Welcome to Costa Rica. This little country doesn’t let its small territory keep it from being overgrown with luxurious flora and fauna fostering the perfect “pura vida” (pure life) vacation. Comparable to the size of Vermont, this eco-diversity destination is filled with beaches, national parks, animals, an inactive volcano, hot springs and so much more. Join us as we explore this region including the Arenal area with its surrounded by rain forest and overlooking the miraculous volcano. Surrounded by waterfalls, amazing hikes and rivers this is an adventures paradise. Enjoy the beautiful beaches of the Pacific Ocean and the waters as we take time to relax here a bit and get out on the water.
Itinerary
Day 1: November 10, 2023 Friday - Arrival into Liberia, Costa Rica airport (LIR)
Upon arrival you will be transferred to our hotel in the beautiful high-end area of the Papagayo Penninsula in Guanacaste. After check in at our beach front hotel enjoy some time at your leisure on the beach. Monkeys are known to jump through the trees here. Paddle boarding, Kayaking is available. Welcome dinner tonight at the hotel. (D) Golden Palms in Papagayo for 1 night.
Day 2: Nov 11 - Depart for Arenal
After breakfast we depart for our journey to the Arenal Area. Along the way we will first stop at the Hornillas at volcán miravalles there we can enjoy the waterfall hike over 3 Hanging bridges, enjoy swings at the springs in the mineral River. After a lunch stop, we continue to our hotel in Arenal area with direct views of the Arenal Volcano. Each distinctive Junior Suite comes with direct views to the beautiful Arenal Volcano. You have your own private jacuzzi in the rooms. Our hotel has a swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Springs ranging in temperatures which are 100% natural and rich in mineral as they come from underground sources of the Arenal Volcano. Due to high mineral concentration, while soaking in these waters, your skin is moisturized and refreshed. Dinner at the hotel this evening. Arenol Kiora resort and spa for 3 nights. (B,L)
Day 3: Nov 12 - Adventure Day
We begin our day with a White-Water Rafting trip. This tour is easy for anyone. Using Class II - III rapids your adventure takes you down the clear river waters as we get pumped full of adrenaline. Each boat has its own guide. and this is both fun and safe. The ride along the waters is very scenic and there is also time to swim. After our trip we are treated to a special homemade Costa Rican lunch.
Our next adventure is and ATV ride through the Costa Rican landscape. Imagine an ATV ride right next to the Arenal Volcano, where you can find volcano history, crazy trails and a lot of excitement! After an easy instructional time, you will start in open planes to warm up for the trip. The 100% off road and muddy trails are made to create adventure meanwhile you enjoy the amazing panoramic views and will create on you and extraordinary experience. On the journey you will find the old impact craters of the Arenal Volcano last eruption in 1968, also you will discover a river with volcanic mud, right there our guide will explain to you about the benefits of this natural exfoliant, after that we will go through a small viewpoint to see the beautiful Arenal Lake, in the farm there are traditional crops of the area, here you will receive a little explanation about La Fortuna´s agriculture. Back at the resort enjoy some leisure time for the Spa, pool and Hot Springs. Dinner is at your leisure tonight at the hotel. (B,L)
Day 4: Nov 14 - Tenorio Volcano Park
Our first excursion is Zip Lining through the Jungles. This consist of a series of cables connected plat forms which your hooked onto with a harness. This safe yet adrenaline pumping experience is one not to be missed.
Our next excursion today takes us to the Tenorio Volcano Park where we take a hike to see the serenity of the turquoise waters and waterfalls. This color is the result of a chemical mixture of sulfur and carbonate, which originates in the Tenorio Volcano. The hike continues along the banks of the river and eventually passes hot springs, waterfalls and past the most unique site where the turquoise waters and brown river waters meet up and create a natural line in water. After the hike you have the chance to swim in the beautiful clear turquoise waters.
We will enjoy lunch with a view and then head towards our hotel with a stop at the largest tree in Costa Rica. It takes 20 people to stand around the tree it is so big.
