This 11 nights’ package has been designed for those who want to discover some of the hidden treasures of our country: exuberant nature and the contrasting between landscapes and exotic beaches.
The adventure begins in one of the best natural destinations, where you can appreciate biodiversity closely, at the Tortuguero rainforest. This area has remained untouched by man and it is one principal America’s turtle nesting spots.
Then, you will make your way to the Bajos del Toro cloud forest reserve in Bajos del Toro, which sits in the slopes of the Central Volcanic Mountain Range. This area acts as a biological corridor and it is an excellent spot for birding.
You will continue exploring the country towards to the northern lowlands where you will find two natural attractions: The Arenal Volcano and its impressive conic shape and the Celeste River with magical waterfall, must-see places in this area. At the end of the program, the North Pacific Coast, will welcome you with exotic beaches.
Program summary:
Day 1: San Jose
Day 2: Tortuguero
Day 3: Tortuguero
Day 4: Bajos del Toro Cloud Forest
Day 5: Arenal Volcano
Day 6: Arenal Volcano
Day 7: Celeste River
Day 8: Guanacaste Beaches
Day 9: Guanacaste Beaches
Day 10: Guanacaste Beaches
Day 11: San Jose
Day 12: Departure via SJO
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: SJO INT’L AIRPORT – SAN JOSE
Arrival at the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). A Swiss Travel representative will meet and greet you upon your arrival and will provide you with all the necessary documentation you will need during your trip, itinerary and the main contact information and phone numbers in case further assistance is required.
Then, you will be transferred to San Jose area where you will be staying the first night in Costa Rica.
Day 2: SAN JOSE – TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today you will get an early start in heading towards the Northern Caribbean’s lowlands. In the first part of the trip, you will admire beautiful evergreen mountains and beautiful landscapes of the Braulio Carrillo National Park.
Once on the Caribbean side you will continue to the Caño Blanco Dock, where the boats are waiting for you to transfer you to the Tortuguero National Park. A scenic two and half hour boat ride will take you through the canals sheltered in the jungle of the rainforest, and from the boat, you will be able to admire the unique flora and fauna of this region. Upon arrival, you will receive a short briefing of your hotel and the surrounding area, followed by lunch. In the afternoon, you will visit the village of Tortuguero, where you will learn the lifestyle of local residents and the significant conservation efforts that some NGOs (non-governmental organizations) have developed to protect sea turtles that come to spawn each year along the 22 miles of protected coastline. Overnight at selected lodge for two nights.
Day 3: TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tortuguero is a great destination for ecotourism lovers. During this day and depending on the weather conditions, you can enjoy a guided hike through the jungle where you will learn how the different animals, insects and birds interact with forest plants, thus achieving a perfect balance of each species, or you can explore the secondary canals of this paradisiacal place, where you can see different species of mammals, birds and reptiles. Tortuguero offers a full contact with Mother Nature. Much of the National Park extends along its unspoiled beaches that serve as refuge for spawning of the sea turtles, this event occurs between the months of July to September.
Day 4: TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK – BAJOS DEL TORO
Breakfast & Lunch
At mid-morning, the journey continues with a boat transfer back to the local dock. Upon arrival, ground transportation will be provided to the area of Guapiles, where lunch will be served. Afterwards, you will collect your 4×4 vehicle, which will be yours for the next 8 days. From Guapiles it is a straightforward drive of about 2 hours to the higher mountains of Bajos del Toro cloud forest, a misty valley located in the Central Mountain Range, in one of the most biodiversity areas of the country at approximately 4,500 feet above sea level between the Poas Volcano and Juan Castro Blanco National Park.
The first part of the trip is adorned with the incomparable beauty of the landscapes, which includes the tropical cloud forest and its warm climate.
The wet climate and cool air, creates the perfect conditions for a wonderful vegetation with moss-festooned trees and orchids as well as beautiful waterfalls, streams and natural pools,
The area is a great escape for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and smells of nature, and it is a wonderful destination for bird’s lovers and hikers who want to explore a secluded place of Costa Rica. Overnight at the selected lodge.
Estimated driving time, non-stop: 2 hour.
Estimated length time with the recommended stops and other time to explore: 5 – 7 Hours
Places to visit: Sarapiquí River, Pozo Azul Adventure Park, Sarapiqui Archeological Park Alma Ata & Tirimbina Rainforest Park
Day 5: BAJOS DEL TORO – ARENAL VOLCANO
Breakfast
The sound of the birds from the cloud forest, the fresh air, the view of the mountains and the crystal water stream running along the property will wake you up this morning.
This morning will be yours of discovery and explore on your own the cloud forest. There you can admire the wonders of nature, outstanding birds and wildlife. The different trails winding through this tropical cloud forest will reveal you, innumerable species of plants, flowers and exotic birds.
During the afternoon, you will set out for the northern lowlands, passing through towns like, Venecia and Aguas Zarcas. Along the way, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery, which includes amazing views of the mountains and one of the major sources of revenue in the area: the agriculture. Depending on the season, you will observe pineapple, banana and/or sugar cane crops.
You will arrive in La Fortuna Village late in the afternoon, where the mighty Arenal Volcano will welcome you with its impressive perfect conic shape. Check in at selected Hotel, where you will be staying the next two nights.
