- Active volcano Poás, Waterfall Gardens Reserve
- Cahuita National Park on the Caribbean coast
- Active Arenal Volcano and Baldi Thermal Spa
- Manuel Antonio NP
- Monteverde and Manuel Antonio National Parks
- Pacific Coast
Tour program:
DAY 1: WELCOME TO COSTA RICA
Upon arrival, meet your guide; handover of materials and travel information; transfer to your hotel in the city center and relax en route.
2. DAY 2: POÁS VOLCANO, WATERFALL GARDENS RESERVE
Poás Volcano should be visited in the morning, as it is already in a misty haze in the later hours. Therefore, you will set off early in the morning from your hotel to the province of Alajuela through a landscape full of coffee plantations. On the way, you will have the opportunity to have breakfast directly at one of them – Doka Caffé, where you will also learn interesting information about the coffee processing process. You will continue on to the majestic Poás Volcano, whose national park is one of the most visited in Costa Rica. From a safe vantage point, you’ll see the main crater, from which smoke or bubbling sulfur often rises. Hear from your guide about the different local ecosystems and take a short walk. Your next stop will be the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a private reserve characterized by its forests, waterfalls, rushing rivers and many species of birds. Along paved paths, you can explore the beauty of this reserve all the way to a waterfall in the middle of the rainforest. You can also visit the butterfly or hummingbird garden or the serpentarium. After a prepared lunch, you will return to San José. The afternoon is yours – you can visit the center of the capital or the famous Zlata Museum.
3. DAY 2: CARIBBEAN COAST – NP CAHUITA
After breakfast, transfer to the small coastal town of Cahuita. Here you will be able to enjoy the charms of the Caribbean and the unique atmosphere of this place for the next two days. For today we recommend relaxing on the beautiful sandy beaches or an individual visit to the national park of the same name, where you can observe many species of animals (hummingbirds, monkeys, sloths, armadillos and others) if you are lucky.
4. DAY 4: NP CAHUITA AND SNORKELING
Today’s excursion will begin with a two-hour ride on a small boat that will take you to one of the last living coral reefs in Costa Rica, where you will have the opportunity to snorkel and view many species of coral, fish and other underwater life (equipment will be provided, you do not need to bring your own). A snack (local tropical fruits) will be served afterwards and then the second part of the trip will begin. This is a walk through Cahuita NP with a local guide who will show you all the animals and plants that live here…
5. DAY 5: ARENAL VOLCANO AND BALDI THERMAL SPRINGS
After breakfast, transfer to the town of La Fortuna, located at the foot of the active volcano Arenal. Upon arrival, you can explore the town with its beautiful square and church. In the afternoon, relax in the thermal springs of Baldi, full of different pools, water slides and bars to swim to. After
relaxing afternoon, you will be treated to a dinner with views of the Arenal in the background.
6. DAY 6: RIO CELESTE – NP VOLCAN TENORIO
Today will start with an early departure to NP Volcan Tenorio – Rio Celeste. If the weather is clear, you will have the opportunity to see the Arenal, Tenorio and Miravalles volcanoes. Perhaps even the distant Lake Nicaragua will make an appearance! Breakfast will be served in one of the local picturesque villages. In the park that is characterized by the “sky blue” color of the Celeste River, a walk awaits you that will take you to the river lagoon with its warm springs. You will also see the confluence of the two rivers that form the Rio Celeste and visit the place “Las Ollas” where you can have a mud wrap, famous for its therapeutic effects. At the end of the trip, you will reach the famous waterfall where you will be able to take a dip in a natural pool of azure blue water.
7. DAY 2: CAÑO NEGRO
Today you will visit one of the most unsuitable places to observe animals in their natural habitat – the unique wetland habitat of Caño Negro (birds, monkeys, caimans, sloths, iguanas and many more). The trip will start with a two-hour drive during which you will see papaya, sugar cane, orange and yucca plantations. From your guide you will learn a lot of interesting information regarding the cultivation and processing of these crops. Upon arrival at the site and after a welcome cocktail, you’ll board the boat, and the two-hour animal-watching tour can begin! Don’t forget to look up into the treetops! After a catered lunch, return to the hotel.
