Compare 9 - Day Costa Rica Small Group Adventure by Adventures Within Reach vs Costa Rica in 9 days - Pura Vida & Paradise in Tamarindo - Superior by Exoticca
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 9 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 1,495 | $ 1,399 |
| Price Per Day | $ 166 | $ 155 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Luxury |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included |
8 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches and 1 Dinners |
8 breakfasts. |
| Description |
Costa Rica is easily among the world's top 10 countries for outdoor adventure. Here you find an impressive combination of pristine & accessible beaches, protected rainforest, rugged mountains and clean tropical rivers. It's close proximity to the Unite States, the vast array of activities you can find here, plus the well-known quality of Costa Rica's guides and it's commitment to the environment and safety make this one of Latin America's best travel destinations. On this particular tour, we have packed a number of the best natural areas, activities, and guides into one relatively short trip. Our scheduled groups are limited to just 6 people and there's a departure every month. |
The perfect mix of adventure and relaxation in the tropical paradise of Costa Rica. Stroll through the historic streets of San José and feel the strength of the Arenal Volcano as you uncover the native wildlife on a nature hike. Admire the verdant landscapes of the interior before heading to the coast for a relaxing stay in Tamarindo. Ready to live the Pura Vida? |
Day 1: Arrive San Jose, Costa Rica
Accommodation: Aurola Holiday Inn (Standard room)
Visiting: San Jose, Costa Rica
Arrive San Jose, Costa Rica where you are met at the international airport and transferred to your San Jose hotel. You are welcome to arrive anytime today.
The Aurola is conveniently nestled in the midst of the liveliest Costa Rican city with wonderful views of the beautiful Central Valley. Discover a hotel where technology and hospitality come together in perfect harmony, where you can stay connected with fast wireless access and disconnect with a "Tico" ambiance and modern luxuries. Whether visiting for a leisure getaway or a business connection, the Aurola hotel offers a peaceful, productive atmosphere where you can get the most out of your San Jose experience.
Day 2: Pacuare River Rafting
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Rios Tropicales Eco-Lodge (Standard room)
Visiting: Pacuare River
After an early morning pickup from your San Jose hotel, you will drive by private, comfortable bus to the rafting operations center for a delicious, typical Costa Rican breakfast. After breakfast and changing into rafting gear, we will drive to our private rafting put-in on the banks of the Pacuare River.
Your lodge is located deep in the rainforest with beautiful tropical gardens framing native wood lodge rooms, open air gathering pavilions with thatched roofs and comfortable hammocks swinging in a gentle breeze, ample viewing decks for watching the toucans fly overhead and the river dance along its rapids. It is the first eco-lodge built on the Pacuare River banks and the only one powered with hydro-generated electricity for a clean sustainable energy source.
Located on a 2000 acre private reserve at the mouth of the Pacuare Gorge and within the Pacuare Protected Zone. The private reserve borders the indigenous Indian Reserve and contains more than 40 miles of hiking trails and numerous waterfalls, streams, and natural pools.
Day 3: Pacuare River Rafting / Transfer to Arenal Volcano
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Arenal Observatory Lodge (Standard)
Visiting: Pacuare River
After breakfast morning Canopy Tour. Enjoy an incredible zip-line course through the canopy, high above the nearby Lodge complex. Multiple tree platforms and zip lines make this a thrilling, must-do experience. All participants wear helmets, harnesses, and control gloves
After the zip line, enjoy fun, fast Class IV rafting on lower Pacuare. A snack stop by the riverside lets you explore more waterfalls and natural water slides. An adrenaline-packed afternoon running rapids like Upper and Lower Huacas, Cimarron, Dos Montañas and many more, will have you smiling!!
At the river take out, a van will wait to take you on your onward journey to Arenal Volcano. The approximate time of transfer depends on the whereabouts of river take out, plus any stops on the way. In north central Costa Rica, near the town of La Fortuna, rise the majestic Arenal volcano. The area offers natural beauty, amazing wildlife and plenty of outdoor activities for visitors including canyoning, horseback riding, rafting, mountain biking, zip line tours, canopy bridge walks and a gondola tramway above the forest. At the end of the day end, one can relax in an area resort that offers soothing thermal waters heated by the volcano.
The Arenal Observatory Lodge offers guests spacious rooms with large picture windows that enable them to admire the impressive and unequaled vision of an active steaming volcano rising out of the wilderness forest looming large in front. The forests surrounding the Observatory are now protected in Arenal Volcano National Park and teem with tropical wildlife. The Observatory offers guests a restaurant, Jacuzzi, swimming pool, excellent birding on its own grounds, and daily guided hikes into the forests of the national park and onto a lava flow from 1992.
