Nature and Culture
Bathe in the warm waters of the Southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica.
Bathe in the warm waters of the Southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, visit one of the most beautiful and almost perfectly shaped volcanoes in the world, the Arenal Volcano and the famous Monteverde cloud forest. Spot Whales and Dolphins on a snorkeling tour to Caño Island and see the Indigenous way of life and their typical crafts. Enjoy the best of nature and culture of this beautiful country from coast to coast!
SJO-PUERTO VIEJO DE TALAMANCA-SARAPIQUÍ-ARENAL-MONTEVERDE-MANUEL ANTONIO-UVITA-BORUCA-SJO
- 14 nights at Eco-Lodges or CST certified accommodation.
- Meals as described.
- Transfer from and to SJO Intl Airport.
- Transportation as described.
- 24hrs emergency contact.
- Taxes included.
Tours:
- Arenal Sky Tram tour
- Arenal Volcano National Park Hike + Hot Springs and dinner
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve tour
- Hanging bridges and butterfly garden tour with lunch.
- Chocolate, Coffee and Sugarcane Mill Tour.
- Tortuga Island Catamaran Tour
- Shared Manuel Antonio National Park Hike.
- Caño Island Snorkeling Tour.
Day 1: Pick up upon arrival at the SJO International Airport and transfer to your hotel in the Central Valley. Room and breakfast included.
Day 2: Morning pick up at your hotel for a shuttle transfer to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in the South Caribbean. This is a small laidback beach town located on the Caribbean Coast close to the Panamanian border. Apart from its natural jungle-beauty, Puerto Viejo is known for its waves which attract surfers from all over the world due to the high and constant waves. Room and breakfast included.
Day 3: Day off to explore this beautiful area. There is a wide spread of activities you can enjoy during this day like visiting the Animal rescue center, surfing lessons, enjoy the beach, restaurants, shops and many more. Room and breakfast included.
Day 4: Mid-morning pick up for a shuttle transfer to Sarapiquí area.
Sarapiquí is known for its amazing and rich biodiversity, a green and magnificent region famous for its "turnos" (popular festivities) including fairs, rodeos and livestock shows. A perfect place for nature walks, rafting on the Sarapiqui River, wildlife observation like: monkeys, birds, turtles and many birds species like: hummingbirds, quetzals, blackbirds and others. Room and breakfast included.
Day 5: Afternoon pickup for a shuttle bus to Arenal area. This place is famous for its majestic volcano, lake, hot springs, cloud forest and wildlife, with an abundance of outdoor activities that will make your time worth it. Definitely the adventure center of Costa Rica. Room and breakfast included.
Day 6: Morning shared Sky Tram tour. These gondolas rise smoothly through the rain forest, offering endless views during the mountainous ascent to arrive at a wide observation platform on the highest point of the reserve, where you can enjoy the view and also have the possibility to walk a short trail. A bilingual guide will point out different characteristics of the flora and fauna and other interesting facts. Afternoon shared hike to the Arenal Volcano National Park. Hike through the rainforest with an experienced guide who will point out interesting plants, wildlife, nature and tell important facts and history. Later on, relax and soak at the Hot Springs and enjoy a delicious dinner. Room and breakfast included.
Day 7: Morning pickup for a shared bus/boat/bus transfer to Monteverde through the Arenal Lake.
Arenal Lake is the largest and the most important lake in Costa Rica, it was man made in 1974 to provide hydroelectric energy for the country. You can find different kinds of resident and migratory birds. Sometimes mammals can be seen in the surroundings, also great views of the Arenal Volcano when it’s clear. Early afternoon pickup for a shared Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve tour. The Monteverde cloud forest is unlike any other forest: its towering old-growth trees, huge leaves, vines, and interesting wildlife continues to blow people away. You will be accompanied by a bilingual naturalist guide who will educate you about Costa Rican nature, wildlife and natural history. Room and breakfast included.
Day 8: Morning pick up to visit the hanging bridges and have a shared butterfly and hummingbird garden tour.
You will walk on eight different hanging bridges with various lengths and altitudes where you will admire nature in its entire splendor. Later on a guided walk inside one of the world’s largest live butterfly exhibitions, explore a community that gathers more than 20 species of butterflies. Learn about their life cycle, their special abilities and behaviors that have helped them evolve throughout thousands of years. Then at the hummingbird garden more than 14 species of these cuties will amaze you with their incredible aerial maneuvers and bright lively colors. Definitively a photography fan’s treat! No matter what mood you are in these small daredevils will cheer you up and give you an unforgettable air show. Close the tour with a delicious lunch at the restaurant.
