Description
DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN COSTA RICA
Upon your arrival at Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José, you will be transferred to the Balmoral Hotel, an elegant establishment located a few steps from the main historic buildings of the capital. Dinner is at your own expense. Overnight stay at the hotel.
DAY 2 – TOWARDS THE CARIBBEAN COAST
Departure from the hotel at 6:30 AM for a three-hour transfer to La Pavona dock, the main embarkation point for Tortuguero National Park. After a 90-minute boat ride, you will arrive at Pachira Lodge Tortuguero, where lunch will be served. In the afternoon, visit the small village of Tortuguero and the Turtle Conservation Museum. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
DAY 3 – EXPLORING TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, embark on a guided boat tour through the park’s canals, where you can admire various animal species hiding within the dense tropical vegetation, including tapirs, caimans, sloths, and the rare manatee. In the afternoon, a local guide will accompany you on an interesting walk along the lodge’s private trails, rich in butterflies and tropical frogs. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
DAY 4 – RAFTING ON THE RIO PACUARE
After breakfast, depart from Tortuguero and travel by boat through the canals to Guapiles, where you will stop for lunch. Continue with a transfer to the famous Rio Pacuare, considered one of the top five rivers in the world for rafting. In the afternoon, raft the first 13 km of the river, making stops to admire numerous waterfalls. Arrive at Ave Sol River Lodge, a beautiful lodge nestled in lush vegetation along the riverbanks. Dinner will be prepared camp-style by your guides. Overnight at the lodge.
DAY 5 – LEISURE DAY AT AVE SOL RIVER LODGE
After breakfast, spend the day at your leisure at the lodge or participate in various activities, including short walks in the surrounding forest or a more challenging trek to the Cabecar indigenous community.
DAY 6 – TOWARDS THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS: LA FORTUNA AND THE MAJESTIC ARENAL VOLCANO
After breakfast, continue your journey along the Rio Pacuare, navigating the last section of the river, characterized by thrilling class III-IV rapids. After lunch in Siquirres, proceed by minibus to La Fortuna, a small tourist center at the foot of the majestic Arenal Volcano, which is currently dormant but was one of the most active volcanoes in the world until recently. Arrive in the late afternoon and check in at Volcano Lodge & Springs. Dinner is on your own. Overnight stay at the lodge.
DAY 7 – CANOPY TOUR, HANGING BRIDGES, AND SKY TRAM AT ARENAL VOLCANO
In the morning, embark on an excursion at Sky Adventures La Fortuna, a nature reserve in the forested area around Arenal Volcano. Enjoy a spectacular canopy tour and walk on the famous hanging bridges, which rise up to 70 meters above the ground. Then, take the “Sky Tram” to comfortably observe the natural beauty of the area. Lunch will be served at the reserve’s restaurant.
DAY 8 – PLAYA SAMARA AND THE BEACHES OF THE NICOYA PENINSULA
After breakfast, depart with a shuttle transfer to Playa Samara on the Pacific Coast. This small town features a stunning, nearly deserted 4-kilometer tropical beach. Check in at Hotel La Locanda, a delightful beachfront establishment with a great restaurant. Overnight stay at the hotel.
DAYS 9, 10, 11 – FREE DAYS AT PLAYA SAMARA
During your stay at Playa Samara, you can relax on the beautiful beach, explore nearby deserted beaches, or engage in various sports activities. You can also go snorkeling at Isla Chora, just off Samara Beach, which is easily accessible by kayak. With some luck, you might witness sea turtles arriving at Corozalito Beach in the evening to lay their eggs.
DAY 12 – DEPARTURE
After breakfast, you will have a private transfer of approximately 4.5 hours to Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José for your departure flight.
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Price starting from € 2,110 per person
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INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE:
- 11 nights with breakfast
- Private transfer from the airport to the hotel on arrival day
- Shared shuttle transfers (land and water) to Tortuguero, Rio Pacuare, La Fortuna, and Playa Samara
- Private transfer from Playa Samara to San José Airport
- Meals as per the itinerary (6 lunches, 4 dinners)
- Guided tour of Tortuguero village
- Guided boat tour in Tortuguero National Park
- Guided walk on the private trails of Pachira Lodge
- 2 rafting trips on Rio Pacuare (class III-IV)
- Canopy tour, suspended bridges, and Sky Tram at Sky Adventures Park
- Bilingual guides (Spanish/English) during excursions
- 24-hour phone assistance
- Government taxes
NOT INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE:
- International flights
- Health insurance
