- Discover the tropical paradise of Costa Rica
- Volcanoes, national parks, beautiful Pacific and Caribbean beaches
- Boat trips, snorkelling and horseback riding on Costa Rica’s picturesque beaches
- Tortuguero National Park, Monteverde, Cahuita, Maquenque
- Select hotels and exclusive treetop accommodations right in the nature reserve
- Rest and relaxation at the end of your stay
- Tailor-made itinerary for any number of people on the dates of your choice
Tour program:
DAY 1: WELCOME TO THE TROPICAL PARADISE OF COSTA RICA
Upon arrival in San José, you will meet your guide; receive your materials and travel information, followed by a transfer to your hotel in the city center and rest along the way.
2. DAY 2: TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
After a cup of morning coffee, you will drive through the impressive mountains of Braulio Carrillo National Park.
In this area you will see pineapple plantations, one of Costa Rica’s most important agricultural export commodities. After breakfast, you will continue on a cruise on the river “La Suerte”, which will take you into the rainforest where you will observe the rich fauna and flora.
After lunch, your guide will pick you up at your hotel to go with you on a tour of Tortuguero.
3. DAY 2: TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
Today you will head into the heart of Tortuguero National Park. After breakfast, you will go on a boat cruise through Tortuguero National Park. During this time, your guide will show you different species of animals. Keep your binoculars and cameras handy to capture the beauty of this natural wonder as you cruise through the canals.
After lunch at the hotel, you’ll take a stroll through the gardens and trails in the grounds. This will be followed by free time, and for the evening you will enjoy a delicious dinner to the sounds of the wildlife.
4. DAY 4: FAREWELL TO THE NORTHERN CARIBBEAN
Today, after a sumptuous breakfast, you will set sail on a boat to bid farewell to the Tortuguero region.
Upon your return, pick up your car and your self-drive adventure in Costa Rica can begin!
DAY 5 – 6: PUERTO VIEJO DE TALAMANCA
Use these days to explore the Caribbean! We recommend a trip to the beaches of the area: crystal clear sea, white sands, palm trees and hardly any waves – the Caribbean at its most beautiful! If you continue from Puerto Viejo towards Manzanillo, you will pass beautiful beaches such as Playa Chiquita and Punta Uva. Snorkeling in the coral reef, you can enjoy the beauty of Costa Rica both above and below the water. Or book a tour including a guide and lunch to explore Cahuita National Park with its diverse biodiversity. Your guide will tell you about all the local species of plants and animals. Look around for sloths that like to hang out in the trees.
If you want to get even closer to the animals, visit the Jaguar Rescue Center near Puerto Viejo. There are morning tours where you can learn about the shelter’s operations and get an overview of the rescue center concept. You can see baby sloths and other species of monkeys and also see other local animals such as rhinos, crocodiles and various species of birds. You can also relax on the tropical beach or try your luck on a surfboard.
7. DAY 7: BOCA TAPADA
Today you will head north from Puerto Viejo, close to the Nicaraguan border, to the village of Boca Tapada. This is an idyllic village in the northernmost part of the San Carlos River basin and is located in the Maquenque Nature Reserve. You will spend the night in a “tree house” and hike through the rainforest. In the afternoon you can explore the rainforest channels by canoe.
8. DAY 8: SAN CARLOS RIVER
In the morning you will board a boat with a local guide to take you down the San Carlos River, an impressive river full of wildlife. With the help of the captain and a local guide, you will be able to observe birds such as the green macaw, migratory birds, monkeys, sloths, iguanas, caimans and more. The boat will arrive at the natural border with Nicaragua and you can enjoy a refreshing drink in Costa Rica’s last town on the border with Nicaragua. The afternoon is free for you to relax and unwind to the sounds of the wilderness.
9. DAY 5: BOCA TAPADA
Today is a free day that you can use for several activities:
- A guided hike along the trails of the San Juan Nature Reserve.
- Birdwatching. The hike ends at the lagoon where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast on the pier.
- Drive along trails and paths among beautiful forests and through quiet corners.
During the activities you will be able to observe various birds, monkeys, crocodiles and the rich local flora that are typical of the area.
10. DAY 2: LA FORTUNA
This day continues your adventure to La Fortuna. The town of La Fortuna de San Carlos, often simply called La Fortuna, is the gateway to the spectacular Arenal Volcano. Located in the province of Alajuela, it connects the Arenal Volcano area with the Monteverde and Santa Elena mist forests and plains in the north.
