Itinerary Details
Day 1: Arrive in San Jose and to Arenal
Transfer: San Jose CR to La Fortuna - Arenal
Hotel: Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort (5 Star Rating)
Featuring hot spring baths, sauna, massages services, luxury spa treatments and 5 swimming pools, Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort is 15 minutes' drive from the Arenal Volcano National Park.
Activities such as volcano tours, rappel, hiking through suspension bridges and rafting are also available.
This complex is a 20 minute drive from La Fortuna main square and 1 hour drive from Venado Caves. Juan Santamaria International Airport is 2 hours' drive away.
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Day 2: Thermal Springs at TabaconDiscover Costa Rica´s largest network of naturally flowing thermal mineral springs in Arenal’s largest and most beautiful private, rainforest reserve during a day at leisure. An essential part of exploring the wondrous world of the Tabacon Hot Springs is soaking in the cascading thermal waterfalls. This natural hydrotherapy is a surefire way to achieve proper relaxation. Guests tend to thoroughly enjoy exploring the numerous river pools, with temperatures range from 72 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit and with the perfect combination of high volume and mineral content. All of Tabacon’s water has always been and will always be true, thermal water, naturally heated by the volcano and slowly mineralized, underground. Tabacon overnight guests receive complimentary access to the thermal river and its pools; hotel guests also receive exclusive access to Shangri-La Gardens, the exclusive adults-only hideaway.
Day 3: Exploring Arenal by the LakeThis tour combines the enjoyment of a boat ride with a walk through the rainforest of the National Park to get the most impressive views of the colossus, Arenal Volcano, from all angles. The tour begins with a 20-minute drive from the hotel to the Peninsula section of the National Park, near Lake Arenal. Here you will begin a 1 mile (1.6 km) long walk along an easy trail for about an hour. Throughout the tour, you can enjoy excellent views overlooking Lake Arenal and the Tilaran Volcanic Mountain Range in the observation bays that are found along the trail. At the end of the walk, you will have the opportunity to climb to the observation platform approximately 40 feet (12 meters) high for a closer and amazing view of the volcano, where you will also receive a full explanation of its history, activity cycles, and geological formation. At the end of the trail, you will enjoy a snack of fresh fruit before taking the boat for a tour along the forested shores of Lake Arenal and islets to try to find some animals. This is the ideal place to take scenic photographs of the volcano if it is clear. You will cross the lake until you reach the town of El Castillo, a small developing community where a family business will welcome you with open arms to share a snack of traditional food accompanied by typical drinks; "café chorreado", "agua dulce", or natural juice, all while enjoying the view of Lake Arenal. After this relaxing break, you will take the boat again to navigate the lake to the pier where the minibus will be waiting for you and then you will return to your hotel.
Day 4: Arenal to the Nicoya PeninsulaTransfer: La Fortuna - Arenal to Fortuna Airport
Transfer: Cobano to Nicoya
Hotel: Hotel Nantipa - A Tico Beach Experience (4 Star Rating)
Welcome to Hotel Nantipa! With one step, you are in the blue calm of sea, and another, in the green peace of nature. Here, the water and air envelop guests with the pure, rejuvenating aura of Costa Rica. Thriving Earth, smiling people, and unparalleled hospitality – this is A Tico Beach Experience. Nantipa is a luxury beachfront boutique hotel in the heart of Santa Teresa on the Nicoya Peninsula – recognized as one of only five Blue Zones in the world. Nantipa, which means "Blue" in the native Chorotegan language, provides a sense of serene escapism. It is the ultimate place to just be. The distinct pleasure of true barefoot luxury awaits.
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Day 5: Nicoya by HorsebackToday you're invited to discover the landscape from a new perspective on this private horseback riding tour. After transferring to the stable and participating in a safety orientation, amble through the ocean countryside, en route to Tambor de Cóbano, where you're find a locally famous tree, some 200 years old, that has become a monument in the area due to its unique history. During this tour you will also visit a spectacular waterfall that falls directly into the sea known as "El Chorro", which is found in the Tango Mar area. During the tour, it is also quite likely that you will observe some species of animals, potentially including monkeys, coatis or raccoons. The tour ends with a return to the horse grounds, from where you'll be returned to your hotel.
Day 6: Surfing in Nicoya & Private Yoga ClassCosta Rica is well known as a surfing destination and it's time to experience it yourself! Take a 90 min surfing lesson in Playa Santa Teresa, Playa Hermosa or Playa Cabuya with the certified staff at Hotel Nantipa. The outstanding team provides lessons for all ages and levels; all you need is your suit and some sun block!While group morning yoga classes (at 7:00 am) are included during your stay at Hotel Nantipa, spaces are limited and reservations must be made in advance. Another option is a private yoga class, and there are a range of options to choose from. Restorative Yoga: a gentle and therapeutic style of yoga suitable for all levels. It involves holding postures for extended periods with the support of props and the goal is to release tension and promote deep relaxation throughout the body. Hatha Yoga: a traditional style of yoga that focuses on physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation to promote overall health and well-being. It emphasizes alignment and holding postures. Vinyasa Yoga: a style of yoga that is characterized by a dynamic and flowing sequence of postures that are linked together with breath. You will move through a series of postures in a fast, continuous, and rhythmic way, with each movement synchronized with an inhalation or an exhalation. Yin Yoga: a slow-paced style of yoga that focuses on stretching and releasing the connective tissues in the body, such as the fascia, ligaments, and joints. Unlike other types of yoga, which often involve holding postures for only a few breaths, in Yin Yoga, postures are typically held for several minutes. Acro Yoga: a partner-based style of yoga that combines elements of acrobatics, yoga, and Thai massage. The practice involves one person, the "base", supporting and balancing another person the "flyer", in a series of postures and movements. It is suitable for all levels, although some experience with yoga or acrobatics is helpful. The choice is yours!
Day 7: Day at Leisure at NantipaSpend your day at leisure soaking up coastal charm. Relax on powdery golden sands or poolside at your hotel, or consider participating in a catamaran cruise to nearby coves. Snorkeling and paddleboarding reveal colorful marine life, while charming towns offer aromatic taquerias and boutique shopping. For a more local touch, visit a resident art gallery, a coastal cafe, or explore trails at a nearby nature reserve. As evening arrives, a relaxing dinner by the water as the sky glows pink and gold is highly recommended.
Day 8: Nicoya to Liberia for DepartureTransfer: Nicoya to Liberia Airport
