Costa Rica from Coast to Coast (18 Days / 17 Nights)

Explore Costa Rica at your own pace in your 4×4 rent a car. Explore areas people nromally do not see!! Navigate along the famous canals of Tortuguero, enjoy nature at Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui.The unspoiled Monteverde Cloud Forest is an unforgettable time for birdwatchers hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive Quetzal bird. A visit to the spectacular Arenal Volcano provides guaranteed excitement for the whole family, as you may see the volcano erupt. You will also enjoy a relaxing stay at the pristine beaches of Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio. 

San José- Tortuguero- Sarapiquí- Arenal- Rincón de la Vieja- Tamarindo- Monteverde- Manuel Antonio- San José

 Day by day itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at San Jose, Costa Rica.
Transfer to hotel in San Jose. After passing through Immigration you will be met by one of our representatives. He will take you to your hotel and give you your welcome kit. Overnight in San Jose City.

Option A: Hotel Presidente, Standard Room. (B)
Option B: Hotel Grano de Oro, Standard Room. (B)

Day 02: Bus & boat transfer from San Jose to Tortuguero.
Early in the morning a bilingual guide will meet you at the Hotel. The park has a great biological variety, due to the existence within the reserve of eleven different habitats, including rainforest, swamps, beaches, and lagoons. The park is located on the Caribbean coast, and its beaches are key nesting ground for endangered sea turtles, such as Hawksbill, Loggerheads, Green and Leatherbacks. The rivers within the park are home to sensitive populations of manatees, as well as caimans, crocodiles, and Tropical Gar, which is considered a living fossil. The forests are home to jaguars, three-toed sloths, and three of Costa Rica's four species of monkey. Basilisk lizards and poisonous frogs also inhabit the area, along with 375 species of birds including kingfishers, toucans, blue herons, peacocks, and parrots. There are more than 400 species of trees and approximately 2,200 species of plants.

Option A: Pachira Lodge. Standard Room (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Option B: Mawamba Lodge, Superior Room (B,L,D) 

Day 03: Programmed activities in Tortuguero.
Opportunity to explore the Tortuguero National Park area. Hiking and boat trips are included. On turtle nesting season (July to October), there is an optional tour at night available upon request at the hotel (Not included).

Option A: Pachira Lodge. Standard Room (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Option B: Mawamba Lodge, Superior Room (B,L,D)

Day 04: Boat & Bus Transfer to Guapiles. Shuttle Service to Puerto Viejo, Talamanca.
The Caribbean side of Costa Rica is renowned for its variety of aquatic ecosystems and its different colored sandy beaches, an ideal setting for varied beach and nature activities.

Option A: Azania Hotel. Standard Room (B)  
Option B: Le Cameleon. Superior Room (B) 

Day 05: Free day in Puerto Viejo .
A nice option for today is Cahuita National Park: It protects a well - developed coral reef and is one of the most visited parks on the Caribbean Coast. Over 23,000 hectares make up the marine park including the reef system. Aside from the howler monkeys and sloths in the tropical humid forest, you can see angel fish and brain coral in the water. Cahuita is one of the more pleasant parks to hike through since it runs primarily along the beach.

Option A: Azania Hotel. Standard Room (B)  
Option B: Le Cameleon. Superior Room (B)

Day 06: Shuttle Service to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
A prime site for scientific investigation, Sarapiquí is one of the most visited districts in the region with lush lowland areas rich in biodiversity and one of the last strongholds of endangered species such as the great green macaw. Sarapiquí is a well-known place and popular due to the huge populations of Trogons. These are beautiful birds containing also the quetzal. Mountains, plains, volcanoes, lakes, rivers, forests, fruit farms and cattle ranches form a colorful diverse mosaic in this region of Costa Rica.

