Costa Rica with Luxury & Style (11 Days): Sample Itinerary Outline
ID #: DT-CR-11-3-28-11-RAIJ
DAY
1: Arrive San Jose, COSTA RICA
Welcome to Costa Rica. You are met on arrival in San Jose, and
transferred to your resort hotel, located on a 30-acre coffee
plantation. ►Suggested hotel:
Marriott Costa Rica Hotel, San Jose
DAY 2: San Jose to Turrialba & with River Rafting
This morning depart San Jose with your private driver and guide, and
travel to the Turrialba Valley in central Costa Rica. Then the real fun
begins when you join your experienced rafting guide for a day full of
safe and exciting adventures on the Rio Pacuare. Travel on one of the
top ten white water rafting rivers in the world for eighteen miles of
class III and class IV rapids, and some of the most breathtaking scenery
in all of Costa Rica. Enjoy the thrill of the rapids, as well as the
natural beauty that surrounds the river - cascading waterfalls and a
variety of tropical flora and fauna. Halfway through the journey, stop
at a hillside camp for a tremendous view of the Rio Pacuare, the
surrounding mountains, and to enjoy lunch. Continue your adventure down
the river, braving more rapids and taking in the beautiful surroundings.
(If you prefer, raft on the gentler Class I or II rapids of the Pjibaye
River.) ►Suggested hotel: Hacienda Tayutic, Turrialba
DAY 3: Turrialba to Tortuguero, COSTA RICA
Today, drive east, towards the Caribbean Sea. At Cano Blanco, travel by
private boat to Tortuguero National Park – home to over 350 species of
birds and mammals, including 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered species
such as tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters and manatees. Your hotel
offers remote, rustic luxury surrounded by the natural beauty of the
Tortuguero Canals and its wildlife. ►Suggested hotel: Manatus Lodge, Tortuguero
DAY 4: Tortuguero & the Cano Palma Wildlife Reserve, COSTA RICA
This morning, explore the inland canals and wetlands as you take a
private guided boat tour through Cano Palma Wildlife Reserve. Wildlife
of all sorts show their able ways of camouflage throughout the canal.
Venture on a few of the private trails to experience the dense jungle
close-up. It is truly a fascinating experience to see anhinga, yellow
crowned night heron, strawberry poison dart frogs, howler monkeys,
capuchin monkeys and the giant webs of golden orb spiders as you trek
along the spongy earth. This area is also one of the best places for
bird watching. After a relaxing break for lunch at the hotel, enjoy
another private guided boat tour through Tortuguero National Park. Watch
the caimans and sea turtles float by, as well as the giant leatherback
turtles. ►Suggested hotel: Manatus Lodge, Tortuguero
DAY 5: Tortuguero to Arenal, COSTA RICA
This morning it is a quick boat transfer to the Tortuguero Air strip,
for your flight back to San Jose. Upon arrival, proceed with your guide
on a scenic drive towards the famous Arenal Volcano. Enjoy a tour and
tasty coffee break at the Espirtu Santo Coffee Plantation. Lunch at the
popular Don Rufino Restaurant, and then enjoy a private visit to Danaus
Eco Center. View this botanical garden with more than 600 species of
plants, a large butterfly garden, wetlands filled with medicinal plants,
and varieties of frogs, serpents, turtles, caimans, monkeys, sloth and
birds. Tonight relax at the Tabacon Hot Springs with its natural thermal
springs, water wells and in-river pools. Spend the next three nights at
a luxury hotel located at the base of the Arenal Volcano. One of the
world’s most active volcanoes, the 5,436-foot Arenal Volcano has
continuously had eruptions of ash, rock, smoke and steam since 1968.
Weather permitting, enjoy a spectacular nighttime show of mini-
eruptions – stunning volcanic fireworks! ►Suggested hotel: Tabacon Resort & Spa, Arenal
DAY 6: Arenal, COSTA RICA
This morning take a guided hike through Arenal Volcano National Park.
Traverse the rainforest and cross over the large lava flow; above the
lava bed take in the magnificent views of Lake Arenal and see the
red-hot lava rolling down the side of the volcano. Next, hike along the
Arenal Hanging Bridges, a series of fourteen fixed and suspension
bridges crossing through a lush reserve of native plants, birds and
animals. Relax over lunch at a local farm. In the afternoon, take a ride
on the Sky Tram to the highest point of the Arenal Reserve. From there
your trek takes you above the trees along a series of zip-lines. See the
Arenal rain forest and its landscape from a different and
adrenalin-pumping perspective. ►Suggested hotel: Tabacon Resort & Spa, Arenal
DAY 7: Cano Negro, COSTA RICA
Today, take a full day guided excursion north to Cano Negro. Start with
a scenic drive to Los Chiles, a rustic village just 2 miles from the
Nicaraguan border. Here begin your boat tour through the wetlands of the
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. Travel slowly up stream, spotting animals
such as sloth, monkeys, caimans, lizards, bats, and a variety of native
flora along the way. Stop along the river for a typical Costa Rican
lunch before heading back to Los Chiles to drive back your hotel. ►Suggested hotel: Tabacon Resort & Spa, Arenal
DAY 8: Arenal to Guanacaste, COSTA RICA
This morning, it’s a relaxing drive down the mountain, west towards the
coast, arriving by lunchtime. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure at your
Pacific Ocean Resort. Surrounded by nature, the resort offers three
beaches, golf, horseback riding, a world-class spa and more. ►Some suggested Guanacaste hotels (in alphabetical order): Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo (V) Hotel Punta Islita (V) W
Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa, Guanacaste ►Together, we will find the best choice for you!
DAY 9: Guanacaste, COSTA RICA
Today enjoy float trip down the tranquil Rio Corobici. As you leisurely
raft along this river, watch for otters, howler monkeys, white-faced
monkeys and iguanas. There are also more than 300 species of birds
including ospreys, kingfishers, cormorants, and blue, tiger and
boat-billed herons. Arrive back at your resort by mid afternoon. ►For Guanacaste hotel suggestions, see above.
DAY 10: Guanacaste, COSTA RICA
Enjoy a full day at leisure in this beautiful ocean front resort.
Optional activities abound – ATV tours along the coast, beach treks,
bird watching excursions, jungle trips, snorkeling, scuba diving,
sailing, fishing and more. Or, simply enjoy the sun and comfort of the
resort. ►For Guanacaste hotel suggestions, see above.
DAY 11: Depart Guanacaste & Liberia, COSTA RICA
Today you are taken to the airport in nearby Liberia for your departing
flight home or on to your next destination.