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11 Day itinerary in Costa Rica, Central America & Caribbean

Costa Rica Beach & Jungle Retreat and Nature

This get-away experience takes you to immerse yourself in the Costa Rican Pura Vida vibe where wildlife and rainforest, yoga, hot springs and beautiful beaches invite you to relax and disconnect from the hectic world. First, you will visit the green volcanic and jungle landscape of Arenal; considere... Read More

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JulianaMontserratIvonnePamelaMatildeJulian

By Juliana, Montserrat, Ivonne, Pamela, Matilde and Julian

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Easy
help_outline

Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English, Spanish, Dutch, French, German

GUIDANCE

Tour Guide

starting point

San José

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Hiking

Visit markets

Yoga

Meditation

Outdoors & Nature

Start

Night

End

Highlights

1

Relax at the hot springs of the Arenal Volcano and the dry-tropical forest of Rio Perdido.

2

Spot beautiful flora and fauna on a Caño Negro safari boat tour.

3

Give a helping hand at the Costa Rican wildlife rescue centre.

4

Enjoy the Pacific beaches and explore the underwater world on a catamaran cruise at Tamarindo.

Itinerary

COMFORT CLASS HOTELS expand_more

Day 1

place Touch down and onwards to the Arenal Volcano

Once you've touched down to either San Jose (SJO) or Liberia (LIR) Airport, you'll be warmly welcomed by your driver and taken onwards to your accommodation at the Arenal Volcano area. The journey takes approximately 4 hours. As you approach the town of La Fortuna, one of the first things you'll see is the Arenal Volcano. Although it is no longer spewing out hot lava your first sighting of the sleeping giant will always be the most memorable as it rises up high above the surrounding landscape. Depending on the time of your arrival to the town of La Fortuna, situated at the foot of the Arenal Volcano and having settled in to your accommodation, the rest of the day is free to explore or relax. If you're ready to start your Costa Rica adventure in La Fortuna, one of our favorite optional activities is the frog & cultural exchange night tour (not included). You will spend the evening at the home of Don Oscar and his family who own an amazing property with beautiful gardens and rainforest. An expert nature guide will take you out along the property trails as the sun goes down to help you spot nocturnal wildlife at this magical time of night. Here you will get eye to eye with Costa Rica's famous frogs and is a great introduction to the wildlife of this region. Afterwards you will sit down for a typical home cooked meal prepared on a wood burning stove. Note: the evening tour is not included, but can be added for an additional fee upon request. For this you would need to arrive to Arenal no later then 3:30PM. Included: Private Transfer from San Jose or Liberia Airport to Arenal, Accommodation around La Fortuna / Arenal (Meals - None).

Accommodation:

  • COMFORT CLASS HOTELS: Resort & SPA Le Dune
  • SUPERIOR CLASS HOTELS: Arenal Springs Resort
  • LUXURY CLASS HOTELS: Nayara Gardens
Day 2

place Boating the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge

Today you will be picked up from your accommodation by a bilingual nature guide who will accompany you on a full day excursion. You will drive to the Caño Negro Nature Reserve, located in the northern part of Costa Rica. The Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge is one of the most important reserves for bird watching and year-round observation of wildlife in Costa Rica. This wildlife-rich wetland area of almost 25,000 acres (10,000 hectares), is flooded in the rainy season by the Rio Frio, which cuts through the refuge, making it an ideal waterway for guided boat tours. Boarding a boat, you'll navigate your way through what is considered one of the most important conservations sites in the world. Made up of wetlands, rainforest and swampland there are more than 200 species of bird that come to this one area. The most famous being the endangered Jabiru Stork which is the tallest flying bird in Latin America... if you're here during the dry season (February-April) you will have a chance of seeing them. But you can also very much appreciate many other types of birds. If you're not such a fan of birds then don't worry. As you silently cruise the Rio Frio, this area will reveal all kinds of wildlife from capuchin monkeys, sloths and iguanas too, river turtles, caiman and the basilisk, also called Christ Lizard as it can walk on water. Caño Negro will provide you with some amazing photo opportunities so make sure your camera is fully charged! Following your amazing wildlife tour a delicious riverside lunch will be served, before you will be transferred back to your Arenal hotel. The evening is free for you to relax or take an optional excursion. We recommend taking a soak at the hot springs warmed by the heart of the Arenal Volcano. Many of the area's best hot springs are situated just at the foot of the Arenal Volcano which means that you can enjoy looking up at the mighty volcano while soaking in the warm waters rich in minerals while listening to the calls of the rainforest arou

