Costa Rica
Southern Pacific + Arenal Volcano
It is not a coincidence that Costa Rica has been recognized many times as the happiest country in the world. What secret formula makes this little Central American country an oasis of peace & happiness? Is it simply because of its natural beauty and the fact that it has had no army since 1948? Maybe having access to the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans + enviable weather conditions may also have something to do with that. It might even be because they have the freshest/tastiest fruit and some of the best coffee in the world! We believe it is the combination of these facts and having the friendliest people we have come across - You can never get tired of "Tico's" smiles and their favourite phrase: “Pura Vida”.
Join us and discover the true meaning of “Pura Vida” by talking to the locals at a Sunday farmer's market, swimming in hidden waterfalls and walking virgin beaches surrounded by rainforest. Go white-water rafting in the cleanest river in Central America, learn about coffee production at an eco-farm in the Central Valley and witness the majestic Arenal Volcano while hiking with a local guide. We will make sure you also have the chance to practise yoga, learn the basics of surfing and give something back to the community by taking part in activities organized by local NGOs. Sunsets, fauna & flora and connecting with like-minded people are some other ingredients we will add to the mix.
Bienvenidos a Costa Rica!
Sample Itinerary
Meals
All breakfasts, 2 dinners and 2 lunches + snacks
Activities
City walk, wildlife reserve visit, surf lesson, whitewater rafting, hidden waterfalls and more
Transportation
Included private transportation throughout the tour
Accommodation
8 nights accommodation in San José/Uvita/Arenal
Day 1
Welcome to Costa Rica
Welcome to Costa Rica! Today we will meet at your hotel in the town of Santa Ana (west of San Jose). After you settle in we will go for a relaxed walk and get to know each other. An included dinner at our favourite Caribbean place is all we have planned for the evening. Pura Vida!
Day 2
San José
Although Costa Rica is about its natural heritage, you still have to visit its capital city, San José. Noisy, lively and a bit chaotic are some of the adjectives most people use to describe this city; however, with a local, you can discover its nicer quarters full of parks and interesting architecture. We will also bring you to San Jose´s Central Market, where you will get in direct contact with Costa Rica´s daily reality and where you will get to enjoy a traditional lunch.
Day 3
La Paz Waterfalls & Sanctuary
Enough of the city, it´s time to see what Costa Rica is truly about - Its nature! A one-hour drive will take us to the natural sanctuary known as "La Paz" in the province of Alajuela. The drive itself is an experience, as you will get to see the different micro-climates present in this Central American nation. Once at the sanctuary/waterfalls, you will see a sample of Costa Rica´s fauna and flora, as well as the imposing waterfalls this area has to offer! We want to highlight that all the animals you will see there were rescued and are now kept in this sanctuary under strict regulations of the Costa Rican government.
Day 4
First encounter with the Pacific Ocean
Today we will make our way to the southern Pacific. During this 5.5-hour drive, we will make a couple of stops to casually see some wild crocodiles and get lunch with an ocean view. On arrival, we will drop off our stuff and then head to a local beach to go for our first swim in the Pacific and hopefully catch the sunset! Tonight we can go to our favourite jungle bar, grab a drink, listen to some music and play games surrounded by the rainforest. Not bad, eh?
Day 5
Hidden Waterfalls
It's time for one of our favourite things to do - Visiting hidden waterfalls. Our van will take us to little villages like Uvita and Ojochal, where bumpy roads will lead us to film-like waterfalls. Fresh and cool water surrounded by the rainforest...can you beat that? In between waterfalls, we might stop at some of our favourite beaches in Whales Bay. An included lunch in one of our favourite spots in the area (also pretty hidden). Viewpoints, laughs and good vibes do the rest!
Day 7
On our way to Arenal
Today we leave our home in the Central Pacific and make our way to the Arenal volcano area. It's a travel day but we will make it easy with some stops. A night hot springs session might be a good idea to relax. Otherwise, rest and be ready for tomorrow.
Day 6
Rafting in Central America´s cleanest river
It's time for an adrenaline rush, don't you think? No better way to get it than going for white water rafting on the cleanest river in Central America, the Savegre. Today you will work as a team to enjoy this wonderful experience (do not worry, security always comes first!). Afterwards, you will be heading to a small and secluded beach in the Manuel Antonio area. This beach is the perfect place for swimming, kayaking and snorkelling (these are optional activities which are not included)!
Day 8
Hanging Bridges + Farewell dinner
Since it is our only full day here we must explore! A local guide, born and raised will show us the natural secrets of the area by taking us through hanging bridges above the cloud forest. From here on a clear day, you will be able to see the magnificent Arenal volcano and you will have the chance to encounter animals in their natural habitat. Expect birds, monkeys, snakes and more. Optional tours are available if you still have energy after our walk. Tonight we will go for an included farewell dinner in La Fortuna.
Day 9
Back to San Jose
Today we will depart early so we get to the airport with enough for your flight back home. It has been a pleasure sharing Costa Rica with you and we hope to see you again!
Accommodation Options
Aranjuez Lofts - San José
Located west of San José in the
quaint town of Santa Ana, Aranjuez Lofts offers comfy rooms and a safe & relaxing atmosphere.
Hotel Tangara - Ojochal
Hotel Tangara is in the gastro-village
of Ojochal and it is surrounded by
lush rainforest. Beautiful and fully equipped bungalows make this hotel the perfect place to discover Costa Rica´s southern Pacific
Hotel Arte Natura - La Fortuna
Arte Natura is in a quiet spot in the heart of La Fortuna. Easy access to the Arenal volcano, hot springs and all the area has to offer. Comfy rooms and nice common areas make this accommodation a great option.
More options available
Your Local Tour Leader
Ricardo first moved to Costa Rica in 2006 where he went to university and fell in love with the land of pura vida. He loves the outdoors, good food and interesting conversations.
Get a Quote
Contact us and let us what your perfect tour would look like and we will get back to you with a personalized itinerary/quote.