Day 4: Guided Cerro Chato Hike
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Accommodation: Arenal Observatory Lodge (Standard)
Visiting: Arenal Volcano
Located just off the southeast flank of Arenal Volcano, the smaller Volcan Cerro Chato is actually it's older brother living in the shadow of its more prominent sibling. A truncated volcanic cone rising to 1,140 meters, Cerro Chato Volcano has had no volcanic activity for the past 3,500 years, about the time when Arenal Volcano was just being born. Cerro Chato volcano is not as high or as active as Arenal volcano, but it's a challenging 5 hour hike and a wonderful destination. En-route to the top, you'll pass through dense rainforest which offers some of the area's best wildlife viewing. At the top, marvel at the crystalline waters in the crater lagoon or jump in for a cool swim.
In the afternoon, explore the numerous rainforest trails right outside your lodge's door at your own pace. Overnight in Arenal.
Day 5: Transfer to Rincon de la Vieja
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Blue River Lodge (Standard room)
Visiting: Arenal Volcano / Rincon de la Vieja
Today we'll drive approximately 4 hours (plus some time for any stops on the way) to the northwestern corner of the country. Rincon de la Vieja is a region of national parks and volcanoes on the north east section of Costa Rica. The national park has one of 5 active volcanoes of Costa Rica and is known for its stunning diversity of flora and fauna. Boasting fantastic scenery, beautiful waterfalls, soothing hot springs, boiling mud pots and a fresh river waters.
Blue River Resort and Hot Springs features new, spacious 720 square foot cabins. The hotels hot springs have spectacular natural mineral green hot spring pools a large fresh water pool and bullet slide, a spa, botanical gardens, butterfly farm, iguanas and frog pond and much more. Tours offered include visits to gorgeous blue volcanic rivers and waterfalls by horseback, nature walks, rappelling waterfalls and much more.
Day 6: Penjamo River Hike
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Blue River Lodge (Standard room)
Visiting: Rincon de la Vieja
After breakfast, we'll embark on a Penjamo River hike this morning. Here we begin our hike through a breathtaking private park through the rainforest. While hiking, you will have a chance to see colorful highland birds which are difficult to see elsewhere. We will be visiting the astonishing blue river Penjamos, along with it's many cascading waterfalls and natural waterslides. You will also see first-hand where minerals leach through the river bottom and into the water, causing the water color to turn blue. There will be plenty opportunities to soak and swim in the relaxing pools.
Day 7: Transfer from Blue River to Playa Panama
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Casa Conde del Mar (Standard Double Suite)
Visiting: Rincon de la Vieja / Playa Panama
Today, transfer from Blue River Lodge to Playa Panama. Overnight the next 2 nights at Casa Conde del Mar, a pleasant 4-star hotel on the beach.
The hotel offers 20 Double Suites, 2 Mini Suites and 4 Junior Suites. There are also two restaurants: the Mare Calmo, specializing in Italian food and El Galeón, offering a variety of dishes and the El Bucanero bar. Hotel Casa Conde del Mar 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 International Airport in Guanacaste.
Day 8: Free day on the beach
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Casa Conde del Mar (Standard Double Suite)
Visiting: Playa Panama
Enjoy a free day on the beach!
Day 9: Transfer to Liberia International Airport / Depart
Meals: Breakfast
Visiting: Playa Panama / Liberia
About 3 to 3.5 hours before your flight, you will be picked up and transferred to the Liberia International Airport for your departure.
Day 1: US - San José
Ready to live the Pura Vida in Costa Rica? Arrive at your US departure airport to board a flight* to San José. Arrive in the capital of Costa Rica and transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure getting to know the colonial plazas and charming neighbourhoods of San Jose. Overnight stay in San José.
Day 2: San José - Arenal
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, take a shared transfer to Arenal, passing by the lush landscapes of Costa Rica's interior. Arrive at the hotel and check-in. In the afternoon, meet your guide and embark on a guided hike to the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy a hiking experience through trails marked with the remains of previous lava flows of the impressive and majestic Arenal Volcano. The main attraction of La Fortuna is the Arenal Volcano, with its nearly perfect cone shape and a height of 1633 meters. Along the hike, you can discover the abundant flora and fauna which inhabits the rainforest, which is being regenerated. Learn all about the Arenal Volcano and its history and activity from your guide. After the hike, you may choose to visit one of the popular hot springs in the area to relax and enjoy the thermal waters, which are naturally heated by the volcano (optional extras).* Overnight stay in Arenal. * Paradise Hot Springs Pass: Enjoy an evening of indulgence with a pass to the Paradise Natural Hot Springs, heated by the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy access to three different hot pools and two hydromassage hot tubs, perfect for relaxing in the beautiful tropical surroundings.