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • COMFORT CLASS HOTELS: Arenal Springs Resort
  • SUPERIOR CLASS HOTELS: Nayara Gardens
Day 3

place Wildlife Rescue Center & Volunteer tour and Yoga session

Today you will be picked up at your hotel to participate in an amazing half day tour, helping the Costa Rican wildlife! Your driver will take you for a 50 minutes ride through the Costa Rica countryside to the Wildlife Rescue Institute located in the small town of Javillos. Here you will be received by the local staff and volunteers working at the project. You will receive an educational visitor's tour where you will learn and experience about Costa Rican wildlife up close. The tour guide will explain you about each creature's territory, life span, type of diet, social behavior as well as the possibilities and considerations to re-introduce the animals back into the wild. During this tour you get to know the rescued animals and the installations. The Wildlife project is a non-profit organization, dedicated to wildlife protection, environmental conservation, and fostering positive cultural exchanges through education and service. It serves as an animal rescue center, Spanish school and volunteer center. The project's objective is to give the injured wild animals the care and respect that they deserve while rehabilitating them in order to release them back into the wild and educating the public on the struggle of these animals, to help restore the balance between man and nature. The rescue institute receives no financial aid from the Costa Rican government, so they are dependent on the money and manpower of volunteers to care for injured animals and keep the wildlife rescue institute alive. To get even more involved with the project, you will then afterwards participate in volunteer work, helping with the preparation of the food for the animals and feeding them! After this rewarding experience, you will be transferred back to your hotel, where you can enjoy the beautiful nature and wildlife that surrounds the Arenal volcano. La Fortuna is becoming well-known as a center for active wellness options and doing yoga is one of the best ways to soak in the positive energy

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • COMFORT CLASS HOTELS: Arenal Springs Resort
  • SUPERIOR CLASS HOTELS: Nayara Gardens
Day 4

place Road to the Rio Perdido Eco Lodge

Leaving La Fortuna and the Arenal volcano behind, you will continue your journey to Rio Perdido, the drive is approximately 4 hours long. Located in the Pacific lowlands of Costa Rica's Bagaces County is the aptly named Rio Perdido (Lost River). When recently rediscovered, traces of the Chorotega civilization that dates back hundreds of years were found and adds to the magic of this beautiful and ancient destination. Looking down at the carved riverbeds in the Rio Perdido Canyon is like looking into a basket of snakes with the serpentine twists curving throughout the canyon floor. Surrounded by a dwarf forest that is almost completely dry in summer time the forest is transformed during the wet season as its foliage forms a dense, green cover. This amazing canyon where the cool Rio Blanco meets the hot thermal waters of Rio Perdido was during the times of the Chorotega an important gathering place, and the beauty of this destination has kept people coming back to this region ever since. The Eco-Lodge site is just north of the amazing convergence point result in the property being flanked by two deep canyons. One canyon is a completely vertical gorge carrying cool waters with a peculiar white tint and the other is the thermo-mineral Rio Perdido. The owners of the Rio Perdido Eco-Lodge have done a great job making this treasure accessible to visitors in a sustainable way that doesn't compromise its beauty. Having settled into your accommodation, the rest of the day is free to explore and take in your magical surroundings. We are certain that you will immediately feel at peace at your forest bungalow surrounded by the sounds and aromas of the rare and quintessential dwarf forest. At Rio Perdido, an experience has been created; allowing you to get the most out of a beautiful and historic place that has been naturally formed over time. Included: Private transfer from Arenal to Rio Perdido, Accommodation at Rio Perdido (Meals - Breakfast).

