different species of turtles and freshwater fish. Tortuguero will definitely offer a unique and unforgettable experience.
Day 4: TORTUGUERO – ARENAL VOLCANO
Breakfast & Lunch
By midmorning, we will board again from the selected lodge through the local pier, enjoying again the biodiversity present along the canals. Then, we will continue by road to the town of Guapiles where you can enjoy a delicious lunch and then continue to the northern plains of Costa Rica.
This route offers beautiful scenery accompanied by picturesque rural towns like Rio Cuarto, Aguas Zarcas and La Fortuna de San Carlos, at this point, if weather conditions are favorable, you will be able to see one of the greatest natural attractions of the country: the impressive Arenal Volcano that will welcome you to the area with its majestic, almost perfect volcanic cone.
Registration and accommodation for the next two nights at the selected hotel will be done.
Day 5: ARENAL VOLCANO
Breakfast & Dinner
During the morning, we will visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges, a system of trails immersed in the rainforest, where you will find 16 hanging bridges that were built considering all types of visitors and their security. This tour is adorned by magnificent views of the imposing volcano and you will find a huge variety of species such as mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and insects making it one of the most complete visits in the area.
In the afternoon, you will enjoy a visit to the magical Tabacon Hot Springs. Here, you will find several pools that flow across Tabacon River and are heated directly from the volcanic veins of the Arenal Volcano. These soothing waterfalls will make you feel rejuvenated due to all the benefits they provide. These springs help improve blood circulation and oxygenation, removes toxins from the body, stimulate metabolism, help digestion, promote relaxation and improve the functioning of the nervous system, which make Tabacon a must-visit destination. The exotic gardens that surround this place will definitely make you enjoy a natural and unique environment that will make you feel completely stress free. To close with a flourish, you will enjoy a delicious dinner before being transferred back to the hotel.
Day 6: ARENAL VOLCANO – RINCON DE LA VIEJA
Breakfast
Today we will continue towards Rincon de la Vieja volcano surroundings, the first stage of the route is full of beautiful panoramic views of the largest lake in the country, which is used for power generation: Arenal Lake. Continuing with the trip, we can see in the distance the Tenorio and Miravalles volcanoes, when passing through towns like Cañas, Bagaces and Liberia, before reaching the area of Rincon de la Vieja volcano. This area is famous for its cowboys and cattle breeding. Therefore, you can see open fields of dry grass for cattle grazing, along with landscapes of tropical dry forest, with its variety of wildlife. Registration and accommodation for the next two nights at the selected hotel will be done.
Day 7: RINCON DE LA VIEJA
Breakfast
Day at your leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities or consider taking an excursion (extra cost). We recommend that you visit Rincon de la Vieja National Park (closed on Mondays) where you can see during the walks the bubbling mud pools and sulfur fumaroles, while exploring the trails in the tropical dry forest. When walking, a local guide will describe all the secrets of the ecosystem while looking at animals like monkeys, toucans, agoutis, coatis, among others. The park was created to protect the flora, (it has the largest existing population of the national flower, La Guaria Morada (Guariante skinerii)) the extensive wildlife, also the watersheds around the area.
Day 8: RINCON DE LA VIEJA – MONTEVERDE
Breakfast
This day, during the morning, it will be time to continue to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. During the trip, you will enjoy the beautiful rural countries that adorn the gravel road and as they are approaching the high end, you can feel a slight change in temperature, since the place is more than 1300 meters above sea level. Costa Rica represents 4% of the plant species on the planet and highland cloud forests of Monteverde is an area of great wealth where 3,021 species are known, including a total of 755 species of trees, besides being considered site on the planet with the greatest diversity of orchids, over 500 species, of which there are 34 endemics, making Monteverde a paradise for nature lovers.
Registration at selected hotel where you will stay for the next two nights will be done.
Day 9: MONTEVERDE
Breakfast
This morning you have programmed a tour to Monteverde Cloud Forest Private Reserve.
You will set out to discover the secrets of the misty cloud forest with its dense vegetation and majestic trees, enjoying its climate and hiking the trails amongst the varieties of plants and over 450 bird species seen in the area. It protects and provides habitat for hundreds of species of flora and fauna. The reserve is 26.000 acres and is an important link in the growing network of protected areas in Costa Rica.
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 four-hour 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.
Day 10: MONTEVERDE – MANUEL ANTONIO
Breakfast
This day we will continue to one of the most beautiful areas of Costa Rica’s central Pacific, Manuel Antonio area. As we descend from the mountains of the cloud forest to the shoreward, you will feel a warm change in temperature and the landscapes will be adorned by various beaches along the Pacific coast to Manuel Antonio, which is a paradise that mixes lovely white sand beaches with jungle and rain forest full of wildlife. The vast variety of activities to do and places to visit in the area definitely adds value to your experience. This tropical place is one of the main attractions in Costa Rica, and one of the icons of ecotourism in the country.
Registration and accommodation for the next three nights at the selected hotel will be done.
