Costa Rica Quest - 12 Days

Right after you go through immigration and customs one representative will meet you at the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) exit to load the luggage into the vehicle and transfer you to the hotel. The hotel for tonight is close to San Jose city, located 25-15 minutes away from the airport.

Costa Rica’s capital and the largest city in the country, San Jose is considered to be among the most cosmopolitan cities in Latin America. Downtown San Jose is the busiest part of town. A maze of streets and avenues, here you can find most of the city’s museums as well as several hotels and plazas. In the center of the city, several attractions can be found, such as the National Theater, the National Museum, and the Jade Museum. Also, several parks like Plaza de La Cultura and Parque Morazan are interesting places to visit. In San Jose exist a wide variety for gastronomic, each corner of the city has great restaurants or the famous Barrio Escalante, a gastronomic center where high-quality food is offered. But for more local and typical food the central market offers tasty food.

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson San Jose / Standard Room / Breakfast included / 4 Stars

The Pacuare River, or the Río Pacuare, flows approximately 108 kilometers (67 mi) to the Caribbean. It is a popular location for whitewater rafting, whitewater kayaking, and river boarding. The rainforests that surround the river are home to exotic animal species such as jaguars, monkeys, ocelots, and a very large number of birds.

You will run 13 kilometers (8 miles) of continuous class III whitewater for a total of 14 rapids. Then you will arrive at the lodge located on the riverbanks, on time for lunch. Afternoon activities include various optional hikes, fishing in the river, or relaxing in a hammock. Dinner will be served at the lodge.

Exploradores Outdoors / Full board / Specialty Lodge

The second day in Pacuare begins with a hot, freshly brewed cup of Costa Rica’s famous coffee. After a hearty breakfast is served and you pack your gear, the river descent continues. All of the class IV rapids are on this day, so now it is time to truly test the skills you learned on the previous day. The second day is significantly longer on the river, with 23 kilometers (14 miles) to travel and about 30 rapids. Two stops are made, one for a nice exploratory hike and another one to have lunch on the river. This tour finishes in Siquirres, at the operations center, where you can take a shower, change your clothes, and relax at the gardens. When you are ready, transportation will take you to your next destination, Puerto Viejo.

Cariblue Beach & Jungle Resort / Breakfast included / Or Similar (2 Nights)

This trail has an amazing biodiversity, every corner is full of life in this tropical rainforest, tourists can also enjoy viewpoints overlooking the sea with a scenic beauty that only in the South Caribbean of Costa Rica can be found. During the tour the trail crosses between beautiful beaches and forests, through giant trees such as fig trees, ceiba trees and sandboxes. It is also possible to see different species of animals such as white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, sloths, tayras, iguanas, basilisks, eyelash vipers, woodpeckers, toucans, common black hawks and more, depending on what mother nature wants to show us. During the activity the tourist will always be with one of our naturalist guides who will interpret the trails, explaining to people about the dynamics of the ecosystem present in the refuge, and a little about the history and culture of the South Caribbean of Costa Rica.

Today you'll have a transfer to Arenal, normally around a 6 hour drive through stunning scenery. La Fortuna is home to the greater Arenal recreation area, the entire region is paradise on Earth for outdoor adventurers. Volcanic views grace the landscape and heat several geothermal hot springs. A lake and rivers beckon you toward aquatic adventure. Refreshing waterfalls reward you after hikes, offering crisp pools and spectacular views.

Arenal Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s most notable natural features. Standing at 5,437 feet (1,657 meters), this volcano has been resting (i.e. not active) since 2010. However, it is no less majestic to behold, as it’s practically a behemoth against the region’s perfect skies. Rising above the rainforest that surrounds its base, Arenal Volcano frames the skyline with near-perfect symmetry.

Arenal Country Inn / Breakfast included / Or Similar (2 Nights)

Today you'll rappel down huge waterfalls, jump into pools, zip down guided rappels, downclimb the canyon walls and river boulders, and hike up through the rainforest.

Start the rappelling-leg of your canyoning journey with the first waterfall referred to as the “Baby”, a small-sized 10 feet waterfall that allows you to ease your way into learning the ropes. You will soon reach what it’s called the “Big Boy”, the second largest waterfall. About half-way through your rappel, you’ll hear the call to “LET GO!” a few moments later you’ll experience your first guided free fall! Finally, you will get the largest Lost Canyon challenge: an exciting 200 feet waterfall rappel.

