Feel the nature in your hands! Visiting the mighty Arenal Volcano and enjoying the facilities at Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort with its hot springs, several pools that flow across Tabacon River and are heated directly from the volcanic veins of the Arenal Volcano. Feel the melodious songs of birds, fresh air and clear waters of the streams that are born in the mountains of Bajos del Toro. Know the magical Golfo Dulce (Sweet Gulf); the dolphins that enjoy the gulf waters might surprise you. This is a special destination for nature lovers and for those who want to enjoy a moment of peace. The area provides nature, rainforest and joint learning experience. The only access to the property is by boat, which provides an isolated, but relaxing environment. Then, continue to 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.
Program Summary:
Day 1: San José
Day 2: Arenal Volcano
Day 3: Arenal Volcano
Day 4: Bajos del Toro
Day 5: Bajos del Toro
Day 6: Golfo Dulce
Day 7: Golfo Dulce
Day 8: Golfo Dulce
Day 9: Manuel Antonio
Day 10: Manuel Antonio // Manuel Antonio National Park
Day 11: Manuel Antonio
Day 12: Departure SJO
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: SJO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT– SAN JOSE
Upon arrival at SJO International Airport, a Swiss Travel representative will meet and greet you, also he will provide you with all the necessary documentation you will need during your vacation. Then, you will be transferred to Real Inter-Continental hotel, where you will stay the first night in Costa Rica.
Day 2: SAN JOSE – VOLCAN ARENAL
Breakfast
By midmorning starts the journey to the northern plains of the country where the main attraction is the Arenal Volcano. The journey begins with the ascent to the central volcanic mountain range, through the route, you can admire various agricultural plantations, ornamental plants and cattle ranches until you reach La Fortuna where the mighty Arenal Volcano will welcome you with its impressive, almost perfect conical shape. Arrival and check in at Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort hotel will be done, where you will stay for the next two nights.
The afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy the facilities and 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.
Day 3: VOLCAN ARENAL
Breakfast
This day is at your leisure to enjoy the tourist attractions (extra cost) around the Arenal Volcano. If you want to explore the area in a more exciting way, we recommend you the Sky Tram & Sky Trek. This tour combines the climbing to the top of the mountain by Sky Tram enjoying beautiful scenery of Arenal Lake, while the descent is made by pulleys subject to transverse cables from one mountain to another, to feel the adventure all over your body! If you prefer a quieter excursion and admire the natural beauty of the northern plains, we recommend a visit to Arenal Hanging Bridges, a system of trails immersed in the rainforest where you will be able to walk along 16 hanging bridges. Bridges and trails were built considering all type of visitors and their security. This tour is adorned with magnificent views of the impressive Arenal Volcano and you will regularly find a huge variety of species such as mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and insects making it one of the most advantageous visits in the area.
Day 4: ARENAL VOLCANO– BAJOS DEL TORO
Breakfast
At mid-morning private transfer to Bajos del Toro is scheduled. This area is surrounded by the cloud forest characteristic of high mountains; it offers 1000 hectares of a private natural reserve with rivers flowing from the top of the mountains and waterfalls hidden in the forest.
It is one of the best places to observe birds in Costa Rica, including hummingbirds, endemic bird bell, the famous Quetzal and many more who fly freely among ancient trees laden with orchids, bromeliads, mosses and ferns.
Registration and lodging for the next two nights at El Silencio Lodge & Spa hotel will be done. This place is widely considered a sanctuary in harmony with the environment and it is surrounded by the stunning tropical cloud forest.
The hotel has 500-acre private reserve where flowing small rivers and beautiful waterfalls. An eco-hotel representative will be available to provide information about the region and the services offered by the property.
Day 5: BAJOS DEL TORO
Breakfast
The melodious songs of birds, fresh air and clear waters of the streams that are born in the mountains, will be the first sounds you will hear here. During the morning, you can enjoy a walk through the trails of the property where you can discover the wonders of these ancient forests, including large numbers of migratory birds and interesting plantations of medicinal trees that will help you learn more about natural medicine.