Option A: Selva Verde Lodge. Standard Room. (B)
Option B: Sueño Azul. Junior Suite A/C. (B)
 

Day 07: Shuttle Service to Arenal Volcano.
Nothing short of “awesome” is the only way to describe the feeling one has when seeing the Arenal Volcano for the first time. The National Park of the Arenal Volcano lies within the Arenal Conservation Area which is protecting eight of Costa Rica's 12 life zones and 16 protected reserves in the region between the Guanacaste and Tilarán mountain ranges, including Lake Arenal. Fascinating flora and fauna exists here in amazing quantities, making this a prime location for viewing many different species of both plants and animals. Moving through the valleys of the agriculturally rich Northern Zone up through San Carlos and into the towering rain forest, this is one of the most inviting regions in Costa Rica.

Option A: Arenal Paraiso. Standard Room. (B)
Option B: Arenal Nayara. Deluxe Room. (B)

Day 08: Free day at Arenal Volcano. 
Optional tours: Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, Tour To the Arenal Volcano and Tabacón Resort Hot Springs, Sport Fishing in the Arenal Lake, Arenal Volcano Hike Tour, Mountain Biking, Venado Caves Tour, horseback Riding to Arenal Volcano, Peñas Blancas Safari Float.

Option A: Arenal Paraiso. Standard Room. (B)
Option B: Arenal Nayara. Deluxe Room. (B)

Day 09:  Shuttle Service to  Rincòn de la Vieja Volcano
Along the Pan American highway you will discover Guanacaste and Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Hacienda Guachipelin is a lodge located near beautiful waterfalls that can be discovered by horse or hiking. There are rivers, waterfalls, natural pools, thermal waters, volcanic mud, tropical forests, birds, mammals, reptiles, insects and more. In the National Park exist countless attractions, waterfalls, boiling mud pools, vapor vents, thermal waters, sulfur springs, a volcanic crater and a lake on the mountain summit. 

Option A: Hacienda Guachipelin. Superior Room. (B)
Option B: Borinquen Resort. Bungalow. (B)

Day 10: Free day in Rincòn de la Vieja Volcano

Option A: Hacienda Guachipelin. Superior Room. (B)
Option B: Borinquen Resort. Bungalow. (B)

Day 11: Private Transfer  to Tamarindo Beach.
Tamarindo, once a small fishing village, has now transformed into a well developed tourist destination known for its favorable surfing conditions. Besides the countless beach and water activities available, the area is also home to the wildlife refuge of Diria, and the Marino Las Baulas National Park, where leatherback turtles come every summer to nest. The town is built around the white sand beach with blue ocean waters, attracting beachgoers and nature lovers.This area, with its glorious beaches, offers outstanding surfing opportunities for beginners, intermediate and experienced surfers. Sport fishing tours are a great way to get out into these blue waters for the chance to catch Sailfish, Yellow Fin Tuna and Dorado. Watch the majestic leatherback turtles come upon shore to nest at Playa Grande or enjoy an early bird watching tour. Take a kayak snorkeling tour, horseback ride along beautiful beaches, or zip through the canopy of the tropical dry forest on a canopy tour.

Option A: Hotel Pasatiempo. Deluxe Room. (B)
Option B: Hotel Cala Luna. Deluxe Room. (B) 

Day 12: Free day at Tamarindo Beach 

Option A: Hotel Pasatiempo. Deluxe Room. (B)
Option B: Hotel Cala Luna. Deluxe Room. (B) 

Day 13: Shuttle Service to Monteverde
The spectacular Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is a very important and popular ecotourism destination in Costa Rica. With its unique cloud canopy, this biological reserve located in Puntarenas province is 6 km east of the town of Santa Elena. Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is one of the most stunning and breathtaking nature reserves in the entire world. Unlike rainforests, cloud forests usually receive much less rain in comparison. However, because a cloud forest is situated at a higher altitude, it has more humidity and is therefore cloudier than a rainforest. This biological reserve sits at an elevation of between 1,200 m to 1,600 m, and is surrounded by a misty cover that supports a fantastic diversity of flora and fauna. Often creating a surreal environment, this reserve is considered to be among the most exceptional wildlife sanctuaries in the New World Tropics.

