Costa Rica Unique

Arrival at the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO).  A representative will meet and greet you upon arrival and will provide you with all the necessary documentation that you will need during your vacation, such as day-by-day itinerary and the main contacts information and phone numbers.  Then, you will be transferred to your hotel in San Jose, which is approximately 30 minutes driving distance, where you will be staying one night.

During the morning, a private transportation will take you to Juan Santamaria airport where you will take a local flight to the South Pacific area of Costa Rica, specifically to the area of Puerto Jimenez. Upon you landing, the hotel staff will be waiting for you to board the boat that will take you to the hotel, crossing Golfo Dulce (Sweet Gulf) on a journey of about 45 minutes to reach the property.

During the trip on the boat, the dolphins that enjoy the gulf waters might surprise you. Mixed with a natural paradise that surrounds Piedras Blancas National Park. The Gavilan restaurant serves gourmet fusion dishes made with fresh ingredients from the organic hotel farm. The meals are a la carte and are included in the room rate.

This is a special destination for nature lovers and for those who want to enjoy a moment of peace. This area provides nature, rainforest and joint learning experience. The only access to the property is by boat, which provides an isolated, but relaxing environment.

During the next 2 days, you will enjoy time in the middle of the jungle. Just sit back and relax, or take excursions (extra cost) to further explore the various attractions of this wonderful region. Please take note that the use of snorkelling equipment and kayaking is included and available in the property, as well as the use of internal trails of the hotel. All these activities are carried out on your own.

The area offers different attractions such as the blue-green waters of Golfo Dulce, the biodiversity of Piedras Blancas National Park, lush virgin beaches and the Osa Peninsula. The property is surrounded by tropical gardens, but also by rainforest. You can enjoy watching many species of birds (including toucans and scarlet macaws), monkeys and a great scenery of wildlife.

Today we will go back through Golfo Dulce, on boat, to the small port of Golfito, where you will receive your car rental and continue your trip to the Costa Rican Central Pacific, specifically the area of Manuel Antonio.

During the drive, you can enjoy the wonderful views of the Pacific beaches, passing near Marino Ballena National Park, where if the season and conditions allow you could observe whales and dolphins jumping in the sea.

Later on, you will arrive to Manuel Antonio, a paradise that mixes lovely white sandy beaches with jungle and a rainforest full of wildlife. The vast variety of activities to do and places to visit in the area definitely adds value to your experience. This tropical place is one of the main attractions in Costa Rica, and one of the icons of ecotourism in the country.

The next day you can visit the Manuel Antonio National Park (closed on Mondays). A charming combination of lush tropical forest and beautiful beaches with clear waters and listed considered as one of the best beaches in Central America. The national park has been recognised by Forbes Magazine as one of the twelve most beautiful national parks in the world. Inside the park, there is a wide variety of vegetation, lagoons, mangroves, 109 species of mammals and 184 bird species. You can see several species of birds, reptiles and monkeys including the three-toed sloth. You can also just sit back at your leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities or to explore the area on your own.

Today you will continue your driving experience, as you will be making your way into the Central Valley and its volcanic range, specifically to the Outskirts hills of the Naranjo. In this area, you will find Chayote lodge, which will be your home for the final two nights.

A quaint place to settle, relax, make remember the experiences of your trip. Whilst in Naranjo explore on your own the surrounding areas such as the countryside, nearby cloud forests and the coffee producing region with numerous coffee plantations during your stay.

At mid-morning, continue towards the northern lowlands. This route offers the experience to pass through different towns such as Zarcero, San Carlos and Florencia. Along the way you will enjoy the beautiful scenery with amazing views of the mountains known for its agriculture, one of the major sources of revenue in the area. You will have the opportunity according with the season to observe the crops of pineapple, bananas and sugar cane being grown in this region. Arrive to La Fortuna Village late afternoon where the mighty Arenal Volcano will welcome you with its impressive perfect conic shape.

The following day is at your leisure to explore the area. We highly recommend the visit to Arenal Volcano National Park (extra cost) that protects an active perfect cone volcano with constant moderate explosions accompanied by roar, gases and ash emissions that raise high in the air. The attraction of this volcano has helped to develop the area as a prime destination in the country; from being a small town of cattle and agricultural farms, it has now become one of the most visited areas with adventure activities, hot springs and water sports.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be making a long very scenic drive through the Guanacaste plains heading to the remote area of the Nicoya Peninsula, duration driving time may vary according to the route and the exact beach location.

The Nicoya Peninsula is one of the outer regions of Costa Rica, although it provides a pristine region offering many diverse eco-systems.  The terrain is bountiful, providing homes to an array of vegetation and some wildlife.  The landscapes of the Nicoya Region offers picture perfect views of the crests of majestic, jungle-covered mountains, endless running streams cascading over waterfalls and tranquil sparsely populated beaches.

Spend the next 2 days at leisure to relax and enjoy the beach or you can explore the surroundings areas.

Today, you will be travelling back to San Jose. Your way will take you through the mountainous range and into the central valley, right in the heart of Costa Rica.

You will be staying the last night of the trip at your selected hotel in San Jose.

According to your international flight departure, you will return your car in the nearby hire return office and from here you will be transferred to the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) for your departure flight.