Costa Rica Caribbean Escape

Upon your arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), you will pass through Immigration and customs before meeting your local guide, who will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. After checking into your comfortable accommodation, the remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax and acclimate to the tropical climate of Costa Rica's capital city. No guided activities are scheduled for this day, allowing you to rest after your international flight. Overnight stay at Hilton Garden Inn San Jose La Sabana.

After breakfast, you will meet your guide and driver at the lobby of your hotel for a land transfer to the Arenal Volcano. En route, you will stop at the Nectandra Cloud Forest Garden, located northwest of San Jose, which is the centerpiece of 104 hectares of primary and secondary forest. You will explore the horticultural observation area featuring plants from the preserve and its immediate surroundings, including those with medicinal, indigenous, and cultural significance. A small number of changing exhibits highlight scientific information on the ecology of the cloud forest. Beyond the confines of the garden, the remaining biological preserve is restricted to scientific field research, including botanic inventory and investigation into variables influencing natural reforestation. A delicious lunch is included during your visit. After this immersive experience, you will continue your journey to the Arenal Volcano, arriving in the afternoon. The Arenal Volcano is approximately 5,500 feet high and has gone through several eruptive cycles. The area is home to a remarkable biodiversity and variety of habitats, and Lake Arenal supplies a high percentage of the country's hydroelectric energy. Overnight stay at Tabacon Resort and Spa.

After breakfast, you will meet your driver and Naturalist Guide at the lobby of your hotel and drive to the outskirts of the Arenal Volcano National Park. Today you will be hiking trails around the flanks of Arenal Volcano on private land used as buffer zones to help protect the adjacent national park. The hike is approximately 2.5 miles and covers a good variety of natural scenery and ecosystems, including relatively flat sections as well as some more serious climbs on steep rocky terrain. You will gain elevation hiking from about 1,600 feet to a maximum of 2,200 feet at the summit of the 1968 old lava flow. On your way to the top of the old lava, you will cross grasslands, a volcanic lake, secondary forest, and patches of regenerated vegetation less than 50 years old. There are some possibilities to observe a few species of birds and mammals. The tour includes a Naturalist Guide, transportation, water, and entrance fees. Please note that this hike takes place on a private farm next to the national park and is recommended for guests in good physical condition who can hike steep terrain with strong descents. Overnight stay at Tabacon Resort and Spa.

Early in the morning, you will meet your driver at the lobby of your hotel for a land transfer to the Caribbean side, where you will take a boat transfer through the canals of Tortuguero. Your arrival at your hotel will be in the afternoon. Tortuguero is where you are likely to see lots of wildlife and experience the tropical rainforest in its full glory; this secluded and hard-to-access area will make you feel as though you have traveled to an ancient town. Many guests see three species of monkeys, sloths, river otters, caiman, iguanas, and river turtles. Later in the afternoon, you will visit the Tortuguero Village and the Caribbean Conservation Company to get a taste of the Afro-Caribbean culture and the preservation philosophy of Tortuguero. Overnight stay at Manatus Hotel.

After breakfast, you will embark on a morning boat tour through the Tortuguero National Park, exploring the park's beauty and its great variety of water canals. Tortuguero is characterized by its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, with the canals offering excellent opportunities to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. You will return to the lodge for lunch before heading out again on an afternoon boat tour, which will take you through different areas of the river to give you more opportunities to see a wider variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, birds, and reptiles. Both tours are shared and led by experienced local guides who will help you spot and identify the diverse flora and fauna that make this region so special. After a full day of exploration, you will return to your lodge and enjoy dinner. Overnight stay at Manatus Hotel

After breakfast, you will board the boat that will take you back to the put-in point, where your driver will be waiting to take you on a land transfer to Puerto Viejo, arriving in the early afternoon. The Southern Caribbean region is enclosed by the high Talamanca Mountains that reach up to 13,000 feet and separate the Caribbean from the Pacific along the Continental Divide. This area has an important cultural component formed by indigenous native groups like the Bribris, Kekoldi, and Cabecares. The nature wealth is also significant in this area, with extensive bird life, mammals, reptiles, and numerous species of insects and spiders. The proximity to the Caribbean Sea offers opportunities for reef snorkeling, marine life observation, and nature hiking along the beaches. After checking into your hotel, the remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore the town or relax. Overnight stay at Aguas Claras Hotel.

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the stables, where you will meet your experienced guide. According to age and experience level, your guide will assign a horse you can handle and feel comfortable with, taking time to adjust the saddle or stirrups for you. You will ride towards Punta Uva Beach and along the shore to reach the estuaries of the Punta Uva River. On the way, the guide will try to point out animals or birds that might be found along the trails. The tour duration is 2.5 to 3 hours and is rated as easy to moderate in difficulty. Included in this excursion are transportation, equipment, and an experienced bilingual guide. After your ride, you will return to your hotel and have the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at Aguas Claras Hotel.

Today is entirely yours to enjoy at leisure in Puerto Viejo, with no organized activities scheduled to allow you complete flexibility. You can rest and relax on the beautiful Caribbean beaches, swim in the crystal-clear waters, explore the eclectic village with its unique blend of indigenous and Afro-Caribbean culture. The laid-back Caribbean atmosphere, colorful street art, and delicious local cuisine create the perfect setting for a relaxing day. Overnight stay at Aguas Claras Hotel.

Today is another full day at leisure, allowing you to continue exploring or relaxing at your own pace on the stunning Caribbean coast. You can spend your day swimming, sunbathing on the golden sands, or simply unwinding by the pool. The vibrant Caribbean culture, palm-fringed beaches, and tropical surroundings make Puerto Viejo a truly special place to end your Costa Rican adventure. Overnight stay at Aguas Claras Hotel.