Undiscovered Costa Rica

Your exciting Costa Rican adventure begins with your arrival into San Jose, where you’ll be welcomed by your private driver and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. You might want to relax or check out one of the great museums in the area. If you’re traveling with younger kids, they’ll love the Children’s museum with exhibits on everything from the human body to the solar system, “archaeological” even a monkey slide. The National Museum and Pre-Columbian Gold Museum is a must if you only have time for one, covering a broad range of the country’s history.

After checking out of your hotel this morning, your private driver/guide will bring you to Arenal National Park, with the area featuring more than a half-million acres of rainforest, lakes, rivers and old volcanic fields. Arenal volcano rises nearly 5,500 feet above the lush landscape and was once the most active volcano in the nation. While activity has slowed significantly since 2010, with the occasional puffs of steam and rumble, seeing it in person is far more exciting than watching it on TV or reading about it in a textbook. After reaching your accommodation, take the rest of the day to relax or explore on your own.

Enjoy the day exploring the Arenal region where you can stroll across the famous hanging bridges that meander through the dense jungle and above the canopy of trees, taking in a view that once only the birds could see. Once back on the ground you’ll walk the scenic trails where you might see white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, tapir, deer and exotic birds like parrots. If the sky is clear, you’ll be able to take in a view of Arenal Volcano too. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant followed by a refreshing dip in the natural hot springs at Ecotermales Fortuna.

After checking out of your hotel this morning your private driver/guide will bring you back to San Jose’s airport where you’ll catch your flight to the Caribbean coast. Upon your arrival to Tortuguero, you’ll have time to check into your accommodation before joining a boat tour. Tortuguero and is maze of natural waterways, freshwater creeks and lagoons, are an ideal way to explore the dense jungle with all its flora and fauna, including monkeys, a variety of sea turtles, crocodiles and all sorts of tropical birds, without having to trek through the mud. After your tour you’ll return to your hotel.

Head deep within Tortuguero National Park by boat, keeping watch for howler monkeys, river otters, three-toed sloths, caimans and more. Afterward you’ll visit Tortuguero Village, walking alongside colorful Afro-Caribbean homes as you learn about its history. You’ll meet some of the locals to learn about their daily life and if school is in session, visit the local school as well. Conclude at the Sea Turtle Conservancy, gaining insight into how species lay their eggs on Tortuguero Beach. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to hear about the ongoing, impactful studies and the conservation efforts that are underway.

Getting ready to head to your next destination, after checking out of your hotel, you’ll hop on a boat to cross the Tortuguero River and catch a flight to San Jose, connecting with a flight to the Oso Peninsula, home to Corcovado National Park. After checking into the award-winning Lapa Rios, set within a 1000-acre private nature reserve, you’ll have the rest of the day to enjoy to yourself. You can relax and enjoy the view as your accommodation overlooks the Pacific Ocean and Golfo Dulce. Or enjoy swimming in the outdoor pool – it offers a view of the sea as well.

You’ll have two full days to enjoy the many activities at Lapa Rios. You might take a waterfall tour following along Carbonera River to the falls where you’ll have the opportunity to swim, join a guided hike to discover and learn about medicinal plants, or embark on a guided birdwatching tour. In the evening, a guided night walk through the rainforest is a must for the chance to spot nocturnal creatures like kinkajous and bats. There is a long list of other activities for those who want to take part in even more thrills like ziplining, canyoneering, kayaking, surfing, paddle boarding and horseback riding.

Continue your two days of fun at Lapa Rios, perhaps enjoying a leisurely morning relaxing on the grounds and then taking part in one of the activities you didn’t have time for yesterday. A few others to considered are the Osa Walk rainforest trail hike, a tour of ecologically sustainable projects or a tree planting experience. Or visit the beach town of Matapalo, wandering through to enjoy its laidback vibe, strolling on the sands and hiking throughout the forests. No matter where you go, you’re likely to spot wildlife along the way so don’t forget your camera.

This morning your private driver will meet you for transfer to the airport where you’ll catch your flight to San Jose. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation and enjoy the rest of the day to yourself. You might want to just relax and get prepared for your departure back home tomorrow or do a bit of exploring. The San Jose Central Market is the largest in the city and an important cultural site. Opened in 1880, it attracts many locals and visitors alike, providing the chance to pick up souvenirs, sample tasty local foods and get to know daily life.

After nine nights in beautiful Costa Rica, if you haven’t already it is time to pack your bags to get ready for your flight home. After breakfast, checkout of your hotel and your private driver will meet you for transfer back to San Jose’s airport in time to catch your flight.