Costa Rica: The Land of Pura Vida and Natural Beauty

When Columbus set foot here in 1502, he was so impressed by the breathtaking nature that he gave the country its current name, Costa Rica or "rich coast. The Central American country invites you to connect with its natural beauty, rich culture and friendly people. This trip starts in the vibrant capital San Jose and takes you to pristine rain and cloud forests, volcanoes and rivers. You will discover the country's enormous biodiversity: from sloths hanging in the treetops to colorful birds and rare butterflies fluttering in the tropical rainforest. You will feel excitement during a rafting trip down the Pacuare River or a zipline ride over the treetops. You will experience silence while hiking through the forests and learn about the traditions of indigenous peoples. The country has not been named one of the happiest countries in the world for nothing and is known for its unique lifestyle, Pura Vida. This expression reflects the positive and relaxed attitude of the "Ticos" that revolves around the joy of living and embracing the moment.

Important information:

An international passport is required, valid during the entire stay
A visa is not required if staying less than 90 days
When transferring at an airport in the United States, you must apply for an ESTA. This can be done online through this link.
No special vaccinations are required but are recommended. When traveling to Costa Rica we recommend vaccination against Hepatitis A. Vaccination for yellow fever is only required if you have been in a country where yellow fever may occur within the past 6 days. We recommend using mosquito repellents outside major cities from dusk to dawn. We do recommend seeking advice from your family doctor or the Tropical Institute.

DAY 1 : ARRIVAL IN SAN JOSE

Upon arrival at the San Jose airport, you will be met by your guide who will transfer you to your hotel north of the capital city of San Jose. You will stay two nights at the characterful Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Farm and Inn, with its own organic coffee plantation. The owner is an artist and each room is a work of art in itself. Here you can catch your breath by the pool or get acquainted with the coffee plantation and learn all about the process of making coffee.

DAY 2 : VISIT TO SAN JOSE

A private transfer will take you to San Jose. A guide will immerse you in the rich Costa Rican culture and history. You will visit some wonderful museums and the historical sites of the city. You'll visit the historic National Theater, completed in 1897 and a true masterpiece. The nearby Gold Museum contains more than 1,600 individual pieces of pre-Columbian gold artwork made between 500 and 1,500 and is one of the capital's most remarkable attractions. In addition, visit the Jade Museum, which houses the largest collection of American jade in the world.

DAY 3 : RAFTING TO PACUARE LODGE

You will be picked up early at the hotel, because today you will go to the mooring of the Pacuare River. On the way you will enjoy breakfast and pass through the old capital city of Cartago towards Turrialba. This lively region is known for its green hills and fertile volcanic farmland, ideal for growing coffee, sugar cane and macadamia nuts. You will board the rafting boat that will take you to your next hotel. Once on the river, you are embraced by the wonders of nature. Waterfalls cascade down emerald green cliffs like silver ribbons, blue morpho butterflies flutter by, and you experience pure exhilaration with every rapid. You'll stay two nights in a spacious suite overlooking the river and rainforest at Pacuare Lodge with its indigenous architecture and delicious cuisine.

DAY 4 : THE CABECAR

The Talamanca Mountains are home to the Cabécar, the largest indigenous people group, who have retained many of their traditional customs and beliefs. The hike that takes you to these families is challenging, but gives you the chance to discover the secrets of the forest, get in touch with the ecosystem and walk the same paths that the Cabécar have been walking for centuries. In the late afternoon, you will participate in Pacuare Lodge's sustainability tour. A nature guide from the hotel will teach you all about the actions they take to protect the environment. You will also visit the Jaguar hall, where you will learn more about this endangered feline.

DAY 5 : BAJAS DEL TORO

After a delicious breakfast, you leave for an exciting morning whitewater rafting along a beautiful tropical landscape. You will discover a part of the Pacuare River that flows through canyons, past waterfalls and through a virgin rainforest. During the quiet stretches you will be sure to catch a glimpse of colorful birds and other wildlife. At the shore you will enjoy a nice lunch. In the afternoon you will be picked up and leave for Bajos del Toro, a relatively unknown town in the province of Alajuela. This mountainous area is covered with lush green jungle, volcanoes and beautiful waterfalls, including the spectacular Cataratas del Toro. You will stay three nights at the beautiful five-star hotel El Silencio Lodge & Spa in the neighborhood of Sarchí, known for its handicrafts and colorfully painted ox carts.