8. DAY 8: MONTEVERDE MIST FOREST AND NIGHT ANIMAL WATCHING WALK
As well as a bus ride, today’s transfer to Monteverde includes a one-hour boat ride across Lake Arenal. Monteverde is a region characterised by its cooler climate, its rich biodiversity and its mist forest. You will be picked up in the evening for a night walk. The terrain will be mostly gentle, nothing to worry about, but there will be a few hills. You will be rewarded with a unique experience – observing the nocturnal life of local plants and animals (toucans, owls, agouti).
9. DAY 9: HANGING FOOTBRIDGES IN THE TREETOPS AND CANOPY
Today you’ll experience the mist forest from an almost bird’s eye view. The three-kilometre walk follows paths and 7 suspension footbridges, with the highest at 80 metres. After this walk, you will be able to try a real Costa Rican canopy (riding on a suspended pulley on ropes between the trees). After a short safety briefing and after the first sections when you really start to enjoy the ride, you will have a total of 16 stations to ride between. At the end
a delicious lunch will be prepared and afterwards you will be driven back to your hotel. In the afternoon, there will be a “Coffee Tour” where you will learn about the whole coffee making process – there will be an opportunity to taste the delicious fresh coffee!
10. DAY: NP MANUEL ANTONIO
After breakfast, transfer to Manuel Antonio NP, located right on the Pacific coast. The afternoon will be dedicated to relaxing or strolling along the Pacific beaches. Alternatively, take advantage of local attractions such as parasailing or speedboat rides.
11. DAY 11: MANGROVES TO ISLA DAMAS
Boat trip through the mangrove ecosystem of the Damas Peninsula. You will be able to observe birds, monkeys and other animals. At the same time, you will listen to a commentary about this unique ecosystem. Lunch will be served during the trip.
DAY 12: NP CARARA
Carara is the Amerindian equivalent of the word crocodile. This national park is located on Playa Tarcóles (about 1.5 hours drive from Quepos). It is one of the youngest in Costa Rica (it opened in 2008), but it has a lot to offer: it is home to almost half of all Costa Rican bird species. During your walk through the park (with a local guide) you will see everything this park has to offer. One of the biggest attractions is the chance to spot an Ara parrot. After your visit to the park, you will go to the Tarcoles Bridge, where the largest population of crocodiles in Costa Rica can be seen. Enjoy a local home-style lunch and then return to your hotel.
DAY 13: NP MANUEL ANTONIO AND RETURN TO SAN JOSÉ
Today you will visit Manuel Antonio NP (with a local guide), which is one of the most beautiful and popular parks in Costa Rica thanks to its combination of rainforest with rich fauna and romantic beaches. Enjoy strolling along the well-maintained trails and discover the beauty of this park (you’re sure to see many species of animals) or take a dip in the clear waters of the Pacific. Afternoon transfer back to the capital, to your hotel near the airport. Enjoy your last Costa Rican evening!
DAY 14-15: GOODBYE COSTA RICA!
Transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule and return to the Czech Republic.
Further information
Price includes:
- accommodation – 13x hotel – 3*** levels with breakfast (double room)
- transport from/to San José airport shared transport (San José – Cahuita, Cahuita – La Fortuna, Monteverde – Manuel Antonio, Manuel Antonio – San Jose). These are tourist minibuses (6-8 tourists), which provides regular transfers between the locations
- transfer Arenal – Monteverde (bus, boat, coach)
- visit to Poás Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens Reserve with an English-speaking guide (includes transportation, entrance fees, breakfast, lunch)
- snorkeling and hiking trip in Cahuita NP (includes transportation, local English-speaking guide, snorkeling equipment, lunch)
- visit to the Baldi Hot Springs (entrance and dinner included)
- trip to Rio Celeste NP (transport, English speaking guide, lunch)
- trip to Caño Negro (includes English-speaking guide, transportation and lunch)
- Night walk through the mist forest – day 8 (includes transport, English speaking guide)
- hanging footbridges and canopies – day 9 (includes transport, English speaking guide, lunch)
- Don Juan Coffee Tour (including transportation, lunch and English speaking guide)
- Trip to Isla Damas (transportation, English speaking guide, lunch)
- Carara NP (transportation, lunch, English speaking guide)
- Manuel Antonio NP (transport, walk with local English-speaking guide, lunch)
- assistance during the tour (available 24 hours a day)
- information materials
- insurance against bankruptcy
Price does not include:
- international airfare (estimated price 18 – 25 000 CZK)
- departure tax from San José (29 USD)
- 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.
