Description
DAY 01 – ARRIVAL IN COSTA RICA
Arrival at San José International Airport and private transfer to the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel, an elegant property located just a few steps from the capital’s main historical buildings. Dinner at leisure and overnight stay.
DAY 02 – CENTRAL HIGHLANDS: LA FORTUNA AND THE MAJESTIC ARENAL VOLCANO
After breakfast, you will meet the rental car agent and get your rental vehicle. Then you can drive to La Fortuna, a small tourist hub at the foot of the Arenal Volcano. Arenal was once one of the world’s most active volcanoes. You will stay at Volcano Lodge & Springs, a beautiful property with hot springs. In the early afternoon, you will drive to the Sloth Watching Trail, a scenic path where a local expert guide will help you spot sloths and other animals.
DAY 03 – RIVER SAFARI ON THE PEÑAS BLANCAS RIVER
After breakfast at the hotel, take a short minibus transfer to the Peñas Blancas River, where you will embark on an exciting river safari through the lush primary forest that surrounds Arenal Volcano.
Even though the river’s waters are calm, the safari will take place on rafting boats, allowing you to get close to the numerous animal species that inhabit this area.
The afternoon will be at your leisure to visit the famous La Fortuna Waterfall.
DAY 04 – THE RINCÓN DE LA VIEJA VOLCANO
Breakfast at the hotel, then drive to Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, more active recently than the nearby Arenal. Upon arrival, check in at Hacienda Guachipelin, a lovely property near the volcano. Lunch at leisure, then relax in the hotel’s thermal springs or visit the waterfalls on the property.
DAY 05 – GUIDED EXCURSION TO RINCÓN DE LA VIEJA NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, embark on a guided excursion to Rincón de la Vieja National Park.
The tour will take place in the “Las Pailas” sector, where you can witness the volcano’s power up close, as steam and sulfur rise from natural fumaroles.
The park is home to over 300 species of birds and many other animals, including armadillos, coatis, capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, and spider monkeys.
Return to the hotel in late morning, with the rest of the day free to relax at the hotel.
DAY 06 – ONWARD TO MONTEVERDE’S CLOUD FOREST
After breakfast, depart by car towards the cloud forest of Monteverde, a true sanctuary for the many species of animals that inhabit it.
Upon arrival, stay at El Establo Mountain Hotel, a fantastic property with stunning views of the cloud forest.
In the late afternoon, take a nighttime tour through the cloud forest, offering the opportunity to observe the nocturnal wildlife, including tropical frogs, snakes, sloths, bellbirds, armadillos, and tarantulas.
DAY 07 – CANOPY TOUR, HANGING BRIDGES, AND SLOTH SANCTUARY
After breakfast, take a short drive to Selvatura Park, a nature reserve nestled in the cloud forest, where you can experience Costa Rica’s longest and most famous Canopy Tour, soaring above the treetops. You’ll also walk along the famous hanging bridges, offering a unique view of this incredible ecosystem from a privileged perspective.
Before lunch, visit the Sloth Sanctuary, a new area dedicated to the conservation of these amazing mammals, recently opened in collaboration with the Caribbean Sloth Sanctuary.
DAY 08 – HEADING SOUTH TO UVITA
In the morning, drive to Uvita, a small town located on a long beach that is part of the Marino Ballena National Park. This vast protected area includes 13,000 hectares of coastline, where large groups of whales from both the Arctic and Antarctic gather in the park’s warm waters, especially during the final stages of gestation.
Upon arrival, stay at La Cusinga Lodge, a beautiful property offering spectacular views of the Pacific coast.
DAY 09 – WHALE AND DOLPHIN WATCHING IN UVITA
After breakfast, drive to the office of our collaborators at Bahia Aventuras, located in the center of Uvita, where you will begin an exciting 4-hour boat excursion. You will have excellent chances to spot various groups of whales that migrate along the Costa Rican coast from December to February and July to October.
You’ll also encounter numerous dolphins that reside permanently near Marino Ballena National Park. Return to shore around 12:00-12:30 pm, with the rest of the afternoon at your leisure.
DAYS 10 AND 11 – RELAX IN UVITA
Days free to relax on the beach or explore the beautiful, deserted beaches near Uvita on your own.
DAY 12 – DEPARTURE
Breakfast at the hotel and a day to drive back to the Rental Car agency’s office (approximately 4.5 hours), located very close to San José International Airport, where you will return your rental car.
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Price starting from € 2,430 per person
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INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE:
- 11 nights with breakfast
- Private transfer from the airport to the hotel on the day of arrival
- 10 days of Suzuki Vitara 4×4 car rental + full insurance
- Guided walk along the Sloth Watching Trail
- River safari on the Peñas Blancas River
- Guided excursion to Rincón de la Vieja National Park
- Guided night walk in the cloud forest
- Canopy Tour, hanging bridges, and sloth sanctuary at Selvatura Park in Monteverde
- Whale and dolphin watching boat excursion in Marino Ballena National Park
- Assistance from bilingual guides (Spanish/English) during excursions
- 24-hour Italian telephone assistance
- Government taxes
NOT INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE:
- International flights
- Entrance to Rincón de la Vieja National Park ($15 per person)
- Health insurance