DAY 6: HIKING AND RELAXING

You leave for a relaxing walk through the hummingbird gardens and cloud forest, with a magical knot garden, hidden paths that embrace the elements of nature and enchanting hummingbirds. The ideal way to admire the hotel and the forest from a different perspective. Furthermore, you can enjoy numerous experiences in and around the hotel, such as horseback riding, mountain biking, visiting the waterfalls, ziplining and river fishing.

DAY 7: ARCHERY AND RELAXATION

Today you will experience a unique adventure of skill and precision. A professional archer will introduce you to humanity's oldest sport. Using modern equipment and in a safe manner, he fires up healthy competition. You can relax all day at the outdoor pool, unwind in the spa, practice yoga and eat very good food!

Day 8: ARENAL

A private driver will take you to the Nayara Springs Resort in La Fortuna de San Carlos, home to the impressive Arenal Volcano. You'll stay three nights at this luxury enclave in the tropical rainforest, with detached villas with private pools. It's the place to tick things off your "must-do in Costa Rica" list. You'll discover Lake Arenal, world-famous for windsurfing, the Arenal volcano and cloud forests with a very diverse population of wildlife. You can do "La Fortuna Waterfall Hike. Taking 530 steps down you will reach the impressive Rio Fortuna Waterfall. Here you will enjoy the clear water and the stunning natural beauty of this place. Thanks to the geothermal activity in the region, there are natural hot springs throughout the area, an ideal way to relax after visiting Arenal Volcano National Park.

DAY 9 : MISTICO ADVENTURE PARK

This tour introduces you to the abundant biodiversity in the Mistico Adventure Park nature reserve. A nature guide will lead you around a fascinating and colorful tropical rainforest world. The impressive view of the volcano from the suspension bridges makes for an unforgettable experience. You can visit the Rufous Garden to see exotic flowers and hummingbirds and there is also the Morpho Waterfall, named after the bright blue butterfly that flutters around in this part of Costa Rica.

DAY 10 : SLOTH SAFARI

The sloth safari brings you close to these adorable animals that hang out in the treetops. They are one of the most endearing icons of the rainforest. An eagle-eyed guide will take you to the favorite hideouts of the two- and three-toed sloths. As a bonus, you will also have the chance to see monkeys, brightly colored toucans, elusive iguanas and poison dart frogs. After this, you'll have plenty of time to relax or do one of the many activities the hotel offers for a fee: rafting, frog watching on an evening hike, kayaking on Lake Arenal, or ziplining over the treetops.

DAY 11: THE PAPAGAYO PENINSULA

Transfer to Papagayo Bay, where you are expected at the Four Seasons Hotel, located between two beaches. There you can enjoy 3 nights of crystal clear waters, golden beaches and dry tropical forests. You can chill at four outdoor pools and enjoy fine dining at four different restaurants. Water lovers can jet ski, scuba dive, surf and snorkel, and golfers can have fun on the 18-hole golf course designed by Arnold Palmer.

DAY 12: PALO VERDE NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast, depart for Palo Verde National Park, located on the banks of the Rio Tempisque, which has provided for the formation of an important wetlands ecosystem. These wetlands occupy 50% of the park and are a refuge for thousands of birds. On a two-hour boat tour, you will get to know this important ecosystem. The park has more than 750 plant species, including the Palo Verde, the Spanish cedar and the Guanacaste tree. More than 280 species of migratory and non-migratory birds have been documented. Some are endangered, such as the macaw and jabiru. In addition, the park is home to amphibians and reptiles, including the boa constrictor, coral snake, crocodiles, iguanas and alligators. After this great opportunity to spot these animals, visit the town of Guaitil, a traditional pottery village.

DAY 13: RELAX OR ACTIVITY

You can spend another day relaxing and enjoying sun, sea and beach or choose one of the many activities at the resort or outside: canoeing among the mangroves, monkey and birdwatching or an adventure park with 30 aerial courses, such as suspension bridges and ziplines.

DAY 14: RETURN FLIGHT

Today you leave with an abundance of fond memories of this beautiful country. You will be picked up at the hotel for a private transfer to International Airport for your return flight.