Best of Costa Rica

Destination: Costa Rica  |  Duration: 10 days  |  Customized Vacation Package: Please Call for Pricing

Discover the majestic beauty of Costa Rica’s post-card perfect volcanoes, natural beauty, and huge variety of wildlife. Dare to conquer the famous hanging bridges and zipline tour. Explore the phenomenal cloud forest dominated by a refreshing and ever-present mist with dense trees and an unprecedented abundance of flora and fauna.  Conclude your trip of a lifetime by relaxing on a secluded beach; as well as swimming, and snorkeling at one of the world’s most beautiful national parks.

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Day 1: Arenal Observatory Lodge

Upon your arrival in San Jose, you will clear immigration and customs and be met by your private bilingual Driver/Guide. From there you will take a picturesque drive that is about three hours long to beautiful Arenal and your lodge there. 

Unlike any other hotel in the area, the Arenal Observatory Lodge is situated within the Arenal National Park. The Lodge was originally a family farm and later a Smithsonian Institute scientific research station. Just about every room boasts spectacular views of Arenal Volcano, whose steep conical slopes rise majestically out of vast surrounding rainforests. The National Park surrounding the lodge teems with wildlife. The lodge practices reforestation and contributes to local community projects.

Night at Arenal Observatory Lodge – Smithsonian Double Room

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Day 2: Arenal Volcano National Park

Just 3 miles outside the quaint little town of La Fortuna, the 200 foot-tall La Fortuna waterfall receives its cool clear waters from the pristine forested mountains of Arenal Volcano National Park. The waterfall is located in a small canyon surrounded by lush forest, and is accessed by walking down a steep, short trail. Daring visitors can take a swim in the cold water lagoon below the falls if they wish.

In the afternoon you will visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges.  This is a complex of suspension bridges and trails crossing ravines and small waterfalls through the beautiful rain forest.  As you walk, you may encounter wildlife including toucans; poison dart frogs; and maybe howling, spider and white-faced capuchin monkeys.

Arenal Observatory Lodge – Smithsonian Double Room

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Day 3: Caño Negro Wildlife Safari

Today your driver/guide will take you north almost to the border of Nicaragua and the town of Los Chiles and the Rio Frio River. This is where you will start your adventure boat tour to Caño Negro National Park. The wildlife reserve Caño Negro is one of the most important reserves for incredible bird watching and observation of wildlife in Costa Rica.

Here you can find a great variety of resident and migratory birds plus three different species of monkeys, iguanas, sloths, turtles and caymans. This floating safari begins as you glide through the tropical rain forest and pastures until arriving at the marsh, where the true biodiversity can be found.

Upon return you will be served a typical, delicious lunch in the restaurant “El Caiman” which is nicely placed onthe riverbank of “Rio Frío”.

Arenal Observatory Lodge – Smithsonian Double Room

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Day 4: Arenal to Monteverde Cloud Forest

Arenal Volcano erupted violently July 29th 1968 destroying the region west of its base with hot gases, rocks and ultimately lava flows.  Today the volcano steams quietly and heats local rivers that have been developed into popular hot springs and spas. Forest vegetation is quickly returning and covering the massive rock fragments and lava flows, and rainforest wildlife once again flourishes in and around the park.

After the Arenal National Par tour continue on to Monteverde, approximately a 4 hour transfer plus any stops on the way. The Monteverde Cloud Forest in the Tilaran mountain range is one of the world’s premiere destinations for naturalists.  A cloud forest is an especially beautiful and rare type of rain forest created by frequent mists from low lying clouds.  

Night at Hotel Fonda Vela in Monteverde Cloud Forest – Junior Suite

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Day 5: Monteverde Cloud Forest

First today you will visit the Sky Tram which will lead you up to the Continental Divide and to one of the highest mountains in the area. There you can have the opportunity to observe the cloud forest outstanding biodiversity, the majestic Arenal Volcano and the Nicoya Gulf. The Skywalk hanging bridges brings visitors face to face with the upper level of the forest canopy. There are five bridges in total, the longest of which spans some 984 feet. 

In the afternoon visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the premier natural history destinations in Costa Rica.  This cool, very green and often misty forest is home to a variety of wildlife.  On your walk you may encounter monkeys, coatimundis, agoutis and numerous bird species such as Toucanets, Chlorophonias and seasonally the Bellbird. You might also see the legendary crimson and green Resplendent Quetzal.

Night at Hotel Fonda Vela in Monteverde Cloud Forest – Junior Suite (B)

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Day 6: Monteverde to Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio National Park has been named by Forbes as one of the most beautiful national parks in the world for its gorgeous cream colored beach, lush forest growing to the beach edge, abundant wildlife, warm pacific waters, easy forest trails and scenic ocean overlooks. Walking the park trails you will likely encounter a variety of wildlife. Here the wildlife, including squirrels, monkeys, capuchin monkeys, sloths, black iguanas and agoutis – are very accustomed to visitors so you can often get close to them.

 Located in Manuel Antonio, a veritable treasure chest of natural beauty, Hotel Si Como No is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, soft sand beaches and clear water rivers.

Night at Si Como No Resort, Spa and Wildlife Refuge – Standard Room 

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Day 7: Manuel Antonio National Park

Today enjoy a 2.5 hour guided nature walk in Manuel Antonio National Park forest.  In 2011 Forbes Magazine listed Manuel Antonio as one of the 12 most beautiful national parks in the world for its gorgeous cream colored beach, lush forest growing to the beaches edge, abundant wildlife, warm pacific waters, and easy forest trails with scenic ocean overlooks. You will likely see a variety of wildlife-the animals are accustomed to visitors-including squirrel monkeys, capuchin monkeys, and sloths. 

After hiking through the park, you will have some free time to enjoy the park and gorgeous beach on your own. So be sure to bring a swimsuit and towel so you can swim at one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica.

Night at Si Como No (Yes, Why Not?) Resort, Spa and Wildlife Refuge – Standard Room

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Day 8: La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Today after breakfast you will be picked up by your private Driver/Guide for the 3.5 hours-long transfer to La Paz Waterfall Gardens and the Peace Lodge. Upon arrival you will check-in and have the remainder of the day at leisure to enjoy the incredible amenities of this amazing lodge such as the pool, spa, or exploring La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

Night at Peace Lodge – Standard Room

Day 9: Peace Lodge & La Paz Waterfall

Located in the mountains near Cinchona and nestled in the tropical rainforest, La Paz Waterfall Gardens is an exquisitely beautiful facility with restaurants; flower, butterfly and hummingbird gardens; an aviary; a wildlife rescue center; a zoo; a serpentarium; a live frog exhibit, and an orchid exhibit. Take a leisurely stroll along the well-maintained trails to view the numerous exhibits and gardens and the famous waterfalls of the pristine La Paz River.

One of the highlights is being able to explore several spectacular waterfalls of the pristine La Paz River. You will stroll by rushing white rivers and have the opportunity to see a wide variety of different types of birds, butterflies, monkeys, hummingbirds, snakes and felines.

Night at Peace Lodge – Standard Room

Panama sunset farewell

Day 10: Homeward Bound

All great things eventually come to an end so depending when your flight is scheduled to leave, you will be picked up at the Peace Lodge by your private Driver/Guide for your 1.5 hours transfer to San Jose International Airport. You will get there with about there about three hours prior to your departure time to ensure you are not rushed and have plenty of time to make your flight.