11. DAY 11: LA FORTUNA
On day S you will take a trip directly to the Arenal volcano. You will set off after breakfast, walk through the rainforest and over solidified lava. From the El Silencio viewpoint you will have a spectacular view of Lake Arenal and the lava flows from the 1968 eruption. Refresh yourself in the crystal clear waters of the Fortuna River waterfall. After lunch you will return to your hotel to enjoy some free time in La Fortuna.
DAY 12: LA FORTUNA
This day you have free time to spend as you wish. La Fortuna offers a wide range of leisure activities. Whether you are an adventurer or prefer to relax, there is something for everyone. For example, you can visit the Ecotermales thermal springs. Don’t forget to wear your swimsuit for a refreshing dip. If you prefer something more action-packed, you can explore the area by cable car through the rainforest, by bike or in a canoe.
DAY 13: SANTA ELENA
After breakfast, you’ll head towards Santa Elena, where an incredible ecosystem of tropical green mist forest, the natural habitat of the quesala bird, and the place where a group of Quakers settled nearly 80 years ago and decided to make Costa Rica their new home, awaits you. Your journey will take you to Lake Arenal, which you will circumnavigate. This is a man-made dam created after the construction of a dam in 1979 that took advantage of the small lake of the same name. It is a key point in an ambitious hydroelectric project in Costa Rica that today provides electricity for much of the country. From here you continue to Santa Elena. Along the way, you’ll be treated to some spectacular scenery and you may see a family of rhinos moving along the road. Monteverde is home to one of the rarest and most unique ecosystems on the planet – the mist forest – with a fantastic diversity of flora and fauna. What sets this area apart from other forests in Costa Rica is the permanent fog that looks like clouds and gives the area its name. The high humidity in this area, at 1,600 metres above sea level, creates the fog and provides a layer of clouds.
DAY 14: SANTA ELENA
Today you’ll head high above the ground to enjoy the beauty of the Monteverde mist forest from the famous suspension bridges as you walk “above the clouds”! During your treetop walk in the Monteverde Mist Forest, you will pass through a system of 8 safe suspension bridges of different lengths and heights! During the tour, you can observe many of the forest’s inhabitants and, with a bit of luck, you will even catch a glimpse of the famous bird of the gods, the quetzal. You can also take part in a breathtaking canopy tour where you will feel like Tarzan! From a bird’s eye view, you will enjoy a unique view of the misty forest.
DAY 15: PUERTO CARRILLO
From Monteverde today you will continue along the white sand beaches and intense blue ocean to Playa Carrillo, a beach resort on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Now you have plenty of time to relax and enjoy a beautiful day at the beach – strolling along the shore, collecting shells, taking a refreshing dip in the Pacific or simply relaxing in the sun and enjoying some free time.
DAYS 16-17: TROPICAL PARADISE OF COSTA RICA
Enjoy days of relaxation on the beach. After breakfast, explore the bay, walking westwards you will arrive at Cangrejal Bay, where the reef attracts stingrays and tropical fish.
At Sámara beach you can enjoy:
- Horseback riding on the beach during the day.
- Surfing lessons or paddleboarding.
- Boat or kayak trips to the Chora Island Nature Reserve, which boasts pink sand, sea birds and offers beautiful snorkeling spots.
DAY 18: SAN JOSÉ
Enjoy the beaches in the morning and after lunch you will start your journey back to San José, where you will return your rental car in the afternoon. After checking in, enjoy your last dinner in Costa Rica.
DAY 19: DEPARTURE FROM COSTA RICA BACK TO THE CZECH REPUBLIC
After breakfast, departure to the airport and flight back to the Czech Republic according to the valid flight schedule.
Further information
The offer price usually includes:
- selected hotels/bungalows, double rooms with private bathroom
- meals
- services of local guides
- entrances to national parks
- car rental
- programme according to the itinerary and excursions listed in the tour programme
- CK insurance against bankruptcy
The price of the offer usually does not include:
- international airfare
- optional excursions and activities
- tips for the guide/driver
- everything else – not listed under “included”
- insurance for medical expenses or cancellation fees (we are happy to arrange)
Organiser.
Note: Modification of the program is subject to change.