In the afternoon, you will be picked up for a shared chocolate, coffee and sugarcane mill tour. This is perfect for those looking to learn a bit of Costa Rican culture. You will get to see and learn about the processes of the “Trapiche” sugarcane mill, coffee, chocolate and other important Costa Rican crops that this family has on their farm. A real taste of Monteverde! Room and breakfast included.
Day 9: Morning pick up to spend a wonderful day at the beautiful white sand beach of Tortuga Island, riding on a world class catamaran through the Gulf of Nicoya, passing Cedros and Jesusita Islands considered bird sanctuaries and San Lucas Island a maximum prison years ago. You’ll eat a gourmet meal, enjoy live music and get to snorkel in the warm waters. A unique cruising experience! **this tour operates from Monteverde with a minimum of 4 people** Room and Breakfast Included.
Day 10: Morning pick up for a shuttle transfer to Manuel Antonio area. Afternoon at leisure to relax and go to the beach. This area is popular for having this beautiful national park with white sand beaches backed by an evergreen forest that grows right up to the high tide line. There is also a lot of things to enjoy like going whitewater rafting, horseback riding, canopy tours, shopping, restaurants and many more. A must visit in your trip to Costa Rica. Room and Breakfast Included.
Day 11: Morning pick up for a shared Manuel Antonio National Park hike. Get ready to hike and enjoy the beautiful habitats of this national park; you will find primary forest, secondary forest, mangrove swamps, lagoons and beach vegetation. There is quite a varied fauna with 109 species of mammals and 184 of birds. The park includes 12 little isles just off the coast; these often visited by a number of dolphins. You will stop by the beach to take a snack, rest and swim, before heading back.
Afternoon pickup for a shuttle transfer to Uvita area located in the Osa Peninsula. Uvita is near the Marino Ballena National Park, famous for being the mating place of humpback whales that migrate here each year. Another interest feature of this park is Punta Uvita or commonly called the "Tail of the Whale". A natural isthmus made of sand that is accessible when low tide and looks like a whale tail from the sky. Room only included.
Day 12: Today you will enjoy a snorkeling tour to Caño Island. Explore with detail the mysteries of the underwater world in southern Costa Rica. With turquoise blue waters and colorful coral reefs, Caño Island is one of the best Costa Rican snorkeling and scuba diving destinations. **This tour operates with minimum of 6 people**.
Enjoy a 1h 15 min boat trip to get to the spot. It is a magical trip where you can observe whales, experience dolphin encounters, and observe other marine animals such as sea turtles and marine birds. Arriving at the island you will be able to appreciate the healthiest coral reefs on this Costa Rica snorkeling adventure and observe a great variety of marine species, many of which are in danger of extinction. After this, we will head by boat to Violines Island (30 minutes) a beautiful small Island with lush vegetation. Upon arrival the guides will prepare a picnic lunch. Then the rest of the time will be spent on the beach or swimming on its safe bay and hiking the beach. When returning you will be able to see the Térraba Mangrove Forest from the boat, which is the largest mangrove forest under protection in Central America. Room only included.
Day 13: Today you will be taken to Boruca Indigenous Reserve to spend the night and get inspired by the folksy and picturesque atmosphere. Borucas are an indigenous population from the south, they are about 2,600 inhabitants in the reserve and speak the language or dialect called “Brunka”. They are known primarily for their skills as craftspeople, using materials such as balsa and sometimes cedar wood, carved masks, arrows, drums, knives, jewelry and other objects. Room and meals Included.
Day 14: Today you will depart towards San José, passing through pineapple plantations. Lunch will take place in a typical rancho where you will learn about the typical sugar cane processing called “Trapiche” and other features. Continue your way passing through the mountains of “Cerro de la Muerte” where you may contemplate the amazing views while heading to your hotel in the Central Valley. Room and breakfast Included.
Day 15: Transfer will be provided to SJO International Airport. You need to be there 3 hours before your flight time.
Casual clothing like: sweater, loose shirts, pants, jeans, shorts, hat or cap and bathing suit. We also recommend: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hiking shoes, small backpack to carry on tours and activities, water bottle, flashlight, bug spray, raincoat, camera and binoculars.
- Rates are per person and they may change depending on the dates interested. Feel free to contact us to receive a quotation with your specific dates, number of travelers and their ages at [email protected] or fill the request form below.
- We offer accommodation options at budget, mid-range and upscale hotels, we’ll be glad to quote your preference.
- Local flights and transfers allow a maximum luggage weight of 25 pounds (12kg).