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5

place Thermal Canyon & Adventure

It´s a good idea to head out early so you can enjoy the freshness of the morning and get the most out of your day. Rio Perdido is quite out of the way, so wildlife is given free reign here - we've rarely seen so much nature in one place! Butterflies, monkeys and iguanas are all over the place and you'll often see rare purple orchids and strangler figs. Staying at Rio Perdido, there are many activities to enjoy. We have included for you the one we find most exciting; a great Canyon Adventure surrounded by the beautiful nature of the tropical dry-forest at Rio Perdido. While there are hundreds of zip-line tours throughout the country, the Canyon Adventure at Rio Perdido is truly innovative. Under the guidance of renowned adventure designers, at Rio Perdido they have created a sequence that will please and surprise. The inspiring Rio Blanco canyon that runs through the property, is the main stage for this awesome cable-based adventure. You will rappel down for the thrill of a lifetime. Make your way along the river bed by down-climbing and rappelling rock based as well as suspended platforms. Enjoy the amazing pendulum cable as well as 5 zip wires. For some great refreshment, enjoy the water station in the middle of the circuit. To continue enjoying with the amazing Tarzan Swing and 27-meter Challenge Bridge that all make for a great adventure activity with the Rio Blanco canyon in the leading role. The rest of the day is at leisure. If you are in for some more activity and immersion into Costa Rica's flora and fauna, you could optionally explore the area on a walking tour to hidden waterfalls, medicinal springs and panoramic viewpoints. Mountain biking is another great way to get to know the area and the Rio Perdido Eco-Lodge offers an eclectic circuit, which offers solid rock segments, sand, raw earthbridges, ramps, banks, and even a few downhill sections in the advanced circuit. If you're looking for a more relaxing experience, you could go river tubing (only avai

Meals: Breakfast

Day 6

place Taking in the Dry-tropical Forest

Another day at Rio Perdido, to enjoy all that this magical place has to offer. You might be interested in signing up for the complimentary Guided Morning Walk. Or stretch out with a morning yoga session for a good start of the day surrounded by the smell of the forest and soothing sound of the river and the birds. Whatever you choose, we highly recommend relaxing in the natural volcanic mud pools, the thermal river and the on-site three thermo-mineral pools where you can make the most of the natural sauna and massages. Included: Complimentary Access to on-site Nature trails, Thermal River, 3 Thermo-mineral Pools and Volcanic Mud bath, as well as Guided Morning Walk and/or Yoga Class (limited occupancy), Accommodation at Rio Perdido (Meals - Breakfast).

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7

place Journey to Tamarindo beach and town

Leaving Rio Perdido behind, you will continue your journey to Tamarindo, the drive is approximately 4 hours long. Now's the time to unleash the Beach Boys playlist as you arrive in the vibrant beach town of Tamarindo on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast. Tamarindo has some of the best beaches on Costa Rica's Pacific coastline, and especially so if you're into surfing, or are at least game for a go. Most people's instinctive reaction upon reaching Tamarindo is to run straight for the beach. All we ask is that you check into your hotel first, and from then on the rest of your day is free to spend at leisure and enjoy the pure beach life. The long, golden sands of Tamarindo are separated from the neighboring beach of Playa Grande in the north, by the Matapalo River which is part of the Tamarindo Wildlife Reserve. This neighboring beach is also a protected nesting ground for the endangered Leatherback turtle, and during the breeding season (Nov - Feb) you can take a guided moonlight walk to see the turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. Included: Private transfer from Rio Perdido to Tamarindo, Accommodation in Tamarindo (Meals - Breakfast (if staying at Jardin del Eden boutique hotel then Dinner is included as well)).

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation:

  • COMFORT CLASS HOTELS: Tamarindo Diria
  • SUPERIOR CLASS HOTELS: Jardin Del Eden Boutique Hotel
  • LUXURY CLASS HOTELS: Cala Luna Boutique Hotel
Day 8

place Leisure day in Tamarindo

Today is left free for you to relax at the beach, stroll through the beach town or explore more of the natural beauty around Tamarindo. One of our favorite optional excursions (not included) is to go on a gentle horseback ride through the dry-tropical forest of the Guanacaste lowlands where you'll arrive at a number of beautiful viewpoints and secluded beaches. If you'd rather take to the water, you can try your hand or perfect your style at surfing with a professional teacher. Tamarindo is the perfect place to learn how to surf and is a safe, fun and easy-going experience. Another of our recommended activities is to head out on a kayak tour at the Tamarindo Mangrove and Estuary. Quietly paddling through the mangroves will give you the chance to spot brown pelicans, magnificent frigate birds, ibis and ospreys, as well as two types of monkeys, iguanas and American crocodiles! After a day on the beach, or a fun day out with one of the optional activities, head back to your accommodation to freshen up before going out to enjoy freshly caught seafood at one of the local restaurants in Tamarindo. Or enjoying a tropical cocktail while watching the sun go down. Included: Accommodation in Tamarindo (Meals - Breakfast (if staying at Jardin del Eden boutique hotel then Dinner is included as well)).