The afternoon at your leisure to rest, walk, or relax at the Spa (additional cost) which was built in the woods along a stream, where the sounds of nature help you relieve stress, and where you can enjoy the miraculous sludge treatment, which has many benefits, providing a smooth skin, increasing hydration, promoting deep relaxation and eliminating toxins. You can also enjoy optional activities such as a tree planting ceremony, picking organic vegetables from the garden of El Silencio Lodge & Spa. Undoubtedly, this place will make you forget about the rest of the world.
Day 6: BAJOS DEL TORO – GOLFO DULCE
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
During the morning, a private transportation will take you from Bajos del Toro to Juan Santamaria airport where you will take a local flight to the South Pacific area of Costa Rica, specifically to the area of Puerto Jimenez. Upon you landing, the hotel staff of Playa Cativo will be waiting for you to board the boat that will take you to the hotel, crossing Golfo Dulce (Sweet Gulf) on a journey of about 45 minutes to reach the property.
During the trip on the boat, the dolphins that enjoy the gulf waters might surprise you. You will stay for the next three nights at Playa Cativo hotel, which is designed to provide visitors with a great comfort, but mixed with a natural paradise that surrounds Piedras Blancas National Park. The Gavilan restaurant serves gourmet fusion dishes made with fresh ingredients from the organic hotel farm. The meals are a la carte and are included in the room rate. The freshwater pool is next to the cottage and has excellent views of the Gulf and sunsets. Room service and pool service are available.
This is a special destination for nature lovers and for those who want to enjoy a moment of peace. This area provides nature, rainforest and joint learning experience. The only access to the property is by boat, which provides an isolated, but relaxing environment. The area offers different attractions such as the blue-green waters of Golfo Dulce, the biodiversity of Piedras Blancas National Park, lush virgin beaches and the Osa Peninsula. The property is surrounded by tropical gardens, but also by rainforest. You can enjoy watching many species of birds (including toucans and scarlet macaws), monkeys and a great scenery of wildlife.
In addition, you will have time to explore on your own, relax and quietly enjoy the sounds of Mother Nature, and even sit and relax while enjoying the Ocean View. There is no TV or phone.
Days 7 & 8: GOLFO DULCE
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
During these days, you will enjoy time in the middle of the jungle. Just sit back and relax, or eventually take excursions (extra cost) to further explore the various attractions of this wonderful region. Please take note that the use of snorkeling equipment and kayaking is included and available in the property, as well as the use of internal trails of the hotel. All these activities are carried out on your own.
Day 9: GOLFO DULCE – MANUEL ANTONIO
Breakfast
This day we will go back through Golfo Dulce, on boat, to the small port of Puerto Jimenez, where private transportation will pick you up and take you to the Costa Rican Central Pacific, specifically the area of Manuel Antonio.
During the travel, you can enjoy the wonderful views of the Pacific beaches, passing near Marino Ballena National Park, place where if the season and conditions allow you could observe whales and dolphins jumping in the sea.
Later on, you will arrive to Manuel Antonio, 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 Makanda hotel will be done.
Day 10: 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 11: 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 12: MANUEL ANTONIO – SJO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Breakfast
After enjoying unforgettable days in the pacific coast, it is scheduled the transportation to return to the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in the city of San Jose. You will see diverse landscapes along the way.
Please take into consideration that, for International Departure Flights, passengers are highly requested to be 3 hours before Flight Departure Time at the Airport for check in procedures, this according to Airport and Airline Authorities.
END OF SERVICES
Details of Hotels
| Location | Hotel Name | Category | Type of Room | CST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San José | Real Inter Continental | 5 stars | Deluxe | 5 |
| Arenal Volcano | Tabacon Grand Spa | 5 stars | Orchid | 5 |
| Bajos del Toro | El Silencio Lodge | Boutique | Suite Deluxe | 5 |
| Golfo Dulce | Playa Cativo | Boutique | Deluxe | N/A |
| Manuel Antonio | La Mansion Inn | Boutique | Costeau Suite | N/A |