Day 01
Arrival to San José
Welcome to Costa Rica! Once you have passed immigration and customs and stepped out of the airport doors, you will have one of our representatives waiting for you outside with a sign with your name on it. He will drive you to your hotel in San José.
Private Transfer from International Airport to San José
Option A: Parque del Lago (1 Night)
Room Type: Standard Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Option B: Grano de Oro Hotel (1 Night)
Room Type: Standard Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Day 02
After breakfast, shared transfer to Selva Bananito
This eco lodge is located on the hills next to La Amistad Biosphere Reserve in the province of Limon, 1 hour´s drive from Cahuita. The Selva Bananito Lodge often finds a mention on several lists of the world’s best eco lodges and with good reason. Selva Bananito’s comfortable rooms and spectacular natural surroundings only add to its attractive profile. Guests can enjoy a mix of heady natural experiences (without burning too many energy resources) such as relaxing in the open-air portico and savoring a candle light dinner (Selva Bananito Lodge doesn’t have any electric lights and is lighted with oil lights burnt during sunset). This is the place to be if you are seeking unlimited adventure and natural bliss, while still ensuring that your merry making doesn’t impact the environment adversely.
Accommodation
Selva Bananito’s accommodations are independent raised cabin-style structures that are comfortable, sprawling and exude a characteristic rustic charm. Cabins are categorized into Standard Cabins and Superior Cabins. The Superior cabin versions feature bigger rooms, stylish tiled floors and wider view providing doors for enjoying uninterrupted natural viewing.
Shuttle Transfer from San José to Bananito AM
Option A: Selva Bananito Lodge (2 Nights)
Room Type: Standard Room
Meals Plan: All Inclusive
Option B: Selva Bananito Lodge (2 Nights)
Room Type: Superior Room
Meals Plan: All Inclusive
Day 03
Programmed Activities at Bananito
Enjoy the following activities at Bananito: Plan a Tree & Rainforest tour, Intoductory Tree-climbing or Horseback ride through the farm. This eco lodge is a haven for adventure buffs and nature based activity enthusiasts. Selva Bananito has customized packages that include an exhaustive list of nature and eco tourism activities like birding, horseback riding, planting trees, tree climbing, walking through the lush confines of a primary tropical rainforest, canopy tours, rappelling down a thrilling jungle waterfall and many more. Patrons can also go on leisurely self-guided treks through the mysterious jungle paths or engage the expert services of a guide to help them negotiate the natural splendor of the area.
Day 04
Shuttle Transfer back to Salón Delia. Rental car reception and self drive to Arenal volcano / La Fortuna
The Northern Plains of Costa Rica showcases some very scenic countryside towns. Small agriculture communities and cattle ranches cover rolling hills and deep valleys. The plains, rainforests and rivers make the north central a must-see in any Costa Rica program. The main attraction is the iconic Arenal Volcano. The Arenal Volcano area is Costa Rica’s premier region of exploration and excitement: Arenal is synonymous to adventure and Eco-discovery, where you can embark in a wide variety of activities. Enjoy the thrill of whitewater rafting or canyoning, or combine adventure with ecological discovery in a canopy tour. Hike the volcano or explore the rainforest strolling through hanging bridges. Feel transformed by the beauty and variety of our wildlife and tropical jungle. Get ready for a life changing adventure!
Get the celebrity treatment with world-class service at Nayara Gardens.
Nayara Gardens is a luxury boutique hotel and spa set against the panoramic backdrop of the Arenal Volcano, surrounded by Costa Rican Rainforest. Guests at Nayara Gardens can book a safari through the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, or horseback ride to the Fortuna Waterfall. They can also hike along the Celeste River. For relaxation, the spa at Nayara Gardens offers coffee scrubs and volcanic mud treatments. Guests can unwind with en exotic cocktail from the outdoor pool and wet bar. The bamboo decked restaurant offers 360-degree gardens views and serves Costa Rican cuisine, while the wine bar features a selection of South American and Spanish wines and canapés.
Option A: Arenal Volcano Inn (2 Nights)
Room Type: Deluxe Room
Meals Plan: Buffet Breakfast
Option B: Nayara Hotel Spa & Gardens (2 Nights)
Room Type: Casita Deluxe
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Day 05
Free Day at Arenal volcano / La Fortuna
Without a doubt, one of the main attractions of La Fortuna is its hot springs. There are several areas of hot springs in La Fortuna such asTabacón and Baldí. However, you can also opt for something quieter like Paradise Hot Springs, a much less crowded complex that has several pools at different temperatures. Located about 6 km from La Fortuna and very close to the Arenal Volcano National Park you will find the La Fortuna river waterfalls. Like the hot springs, we highly recommend visiting this waterfall. It is a waterfall about 70 meters high surrounded by bathing areas!