Day 3: Arenal - Rio Peñas Blancas - Arenal
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on an exciting river safari in an inflatable raft along the quiet Rio Peñas Blancas. Accompanied by an expert naturalist guide, travel through the abundant waterways, teeming with colorful flora and fauna. Look out for monkeys, toucans and sloths and spot vibrant tropical birds as you soak up the beauty of the immaculate natural environment. Return to Arenal and enjoy the remainder of the day relaxing at your leisure and enjoying the views of the Arenal Volcano. Overnight stay in Arenal
Day 4: Arenal
Breakfast at the hotel. Another free day to enjoy the tranquillity of this beautiful natural environment. We recommend the optional excursion to the Hanging Bridges for a unique view of the rainforest, or a sloth observation excursion.* Overnight stay in Arenal. * Optional Hanging Bridges Cloud Forest Excursion: Admire the beauty of the forest and the backdrop of the Arenal Volcano and gain valuable insight into the native plant and animal species from your expert guide. Journey across a series of hanging bridges for a birds-eye view of the rainforest. * Optional Sloth Observation Excursion: Get to know these beloved slow-moving animals, icons of Costa Rica. Head to the aptly named 'Lazy Territory', a small eco-project, home to a population of sloths. Follow the trails and spot both two-toed and three-toed sloths resting in the treetops with the help of an expert guide.
Day 5: Arenal - Tamarindo
After a delicious breakfast transfer to Tamarindo, in the province of Guanacaste, known for its beautiful beaches and surfing. Arrive at the hotel and begin your relaxed beach stay surrounded by idyllic beaches, bathed in Guanacaste sunshine. Overnight stay in Tamarindo.
Day 6: Tamarindo
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, set off to Las Baulas National Park to enjoy a boat safari through its lush mangroves. A 2-hour boat tour will take you through rich, biodiverse habitats, teeming with monkeys, tropical birds and crocodiles. Feel close to nature as you soak up the beautiful landscapes and learn about the unique habitat with the help of an expert naturalist guide. Slowly travel along the channels, so as not to disturb the wildlife, and admire the wonderful natural beauty of this idyllic reserve. Back at the hotel, the remainder of the day is free at your leisure. We recommend an optional canopy tour in the Hilltop Eco Adventure Park.* Overnight stay in Tamarindo. * Optional Canopy Tour: Begin your adventure in the treetops of the Hilltop Eco Adventure Park, for fantastic views of Tamarindo Bay and a series of suspension bridges and zip wires to explore the rainforest like a pro! It's a heart-pumping experience to see wildlife from this unique vantage point!
Day 7: Tamarindo
Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day relaxing on the beaches of Tamarindo at your leisure. If you'd rather get moving and see more of the region, embark on one of our optional excursions such as a Catamaran Tour or a Quad Biking experience!* Overnight stay in Tamarindo. * Optional Catamaran Tour: Set off in the morning on a relaxing catamaran tour. The route is the same as the afternoon but with much less boat traffic. Look out for marine life such as whales, dolphins and rays, and enjoy snorkelling in the clear waters. Buffet brunch included. * Quad Biking (ATV) Experience: Get comfortable on your Quad Bike with the help of the crew before discovering the verdant rainforest and tropical jungles of the mountains surrounding Tamarindo, home to monkeys, iguanas and sloths! It's an exhilarating experience as you drive along dirt roads to the stunning viewpoint that looks over the Bay of Tamarindo. One quad bike per person with the option to share a quad bike. If both passengers want to drive the same quad bike you must pay for two people. Self-driven excursion with a guide. Minimum 2 quad bikes for the tour to operate.
Day 8: Tamarindo - San José
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer back to the capital, to spend your last night in San José. We suggest taking a stroll through this beautiful city, visiting the National Theatre of Costa Rica or enjoying a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay in San José.
Day 9: San José - Night on board
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to board your flight back to the US. Night on board.
Day 10: US
Touch down in the US and end your trip, filled with brilliant memories and feeling refreshed after your Costa Rican adventure!