Option A: Hotel Fonda Vela. Standard Room (B)
Option B: Hotel El Establo. Deluxe Room (B)   

Day 14: Free day in Monteverde 

Option A: Hotel Fonda Vela. Standard Room (B)
Option B: Hotel El Establo. Deluxe Room (B)  

Day 15: Shuttle Service to Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio National Park’s 683 hectares boast some of the country’s most varied and breathtaking scenery. Surrounded by lush, very wet tropical forest, the park’s trails offer sightings of white-faced monkeys, sloths, coatis, raccoons, iguanas and many bird species, as well as the Costa Rican squirrel monkey (Saimiri oerstedii citrinellus), which is endemic to Manuel Antonio—that is, it is found only in this part of the world. Increasingly endangered, at last count these monkeys numbered only 1,500.  A splendid combination of nature experience and beach fun!

Option A: Hotel Villas Lirio. Garden Room. (B)
Option B: Hotel Parador. Tropical Room. (B)

Day 16: Free day in Manuel Antonio
Situated on the 400 acre peninsula of Punta Quepos with splendid views to the Pacific Ocean and surrounding lush tropical rain forest where hundreds of species of wildlife make their home. It is located within minutes from the World Famous Manuel Antonio National Park and the small sport fishing town of Quepos.

Option A: Hotel Villas Lirio. Garden Room (B)
Option B: Hotel Parador. Tropical Room. (B)

Day 17: Shuttle Service to San Jose. 

Option A: Hotel Presidente, Standard Room. (B)
Option B: Hotel Grano de Oro, Standard Room. (B)

Day 18: Transfer out to International Airport.

Includes

• Personalized information, maps, brochures, vouchers.
• Airport transfers upon arrival and departure.
• Local Travel Program Support, 24 hours emergency service.
• 17 nights lodging at hotels indicated at the preceding itinerary. Breakfast and local taxes.
• Tortuguero Package: All meals, transfers by boat and bus, guide and tours in International company  (SIB) in Tortuguero.
• Private Transfer Rincòn de la Vieja Volcano - Tamarindo Beach
• Shuttle Transfer to the following destinations: Guapiles – Puerto Viejo / Puerto Viejo – Sarapiqui / Sarapiqui – Arenal / Arenal – Rincon de la Vieja / Tamarindo – Monteverde / Monteverde – Manuel Antonio / Manuel Antonio – San José

Excludes

• Other meals than indicated as included.
• National Park Entrance fees, US$ 10,00 per person, except for Monteverde Private Reserve.
• 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.

Price Conditions

High Season: November 1, 2012 – April 30, 2013 and July 1, 2013 – August 31, 2013

Green Season: May 1, 2013 – June 30, 2013 and September 1, 2013 – October 31, 2013

Price per person in US dollars based on double occupancy; includes local taxes.

 Additional cost might apply if traveling between Dec 20 – Jan 05 or Easter week (March 24 -31) 2013

Important Note

What makes us different? You can customize your Costa Rica trip to fit your exact needs. Maximize fun time and minimize hassles, mistakes and travel time. Every detail from airport pick-up to adventure tours and activities are arranged by us to make sure the only thing you have to worry about is having fun. Use our quick and easy trip customization form and find out how affordable your dream Costa Rica vacation can be! With CRS you don´t just vacation in Costa Rica, you experience it. Why settle for less? Contact us today.

What To Bring

The most important things to bring are your travel documents: a valid passport, flight and hotel information, health insurance card and driver's license (if you plan on renting a car in Costa Rica). 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.

1 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.
2 Bring plenty of sunblock. Also include insect repellent, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and a swimsuit.
3 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.
4 Pack separate clothes for evenings. Simple dresses are great for women, while men will do well in long shorts and a button-down shirt.
5 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.
6 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.
7 Take an electric converter and adapter.