Day 06
Self drive to Monteverde
A startling haven for all that is living and natural, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve promises a journey that will make you one with nature–at a whole new level. Located in the Cordillera de Tilarán, Monteverde is one of the top ecotourism destinations the world over, is one of the most spectacular wildlife sanctuary and nature reserve in the world. It is actually home to some of the most endangered species on the planet. Its elevation is from 600 meters to 1800 meters above sea level in some isolated areas. It currently houses about 2,000 plant & tree species, 400 bird species, 100 species of mammals and around 1,200 amphibians and reptiles as well as hundreds of unique fern and orchid species. Birds are one of the main attractions in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve as a lot of them would migrate there and a variety of species are for everyone to see alive and freely hovering. Some of the famed birds found in the cloud forest are the bare-necked umbrella birds, the endangered Bellbird, quetzals and over 30 species of hummingbirds.
Option A: Trapp Family Lodge Hotel (2 Nights)
Room Type: Superior Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Option B: Monteverde Lodge & Gardens (2 Nights)
Room Type: Forest View Downstairs Room
Meals Plan: A la Carte Breakfast
Day 07
Free Day at Monteverde
What’s there to do in Monteverde? Tours are available for all nature lovers or first-time nature explorers alike. Considering the size of the reserve, hanging bridges and trails are good for hiking and sight-seeing. There is even a special private birding tour if you’re interested in learning more about such famous flying species as the Quetzal. For the more active we offer zip lining! As the weather here is quite chilly and misty, due to the village being high up in the Tilaran Mountain Range, do bring some thick clothes and a light jacket to stay warm.
Enjoy your day relaxing at your hotel and surroundings or ask your travel consultant about the many optional activities that are offered in the area.
Day 08
Self drive to Uvita
Uvita is a small and nestled town in the Puntarenas Province, 17 km further south than Dominical. Its main attraction is the Marina Ballena National Park, a marine reserve that is famous for its migrating pods of humpback whales. Recognizable about this park is a 1 km sand bar that reminds of the shape of a whale tail, a result of converging currents. Uvita is perfect for travelers that are looking for an off-the beaten path holiday as not many tourists are frequenting Uvita’s beaches and the small village gives you a good possibility to involve with locals.
Option A: La Cusinga Lodge Hotel (2 Nights)
Room Type: Ocean View Superior Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Option B: Oxygen Jungle Villas Boutique Resort (2 Nights)
Room Type: Ocean View Villas Room
Meals Plan: American Breakfast
Day 09
Free Day at Uvita
Enjoy your day relaxing at your hotel and surroundings or ask your travel consultant about the many optional activities that are offered in the area.
Day 10
Self drive to Puerto Jimenez, transfer from Puerto Jimenez to Carate
Ecologically varied, the Corcovado National Park is among the most biologically intense places on earth. Located on the wild and untamed Osa Peninsula, this national park is breathtakingly beautiful and is one of the remotest parks in the country. Home to the largest and only tropical primary lowland rainforest in the world, the Corcovado National Park is also the habitat of a plethora of endangered plant and animal species.
Costa Rica’s pristine Osa Peninsula is blanketed by some of the last remaining lowland tropical rainforest in Central America and edged by beaches rich with marine life. At its tip is Lapa Rios, a remarkable lodge surrounded by a 1,000-acre reserve, created to protect the area’s precious biodiversity and to share it in a sustainable way. It would be hard to find a more authentic rainforest experience than this. You awaken to the sounds of the jungle, watch scarlet macaws glide by from your private outdoor shower, and set off into the trees to explore with local guides whose knowledge of the area’s ecosystems runs deep. And yet the experience is relaxing too—there are secluded beaches at the end of many a jungle path, delightful meals served al fresco, and a luxurious bungalow awaiting you at the end of the day.
Option A: La Leona Eco Lodge (3 Nights)
Room Type: Monkeys Camp Room with Private Bath
Meals Plan: 3 Meals
Option B: Lapa Ríos Ecolodge (3 Nights)
Room Type: Standard Package Deluxe Bungalow
Meals Plan: Meals
Days 11 & 12
Free Days at Corcovado
Enjoy your day hiking the rainforest with a local guide, or choose another activity. Ask the lodge about the many optional activities that are offered in the area.
At Lapa Rios:
- Hike through primary and secondary forest with engaging naturalists, and dive deeper into the local ecosystem during a happy hour naturalist presentation.
- Roll up your sleeves and contribute to the lodge’s reforestation program by transplanting a primary rainforest seedling to an area of secondary growth.
- Enjoy activities that are fun for the whole family, from jumping in waterfall pools to watching monkeys and sloths, to swimming in the lodge’s salt-based pool.