After some time to relax back at the hotel, you may opt for a spa treatment, relax in the hot springs or pool. Later we will head into the town of La Fortuna tonight to enjoy some shopping and dinner. (B,L)
Day 5: Nov 15 - Transfer to Monteverde
Today we transfer to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Our journey takes us on a scenic drive through the mountains and past the coffee plantations. Upon arrival we will have lunch and then head to the Monteverde Cloud Forest for a hike and to experience the suspension bridge (Hanging Bridges). Being in this high elevation above and within the clouds, the view from within the rain forest will be amazing. Keep a look out for the many birds, monkeys, sloths and various wildlife that abounds. Dinner will be at a unique local restaurant. El Establo Hotel for 1 night. Onsite pool and Spa (B,D)
Day 6: Nov 16 - Transfer to the Tamarindo Area
We depart the Monteverde area and head to the Pacific coastline. Making some scenic stops along the way. Upon arrival check into your beach front hotel and enjoy the remaining part of the day and evening at leisure. You may opt to enjoy some water sports, the beach or walk to town. (B,L)
Day 7: Nov 17 - Catamaran Tour
Our day today on the water will be spectacular. We head out on a Catamaran excursion taking us sailing over the beautiful Pacific Ocean. There will be time for swimming and snorkeling as well as lunch and we sail the waters. Perhaps a dolphin sighting is in the plans for today. After we return and freshen up it's time for a night on the town of Tamarindo. The lively town has many shops, restaurants and bars for you to enjoy this evening. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Nov 18 - Departure Day:
Transfer to the Liberia (LIR) for your return flight home. Flights should depart after 1:00 PM. (B)
Tour Details
Cost $2065.00 per person based on double occupancy. (Roommates can be provided)
Single Supplement: $843.00
SAVE 3% on tour cost if you pay the full amount via check
Deposit $500.00
Booking/full payment deadline 60 days prior to departure
Price Includes:
7 Nights hotel accommodations including taxes
Daily breakfast
5 lunches
3 Dinners
Tours/Entrance fees as listed in itinerary to all sites and activities
Catamaran Trip
R/T airport transfers if traveling on arrival/departure dates
Local Private transfers to all tours and cities visited
Local tour Guide/li>
Welcome gift
Not Included:
International Flights to Liberia, Costa Rica
Additional tours or activities not included in program
Personal expenses
Meals not listed in itinerary
Drinks with meals other than water
Gratuities for guides, driver
Airport transfers if not arriving on tour travel dates
Travel Insurance
Tour Gallery
FAQ
Entry Requirements:Visitors from the US, Canada need a valid passport, Visas are not required for Americans or Canadians visiting for less than 3 months. If you are a citizen of another country you need a passport and should check any Visa requirements for your country of residency. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you intend to leave your home country. Make sure you check your passport expiry date at least 2 months prior to travel. Before traveling abroad it's a good idea to make two photocopies of your passport, driver's license and credit cards. Leave one copy at home with a friend or family member and another bring with you.
Time Zone:Costa Rica observes Central Standard Time all year. There are no Daylight-Saving Time clock changes.
Weather:The western and central regions of Costa Rica have nearly no rain and mostly sunny weather. The little rain falls that usually come are in the afternoon or evening and most people are surprised to find that Nicoya and Guanacaste are more reminiscent of the Arizona desert than a jungle. Weather at this time of year is from the high 60's at night to the low to mid 80's for day in the Arenal area. For the Pacific region it will be from the high 70's at night to the high 80's in the day. Rainfall is shorter if at all usually short and scattered through the day in the Arenal area.
Currency:The local Costa Rica currency is the Colon. Both the Colon and US currency are widely acceptable. It’s worth noting, however, that bills larger than $20 may not be taken by some businesses. Also, when paying for goods and services in dollars, you’ll more than likely get your change in colones. The best way to get cash in the local currency is from an ATM. Keep in mind that most banks impose a fee every time a card is used at another bank's ATM, and that fee can be higher for international transactions ($1 - $3) so try and withdraw as few times as possible. Credit cards are accepted by most shops and restaurants however check with your credit card company regarding foreign exchange fees. You will also have a better chance making deals at local shops if paying with cash.
Electricity:Costa Rica uses 110 volt, 60 cycle electricity, same as the US. Plugs are typically the 2-pronged flat type so US travelers will not typically need a converter or adapter.
Taxes/Vat: Costa Rica, the sales tax rate is 13% a tax charged to consumers based on the purchase price of certain goods and services.
Health:Your health insurance provider may not cover you while traveling to Costa Rica so it is best to check with them prior to travel. It is always advisable to purchase a travel insurance plan while traveling abroad. This way you will be covered for accidents, injury and illness. No vaccines are required for Costa Rica and Malaria if any is low. However check with your personal doctor first.
Activity Level - Medium to Strong:This is a fairly active tour with activities like hiking, zip lining, horseback riding, swimming, white water rafting and more. At each stop we will be walking/hiking quite a bit. To be able to fully enjoy the tour and participate in scheduled activities, you need to be able to walk, at a leisurely pace, up to 3 or 5 or so miles on some days. You should be able to stand unassisted for up to 30 minutes at times during the tours. You will need be able to keep up with the group without any assistance. At times you will need manage your own luggage. This trip is pretty easy for the average person however if you can't or choose not to participate in certain activities this is at your own discretion. However, it cannot affect the groups participation nor can any tours or activities or refunds be offered or changed due to an individual not being able or not wanting to participate.