Bathe in the warm waters of the Southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, visit one of the most beautiful and almost perfectly shaped volcanoes in the world, the Arenal Volcano and the famous Monteverde cloud forest. Spot Whales and Dolphins on a snorkeling tour to Caño Island and see the Indigenous way of life and their typical crafts. Enjoy the best of nature and culture of this beautiful country from coast to coast!
SJO-PUERTO VIEJO DE TALAMANCA-SARAPIQUÍ-ARENAL-MONTEVERDE-MANUEL ANTONIO-UVITA-BORUCA-SJO
Day 1: Pick up upon arrival at the SJO International Airport and transfer to your hotel in the Central Valley. Room and breakfast included.
Day 2: Morning pick up at your hotel for a shuttle transfer to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in the South Caribbean. This is a small laidback beach town located on the Caribbean Coast close to the Panamanian border. Apart from its natural jungle-beauty, Puerto Viejo is known for its waves which attract surfers from all over the world due to the high and constant waves. Room and breakfast included.
Day 3: Day off to explore this beautiful area. There is a wide spread of activities you can enjoy during this day like visiting the Animal rescue center, surfing lessons, enjoy the beach, restaurants, shops and many more. Room and breakfast included.
Day 4: Mid-morning pick up for a shuttle transfer to Sarapiquí area.
Sarapiquí is known for its amazing and rich biodiversity, a green and magnificent region famous for its "turnos" (popular festivities) including fairs, rodeos and livestock shows. A perfect place for nature walks, rafting on the Sarapiqui River, wildlife observation like: monkeys, birds, turtles and many birds species like: hummingbirds, quetzals, blackbirds and others. Room and breakfast included.
Day 5: Afternoon pickup for a shuttle bus to Arenal area. This place is famous for its majestic volcano, lake, hot springs, cloud forest and wildlife, with an abundance of outdoor activities that will make your time worth it. Definitely the adventure center of Costa Rica. Room and breakfast included.
Day 6: Morning shared Sky Tram tour. These gondolas rise smoothly through the rain forest, offering endless views during the mountainous ascent to arrive at a wide observation platform on the highest point of the reserve, where you can enjoy the view and also have the possibility to walk a short trail. A bilingual guide will point out different characteristics of the flora and fauna and other interesting facts. Afternoon shared hike to the Arenal Volcano National Park. Hike through the rainforest with an experienced guide who will point out interesting plants, wildlife, nature and tell important facts and history. Later on, relax and soak at the Hot Springs and enjoy a delicious dinner. Room and breakfast included.
Day 7: Morning pickup for a shared bus/boat/bus transfer to Monteverde through the Arenal Lake.
Arenal Lake is the largest and the most important lake in Costa Rica, it was man made in 1974 to provide hydroelectric energy for the country. You can find different kinds of resident and migratory birds. Sometimes mammals can be seen in the surroundings, also great views of the Arenal Volcano when it’s clear. Early afternoon pickup for a shared Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve tour. The Monteverde cloud forest is unlike any other forest: its towering old-growth trees, huge leaves, vines, and interesting wildlife continues to blow people away. You will be accompanied by a bilingual naturalist guide who will educate you about Costa Rican nature, wildlife and natural history. Room and breakfast included.
Day 8: Morning pick up to visit the hanging bridges and have a shared butterfly and hummingbird garden tour.
You will walk on eight different hanging bridges with various lengths and altitudes where you will admire nature in its entire splendor. Later on a guided walk inside one of the world’s largest live butterfly exhibitions, explore a community that gathers more than 20 species of butterflies. Learn about their life cycle, their special abilities and behaviors that have helped them evolve throughout thousands of years. Then at the hummingbird garden more than 14 species of these cuties will amaze you with their incredible aerial maneuvers and bright lively colors. Definitively a photography fan’s treat! No matter what mood you are in these small daredevils will cheer you up and give you an unforgettable air show. Close the tour with a delicious lunch at the restaurant.
In the afternoon, you will be picked up for a shared chocolate, coffee and sugarcane mill tour. This is perfect for those looking to learn a bit of Costa Rican culture. You will get to see and learn about the processes of the “Trapiche” sugarcane mill, coffee, chocolate and other important Costa Rican crops that this family has on their farm. A real taste of Monteverde! Room and breakfast included.
