VISITING : San Jose , Arenal Volcano and Papagayo Gulf .
ACTIVITIES: Cultural shows, nature walks, volcano view, hot springs swimming, adventure tours, ecological tours, beach time, rainforest walks and free time at leisure.
LETTER CODES: (B) Breakfast , (L) Lunch , (D) Dinner.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1. DIC 21. WELCOME TO COSTA RICA (D ). Arrival to the International Airport Juan Santamaria. Transfer to Hotel Herradura and check In. (Deluxe room).
Evening welcome dinner at Pueblo Antiguo with cultural show. Travel through time and transport yourself to the Costa Rica of the past with the unique presentations of Pueblo Antiguo; where all the colors of the architecture, customs and traditions come together to show the origin of this small country and its friendly people. Come and enjoy this unforgettable time, filled with happiness and culture!
Day 2. DIC 22. ARENAL VOLCANO (B, L, D). Located 3 hours from San Jose , Arenal is a beautiful cone-shaped volcano rising out of flat, surrounding plains. It is the most active volcano in the country. In the daytime, clouds of ash and smoke frequently billow into the sky. On clear nights, spectators are occasionally treated to eruptions of lava and burning rocks that explode into the air and shower down the cinder cone. Even when it is overcast, the rumblings venting and molten lava glowing through the clouds afford a very special experience. Leaving San Jose in the morning, we'll be arriving to the Arenal area by noon . There, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the culture of the surroundings and its relationship with the volcano. Next, you will visit Baldi Hot Springs, where you can relax in the soothing waters and be caressed by the cool night air while observing the stars and the incredible night sky above the volcano. Dinner included at the Spa. Overnight at Hotel Arenal Paraiso. Standard room.
Day 3. DIC 23. FREESTYLE DAY IN ARENAL (B). Customize your day with the included adventure of your choice.
- Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge : Visit one of the best places for wildlife in Costa Rica . This area is known as a biological corridor between Costa Rica and Nicaragua . See many species of birds, 3 types of monkeys, caiman, iguanas, sloth's, and more.
- Safari Adventure Boat : Enjoy a relaxing 2 hour float with no motor, only the incredible sounds of nature around you. Our expert bilingual naturalist guide will describe the many different flora and fauna of the region.
- Horseback Riding to Arenal Volcano : It is the perfect horseback riding tour in this area. As we come closer to the volcano, we ride through rivers and tropical rain forest, and enjoying the magnificent Arenal Volcano.
- Cerro Chato Hike : You'll hike through lush rain forests and pasture lands, and witness spectacular scenic views. The tour begins at the Old Observatory Lodge after passing by the Arenal National Park , Volcano and Lake .
- Arenal Mountain Biking : With a moderate ranking, we offer you a mountain bike tour in one of the best-suited area of Costa Rica : the region of Arenal Volcano with its lush vegetation and excellent views.
- Arenal Buggy Tour : This is a great attraction that offers a combination of nature and adventure in the Arenal Volcano. This is your opportunity to explore and enjoy of the beautiful landscapes riding a funny buggy in the slopes of the volcano.
• La Fortuna on Horseback : A 90-minute horseback ride and short hike through the forest bring you to this spectacular waterfall.
• Hike Arenal Volcano : This hike takes you along the base of the volcano along forested trails and recent lava flows.
• Hanging Bridges : 15 hanging bridges wind their way through the forest, some with views of Arenal. Explore high in the canopy for an up-close observation of the rainforest's flora and fauna.
• Canopy Tour : Adrenaline-rushing adventure awaits – with 12 platforms and over 1,000 feet of cable strung through the tree tops. Gain a new perspective of the rainforest as you “fly” through the trees, safely attached by harness to the steel cables.
• Lake Arenal kayaking : You will embark in first class touring kayaks and spend a day paddling in the lake's calm waters while the beautiful view and energy of the Arenal Volcano penetrates your soul.
• Venado Caves : Be prepared to squeeze through small holes, crawl through tight passages, climb small rock formations, crawl on your stomach with only your head above water in a narrow tunnel as fish swim by, or walk up small waterfalls.
• Safari Kayaking . Relax and enjoy a day of heightened emotions on the quiet waters of the Peñas Blancas River .
Afternoon, free time at leisure. Lunch and dinner on your own.
