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CARIBBEAN TO PACIFIC COAST

Nature & Wildlife Costa Rica

11 Days

Explore the best of both sides of the country on this wonderful trip. Start with the laid-back Caribbean coast visiting the beautiful beaches of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, then travel to the exuberant Tortuguero where an incredible array of wildlife is easy to spot. It is time to leave the Caribbean and travel to the magnificent area of La Fortuna with the iconic Arenal volcano. Head towards the Pacific Coast at the end of the trip with a couple of relaxing days at the gorgeous beach in Tamarindo.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica and transfer to Hotel

On your arrival at the airport in San Jose (SJO), our driver will welcome you and will transfer you to your hotel. Transfer time 45m approx.~ Overnight at Hotel Rincon del Valle 3* for one night – 1 Deluxe room. Meals: None

Day 2: Transfer to Puerto Viejo

This morning, meet your van for a shared transfer to the Caribbean area of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. This is a laid-back, vibrant town with gorgeous beaches, blue turquoise and great adventures. Time at leisure at the beach upon arrival. Transfer time 5h approx.~ Overnight at Hotel Shawandha Lodge 3* for two nights – 1 Bungalow. Meals: B

Day 3: Visit to Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge

Morning at leisure to relax by the pool of your hotel or enjoy the refreshing waters of Playa Chiquita located just 150 metres away from the hotel. In the afternoon, take a hike at one of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean: the Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge, a protected area with white sand beaches, coral reefs and untouched rainforest. Our guide will point out the often-elusive wildlife. In addition, you will visit the Ara Project, a local Manzanillo endeavour dedicated to the protection, reproduction and reinsertion of the Great Green Macaw in the Caribbean Coast. Duration: 4 hours. ~ Difficulty: Easy Overnight at Hotel Shawandha Lodge 3* – 1 Bungalow. Meals: B

Day 4: Transfer to Guapiles and boat to Tortuguero

Early morning transfer to Guápiles Village. From there continue to La Pavona docks where you take a boat to Tortuguero National Park. Enjoy a 1-hour approx. nature cruise to your Lodge. Lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon visit the small town of Tortuguero and learn the way of life of its inhabitants before returning to the lodge to enjoy dinner. Transfer time 6 hours approx. including boat transfer to Tortuguero Overnight at Hotel Mawamba Lodge 3* – 1 Standard room. Meals: B, L & D

Day 5: Nature Walk and Tortuguero National Park boat tour

Morning visit to the “Mawamba Park”, a private facility in the Lodge’s gardens that features two butterfly farms, a frog garden, our bio-digester and river turtles’ area. This visit is combined with a walk in the trails at the Lodge. Duration: 1.5 hours ~ Difficulty: Easy In the afternoon enjoy a guided Wildlife Boat Excursion in Tortuguero National Park. Hop on board, sit back and prepare to witness a parade of tropical birds, caimans, iguanas, monkeys and sloths as we motor through the black water canals of the Tortuguero National Park. Duration: 2 hours ~ Difficulty: Easy Overnight at Hotel Mawamba Lodge 3* – Meals: B, L & D

Day 6: Transfer to La Fortuna with Hot Springs visit

Departure after breakfast, the boat picks you up at the hotel dock to drop you off the docks. From there continue to La Fortuna, a village located in northern Costa Rica and home of the impressive Arenal volcano. Transfer time: 5.5 hours approx.~ including boat transfer from Tortuguero Overnight at Hotel Lomas del Volcan 3* for three nights – 1 Standard bungalow. Meals: None

Day 7: Arenal Hanging Bridges and Night Hike in the rainforest

Enjoy visiting a beautiful, environmentally-friendly nature project located near the Arenal Volcano. There are trails and bridges that bring you as close as you could ever hope to get to the birds, flowers, and the lush vegetation of this primary rainforest. Once you are on walking along, you will be able to admire the great diversity of flora and fauna typically found in the tropical rain forest and also have the opportunity to see many different birds and plant species for approx. 2.5 hrs. Duration: 3 hours ~ Difficulty: Easy Venture into the rainforest and discover the wonders of Costa Rica after dark! Lead by a professional nature guide, you will explore the rainforest after nightfall, senses alert and flashlight in hand. Don't miss out on the chance to see the creatures that few others get to witness--the creatures who only come alive while the rest of the country sleeps... You will be picked up and brought to the night walk starting point. Your guide will lead you through the moonlit rainforest trails as he points out and discusses the various plants and animals along the way. You will experience the peace and sounds that nature gives us at night… Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours ~ Difficulty: Easy Overnight at Hotel Lomas del Volcan 3* – 1 Standard bungalow. Meals: None

Day 8: At leisure in La Fortuna

Day at leisure in La Fortuna. Optional activities such as hike in the Arenal Volcano, fun white-water rafting, biking in scenic landscapes, horseback riding, visit to an amazing waterfall, tasty chocolate tour among others are available. Enquiry with us for more information! Overnight at Hotel Lomas del Volcan 3* – Meals: B

Day 9: Transfer to Tamarindo Beach

Today you will be transferred to the beautiful beach of Tamarindo in Guanacaste. From simple beginnings as a quiet fishing village, Tamarindo has developed into one of the most popular destinations in the Guanacaste province. This town supports a stunning white sand beach, a range of accommodations, and a number of bars and restaurants. The main boulevard includes various boutiques and art galleries. Transfer time 5 hours approx.~ Overnight at Hotel Tamarindo Diriá 3* for three nights – 1 Tropicana Poolview. Meals: B

Day 10: At leisure in Tamarindo

Day at leisure at the beach! Enjoy the amenities of your hotel and the refreshing waters of the Pacific Ocean. As optional we recommend a half day tour to a wetland nature reserve in the Tempisque River where you can observe an incredible number of tropical birds and wildlife such as crocodiles, green iguanas, coatis or the always expected white throated capuchin monkeys. Please enquiry for rates! Overnight at Hotel Tamarindo Diriá 3* – 1 Tropicana Poolview. Meals: B

Day 11: Transfer to Liberia Intl. Airport

Today we will provide a private transfer to the International Airport in Liberia to take your flight back home. Transfer time ~1h15m approx.~ Come back soon to Costa Rica, Pura Vida!

CARIBBEAN TO PACIFIC COAST

  • From:
    $-- USD p/p

included:

  • Lodging at mentioned hotels or similar.
  • Door to door transportation as per itinerary on days 1, 2, 4, 6, 9 and 11.
  • Tours and activities as per itinerary (shared in small groups) on days 3, 4, 5 and 7 with bilingual local guide.
  • All meals in your hotel in Tortuguero on days 4 and 5.
  • Local taxes.

Not Included:

  • International airfare.
  • Additional meals.
  • Passenger taxes at borders/airports.
  • Activities suggested.
  • Discretional tips.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Travel Insurance.

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