Essential Costa Rica

Explore the Jungle, the Beach, the Mountains and the Cloud Forest!

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It is a difficult time to travel with the pandemic and these guys made it all simple. They kept us up to date on cases and travel protocols, organized the pcr tests required by air travel for us and we had such a wonderful time in the rafiki lodge and in costa verde / manual Antonio.We traveled with a 8 year old and a 3 year old and all activities they organized worked seamless and were a ton of fun: rafting, bathing in waterfalls, hiking in the rainforest .... they were super attentative with any questions and we could not have asked for more.Next year we’ll come again!

OVERVIEW
DAY BY DAY
LODGING
TOURS

OVERVIEW

14 Nights /

$ $ $ $

‘Essential Costa Rica’ is perfect for:

Nature-loving families who are looking to get the most out of Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity during their holiday.

Visit all the essential locations in Costa Rica to get the best scope possible of its flora and fauna. Get around the country, visit mountains, forests, and beaches, all the while enjoying great service and the Pura Vida Costa Rican style in this eco-vacation package.

The Caribbean: Explore the Jungle & Canals

After a night in San José, begin the adventure by heading to the Caribbean coast. The first stop is Azania Bungalows, in Puerto Viejo. It’s across the street from the famous Cocles Beach. The gardens, pool, and laid-back atmosphere are perfect to relax and get your mind into holiday mode.

Then head North to Tortuguero, and to a boutique hotel hidden among the natural canals and jungle of this national park.

Wildlife is the star here—sea turtles, monkeys, colorful birds, frogs, and more live among the trees and the nearby beach. Part of the trip involves traversing the canals in a boat to reach Aninga Lodge, so enjoy the sounds of nature as you disconnect from the outside world.

Arenal: Adventure Time

The next stop is Arenal Volcano, a nature lover’s paradise. Stay at the Arenal Manoa Hotel, with an ideal location to watch the looming volcano and the surrounding rainforest.

Spend the next few days fueling up on adventure. Go on a canopy tour, jump into a canyon with a Tarza-style swing, and visit the forest up close with a hanging bridges tour.

Guanacaste: Hit the Beach

Now it’s time to visit one of Costa Rica’s most famous beaches: Tamarindo, in Guanacaste.

Spend the following nights at Cala Luna Hotel, a boutique property conveniently located close to the shores of Tamarindo and within walking distance of Langosta Beach. Providing eco-chic luxury, Cala Luna is an ideal place to sit back and relax in your own villa.

After exploring the Caribbean coast, it’s time to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Pacific Ocean with a sunset catamaran tour. Admire the coast, swim, and snorkel in the water to discover the rich underwater life.

End the vacation with a last night at one of San Jose’s finest hotels, the Gran Hotel Costa Rica, in the heart of the city and close to the airport. Then head home with memories that will last a lifetime!

To make this Costa Rica vacation a reality, or if you have questions, simply contact us and we’ll be happy to help!

What’s included in ‘Essential Costa Rica’?

Lodging & Meals:

1 night at Hilton Garden Inn—including breakfast.
3 nights at Azania Bungalows—including breakfast.
2 nights at Aninga Lodge—including three daily meals.
3 nights at Arenal Manoa Hotel—including breakfast.
4 nights at Cala Luna Hotel & Villas—including breakfast.
1 night at Gran Hotel Costa Rica—including breakfast.

Private Transportation:

From the San Jose International Airport to Hilton Garden Inn (app. 30 min)
From Hilton Garden Inn to Azania Bungalows (app. 4.5 hours)
From Azania Bungalows to Aninga Lodge (app. 4 hours)
From Aninga Lodge to Arenal Manoa Hotel (app. 3.5 hours)
From Arenal Manoa Hotel to Cala Luna Hotel & Villas (app. 3.5 hours)
From Cala Luna Hotel & Villas to Gran Hotel Costa Rica (app. 4.5 hours)
From Gran Hotel Costa Rica to the San Jose International Airport (app. 30 min)

All private transfers include an English-speaking driver.

Tours and Activities:

Tortuguero Canals guided tour
Canopy & Tarzan swing tour
Hanging bridges hiking tour
Snorkeling catamaran tour

Inquire Now

You will receive a 100% accurate price when you inquire with us and share your travel dates. Final package pricing includes taxes, domestic transport, tours and lodging as described unless otherwise indicated. The package does NOT include international airfare or optional travel insurance or any other services not expressly mentioned.

DAY BY DAY

Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica!

