This Costa Rican holiday will give you a perfect balance between relaxation and activity. Not only that, you will get to experience both the Caribbean Coast with its laid back Afro-Caribbean culture and the Pacific Coast with the beautiful beaches and sunsets that this coastal paradise has to offer. Sandwiched in the middle you have time to discover inland Costa Rica. With stays in two different national parks, Arenal and Rincón de la Vieja – this holiday will certainly give you a great insight into Costa Rica, its coasts and volcanoes.
Leaving San José, you will start your holiday by the beach, but unlike some destinations, the beach here on the Caribbean is backed by jungle teeming with wildlife for you to explore. There is time to explore the nearby coral reef too, it plays host to a bounty of marine life making snorkelling a very pleasant way to spend some time. Heading inland you have time to explore on foot or get your adrenaline pumping with more adventurous activities such as ziplining in the forest canopy, horse riding then soothe your aching muscles in the hot springs and bubbling mud baths.
As you travel across the country you will traverse some amazing scenery, from plantations to lakes to awe-inspiring volcanoes and the surrounding national parks.
Finish up where you started, on the beach, but this time on the Pacific coast, which is very different to the Caribbean, and end your holiday unwinding even further before spending your last night where it all began, with views over the Central Valley and San José.
Each destination will give you a different taste of Costa Rica. You can enjoy your surroundings together with all the creature comforts you might expect, along with Costa Rican cuisine and of course, excellent hospitality – you’ll want to come back for more!
If you prefer the additional freedom of a self-drive holiday we can arrange for car hire from day 2 to day 15. You will be given comprehensive driving notes and sat nav to help you navigate the route, and can choose to set off and break journeys en-route as you please.
This standard itinerary can be upgraded by staying at Shawandha Lodge (or Le Cameleon for a further supplement) on the Caribbean coast and Rio Perdido in place of Hacienda Guachipelin in northern Costa Rica. This upgrade option spends an extra night on the Caribbean coast and one less night less at Arenal.
Day 1:
When you arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José, a representative will be there to meet you and hand over your document pack. You will be driven to your downtown accommodation at Hotel Presidente. No excursions have been planned for today so you can relax and recover after your long flight. Take advantage of the hotel’s spa and enjoy a relaxing massage, or head up the roof terrace for fine views over the city. The hotel is within walking distance of a number of bars and restaurants, so you’ll have a choice of dining options this evening.
Day 2:
After a leisurely breakfast you will leave the hotel and head for the Caribbean coast. This journey will take about 4 hours. There will be plenty of opportunity to stop en-route to stretch your legs and have a bite to eat. Namuwoki Lodge awaits you at Playa Chiquita. Here you will experience that relaxed, laid-back feel that the Caribbean coast is known for. The afternoon is yours to explore the lodge and surrounds. There is plenty to do without venturing far, both beach and rainforest are close by. Visit the in-house spa for a relaxing treatment.
Day 3:
Get ready to explore Cahuita National Park both on land and in the water! You will travel by boat to Punta Cahuita where you can gear-up and snorkel the amazing coral reefs. Then, back on land you will enjoy a guided hike in the rainforest which is home to a huge array of wildlife and you can start ticking your list of animals and birds that you spot. Back at the hotel you can relax by the pool, on the beach, or explore the rainforest by yourself in search of more wildlife.
Summery
- San José 1 night
- South Caribbean 3 nights (4 on upgrade)
- Arenal 3 nights (2 on upgrade)
- Guanacaste inland 2 nights
- Gulf of Papagayo 4 nights
- San José 1 night
