itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVE SAN JOSE
On arrival at the airport, you will be met by our representative and make the 20 minute transfer to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free to recover from your flight amidst the attractive gardens and swimming pools of Xandari. If you want to stretch your legs, there is a lovely trail on the property to a series of impressive waterfalls.
Accommodation: Xandari Resort and Spa, San Jose
DAY 2: PACUARE LODGE
A representative from Pacuare Lodge will pick you up early from your hotel for the 2½-hour drive through the countryside to the Pacuare River put-in, stopping en-route for a traditional Costa Rican breakfast. Next is an exciting, 1-1½ hour river-rafting trip (class II-III rapids) passing vibrant rainforest scenery. You’ll arrive at your accommodation in time for a delicious lunch. This afternoon, opt to hike through the lodge’s protected forest with your guide to an idyllic waterfall, take the Canopy Adventure or Canyoning Tour (included) or simply relax in your private bungalow or suite and enjoy the surrounding wildlife and tranquillity. Enjoy dinner by candlelight and perhaps a nightcap in the lounge before retiring for a restful night’s sleep.
Accommodation: Pacuare Lodge, Pacuare
DAY 3: PACUARE LODGE
You’ll awake to birdsong and the soothing sounds of the river. Head over to the main lodge for a hearty homemade breakfast, complemented by a rainforest view. The lodge employs resident naturalist guides who can provide information about the plants and animals that inhabit the surrounding forest. Choose to take it easy, or begin enjoying some of the lodge’s seven outdoor experiences included in your Adventure Package, which can take you deeper into the forest, or into the surrounding communities. Nature lovers may want to start before breakfast with a daybreak birdwatching tour. Other options are to visit the nearby Cabécar Indian palapa, for an introduction to the local indigenous culture, or hike to a nearby farming community to experience a bit of rural Costa Rican life. Outdoor adventure options include the Canopy Adventure Tour, which takes you gliding between treetop platforms on cables, or Tropical Canyoning, which combines hiking, rock climbing and rappelling. Hikers have several options to choose from: the Cabécar Indian Hike, a more demanding excursion to an isolated indigenous home deep in the forest; or the Ancient Trail and Hidden Waterfall Hike, which heads higher into the mountains to a secret waterfall, and takes most of the day. If you’d prefer to relax, enjoy an indulgent session at the resort’s Jawa Juu Spa (subject to additional charge).
Accommodation: Pacuare Lodge, Pacuare
DAY 4: PACUARE TO ARENAL
Following breakfast, depart between 9:00-10:00 am by raft for an exhilarating day of white-water rafting surrounded by stunning tropical scenery (approximately 3½ hours, over class III-IV rapids). This stretch of the Pacuare River flows through canyons and past waterfalls and virgin rainforest. You’re likely to catch glimpses of numerous birds and other wildlife. Afterwards, continue by private transfer to Arenal.
Accommodation: Nayara Resort Spa & Gardens, Arenal
DAY 5: ARENAL VOLCANO HIKE AND LA FORTUNA WATERFALL
Enjoy the most extraordinary view of the Arenal Volcano on a gentle hike along the base of this marvellous natural wonder. Beginning in one the trails close to the volcano, this hike will take us through the forest over the old lava flows, now hardened into rock, before descending down the slope of the volcano and into the valley. After lunch continue on to La Fortuna, a stunning 75m waterfall which cascades through dense jungle. Bring your swimming costume if you fancy a dip at the foot of the falls (recommended!).
Accommodation: Nayara Resort Spa & Gardens, Arenal
DAY 6: ARENAL SKYTREK AND TABACON HOT SPRINGS
The Sky Trek starts with a tour in the Sky Tram to the top of the Arenal reserve, from where an innovative system of zip lines allows you to observe the rainforest and its landscape from an exhilarating treetop perspective. The zip lines comprise 8 cross-sectional cables spanning a total of 1.7 miles, travelling varying distances of 100 to 2460 feet, reaching a maximum elevation of 660 feet above the forest, and providing a wonderfully panoramic view of Arenal volcano and lake. If zip wires do not appeal, we are happy to suggest alternative activities (rafting, float trips, hanging bridges, or simply relaxing at the hotel). In the afternoon choose from a trip to the hot springs at Tabacon Resort (perfectly manicured hot river and springs), Baldi (crazy hot springs with water slides), or Eco Termales (smaller, romantic and peaceful hot spring resort).