Day 11: MANUEL ANTONIO
Breakfast
Today you will visit the Manuel Antonio National Park (closed on Mondays), since it has a charming combination of lush tropical forest and beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters listed on Trip Advisor (Travellers Choice 2013) as the best beach in Central America and its park was recognized in 2011 by Forbes Magazine as one of the twelve most beautiful national parks in the world. Inside the park, there is a wide variety of vegetation, lagoons, mangroves, 109 species of mammals and 184 bird species. You can see several species of birds, reptiles and monkeys including the three-toed sloth. Moreover, the rest of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities or to explore the area on your own.
Day 12: MANUEL ANTONIO
Breakfast
This day is at your leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities or take an excursion (extra cost). Among other activities in the area are horseback riding, surfing lessons, canopy, kayaking, fishing and mask diving.
Day 13: MANUEL ANTONIO – CORCOVADO
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, we will continue to the South Pacific area of Costa Rica, specifically the area of Sierpe. Upon arrival, a boat will take you across the river and the sea to the selected Lodge. You will stay in the next three nights in Corcovado. This area of the South Pacific of Costa Rica is currently called “The Final Frontier” or “The Navel of Life”, as described by National Geographic as “the most biologically intense place on Earth”. This region is home of 350 species of birds, 150 species of mammals, over 100 species of reptiles and amphibians, about 5500 insects, and 500 species of trees. Staying in this area will allow you to have a deeper contact with nature, especially for those seeking a unique and eco- tourism vacation.
Day 14: CORCOVADO
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After Breakfast, we will enjoy an excursion to Corcovado National Park, located in the Osa Peninsula.
This is a wonderful opportunity to see the primary and secondary forest, as well as a wide variety of flora and fauna. The boat trip to the ranger station takes approximately 30 minutes, but it depends on the weather and the sea. Whenever possible, as we approach to the park entrance, your guide will try to show you the ocean whales, dolphins, or other marine species. The first part of the trail is a steep hill, through the secondary jungle. Large slabs of tree trunk are strategically located for an easier walk on the ground. Just before reaching the plateau, on your left side, there will be a viewpoint overlooking the resort and the Pacific Ocean. While enjoying a light lunch on the veranda and a short break, you will have the opportunity to take stunning shots, and from this point, you will be able to see whales and / or dolphins.
Day 15: CORCOVADO
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning we will enjoy visiting Del Caño Island Biological Reserve, which is located just 12 nautical miles from the coastline. The boat ride to the island takes about 45 minutes, but it depends on the weather, sea and other conditions. The island, which is located 90 meters above sea level, rises to a wide plateau, which is covered with a forest of evergreen high. On the island, it is possible to observe the stone spheres made by the first civilizations that inhabited the area. Right in front of the ranger station, there is a beach area most often used to relax and have fun. The real beauty of Del Caño Island is not in their land, but underwater, as it is surrounded by five platforms of coral reefs, where experts have identified more than 15 species of stony corals. The dark volcanic rock is home to many impressive species of marine flora and fauna. The water is relatively shallow and suitable for snorkeling, allowing an excellent opportunity to become familiar with marine life surrounding Del Caño Island.
Day 16: CORCOVADO – SAN JOSE
Breakfast
The sea and land transfer will take you back to Drake airstrip, to take a domestic flight to San Jose. Upon arrival, a representative from Swiss Travel will take you to the hotel in San Jose. Depending on your arrival in San Jose, you can have some free time to explore on your own the capital of the country.
Day 17: SAN JOSE – SJO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Breakfast
After an unforgettable visit to Costa Rica, it is scheduled the transfer from your selected hotel in San Jose to SJO International Airport to board your flight back home
END OF SERVICES
Standard Category
| Location | Hotel Name | Category | Type of Room | CST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San José | Sleep Inn San José | 3 Stars | Standard | 4 |
| Tortuguero | Laguna Lodge | Lodge | Standard | N/A |
| Arenal Volcano | Casa Luna | 3 Stars | Standard | 3 |
| Rincón de la Vieja | Hacienda Guachipelin | 3 Stars | Standard | 3 |
| Monteverde | Heliconia | 3 Stars | Standard | 2 |
| Manuel Antonio | Villa Bosque | 3 Stars | Standard | 3 |
| Corcovado | Aguila de Osa Inn | Lodge | Standard | N/A |
Superior Category
| Location | Hotel Name | Category | Type of Room | CST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San José | Aurola Holiday Inn | 4 Stars | Standard | 4 |
| Tortuguero | Pachira Lodge | Lodge | Standard | N/A |
| Arenal Volcano | Arenal Springs | 4 Stars | Standard | 3 |
| Rincón de la Vieja | Borinquen Mountain | Boutique | Standard | 4 |
| Monteverde | El Establo | 4 Stars | Standard | 2 |
| Manuel Antonio | Si Como No | 4 Stars | Bungalow | 1 |
| Corcovado | Casa Corcovado | Lodge | Bungalow Deluxe | N/A |