Compare Best of Costa Rica’s National Parks by Adventure Women vs Arenal Volcano Package: 4 Nights by Project Expedition

Day 1: Depart the United States for San Jose, Costa Rica

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel San Jose Palacio

After arriving at Costa Rica’s San Jose International Airport on April 16, 2015, by 5 p.m., each participant is met by an English-speaking driver (who will be holding a sign with your name on it), and is transferred to the 5-star Barceló San José Palacio Hotel in San Jose, just 8 miles from the airport.

After checking in, relaxing, and freshening up in our rooms, we meet at 7 p.m. in the hotel lobby for our special Welcome Dinner. Trip introductions and orientation will take place after dinner.

Day 2: Fly to the Osa Peninsula. Snorkeling and Swimming on Rio Claro

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Drake Bay Wilderness Resort

Early this morning we transfer to the domestic airport in San Jose and fly to Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula. Our scenic flight passes over Manuel Antonio National Park and provides a great aerial view of the South Pacific Coast en route to the Peninsula. We land at Drake Bay and transfer to Drake Bay Wilderness Resort for check-in and breakfast.

The South Pacific side of Costa Rica is home to the Osa Peninsula, an area of unparalleled rugged beauty. Jutting out approximately 30 miles into the Pacific, the peninsula protects Golfo Dulce from ocean swells and produces a marvelous natural harbor. Its extensive area of virgin lowland rainforest and the fact there are few cities or towns here, make the Osa Peninsula one of the most ideal ecotourism locations on the planet: with its picturesque beaches and rocky headlands, majestic forests, endangered plants and animals, and it’s wildness.

Resting on the northern side of the Osa Peninsula is Drake Bay (Bahía Drake), an adventure-seekers paradise. It’s named after Sir Francis Drake who is believed to have ventured here in the late 16th century. Having changed little since the day Sir Francis docked here, it is still remote from most of the surrounding area, and has become a ‘go to’ spot for eco-tourists seeking a genuinely secluded wilderness experience. Frequent rains nourish a very wet tropical forest rich in biodiversity. Stretching south of Drake Bay are highly scenic rocky areas and coves, crystal blue waters, pristine beaches, and lush primary jungle rainforests. Explorers will find tide pools, spring-fed rivers, numerous waterfalls, forest trails, and some of the best bird watching in the entire country.

After check-in, breakfast, and time to relax, we head out to Rio Claro, just a fifteen minute boat trip that takes us to a breathtakingly beautiful beach and lagoon. We hike 30 minutes to a nearby jungle river, and spend time swimming, canoeing, floating, relaxing in a secluded waterfall pool, and observing jungle birds and wildlife. On the beach we’ll have a delicious buffet lunch brought by our guide. Bring hiking shoes, swimsuit, sunscreen, hat and water bottle.

Day 3: Rainforest Hiking in Corcovado National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Drake Bay Wilderness Resort

The OsaPeninsula is part of Corcovado National Park, the largest single area of lowland tropical rainforest in all of Central America, and the largest of Costa Rica’s National Parks. Having the good fortune to be fairly inaccessible, Corcovado is the perfect base for visitors who are seeking to fully capture the ecological magic of this region. It is the ideal destination to experience firsthand the ecologic and biotic diversity of Costa Rica.

The crown jewel of Costa Rica’s national park system, Corcovado National Park (Parque Nacional Corcovado), is comprised of an enormous 103,290 acres of tropical rainforest. It encompasses about a third of the Osa Peninsula and embraces an unbelievable amount of its biodiversity. The Park represents a very diverse population of flora and fauna, including 10% of the mammals found in the Americas. Declared a protected area in 1975 to prevent the harvest of precious resources, it is believed to have the largest concentration of macaws and virgin lowland rainforest in Central America. Also, it is one of the very few locations in Costa Rica that harbor the endangered squirrel monkey (the other most prominent being Manuel Antonio National Park).

After an early breakfast, we boat to Corcovado National Park and enjoy a full day of guided rainforest hikes. Our main hike is in the morning, and after lunch we hike to a waterfall to enjoy an afternoon swim.