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation:

  • COMFORT CLASS HOTELS: Tamarindo Diria
  • SUPERIOR CLASS HOTELS: Jardin Del Eden Boutique Hotel
  • LUXURY CLASS HOTELS: Cala Luna Boutique Hotel
Day 9

place Sailing & Snorkeling along the Pacific

Today you have the morning free for you to relax at the beach, stroll through the beach town or explore more of the natural beauty around Tamarindo. In the afternoon you will be picked up at your hotel and drive to the marina at Flamingo Beach. Here you will board a well-equipped catamaran. Make yourself comfortable as the crew will set the sail (depending on wind) and navigate for about 5 miles giving you access to some of the beautiful isolated beaches and snorkel locations of Costa Rica. A snorkeling guide will show you the marine wildlife such as: pufferfish, starfish, sea turtle, dolphin, and maybe you are that lucky to even see a whale. During this trip you can also experience kayaking and fishing. The catamaran will drop anchor in a tranquil bay, where you can snorkel or reach a deserted white beach while the chef prepares a delicious buffet to enjoy. Then sail back just in time to watch the sunset, offering you cold tropical drinks and let you enjoy the most beautiful natural scenery. Note: Due to logistical reasons, the sailing tour might be offered in the morning instead of in the afternoon. Included: Half Day Catamaran tour and Snorkeling with group guide and transport; Accommodation in Tamarindo. (Meals - Breakfast, Lunch or early Dinner (if staying at Jardin del Eden boutique hotel then Dinner is included as well)).

Meals: Dinner

Day 10

place Leisure day in Tamarindo

Another day at leisure to relax at the beach, stroll through the beach town or explore more of the natural beauty around Tamarindo. One of our favourite optional excursions (not included) is to go on a gentle horseback ride through the dry-tropical forest of the Guanacaste lowlands where you'll arrive at a number of beautiful viewpoints and secluded beaches. If you'd rather take to the water, you can try your hand or perfect your style at surfing with a professional teacher. Tamarindo is the perfect place to learn how to surf and is a safe, fun and easy-going experience. Another of our recommended activities is to head out on a kayak tour at the Tamarindo Mangrove and Estuary. Quietly paddling through the mangroves will give you the chance to spot brown pelicans, magnificent frigate birds, ibis and ospreys, as well as two types of monkeys, iguanas and American crocodiles! After a day on the beach, or a fun day out with one of the optional activities, head back to your accommodation to freshen up before going out to enjoy freshly caught seafood at one of the local restaurants in Tamarindo. Or enjoying a tropical cocktail while watching the sun go down. Included: Accommodation in Tamarindo (Meals - Breakfast (if staying at Jardin del Eden boutique hotel then Dinner is included as well)).

Meals: Dinner

Day 11

place Homeward bound

Enjoy one last walk along Tamarindo's beach and then it's time to say goodbye to this tropical country with its wide diversity in ecosystems and natural beauty. You will continue your journey to the International Airport for your flight out. We wish you a pleasant flight and great memories of Costa Rica! Note: It is a 1.5 hrs. drive to Liberia Airport (LIR) and you would need to be at the airport 3 hrs. prior to your flight. Note: Transfer out through San Jose Airport (SJO) is not included but can be added for an additional fee upon request. Do take into account that it is a 5 hrs drive to San Jose Airport and you would need to be at the airport 3 hrs. prior to your flight. Included: Private transfer from Tamarindo to Liberia Airport (Meals - Breakfast (Depending on your departure time, breakfast might not be included)).

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • Resort & SPA Le Dune
  • Tamarindo Diria
  • Arenal Springs Resort
  • Arenal Springs Resort
  • Jardin Del Eden Boutique Hotel
  • Nayara Gardens
  • Nayara Gardens
  • Cala Luna Boutique Hotel

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (5)
  • Lunch (1)
  • Dinner (4)

About Juliana

TEAM LEAD

+5 Local experts

verified Baboo Certified

Expertise: 

Meet local people

Indigenous culture

Hiking

Visit markets

Travel with Purpose

Outdoors & Nature

I worked as a tour leader taking small groups of travelers to the most popular destinations of South America and covering the length and breadth of Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Brazil and Peru. This helped me to become an expert of South America.

Travel that Makes a Difference

By choosing to travel with us, you support local communities, wildlife, and the environment. We are dedicated to positively impacting the world through every journey we offer.

Let’s regenerate the planet together

We overcompensate your entire journey’s carbon footprint including flights - for free.

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FROM PRICE PER TRAVELER

$2,497.00 USD