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CORNERSTONES OF COSTA RICA
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It’s no secret that Costa Rica is a destination blessed with lush jungles, volcano vistas and breathtaking beaches. The cornerstone of our Costa Rica tours is to show you what lies beneath the stunning scenery. Your local private guide will take you off-the-beaten path to discover sloths and howler monkeys in Manuel Antonio National Park, send you soaring through the cloud forest on a canopy tour, and escort you to some of the most beautiful secluded beaches on the Papagayo Peninsula, all at your own pace with plenty of time for relaxation.
San José, Arenal, Manuel Antonio
Explore the rich wildlife haven of Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio with a private guide.
Walk the hanging bridges of Arenal and spot animals under the rainforest canopy.
Hike to the base of Arenal Volcano with a private guide.
Raft Class II and III rapids on the Balsa River.
Stay at a handpicked selection of quality accommodations.
Day 1 – San Jose to Arenal
You have arrived!
Meet your private driver for a transfer to Arenal. Approximate travel time is three hours.
A welcome package with your vouchers, a country map, and any other touristic information that may be useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel.
Experience the calming effects of Arenal Manoa's thermal volcanic hot springs, right on property. With two hot spring pools and a jacuzzi, and the added benefit of a full-service swim-up bar offering lunch, snacks, drinks and cocktails.
Where you’ll be staying
Arenal Manoa Hotel
Junior Suite
Day 2 – Arenal
Venture into the Outdoors
The wonders of Arenal's jungle await your discovery in a private guided tour through the iconic hanging bridges. This weaving system of suspension bridges invites you to explore the upper and lower canopies of lush rainforest. Join your private guide to traverse a one-of-a-kind bridge system supported by concrete bricks, allowing for complete stability when used. Journey along a labyrinth nestled in Arenal's mountainous sub-forest. A variety of wildlife can be seen while walking about on this dynamic bridge system, including howler monkeys and a plethora of exotic birds. Marvel at the treasures hidden within this forest and gain insight into this spectacular biological corridor.
Where you’ll be staying
Arenal Manoa Hotel
Junior Suite
Day 3 – Arenal
Rollin on the River
After a hotel pick-up, transfer to the starting point of this thrilling white water adventure featuring class II and III rapids alongside expert river guides and like-minded rafting enthusiasts. Discuss rafting responsibilities and paddle commands during a safety orientation and then feel the grip of adrenaline as you race down the Balsa San Carlos River to battle the currents for two to three exhilarating hours, navigating rapids including the Magnetic Rock and the Dredges. Halfway through the excursion, take a break on the river banks to enjoy both the beautiful tropical setting and a light snack before carrying on through the torrents. Upon completion of the circuit you will change into dry clothes, and then head to a nearby estate to enjoy a tasty Costa Rican lunch and recount your days adventure with fellow rafters. Following lunch, you will be returned to your hotel. Please be sure to wear easy dry clothes, a bathing suit and secure shoes (sport sandals or water shoes are recommended) and to bring a spare set of clothes to change into after the adventure.
Where you’ll be staying
Arenal Manoa Hotel
Junior Suite
Day 4 – Arenal
Breathe the Mountain Air
Meet your private guide and driver to embark on an adventure through Arenal, starting with an exploration of the region's legendary volcano. Enjoy a light to moderate hike with your naturalist guide and experience the dense foliage inside the lush rainforest at the base of Arenal Volcano. Keep alert for wildlife as you take to the trails, possibly encountering sloths, snakes, spiders, lizards, coatimundi and the incredible variety of tropic birds native to the area. At the end of the hike, enjoy the view from a lovely vista, complemented by an ice-cold beverage. Next, it's on to the spectacular La Fortuna Waterfall, one of the most popular waterfalls in the world. Hike down to the base of the falls to take in the sights and sounds of this stunning cascade, plunging some 200 feet into the picture-perfect landscape below. Be sure to have your bathing suit ready, as just beyond the falls is the ideal place to take a dip. After climbing to the top of the falls (via stairs), enjoy a replenishing local lunch with the jungle as your backdrop.