Day 4. DEC 24. ARENAL – PAPAGAYO GULF ( B, D). By mid morning, land transfer to Golfo de Papagayo, one of the most beautiful places of Costa Rica . Check in at Hotel Casa Conde de Mar. The offers comfort and relaxation in a welcoming environment located in an area with one of the most pristine beaches in Costa Rica , Playa Panama , only 20 minutes from the Liberia Internacional Airport in Guanacaste province. The 1 mile extension of taupe sand beach is bathed by clear waters with a soft current. Many water sports can be enjoyed including fishing, swimming, and windsurfing, among others, from a beach surrounded by the exuberant vegetation after which the beach was named.
Upon arrival hotel check in and free time for enjoy the hotel facilities. Evening, special Christmas dinner. MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!!!!!!!!
Day 5. DEC 25 ( B). CASA CONDE DE MAR. Free time at leisure. Optional tours available.
Day 6. DEC 26. CASA CONDE – SAN JOSE (B, L). By mid morning, land transfer to San Jose . Stop for lunch at a typical restaurant. Upon arrival, check in at Hotel Herradura and free time at leisure. Dinner on your own.
Day 7. DEC 27. POAS VOLCANO AND LA PAZ WATERFALLS. (B, L, D). Enjoy the contrasts of urban and rural areas, as we drive to the Poas Volcano National Park and continue up the mountains toward San Pedro de Poas. The good climate and fertile soils make this area very productive. Dairy farming, coffee, sugar cane, vegetables, all can be seen during this tour. Poas Volcano National Park is considered the largest geyser in the world, due to its explosive, geyser-like eruptions, which it frequently displays at irregular intervals. This park offers more than just the spectacular volcanic activity. The visitor will be struck by the intense green colour of the foliage and the great variety of wild flowers. The most conspicuous plant in the park is the poor man's umbrella, whose leaves grow up to 2 meters in diameter. On a clear day you will see the lagoon at the bottom of the crater, whose muddy waters changes colours depending on the volcanic activity.
After enjoying the attractions of this park, we will take the road to La Paz Waterfall Gardens . This complex is an excellent educational center where you will learn about butterflies, Orchids and hummingbirds. Five magnificent waterfalls with nine observation platforms allow the visitors a close up view of the falls and the spectacular La Paz River .
Waterfall Gardens is proud to have one of the largest Butterfly Observatories in the world. The enclosed structure allows butterflies to soar freely while guests walk amid the natural habitat. An on site laboratory is a breeding ground for the eleven fluttering species. Each guest will have the opportunity to release a newly emerged butterfly. In the Hummingbird garden, our feathered friends will delight and fascinate you with their antics as they play and fight with each other at amazing speeds. These normally skittish creatures have become so tame; they will feed within a few feet of you. After exploring Waterfall Gardens , you will enjoy a delicious buffet style lunch at the terrace dinning room before to return to your hotel in San Jose . Evening, farewell dinner.
Day 8. GOOD BY (B). Transfer to the International Airport according to your scheduled flight and good bye.
WHATS TO BRING: Hiking Shoes, Bathing Suit, Binoculars, Camera, Beach Sandals, Suntan Lotion, Hat, Mosquito Repellent.
INCLUDE:
7 nights lodging in high quality Hotels, all airport/ hotel transfers on scheduled arrival/ departures dates only, specified meals, specified tours, private transportation and naturalist tour guide during the entire trip.
NOT INCLUDED:
International air fare, airport departure taxes ($26), meals not specified in the itinerary, alcoholic beverages, personal equipment, extras in hotels (laundry, phone calls, room service), gratuities, or costs associated with changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control.
HOTELS PLAN
AREA |
HOTEL NAME |
CATEGORY |
ROOM TYPE
|
SAN JOSE |
HERRADURA |
4 STARS |
DELUXE |
ARENAL VOLCANO |
ARENAL PARAISO |
3 STARS |
STANDARD |
PAPAGAYO GULF |
CASA CONDE DE MAR |
4 STARS |
DELUXE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MEALS PLAN: 7 BREAKFAST, 3 LUNCHES, 4 DINNERS.
DAY |
BREAKFAST |
LUNCH |
DINNER
|
1 |
|
|
X |
2 |
X |
X |
X |
3 |
X |
|
|
4 |
X |
|
X |
5 |
X |
|
|
6 |
X |
X |
|
7 |
X |
X |
X |
8 |
X |
|
|
|