Estimated driving time, non-stop: 2 hour.
Estimated length time with the recommended stops and other time to explore: 3 – 5 Hours
Places to visit: Rio Cuarto Lagoon & Bajos del Toro Waterfall
Day 6: ARENAL VOLCANO
Breakfast
Today you have the entire day to explore the region at your leisure. We highly recommend a visit to Arenal Volcano National Park (at an extra cost), that protects an active perfect cone volcano with constant moderate explosions accompanied by roar, gases and ash emissions that raise high in the air. The attraction of this volcano has helped to develop the area as a prime destination in the country; from being a small town of cattle and agricultural farms, it has become one of the most popular tourist areas with hotels, tour attractions, adventure activities, hot springs and water sports.
You will have a number of other options to choose from in the area – Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, Venado Caves, La Fortuna Waterfall, and other activities such as river floating, nature walks, hot springs, zip-lines, cultural activities, canyoning, rafting, hiking and horseback riding.
Day 7: ARENAL VOLCANO – CELESTE RIVER
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today you will drive to the Celeste River, located near the Tenorio Volcano National Park. We recommend getting an early start so you can arrive at the Celeste River National Park mid-morning, and spend approximately 2 hours admiring the imposing waterfall, lookout point and blue lagoon, and exploring the trails that take you to the “Teñideros,” where the river takes its blue color from merging with a small creek.
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 heaven, he washed the brush in the Rio Celeste! Surely, this will be one of the highlights of your trip to of Costa Rica. Tonight you will stay at the selected hotel.
Estimated driving time, non-stop: 1½ hour.
Estimated length time with the recommended stops and other time to explore: 4 – 5 Hours
Places to visit: Tenorio Volcano & Celeste River Waterfall
Day 8: CELESTE RIVER – GUANACASTE BEACHES
Breakfast
Enjoy your morning at leisure to discover this beautiful area, and observe different species of birds and mammals and the exuberant flora that surrounds the forest. It is highly recommended that you take a hike to Celeste River, or visit Bijagua Village to get an immersion into the true Costa Rican rural life – with its plantation fields and cheese factories, all around rolling hills and rushing creeks. As you set out 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 (and who will love to meet you!).
That afternoon, continue your drive to the Papagayo Gulf on the North Pacific Coast. This route will provide you with panoramic views of Miravalles Volcano until you reach the Pan-American Highway, where you begin to notice the change of the rainforest into the tropical dry forest that characterizes the entire Guanacaste Province. You will begin to see the beautiful, world-famous beaches of Costa Rica, set amidst jungle landscape, as well as the magnificent sunsets, which will create indelible memories in your mind! Tonight you will begin your 3-night stay in your selected hotel.
Estimated driving time, non-stop: 3 hour.
Estimated length time with the recommended stops and other time to explore: 5 – 6 Hours
Places to visit: Bijagua Village, Heliconias Hanging Bridges, Llanos de Cortes Waterfall & Las Pumas Rescue Centre.
Day 9 & 10: GUANACASTE BEACHES
Breakfast
Enjoy two days at leisure, to enjoy the hotel, the beach, and the surrounding area. This region is known for its extensive nature reserves with a plethora of flora, fauna and natural beauty. Some of the many natural attractions and activities you can take advantage of include Rincon de la Vieja National Park, with its active volcano, thermal mud baths, and variety of forests; canopy/zip line tours, river rafting, horseback riding, forest hiking, fishing and much more.
Day 11: GUANACASTE BEACHES – SAN JOSE
Breakfast
Today drive back to San Jose where you will be staying the last night of the program at your selected hotel in San Jose.
Estimated driving time, non-stop: 5 hour.
Estimated length time with the recommended stops and other time to explore: 7 – 8 Hours
Places to visit: Orchid Farm (Café & Macadamia), Macaw Rescue Center (Aranjuez) & Orotina Fruits Fair
Day 12: SAN JOSE – SJO INT’L AIRPORT
Breakfast
Car rental return will be taking place in office close to SJO Int’l Airport and then transfer to the departure terminal in order for you to catch your international departure flight.
Driving time: The trip from your hotel to the airport is only 30 minutes. Please allow extra time for your rental car drop-off.
END OF SERVICES
Standard Category
| Location | Name of the Hotel | Category | Type of Room | CST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San José | Sleep Inn | 3 stars | Standard | 4 |
| Tortuguero | Laguna Lodge | Lodge | Standard | N/A |
| Bajos del Toro | Bosque de Paz | Lodge | Standard | 3 |
| Arenal Volcano | Casa Luna | 3 stars | Standard | 3 |
| Celeste River | Celeste Mountain L. | Lodge | Standard | N/A |
| Guanacaste | Esplendor | 3 stars | Standard | N/A |
Superior Category
| Location | Name of the Hotel | Category | Type of Room | CST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San José | Radisson Europa | 4 stars | Standard | 5 |
| Tortuguero | Mawamba Lodge | Lodge | Standard | N/A |
| Bajos del Toro | El Silencio Lodge | Boutique | Suite | 5 |
| Arenal Volcano | Arenal Manoa | 4 Stars | Jr. Suite | 3 |
| Celeste River | Celeste Hideaway | Boutique | Casita Forest | N/A |
| Guanacaste | Bosque del Mar | Boutique | Suite Ocean View | N/A |