At the end of this tour, enjoy a delicious typical lunch. The Arenal Volcano Rainforest and Natural History along with the breath-taken lava flow twill take you through lush rainforest along the base of Costa Rica's most famous volcano. Your experienced, bilingual naturalist guide will point out interesting plants and wildlife in the vibrant primary and secondary rainforest of the nature reserve that skirts the Arenal Volcano 1968 Park. You’ll then arrive at the observation point of the Arenal Volcano -- this is the closest you can get to the base of the Arenal Volcano -- and the perfect vantage point to take remarkable photos of the Arenal Volcano. This hike takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Then it's time to head to the Paradise Hot Springs, perfect for relax in natural thermal water pools and jacuzzis of different temperatures with focused hydro massage for back, legs, and feet. The Resort also respects a maximum capacity of visitors to provide a peaceful atmosphere. There are showers, massages and body treatments service, food and drink, as well as reclinable beds, sun umbrellas, and relaxing music along the pool areas. All of the necessary elements for a magnificent and relaxing experience. Here you will enjoy a delicious dinner.

The trip combines comfortable door to door minivan transfers with a fun and scenic cruise across the tranquil Lake Arenal, where you will experience beautiful views of the majestic volcano and the forested Tilaran Mountain Range. You will also have the chance to see a variety of wetland birds such as kingfishers, flycatchers, waders and other exotic species that abound on the lakeshore.

You will be picked up from your hotel in Arenal and be driven to the Lake Arenal dam, where you will board a covered boat. This is where the scenic 45-minute cruise across the lake begins. Next, you will begin the impressive 1.5-hour journey up the mountainside on a steep road offering stunning views of the lush, green valley. You will be driven directly to your Monteverde area hotel. Home to cool, misty cloud forests, and deep green foliage almost everywhere you look, there’s no mistaking that you’ve stepped away from everyday life. If spending time in nature is at the top of your travel to-do list, then you’ll get your fill of adventure in this part of Costa Rica’s Central Highlands. From zip-lining across a canopy to tours of coffee plantations, there are plenty of activities to keep you moving in the fresh air. Monteverde is translated as “green mountain”, and once you’ve reached the mountaintop, you’ll first come upon the quaint town of Santa Elena. Here you’ll find gift stores, accommodations, a bus stop, restaurants, cafes, a supermarket, banks and much more. Though Monteverde proper does not have a town center, it is comprised of a dirt road that leads to the Cloud Forest Reserve. Spread out along this walkable road are hotels, cafes, restaurants, galleries, and excellent views The horseback riding tour in Monteverde allows you to observe the activities of a traditional farm in Costa Rica, crossing plantations of coffee, banana, sugar cane, areas for livestock and forest; everything riding. Also, enjoy the best panoramic views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the magical mountains of the cloud forest. This tour is with excellent horses suitable for all ages.

Monteverde Country Lodge / Standard Room / Breakfast included / 3 Stars (2 Night/s)

Your canopy tour is located in a private reserve created in 1994. It starts with a short guided walk through the private 70-acre reserve of the cloud forest. The first part of the tour will take you through primary (old growth), and secondary (new growth) forest. You will fly through the treetops listening closely to the vast variety of birds that can be seen throughout the reserve. Then, just when you think you have become one with the canopy the tour ends with an exhilarating rappel down from the “Scary Tree”. The tour has 14 cables, 17 platforms, 1 rappel, and 1 Tarzan swing.

Samara Beach is located in the northwest part of the Nicoya Peninsula. Samara beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica inside a long crescent-shaped bay. Known for its breathtaking sunsets, great surfing waves and a healthy atmosphere, it’s the ideal place to go for a low-key beach getaway. The town is quite small, and you can easily walk to get around. Samara beach is perfect for relaxing and swimming. The west end has better waves for surfing and the east end is a bit calmer. On the west end of the beach is where the center of town is, it’s much busier. You’ll find restaurants, surf lessons, beach lounges, massages stands, bars and tour operators on the beach.

Hotel Sol Samara / Standard Room / Breakfast included / 3 Stars (2 Night/s)

This is some of the best kayaking and snorkeling in Costa Rica. Start from Samara beach and enjoy a kayak trip across the bay to a deserted white sand beach on Isla Chora. This island is a refreshing escape to an underwater world. Here, you are free to snorkel with tropical fish, splash in clear waters or simply sit and take in the rays. Bask in the balance of a tour that includes both holiday exercise and ease. A great opportunity to view the marine wildlife of Costa Rica's Pacific coast.

After enjoying a final breakfast in Samara you will have a 5.5 hour transfer back to San Jose where you have a free evening for some last shopping and exploring.

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson San Jose / Breakfast included / Or Similar (1 Night)

All the good things come to an end. Say good-bye to beautiful Costa Rica and its people! One driver will pick you up at the hotel and take you straight to the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). In Costa Rica, you must be at the airport 3 hours before the departure time.