Day 9: Morning pick up to spend a wonderful day at the beautiful white sand beach of Tortuga Island, riding on a world class catamaran through the Gulf of Nicoya, passing Cedros and Jesusita Islands considered bird sanctuaries and San Lucas Island a maximum prison years ago. You’ll eat a gourmet meal, enjoy live music and get to snorkel in the warm waters. A unique cruising experience! **this tour operates from Monteverde with a minimum of 4 people** Room and Breakfast Included.
Day 10: Morning pick up for a shuttle transfer to Manuel Antonio area. Afternoon at leisure to relax and go to the beach. This area is popular for having this beautiful national park with white sand beaches backed by an evergreen forest that grows right up to the high tide line. There is also a lot of things to enjoy like going whitewater rafting, horseback riding, canopy tours, shopping, restaurants and many more. A must visit in your trip to Costa Rica. Room and Breakfast Included.
Day 11: Morning pick up for a shared Manuel Antonio National Park hike. Get ready to hike and enjoy the beautiful habitats of this national park; you will find primary forest, secondary forest, mangrove swamps, lagoons and beach vegetation. There is quite a varied fauna with 109 species of mammals and 184 of birds. The park includes 12 little isles just off the coast; these often visited by a number of dolphins. You will stop by the beach to take a snack, rest and swim, before heading back.
Afternoon pickup for a shuttle transfer to Uvita area located in the Osa Peninsula. Uvita is near the Marino Ballena National Park, famous for being the mating place of humpback whales that migrate here each year. Another interest feature of this park is Punta Uvita or commonly called the "Tail of the Whale". A natural isthmus made of sand that is accessible when low tide and looks like a whale tail from the sky. Room only included.
Day 12: Today you will enjoy a snorkeling tour to Caño Island. Explore with detail the mysteries of the underwater world in southern Costa Rica. With turquoise blue waters and colorful coral reefs, Caño Island is one of the best Costa Rican snorkeling and scuba diving destinations. **This tour operates with minimum of 6 people**.
Enjoy a 1h 15 min boat trip to get to the spot. It is a magical trip where you can observe whales, experience dolphin encounters, and observe other marine animals such as sea turtles and marine birds. Arriving at the island you will be able to appreciate the healthiest coral reefs on this Costa Rica snorkeling adventure and observe a great variety of marine species, many of which are in danger of extinction. After this, we will head by boat to Violines Island (30 minutes) a beautiful small Island with lush vegetation. Upon arrival the guides will prepare a picnic lunch. Then the rest of the time will be spent on the beach or swimming on its safe bay and hiking the beach. When returning you will be able to see the Térraba Mangrove Forest from the boat, which is the largest mangrove forest under protection in Central America. Room only included.
Day 13: Today you will be taken to Boruca Indigenous Reserve to spend the night and get inspired by the folksy and picturesque atmosphere. Borucas are an indigenous population from the south, they are about 2,600 inhabitants in the reserve and speak the language or dialect called “Brunka”. They are known primarily for their skills as craftspeople, using materials such as balsa and sometimes cedar wood, carved masks, arrows, drums, knives, jewelry and other objects. Room and meals Included.
Day 14: Today you will depart towards San José, passing through pineapple plantations. Lunch will take place in a typical rancho where you will learn about the typical sugar cane processing called “Trapiche” and other features. Continue your way passing through the mountains of “Cerro de la Muerte” where you may contemplate the amazing views while heading to your hotel in the Central Valley. Room and breakfast Included.
Day 15: Transfer will be provided to SJO International Airport. You need to be there 3 hours before your flight time.
- 14 nights at Eco-Lodges or CST certified accommodation.
- Meals as described.
- Transfer from and to SJO Intl Airport.
- Transportation as described.
- 24hrs emergency contact.
- Taxes included.
Tours:
- Arenal Sky Tram tour
- Arenal Volcano National Park Hike + Hot Springs and dinner
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve tour
- Hanging bridges and butterfly garden tour with lunch.
- Chocolate, Coffee and Sugarcane Mill Tour.
- Tortuga Island Catamaran Tour
- Shared Manuel Antonio National Park Hike.
- Caño Island Snorkeling Tour.
Casual clothing like: sweater, loose shirts, pants, jeans, shorts, hat or cap and bathing suit. We also recommend: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hiking shoes, small backpack to carry on tours and activities, water bottle, flashlight, bug spray, raincoat, camera and binoculars.
- Rates are per person and they may change depending on the dates interested. Feel free to contact us to receive a quotation with your specific dates, number of travelers and their ages at [email protected] or fill the request form below.
- We offer accommodation options at budget, mid-range and upscale hotels, we’ll be glad to quote your preference.
- Local flights and transfers allow a maximum luggage weight of 25 pounds (12kg).