Bring hiking shoes, swimsuit, sunscreen, hat, water bottle and insect repellent. An extra pair of shoes/sandals is recommended.

Late afternoon we return to Drake Bay for a fabulous dinner.

Day 4: Snorkeling and Optional Scuba Diving on Caño Island

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Drake Bay Wilderness Resort

Drake Bay provides a wonderful base to explore the uninhabited Caño Island (Isla del Caño). One of the most popular and pristine snorkeling locations in the area, the island has remnants from an ancient civilization that carved stone spheres dating back to pre-Columbian eras. Its beaches are frequently visited by olive Ridley sea turtles, who venture ashore to lay their eggs on the sandy beaches. Just offshore, whales and dolphins like to congregate in the temperate waters.

This morning we boat 10 miles to Caño Island for a great day of snorkeling. This is one of the very best and most special areas in Costa Rica for snorkeling and diving!

If there are certified scuba divers in the group, BRING YOUR C- CARDS and we can arrange for diving while the rest of the group is snorkeling. Diving will be an optional activity and an extra cost.

Day 5: Fly to Arenal Volcano and Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort

This morning we say good-bye to the beautiful Osa Peninsula and its fabulous beaches, and fly back to San Jose. We transfer by vehicle to the spectacular Volcán Arenal area and the Tabacon Resort & Spa, with its hot springs and uninterrupted views of the volcano.

Tabacon is the name of what might very well be Costa Rica’s top destination. This 5-Star luxury resort is recognized as a member of The Leading Hotels and The Leading Spas of the World. Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort sits near the base of the active Arenal Volcano and offers the unique combination of the heat of the volcano, the flowing waters of the natural, mineral hot springs, the pure air of the rainforest, and the fertile earth of the Fortuna de San Carlos Region of Costa Rica. These thermal springs are warmed from the volcano.

The Resort’s lush setting, with manicured gardens and the relaxing Grand Spa, sets it apart from other spas in Costa Rica. Its location, north of Arenal Volcano’s most active crater, faces the direction in which the lava flows. Sitting in a hot spring and watching the red glow of the volcano light up the deep blue of the rainforest at dusk is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you will never forget!

This afternoon you are free to relax and enjoy the hot springs or a spa treatment (on your own).

Day 6: Kayaking Lake Arenal and Hiking on the Volcano’s Lava Flows

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort

Lake Arenal is the largest lake in Costa Rica. Considerably enlarged in 1979 as part of a hydroelectric dam project, it covers 33 square miles and can be found straddling the border of two Costa Rican provinces, Guanacaste and Alajuela.

The water and the surrounding hills are ideal for fishing for rainbow bass, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, birdwatching, and mountain biking.

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll do a morning kayak trip on Lake Arenal: visit an island in the lake; see local birds such as osprey, kingfishers, neotropical cormorants and aningas; and view mammals such as howler monkeys, spider monkeys, white nosed coatis and sloths. It’s hard to miss the impressive view of the Arenal Volcano as we paddle!

Lunch will be en route on our way back to the resort.

This afternoon our knowledgeable guide takes us on a fascinating hike through the old lava flow trails of the Arenal Volcano. This is always one of the highlights of any of our trips in Costa Rica, so it is an exciting activity to incorporate.

After a day of paddling and hiking, the hot springs will be a refreshing treat before we have dinner tonight at a local restaurant.

Day 7: Whitewater Rafting at La Balsa River Class II & III

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort

Rio Balsa Rafting is ideal for first-time whitewater rafters. It is gentle enough for inexperienced rafters but enough of a challenge to make it exciting. Our professional, experienced bilingual guides will give us a safety talk and paddling instruction, life jackets, helmets, and then we’re off on our guided rafting trip! Enjoy paddling through 25 fun and safe rolling rapids with names like “Morning Coffee” & “Rock around the Croc” and then play around in tranquil river pools in an isolated rainforest river canyon. Hopefully, we’ll get to see lots of wildlife like monkeys, sloths and tropical birds such as ospreys and toucans. This unique river trip is the best way to combine adventure and nature. Go AdventureWomen Team!!