Where you’ll be staying
Arenal Manoa Hotel
Junior Suite
Day 5 – Arenal to Manuel Antonio
Nurtured by Nature
Depart Arenal and unwind during a private transfer to the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. En-route, pause for an incredible crocodile boat tour with a private guide. This adventure takes place on the Tárcoles River, one of 4 rivers flowing out into the Nicoya Peninsula. Tárcoles hosts one of the world’s largest crocodile populations in the wild, with individual reptiles measuring up to 15ft long. In addition to these snappy specimens, over 50 different kinds of birds can be seen on site, including the very rare scarlet macaw and a great variety of resident and migrant waterfowl. Keep alert for sightings of the basilisk lizard, nicknamed the “Jesus Christ Lizard" for its extraordinary ability to seemingly run on water. Journey down the river and glide along the Estero Guacalillo, a beautiful mangrove ecosystem that features four different species of mangrove trees. After the boat tour, fuel up for the remainder of your transfer with a stop for lunch.
Where you’ll be staying
Parador Resort & Spa Garden
Day 6 – Manuel Antonio
Lace up for Some Fresh Air
The wonders of Manuel Antonio National Park await your discovery today. Set out with your private driver and guide to explore this world-famous reserve. Unwind on pristine beaches teeming with troops of monkeys that frequent the area. Navigate through mangrove swamps, lush forest, and marshy woodlands, drinking in the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. See firsthand why Manuel Antonio is a haven for over 100 mammal species, including the highly endangered squirrel monkey, or "mono titi". Journey along a series of accessible trails to immerse yourself into the heart of the reserve. Soak in the sights and sounds of diverse wildlife and breathtaking vegetation. Please note: If you would like to stay within the park on your own to enjoy the trails and/or beaches, please ensure you bring cash with you to take a return taxi to the hotel later in the day.
Where you’ll be staying
Parador Resort & Spa Garden
Day 7 – Manuel Antonio
A Soak at the Spa
Spend a day at leisure exploring the wealth of amenities at Parador Resort & Spa. With three fantastic pools available, each overlooking the turquoise Pacific Ocean, you're sure to find the right aquatic oasis for you. Sip a tropical drink and read a book while the kids play around in the family-friendly beach-entry pool, which mimics the natural slope of the beach. For the ultimate in relaxation, take the plunge at the revitalizing adults-only pool. Enjoy a leisurely stroll to the small beach town of Playa Biesanz, or opt to board a shuttle to the miles-long beachfront of Manuel Antonio, affording more privacy while swimming or sunbathing.
Where you’ll be staying
Parador Resort & Spa
Garden
Day 8 – Manuel Antonio to San Jose
Bon Voyage
Meet your private driver and guide for a transfer from Manuel Antonio to San José Airport today. Approximate travel time is three hours.
An airport departure tax of $29 USD per person must be paid at the San Jose International airport after check- in. This is not included in the cost of your tour and is to be paid locally (subject to change at anytime without notice).
8 Days: Starting from USD $4,264
Please note: USD per person, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.
A travel experience like no other
This sample itinerary was created by experts and is meant to inspire your next trip. It is ready to be customized to suit your interests, tastes and budget so you can connect with local cultures and experience authentic travel on your own terms and departing whenever you choose. Prices may vary depending on departure dates and inclusions.
Disclaimer: We do our utmost to ensure that the information posted on our website is correct at time of publication, however trip details and promotions are subject to change without notice by the suppliers and operators involved. We update the information as soon as possible when changes are advised to us, however we cannot assume responsibility for such changes made by the suppliers and operators. Terms and conditions per supplier(s). Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor. Contact us for the most up to date pricing and availability.
Further Afield Travel and Tours is a retail travel agency licensed under the Ontario Government Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations, Travel Industry Act 2002 - Registration No50021919. Funds on deposit are protected by the Compensation Fund, administered by TICO (Travel Industry Council of Ontario) as defined by the Ontario Travel Industry Act 2002 and Ontario Regulations 26/05.
(Preferred Partner: Kensington Tours, custom itinerary)
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