Accommodation: Nayara Resort Spa & Gardens, Arenal
DAY 7: TRANSFER TO SAN JOSE AND SMALL AIRCRAFT FLIGHT TO GOLFO DULCE
Today take a 3 hour private road transfer to San Jose, followed by a panoramic one hour flight by small aircraft to Golfito Airport. From here it is a one hour trip by speed boat to your accommodation. Watch out for dolphins en route, before arriving to the welcoming cacophony of howler monkeys. Situated on the shores of the Golfo Dulce, Playa Cativo is a stunning eco-lodge located in a private secluded reserve reachable only by boat, and boasting superb service and facilities. One of only four warm water tropical fjords on the planet, the Golfo Dulce is one of the best places in the world for dolphin watching and bioluminescence, whilst the surrounding rainforest teems with birdlife and howler monkeys. The resort offers complimentary yoga sessions, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards.
Accommodation: Playa Cativo, Golfo Dulce
DAY 8: GOLFO DULCE – SNORKELLING
Playa Cativo Lodge is ideally located for some of the best snorkelling in the Golfo Dulce. Today you will head to either Punta Adela or Los Mogos. At low tide, you’ll see the brain coral reefs, whilst at high tide the underwater rock pinnacles, resembling mountain peaks, create a habitat for many tropical reef fish. Golfo Dulce is one of the few tropical fjords in the world, a fact that limits its dive potential. Nonetheless, the calm and pristine waters at 80ºF (26ºC) are perfect for a stunningly colourful snorkelling experience!
Accommodation: Playa Cativo, Golfo Dulce
DAY 9: GOLFO DULCE - WHALE AND DOLPHIN WATCHING
Golfo Dulce is one of the best places in Costa Rica for watching dolphins, who swim in the area year round. If you are lucky you may see super pods of over 300 dolphins playing in the calm flat waters of the gulf, an incredible spectacle. The peak periods for whale watching are from August to the end of November, and to a lesser extent from March to June.
Accommodation: Playa Cativo, Golfo Dulce
DAY 10: PRIVATE TRANSFER TO MANUEL ANTONIO (3HRS)
Today, relax during a three hour drive to Manuel Antonio. Check in for a three night stay at the deluxe Arenas del Mar, an extensive resort which boasts stunning views of Manuel Antonio National Park along with private access to some of Costa Rica's finest white sand beaches. We have included guided activities here, but you could just as easily while away your final few days relaxing by the pool and on the beach.
Accommodation: Arenas Del Mar, Manuel Antonio
DAY 11: MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK
Manual Antonio National Park is a small, busy, and incredibly picturesque national park with a fantastic density of wildlife, which pretty much guarantees monkey and sloth bear sightings. The park is located around a point, fringed on both sides by golden sand beaches. We recommend packing a picnic, hitting the park early or late in the day to avoid the crowds, and combining it with a cooling swim in the sea. Keep your eyes peeled for sloth bears, toucans, macaws and white faced monkeys. We have included a guided hike to give you the best chances of spotting the wildlife, or choose to explore independently on the well-marked trails.
Accommodation: Arenas Del Mar, Manuel Antonio
DAY 12: MANUEL ANTONIO - SURF LESSON
Costa Rica is a mecca for surfers and it would be remiss to come all this way and not give it a go. Today enjoy a private lesson on the beginner-friendly beaches of Manuel Antonio. With stable beginner foam boards, your guide will get you standing (and hopefully hooked) before the day is out.
Accommodation: Arenas Del Mar, Manuel Antonio
DAY 13: TRANSFER TO SAN JOSE (2-3HRS)
Take a private road transfer back to San Jose for a relaxing afternoon and evening at Xandari.
Accommodation: Xandari Resort and Spa, San Jose
DAY 14: DEPART
Take a 20 minute transfer to San Jose International Airport for your flight home.
