Multi-activity Tour In Costa Rica

Our journey begins in San José, Costa Rica’s vibrant capital. Founded in 1738 and set in a fertile valley blanketed in coffee and sugar cane plantations, the city is one of the youngest and most cosmopolitan capital’s in Central America.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)

Leaving the capital early this morning we head for the Pacuare River, for a morning of white water action along one of the finest rafting rivers in Latin America. The two and a half hour ride takes us over grade III and IV rapids and through a tropical jungle landscape that is home to toucans, parrots, river otters and Howler monkeys. After lunch and a chance to change into dry clothes, we head back to San José, arriving back in the city late this afternoon.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Heading for Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast this morning we drive to the region of Limon, set amongst one of the country’s most geographically diverse regions. We then take an afternoon hike through the landscapes of the Gandoca-Manzanilo Reserve, a protected refuge for some of the country’s most endangered flora and fauna, including manatees, mangrove swamps, turtles and primary rainforest.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

The Cahuita National Park lies to the north of Puerto Viejo - Limon, amongst some of the most scenic landscapes in Costa Rica. An area of protected beaches and lowlands, this is an important nesting ground for sea turtles. Its offshore reefs include 35 species of coral, 44 different types of crustaceans and over 120 species of fish, whilst its coastal forests are home to sloths, mantled howlers and a staggering diversity of birds. This morning we enjoy some snorkelling and hiking in the park. After lunch the rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy some birdwatching or you may wish to go on a hike to a nearby waterfall..

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning we travel by charter bus to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui. Lying close to the Nicaraguan border, at the base of the Cordillera Central Mountains, the incredible biodiversity of Sarapiqui provides a haven for the endangered Green Macaw. The region is also blessed with a number of national parks and reserves, including the Tirimbina Rainforest Centre, a protected refuge that is a rich habitat for some 300 species of birds, as well as an animal rehabilitation centre. We take a walk through the reserve this evening with our guide.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

The rural town of Arenal provides us with our gateway into the volcanic landscapes of the Arenal National Park. Driving there this morning, we then take a cycling tour around the area, enjoying the ever-present views of one of the world’s most active volcanoes as we explore the lush landscapes that surround us. Our bike tour should take us around three hours, after which the rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy as we wish. One option you may wish to take is to the local hotsprings or take a walk to a local waterfall.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

This morning we take a hike through the national park. Arenal’s classic volcanic cone rises some 1,633 metres above the surrounding countryside and has remained active since its last eruption on 29th July 1968. A daily reminder of the immense power of Mother Nature, this constant outpouring of lava, gases and rocks, along with the nearby attractions of Lake Arenal, has helped to regenerate the area through tourism. After our three hour hike we have some time to relax before the option of a visit to the Ecotermales Hot Springs this evening for dinner.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Setting off early this morning we drive next towards the rugged peaks of the Cordillera de Guanacaste, Costa Rica’s great central volcanic massif. Our destination is the Rincon de la Vieja, the largest of five volcanic peaks that dominate a lush area of fertile farmland and tropical crops. We will be spending the next two nights at a Hacienda nestling at the foot of the mountain. On arrival we have some free time this afternoon to enjoy a number of optional activities around the farm and the surrounding area.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today is left free to either relax in the hotel grounds or participate in some of the optional activities in the area. These include horseback riding, a walk to a nearby waterfall to swim in the natural pools, taking a dip in the volcanic mud pools  or participating in some of the farms activities.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

We start today with an early hike through the varied landscapes of the Rincon de Vieja National Park. Still active volcano, the area is a lush and pristine region of lagoons and craters, punctuated with steaming vents and pools of boiling mud. The changing elevation ranges of the park have resulted in a wide variety of quite different habitats too, housing a diversity of vegetation and wildlife that include forests full of orchids (the Costa Rican national flower), beautiful butterflies, armadillos and two-toed sloths. After lunch we will take the bus journey winding its way towards Costa Rica’s Pacific coast and the beautiful setting of Manuel Antonio National Park. The smallest of Costa Rica’s national parks, Manuel Antonio is well known for its hiking trails and beautiful beaches and harbours an incredible diversity of wildlife amongst its warm waters and lush forested hills. On arrival in the small town of Manuel Antonio, the rest of the day is free to enjoy a number of optional activities.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast we travel the short distance to the park entrance, to spend the morning enjoying the park and its natural treasures. Manuel Antonio is home to four beautiful beaches, 109 species of mammals (including four species of monkeys, two species of sloths and crab eating raccoons), black iguanas and some 184 different species of birds. After our visit you may choose to remain in the park and continue exploring at your own pace, perhaps enjoying more of the sandy beaches before heading back to the hotel.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

This morning we drive the short distance to the coastal resort of Bahia Uvita de Osa, our base for the next two days as we explore the Marino Ballena National Park. Named after the humpback whales that migrate through these waters between December and April each year, the park is home to important mangrove swaps and the largest area of coral reef along the Pacific coast of Central America. This morning we take a hike through the park, before a free afternoon to enjoy more activities in the area.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

The park protects the shoreline of the Bahia de Coronado, as well as a large expanse of the rich waters around Isla Ballena. Important breeding grounds for Hawksbill and Olive Ridley turtles, these waters are also provide rich pickings for green marine iguanas, dolphins, frigate birds and brown footed boobies. This morning we enjoy exploring the waters and caves around the coast by kayak, hopefully sighting some of the resident bird and marine life that make this park their home. This afternoon is then free.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

A two hour bus ride brings us to the Tárcoles River this morning, home to one of the largest populations of wild crocodiles on the planet. Boarding a boat on arrival, we then journey through a riverine landscape of mangroves that support not only an staggering abundance of American crocodiles, but also some 50 different species of birds. It is believed that these waters contain something like 25 crocodiles per square kilometre, with some animals reaching up to seven metres in length. Following lunch, we then continue by road back to San José for our final evening

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Poas Volcano lies amongst the lush landscapes of the Volcan Poas National Park, a two hour drive from the capital. This morning we take a guided tour of the park, home to nearly 80 species of birds, as well as coyotes, skunks and the endemic Poas green-yellow squirrel. These rich volcanic slopes provide the perfect growing conditions for many of Costa Rica’s famous coffee plantations as well and, after visiting the park, we pay a visit to one of the country’s finest estates. After our visit we then head back to San José where our tour ends.

Included meals: Breakfast