Bring secure shoes/sandals, clothes to get wet and dry clothes to change into, bathing suit, camera, binoculars, sun screen.

Day 8: Monteverde Cloud Forest and Aerial Canopy Zip-Line Tour

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Fonda Vela

This morning our adventures continue! After breakfast at Tabacon, we transfer overland to Monteverde Cloud Forest and the Hotel Fonda Vela. We check into our hotel, and then we are off to experience the top of the rainforest!

Undoubtedly, the zip line aerial canopy tour in Monteverde is one of the most exciting activities you’ll enjoy. It’s the perfect combination of adventure, nature, and excitement, together with experiencing the beautiful cloud forest landscape above and in the treeline.

The tour begins with a short safety briefing by our guides about the equipment we use, building confidence, and offering a few laughs. Then our adventure begins with the “Tarzan Swing”, one of the most exciting parts of the tour. This “feat” can be done by anyone, and once you do this, the rest of the tour will be no problem! Next we pass through the treetops via a rope canopy cable, which feels like we’re flying through the forest. Along the way, the guides will review the safety guidelines.

At the halfway point we reach the Rappel section, where we safely experience a quick rope descent of about 150 feet, always helped by the guides. This is a moment of pure adrenaline. You’ll wonder why you have never done this before!

On this tour you’ll get to experience being in the forest canopy, a magical world that exists only in the treetops. Connecting to nature in a new way, you’ll gain a deepened sense of “place” from the bird’s eye views of the environment and geography that you witness. It’s an amazing experience, and you will be empowered by it. Your fellow AdventureWomen friends are there to support and encourage you!

This is a FULL day of activities, and at 5:30 p.m., we’ll experience a night tour of the cloud forest. A new world awakes in the cloud forest just before nightfall, when forest life is just beginning to wake up. Our guide helps us recognize the various animals, insects and amphibians within the cloud forest and will explain the reason that these creatures’ habits (most of which involve feeding or breeding) are best suited for the dark. Typically though, this time of transition offers a good opportunity to view nocturnal mammals as well as diurnal animals as they prepare for night.

At 7:30 p.m. we return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 9: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Fonda Vela

This morning we have a naturalist guided hike through the cloud forest of Monteverde Reserve. The whole area is a fabulous place for walking, especially through the magical shrouds of mist that drape the forests in the early morning.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is the most well known cloud forest in the world for its wide variety of biodiversity, important conservation contributions, and scientific researches. It sits astride the continental divide at an altitude slightly above 5,249 feet. The foliage is lush, and it protects and provides habitat for an estimated 2,500 species of plants, more than 100 species of mammals, 490 species of butterflies, and over 400 species of birds.

The Reserve is the last sizeable pocket of primary cloud forest in Central America, and supports six different eco-systems.

On our hike this morning we’ll enjoy the cloud forest climate as we walk the trails among the varieties of plants and magnificent epiphytic-laden trees. The resplendent quetzals, with their long tails, feed at various locations, and one can, at times, hear the “bong” of the bellbirds.

Interesting fact: You can step on the Continental Divide, where one foot will be on the Caribbean side and the other on the Pacific side (fun to take a picture with a friend, each in one side).

This afternoon you’ll have an opportunity for optional horseback riding before our Farewell dinner in the tree tops at Tree House Restaurant. This aptly named restaurant has a large and impressive fig tree growing right through its center. Indeed, it’s worth a visit not only to enjoy its wonderful food but also to see its one-of-a-kind environment.

Day 10: Back to the U.S.A.

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer to San Jose International Airport for afternoon departure.