Arrive to Costa Rica and one of our representatives meets you at the airport to guide you to your first transfer. Tonight you stay at the Hilton Garden Inn, with views of one of San José’s largest parks, La Sabana. Rest up in preparation for the adventure that starts the next day.
Stay at Hilton Garden Inn

Day 2: Off to the Caribbean Coast

Take a scenic route all the way to the Caribbean Sea, and arrive to Puerto Viejo, a famous town in the area. Check in at Azania Bungalows, a hotel across the street from the beach. Relax in your own bungalow surrounded by gardens and get into holiday mode.
Stay at Azania Bungalows

Days 3-4: Enjoy the Beach

The simple design of the bungalows provide an unobtrusive space to relax and enjoy the beach town vibes. Take a refreshing dip in the pool, or visit the Jacuzzi at night to soothe any leftover knots in your back.

Try out the local Caribbean flavors with the seafood-based dishes at the on-site restaurant, and visit Puerto Viejo town to get a taste of the real Pura Vida lifestyle.
Stay at Azania Bungalows

Day 5: Move to Tortuguero

No visit to the Caribbean would be complete without a stop in Tortuguero, on the Northern part of the country. A private transfer takes you to Aninga Lodge on a journey along the sea and the tropical jungle.

This lodge is hidden away in the famous Tortuguero Canals, so hop on a boat to arrive at the hotel. Keep your eyes open—nature is all around you!
Stay at Aninga Lodge

Day 6: Explore the Area

Take this time to really immerse yourself in the wilderness of the Caribbean. Go out on kayaking tours to explore the mangroves, or take a guided tour of the canals, the local museums, and nearby town. Turtles, monkeys, toucans, and all sorts of birds, frogs, and insects abound.
Stay at Aninga Lodge

Day 7: From the Caribbean to Arenal

The adventure continues, this time near a volcano! A private transfer takes you to the town of La Fortuna, at the foot of Arenal Volcano. Here you stay at Arenal Manoa, a comfortable hotel with expansive views of the rainforest and surrounded by well-kept gardens. This is your homebase for the next three nights.
Stay at Arenal Manoa Hotel

Day 8: Canopy & Tarzan Swing Tour

As the Adventure Capital of Costa Rica, Arenal provides plenty of options for thrills and sports. Go on a canopy tour to slide along the trees along eight cables, which range from 262 to 2460 ft in length.

The Tarzan Swing is exactly what you think it is—on one of the platforms, there’s a cable that allows you to swing into one of the forest-covered canyons in the route. This is an excellent opportunity to experience a bird-like view of the Arenal wilderness in complete safety.
Stay at Arenal Manoa Hotel

Day 9: Hanging Bridges Tour

Enjoy a hanging bridges tour of Arenal’s stunning rainforest! This relaxing nature walk will show you the best that the area has to offer in terms of wildlife and amazing views of the Arenal Volcano.
Stay at Arenal Manoa Hotel

Day 10: Time for the Pacific

Another private transfer takes you through a scenic route to the Pacific Coast and to one of the most iconic locations in Costa Rica: Tamarindo. Your hotel is Cala Luna Hotel & Villas, a family-friendly hotel with a peaceful atmosphere and easy access to the best beaches in the area.
Stay at Cala Luna Hotel & Villas

Days 11-12: Down Time in Guanacaste

Tamarindo is known as a surf town, with wonderful beaches to swim or practice water sports in. Sit back in the relaxed ambiance of Cala Luna, surrounded by tropical gardens. Take a dip (and a cocktail!) at the pool, while recovering from the action at Arenal.

Take up a surfboard and try to ride the waves, visit the main town to get a sense of the local food scene, or book more tours to explore Guanacaste.
Stay at Cala Luna Hotel & Villas

Day 13: Catamaran Snorkeling & Sunset Tour

On your final day in Tamarindo, prepare to dive deeper into the wonders of the ocean. You’ve seen the mountains, mangroves, and beaches, so it’s time to go underwater.

This catamaran tour takes you in an afternoon of sailing along the coast and jumping into the water to do snorkeling. Try to spot the various colorful fish, rocks, and corals.
Stay at Cala Luna Hotel & Villas

Day 14: Back to San Jose

Return to San José one more night before finishing your vacation. The Gran Hotel Costa Rica is a luxurious, peaceful location in the heart of the city. It boasts views of both the National Theatre and the plaza next to it, and is within walking distance of several stores, cultural events, and restaurants.
Stay at Gran Hotel Costa Rica

Day 15: Head Home

Your Essential Costa Rica tour is coming to an end. A private transfer picks you up at your hotel and takes you to the San Jose International Airport for your flight home. Leave the country behind carrying memories that will last a lifetime!