Day 1: Arrive in San Jose
Arrival to Juan Santamar̀a International Airport. A representative ,will meet and greet you upon arrival and will provide you with a regular transfer to the San Jose area.
Stay 1 night at the Clarion Amon Plaza Hotel |
Day 2: Tortuguero National Park
Early morning start from your San Jose Hotel in order to head on to Tortuguero National Park area. Breakfast will take place at a local restaurant along the way. On route, you will passing through (no stops) the Braulio Carrillo National Park which is Cloud and Rain Forest sanctuary for flora and fauna. This is an area filled with tropical plants, trees, waterfalls, rivers and a spectacular view from the road of the Costa Rica Rain Forest. Further on our route, we will make a short stop at a local restaurant in order to have breakfast. Then we will continue our way until reaching the local port where a boat will be awaiting in order to take us to Laguna Lodge. This boat trip will take us approximately one hour and half through the waterways and along the beautiful canals of Tortuguero. Arrival to the Tortuguero area just in time for lunch and check in at Laguna Lodge. Later on this afternoon we will be visiting the Tortuguero village as well as the opportunity to visit the Caribbean Conservation of the turtle Museum (entrance fee NOT included)
Stay 2 nights at Laguna Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 3: Tortuguero canals
Today you will explore the region's smaller canals and get closer to nature. From July through September you can take the optional (extra cost) turtle-watching tour during the evening to admire one of the most impressive miracles of life when the massive sea turtles arrive in mass to lay their eggs on the beach.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 4: Guapiles
Breakfast at the lodge. Today we will be heading by a boat and ground transfer to the town of Guapiles. In this area, lunch will take place and also you will be making a detour as you will be heading on an unescorted transfer to the Bosque de Paz Hotel. Bosque de Paz is located near the small community of Bajos del Toro area (between Poas Volcano and Juan Castro National Parks. (approximate 3 1/2 hour drive from Guapiles).
Bosque de Paz, is a cloud forest reserve with a totally different ecosystem from what you have experienced so far. Be close to the forest as the lodge is surrounded by pristine flora and a pure and clear water river, where birds of all colour gather. This is a place that invites you to a estate of peace and joy. Explore on your own the trails in the Private Reserve which most definitely will confirm it's name "peace forest". Trails winding through this tropical forest reveal innumerable species of plants and flowers, as well as exotic birds.
Stay 2 nights at the Bosque de Paz Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 5: Guapiles
Full day at leisure for you to explore the beautiful surroundings and the Bosque de Paz Reserve.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 6: Arenal Volcano
Breakfast at the hotel. Mid-morning, we will be heading from Bosque de Paz Hotel to Arenal Volcano Area (aprox. 2 1/2 hour drive). For mid-afternoon you will be taken on a regular sightseeing tour, in order to visit the Arenal Volcano surroundings and also the main attraction of this trip will be our visit to the surrounding Hot Springs where you can enjoy the curative properties of the hot springs. Dinner will be included this evening.
Arenal Volcano is located in Costa Rica's Northern Region. Along the way you will find small towns dedicated to agriculture and cattle ranches which become what many people have called the heart of the country. The plains, rivers and most important, the people of the North. The main attraction of this area is by far the Arenal Volcano, active since 1969 with its curative hot mineral springs and its manicured gardens.
Stay 1 night at the Arenal Paraiso Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 7: Nicaragua
Breakfast at the Hotel. Early morning start from the Arenal area to Peoas Blancas point (Costa Rica - Nicaragua border), this is an approximate 5 hour drive. We will be driving around the Arenal Lake and will be passing by small and scenic towns such as Tilaran, Caoas and Liberia. At Peoas Blancas point, clients will proceed to do Migration and customs procedures (taxes are NOT included, to be paid directly by passenger). If time permits it, we will visit to the ancient cathedral and the oldest convent in the Americas. You will enjoy a pleasant stroll through the Main Plaza, visit the historic Casa de Los Leones and observe the raw colonial beauty of this city. Later, you will enjoy a boat ride through some of the 365 small islands on Lake Nicaragua, the tenth-largest lake in the world. (again the above possible if time connections permit it)
Stay 3 nights at Norome Hotel, Granada
Meals: Breakfast |
Day 8: Nicaragua Cloud Forest
After breakfast at the hotel, you will visit Mombacho Volcano and Catarina, where you will find an enormous cloud forest full of luxurious vegetation. The biodiversity of this natural reserve is surprising. You will be surrounded by exuberant vegetation and enjoy breathtaking views. After lunch we will visit Catarina, where you will find beautiful arts and crafts and nurseries with beautiful flowers. There is also an impressive view from Catarina of the surrounding water and volcano landscape. You will get to know more about how Nicaraguans live and be able to experience the culture first-hand.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch |
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Day 9: Masaya National Park
After breakfast at the hotel, you will then depart for the Masaya Volcano and Masaya Artisans Market tour. When you get to Masaya National Park, you will witness the profound influence that volcanic activity has had in shaping this region. You will continue to the summit of the volcano, where you will get out of the vehicle and take a short walk to see the Santiago crater, which has been active since 1946. You will then explore the surrounding area and see some incredible volcanic formations. You will also learn about the Aratinga Strenua, an amazing bird that lives in the toxic walls of the steaming crater, as well as hear about the Spanish priests who explored the volcano and the superstitions held by local indigenous groups. Finally, just fifteen minutes away, we will visit the Masaya handicrafts market where you will be able to purchase some excellent local ceramics, hammocks, hand-tooled wood and leather souvenirs.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch |
Day 10: Hervideros Tour
After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for the Old Leun and Volcanic Field 'Hervideros' tour. You will first visit Leon Viejo, founded in 1524, located next to impressive Momotombo Volcano and Lake Xolotln. The city was destroyed in 1610 by earthquakes caused by the active Momotombo Volcano. Leon was the capital of Nicaragua for over 300 years and still retains a distinct colonial air. In the afternoon you will visit the city of Leon where you will have the opportunity to admire the beautiful colonial buildings and see the main churches, among which is the monumental cathedral, the largest in Central America, located at the main square. You will also see the birthplace of famed Nicaraguan poet Ruben Dario, the 'Ortiz Gurdian' art gallery and the 'El Convento' hotel, known for its colonial architecture.
Stay Overnight at the Real Intercontinental Hotel, Managua.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch |
Day 11: Nicaragua to Costa Rica
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for an approx. two-hour transfer to Peoas Blancas, at the Costa Rica / Nicaragua border. At Peoas Blancas point, clients will proceed to do Migration and customs procedures (taxes are NOT included, to be paid directly by passenger). After border passing, you will be provided with an unescorted transfer to the Guanacaste Beach area.. approx. 2 hours from the border.
Stay 3 nights at the Ocotal Beach Resort Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 12-13: Days at leisure
Breakfast at the Hotel. Full days on your own to relax, enjoy the beach or take an optional tour (extra cost) in the area: such as hiking, canopy, river floating, horseback riding, fishing and many other activities for you to discover.
Meals: Breakfast |
Day 14: San Jose
Breakfast at the Hotel. In the afternoon we will be returning back to San Jose on an approximate 5 hour regular shuttle transfer from the Ocotal Beach Hotel.
Stay Overnight at the Clarion Amon Plaza Hotel
Meals: Breakfast |
Day 15: Departure
Breakfast at the Hotel. Regular transfer from the hotel to the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in order for you to catch your flight back home. Departure taxes are NOT included.
Meals: Breakfast |
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