Day 13
Transfer back from Corcovado to Puerto Jimenez. Selfdrive to San Gerardo de Dota
San Gerardo de Dota is a little known destination in the remote mountains south of Costa Rica’s capital city, San Jose. The village is set deep in a valley, but is surrounded by the towering Talamanca mountains. Among the quiet forests of San Gerardo de Dota live a variety of animals and a wide selection of birds, including the famous Resplendent Quetzal and dozens of hummingbird species. Though San Gerardo de Dota is slowly becoming known for its superb bird watching, it remains home to just a handful of quaint eco-lodges and restaurants, making it the perfect escape. This area is a nature lover’s paradise, great for hiking and seeing countless different waterfalls and primary forests. San Gerardo de Dota is a great place to visit before heading back to the airport and will show you a completely different life zone: the cloud forest. Because San Gerardo de Dota is at a high altitude, the climate is much cooler and wetter than is the lowlands
Option A: Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa (2 Nights)
Room Type: Standard Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Option B: Trogon Lodge (2 Nights)
Room Type: Standard Superior Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Day 14
Free Day at San Gerardo de Dota
San Gerardo de Dota offers excellent hiking opportunities with many trails available, but is also a great option for bird watching. More than 170 bird species have been identified in the area so far, including Tanagers, Black Guans, Flycatchers, Hummingbirds (Colibri), Trogons, Emerald Toucanet and Sparrows, among many others. Tours can be arranged in the morning or in the afternoon, depending on guides availability and guests preferences, at an extra cost.
Day 15
Self drive to San José. Drop off car at the hotel.
Option A: Parque del Lago (1 Night)
Room Type: Standard Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Option B: Grano de Oro Hotel (1 Night)
Room Type: Standard Room
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Day 16
Departure from San Jose to the International Airport
A privately driven vehicle will provide you with a transfer from your hotel to San José Airport today. Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.
| · All services indicated in the itinerary above.
· Personalized information, complete voucher list. · Local Travel Program Support, 24-hour emergency service. · Airport transfers upon arrival and departure. · 15 nights of accommodation in hotels specified in the proposal. · Breakfast at all hotels and taxes included. · Stay at Selva Bananito Includes: Lodging, three meals per day, 2 activities: Plan a Tree & Rainforest tour, Introductory Tree-climbing or Horseback ride through the farm; 2 way transfers between Salón Delia – Selva Bananito – Salón Delia and taxes. · Option A. Stay at la Leona includes: Lodging, 3 meals per day, coffee and tea, round transfer: Puerto Jimenez – La Leona – Puerto Jimenez · Option B. Stay at Lapa Rios includes: Lodging, 3 meals per day, taxes, one round transfer: Puerto Jimenez – Lapa Ríos – Puerto Jimenez and election of on-site guided tours such as: Early and Sunset Birds Tour, Wild Waterfall, Local Medicine Tour, Rain Forest Ridge Walk, Osa Trail, Matapalo Tour and Night Walk, Pigs, Twings and Garbage Tour. · 12 days car rental. Suzuki Vitara 4×4 Manual or similar. · Free mileage. 1st additional driver free of charges. Free GPS System A rechargeable SIM card, to use on your own mobile phone, for local calls Coverages included: CDW-TP-TPL: collision damage waiver-theft protection-third party liability · Transfers between destinations included (shared): · San José – Bananito |
- NOT INCLUDED
- Other meals than indicated as included.
- National Park Entrance fees.
- Other excursions tours and activities indicated as optional or not included.
- Airport taxes (US$ 29.00 per person not included).
- International flights.
- Personal expenses. Tips and extras at hotels.
- Travel insurance.
The most important things to bring are your travel documents: a valid passport, flight and hotel information, health insurance card and driver’s license, as well as a valid credit card. We advise you to make three copies of these documents. Put one copy in your carry-on bag, one copy in your suitcase and leave one copy at home.
Basic Tropical forests, colorful wildlife and spectacular beaches are part of daily life in Costa Rica. The climate varies depending on where you are, so pack accordingly.
- Prepare for hot, humid summers. Shorts, T-shirts, sundresses, skirts and tank tops in lightweight fabrics should keep you cool. Take a sweater for evenings at a higher elevation.
- Bring plenty of sunblock. Also include insect repellent, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and a swimsuit.
- Take rubber-soled sandals or hiking boots for journeys into the rain forests. Flip-flops and sandals are great for resorts and hanging out by the beach.
- Pack separate clothes for evenings. Simple dresses are great for women, while men will do well in long shorts and a button-down shirt.
- Prepare for cool winters, particularly in the northern regions and at higher elevations. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are a must, while a fleece jacket or a sweater is advisable.
- Take an umbrella if you plan to travel between May and November – Costa Rica’s wettest period.
- A rain slicker will come in handy while hiking.
- Take an electric converter and adapter.