Day 1 - San Jose

One of our drivers will meet you at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in order to drive you to the Arenal Volcano National Park Region; the transportation to Arenal takes about 3 hours.Spas. After check in you will have the evening off for optional activities as enjoying the pool or take a massage at Luna Spa with special deals and discounts for our guests Lodging at Casa Luna Hotel

Day 2 - San Jose de Alajuela - Hiking at Arenal Hanging Bridges

Hiking at Arenal Hanging Bridges. Select one tour for Day 2: Option 1/ Arenal Hanging Bridges: This is one of the most popular tours in the area, starts at 8:00 am, and is ideal for hikers who would like to admire the characteristics of the tropical rainforest.Caving at Venado Caves. Select one tour for Day 2: Option 2 / Venado Caves: Go into the insides of the earth with this tour. The tour begins at 8:00 am, and underground trails will lead us through grottos and chambers exploring a world indifferent to light. With flashlights to lighten up our way, we will enter into this labyrinth of ancient underground rivers and sea beds, all exposed now after thousands of years. Live a unique experience in Costa Rica and get ready to get wet, dirty and see this different world that will astound you with a variety of emotions.White Water Rafting at Balsa River. Select one tour for Day 2: Option 3 / Whitewater Rafting Class II & III: If you have sense of adventure and fun then rafting will be the perfect activity for you. This trip begins at 10:00 am, and you will paddle through 10 kilometers of a beautiful section of the Balsa River with over 20 safe and fun Class II and III rapids while you enjoy the natural beauty of the rainforest that surrounds it. Upgrades for class III, IV or V in other rivers are available with extra charge.Eco Tour. Select one tour for Day 2: Option 4 / Nocturnal Natural Experience: Ideal for those who want to take advantage of every minute in Costa Rica, discovering some of the country’s nocturnal wonders in a night walk. We will begin our tour in a small town known as La Tigra, located just 30 minutes from La Fortuna. Once we arrive we will take the trail in to a small patch of rainforest in the process of regeneration with some mirrored lakes which facilitate wildlife observation. You can expect to see species like nocturnal birds and mammals, insects, amphibians, bats, and more. The trail will go around the mirrored lakes to the frog sanctuary, which is an area dedicated to the regeneration and natural reproduction of frog species. Here you will discover a large amount of species such as the dart frog and the bull frog, the smallest and largest species in Costa Rica, as well as the Red Eyed Tree Frog, and the Glass Frog. After the tour, a typical Costa Rican dinner prepared on a wood burning stove will await us. We will enjoy our dinner viewing the lights of the valleys of San Carlos. Afterwards we will return to La Fortuna. Lodging at Casa Luna Hotel

Day 3 - San Jose

Breakfast will be served between 7:00am and 9:00amLeisure. La Fortuna is the best area in Costa Rica for activities & tours; you will have the day off to do optional activities with extra cost, like our special trip to the Rio Celeste & Tenorio Volcano. You can also explore the local town of La Fortuna, go shopping and enjoy many of the other activities that are available. Lodging at Casa Luna Hotel

Day 4 - San Jose - Ziplining

Ziplining. After breakfast, we will go ziplining along seven cables with a full distance of 1.7 miles and lengths from 400 feet to 3280 feet. This is an incredible experience to quite literally soar through the canopy of the trees, where you can get a new perspective of the jungle.Local Flavor. Next, visit a representation of a Maleku Indigenous Village, members of a tribe dressed in traditional clothes greet you with a refreshing beverage and teach you about their culture, language and traditions. They share stories about animals and the environment, expressing their gratitude for nature. You can then enjoy the butterfly garden or have the choice of a self guided walk to La Fortuna Waterfall.Hiking at Arenal Volcano. In the afternoon, you will be greeted by your guide aprox at 03:10 pm at the front desk, to visit the Arenal Volcano National Park. Here, we will walk through primary and secondary forests (approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes), where we will reach an old lava flow that was formed in 1992, and observe some animals and plants. On clear days, you will enjoy incredible views of the impressive Arenal Volcano, Arenal Lake, The Tilarán mountain range, and Cerro Chato Hill. Hot Springs. At the end of the day, the perfect place to relax will be at the Arenal Paradise Hot Springs, including a dinner served at the onsite Restaurant. At about 9:00 pm you will be picked up to return to the hotel. Lodging at Casa Luna Hotel

Day 5 - San Jose

Today, you have the shuttle back to the Juan Santamaria International Airport in Alajuela at 8:00 am. Please consider this transfer takes about 3 hours to the airport, and you must be there at least 3 hours earlier your flight time for checking in; if you require a transportation on a different time we can arrange a private transportation for some extra bucks.