Extended Costa Rica Highlights Day to Day Itinerary
You decided on a Costa Rica Vacation! Great! But now you probably face the problem of deciding which places to visit, simply because you want to see them all. For the traveler with a little bit of extra time who wants to scratch the finest Costa Rica destinations off their list, we have devised the Extended Costa Rica Highlights Package. From the Caribbean Coast to the northern zones, Guanacaste, the Central Pacific all the way to the fabled Osa Peninsula. This 21 day trip will introduce you to the best Costa Rica has to offer!
Day 1:
Today’s the day to start off on your amazing Costa Rica adventure tour. We will meet you personally at the airport with a custom welcome package. Then we direct you to the private transfer and you are on your way to the first hotel. Stay at Aurola Holiday Inn, one of downtown San Jose’s most friendly centrally-located hotels, with a beautiful view of Morazán Park and the National Museum.
Day 2:
Now it is time for your shuttle to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica and the town of Puerto Viejo. Here you will stay at the Villas del Caribe. Villas del Caribe caters to those that love to relax and put their feet up after a full day of travels. The Caribbean Coast is market by a completely different influence than the rest of the country. Here you will get a chance to experience the Afro-Caribbean culture, a reggae like vibe mixed with the Tico Pura Vida. Go out and enjoy some of it!
Day 3:
On day three you’re in for a treat as we take you to the Jaguar Rescue Center, Chocolate Lady & Waterfall. This trip combines three of our most popular activities: a visit to an Animal Sanctuary and Rescue Centre. Then a visit to an indigenous family that shows you how they make chocolate right from the Cacao trees in their yard and a visit to a local waterfall and swimming hole. The rescue center houses and rehabilitates wildlife that has been wounded, orphaned or even confiscated. See sloths, monkeys, birds and many other species of animals! Learn to make chocolate with the family indigenous to this area of Costa Rica and take a relaxing dive into a waterfall. Perfect day!
Day 4:
Enjoy a hike in Cahuita National Park! Start by exploring the charming community and then walk along the stunning beaches. Spot monkeys, sloths, birds, anteaters, armadillos, and many more!
Day 5 – 6
Now we take you all the way north on the Caribbean side to stay at the Mawamba Lodge in Tortuguero. The lodge is specially designed for the complete enjoyment of the natural surroundings Tortuguero National Park has to offer. The hotel is situated on a narrow strip of land between the Caribbean Sea and the Tortuguero Lagoon. Spend some time exploring the town and don’t forget t take photos!
The next day, experience a boat tour through the canals of Tortuguero. This tour is will introduce you to the diversity of flora and fauna in this region. Be prepared to see sea turtles, crocodiles, caimans and many species of birds.
Day 7:
Take another shuttle transfer all the way to the stunning and iconic Arenal volcano, one of Costa Rica’s active volcanoes, and stay at Los Lagos. Make sure enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way! Sit back and enjoy yourself. They pull out all the stops for you at this luxurious hotel.Arenal is famous for many things. Hot springs, al Fortuna, the La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal lake, hanging bridges, but also the canopy tour. The Sky Trek & Tram Tour are two thrilling tours sure to entice the inner child to come out and play. The views you get from atop the zip line leave you breathless and if that doesn’t, maybe the speedy zip down through the canopy will. On the Sky trek tour you can experience something a little more relaxed. Ride through the rainforest observing everything the eye can see! From wildlife to lush jungle.
Day 8:
The Sky Trek is similar to a canopy tour and has a thrilling zip line circuit. This is the most thrilling zip line in the country. The Sky Tram, on the other hand, takes you on a smooth gondola ride through the lush rainforest, offering up endless views of Arenal National Park and beyond!
Day 9:
Head from Arenal to Monteverde and stay at the Trapp Family Lodge. On the same day you will take the El Trapiche tour! A Costa Rican Family project where you can see the working of the Tilapia fish project and enjoy the small forested area of the Monteverde zone where it is possible to see various flora and fauna. During the tour, you will get a chance to taste fresh coffee brewed from regional beans. After the tour you will be dropped off at your next hotel and spend a relaxing evening in Monteverde.
Day 10:
In Monteverde, you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the rainforest and take a tour through the Santa Elena Reserve. Learn all about the phenomenon of the cloud forest, a pristine paradise full of flora and fauna. Avoid the crowds as you explore the boundless primary forest at the Santa Elena Reserve and discover the natural wonders that the cloud forest has to offer. You can take self-guided hike on the various trails and discover many species of birds like the elusive but stunning Resplendent Quetzal!
Day 11:
Beach time! Head to the charming and bustling Tamarindo! You will be spending the next two nights at the stunning Tamarindo Diria.
Day 12:
Enjoy a free day relaxing at the hotel or explore Tamarindo. This is a great time to go souvenir shopping or indeed visit some of the many bars and restaurants. Why not take up a surfing lesson? Tamarindo is great for beginners!
Day 13:
End your time in Tamarindo with a sunset sailing tour. Spot marine life while sailing to a tranquil bay where the catamaran will anchor and you will have the opportunity to go on a little snorkeling adventure! Enjoy a delicious lunch and sail back enjoying the sunset!
Day 14:
Time to head to Manuel Antonio where you will spend a couple of nights in the smallest yet one of the most lively national parks in Costa Rica! Manuel Antonio Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica! This destination is awesome for beachgoers and surfers as well as those looking to take advantage of the stunning rainforest. You will be staying at Hotel Karahe!
Day 15:
Take a hike through this stunning park! Manuel Antonio National Park contains a unique combination of distinct habitats including rainforest, mangrove swamp, beaches and coral reefs. The beaches are considered by many to be the most beautiful in the country. The forest itself houses all kinds of exotic species. Get your camera ready!
Day 16-19:
Today you will head south to Drake Bay along the Sierpe river where you will enjoy a 3 night jungle package at Hotel Rancho Corcovado! Visit the San Pedrillo Ranger Station and explore the vast wilderness of Corcovado. Corcovado holds 13 major ecosystems, beach habitats, and coastal marine diversity.
As well as exploring the wilderness, you can explore the underwater paradise at Cano Island. Caño Island contains a great abundance of marine wildlife offering the perfect location for your next snorkeling adventure. You will be able to explore the warm waters and observe barracudas, moray eels, tuna, parrotfish, puffers, and many more! With a bit of luck, you might even get the opportunity to swim alongside sea turtles, dolphins and rays! Once inhabited by an indigenous tribe, the island possesses many pre-Colombian artifacts offering you the chance to learn more about its history and culture.
Day 20:
Day 20 is here and probably way too soon, but it is time to head back to San Jose. We hope that you have enjoyed your Costa Rica Vacation and that you will be traveling with us again one day soon. Pura Vida!
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