Classic Costa Rica

Early in the morning, you will depart from San Jose to the North Caribbean Plains, where the most important attraction is the Tortuguero National Park, one of the most exuberant national parks in Costa Rica. On the way, you will be ascending through the Central Volcanic mountain range where you will appreciate from the bus, beautiful waterfalls and the always-green forests, which adorn the Braulio Carrillo National Park. As you reach the Caribbean plains you will notice a change in the climate, as it becomes a bit warmer and humid but pleasant.

After breakfast on route, the journey will continue, passing very likely through banana fields and getting deeper in the rural roads until reaching a local dock where the boats are waiting to transfer you to Tortuguero. An approximate one and half hour boat ride, will take you through the canals sheltered in the jungle of the rain forest. From the boat, you will be able to admire the unique flora and fauna of this area, along with different types of birds. Upon arrival and check in at your select lodge in the Tortuguero area, there could be a short briefing of the lodge, activities and afterwards lunch.

In the afternoon, you will visit the village of Tortuguero, where you will learn the lifestyle of local residents. As per example the different coloring of their homes surrounded by the gorgeous canals and in general also to know the significant conservation efforts that some NGOs (non-governmental organizations) have developed to protect the sea turtles that come to spawn each year along the 20 miles of the protected coastline.

During this day, you will explore (by boat) some of the secondary canals in this idyllic place, having the opportunity to observe in a closer form the nature that surrounds it. Many natural navigable canals and lagoons, which cross the park, offer the opportunity to contemplate the biological diversity of this region. We can point out the variety of birds, turtles, reptiles, the forests and even some mammals. The park has a total of 76,316 protected hectares, with approximately 26,156 land with the different Canals and deltas, in which mostly is to conserve the wetlands and there is a bigger protected portion of the park which covers beaches and the sea (specially created to protect the sea turtle). The average annual rainfall is between 4,500 a 6,000mm.

Rest of the day at leisure.

From July to September, you might take on your own the optional (extra cost) excursion to observe the turtles at night. This being one of most impressive natural events, as many sea turtles arrive from hundreds of kilometers away to lay their eggs in the close by beaches.

At mid-morning, the journey continues with a boat transfer back to the local dock and afterwards continuing by road to the Northern Plains. On route, we will be making a connection and lunch stop in the area of Guapiles.

This route offers amazing mountain views, passing nearby rural towns such as Sarapiqui. You will also observe from the road, one of the major sources of revenue in the area: the agriculture, so you will have the opportunity according with the season to see from the distance, the crops of pineapple, oranges, sugar cane, yucca and many others.

Arrive to La Fortuna de San Carlos town late afternoon where if the weather conditions permit it, you will be able to observe the mighty Arenal Volcano, which welcomes you to the area, with its impressive perfect conic shape.

These days are at leisure in which you can enjoy the different tourist attractions at an extra cost that can be found in the area or just relax and enjoy nature from your hotel facilities.  Some ideas on activities in the surroundings are: The Arenal Volcano National Park, hanging bridges, the sky Tram/sky trek, Arenal Vida Campesina, Boat tour, horseback riding and much more for you to discover on your own.

Morning departure from Arenal Volcano to the Cloud Forest area in Monteverde. This service is considered a transfer-tour, as you will be traveling around the Arenal Lake, which is the largest and the most important lake in Costa Rica. The first part of the trip is adorned with the beautiful scenery of the Arenal Lake. Then, will start the driving ascending through the Tilaran Mountain Range. The final portion of your journey is on gravel roads, giving you more time to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery and you will feel a slight change of temperature as per the location above 1300 meters above sea level.

Monteverde is known for its diverse and rich tropical cloud forests. Wind-sculptured elfin woodlands on the exposed ridges are spectacularly dwarfed, whereas protected cove Monteverde cloud forests have majestically tall trees festooned with orchids, bromeliads, ferns, vines, and mosses. Alpine like weather will revive the rural experience of our country.

This day you will have time to explore the area of Monteverde, discover the secrets of the misty cloud forest with its dense vegetation and majestic trees, enjoying its climate and hiking the trails amongst the varieties of plants and over 450 bird species seen in the area. It protects and provides habitat for hundreds of species of flora and fauna. The reserve is 26.000 acres and is an important link in the growing network of protected areas in Costa Rica. Located at an altitude between 1,200 and 1,600 m, this cloud forest gives you the chance of exploring a different type of forest, allowing you to make your very own comparison between the biodiversity found in a rainforest and a cloud forest, proving that Costa Rica is full of natural treasures.

In the morning continue your drive to the Papagayo Gulf on the North Pacific Coast. This route will provide you with panoramic views around the Arenal Lake with views to the ARenal Volcano until you reach the Pan-American Highway, where you begin to notice the change of the rainforest into the tropical dry forest that characterizes the entire Guanacaste Province. You will begin to see the beautiful, world-famous beaches of Costa Rica, set amidst jungle landscape, as well as the magnificent sunsets, which will create indelible memories in your mind! Tonight you will begin your 3-night stay.

Enjoy two days at leisure, to enjoy the hotel, the beach, and the surrounding area. This region is known for its extensive nature reserves with a plethora of flora, fauna and natural beauty. Some of the many natural attractions and activities you can take advantage of include Rincon de la Vieja National Park, with its active volcano, thermal mud baths, and variety of forests; canopy/zip line tours, river rafting, horseback riding, forest hiking, fishing and much more.

After enjoying unforgettable days in the pacific coast, you will head back to San Jose to return your car and afterwards to the airport.

Please take into consideration that, for International Departure Flights, passengers are highly requested to arrive 3 hours before Flight Departure Time at the Airport for check in procedures, this according to Airport and Airline Authorities.