Itinerary Details
Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica
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: Exploring Arenal Volcano by the Lake TourThis 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 3: At Leisure 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 4: Arenal to Manuel Antonio with Pacific Aerial Tram ExperienceToday you will be privately transferred from your hotel in Arenal to Manuel Antonio, a journey that will take approximately five hours. En route, stop at a 210-acre private reserve that is host to a transitional forest which features elements of the drier climate to the northwest as well as species from the more humid climate of the southern coast. Led by a bilingual naturalist guide in groups of no more than nine, you’ll set out on an hour-long aerial tram ride to soar through the forest canopy. Following the gondola ride, you’ll return to your private vehicle and complete the transfer to your hotel in Manuel Antonio. Total travel time, including the Pacific Aerial Tram Experience, is approximately seven hours.
Hotel: Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort (5 Star Rating)
Located within walking distance of Manuel Antonio National Park, Arenas Del Mar is an extraordinary beachfront and rainforest resort. Arenas del Mar is a short distance from Finca Naturales Wildlife Refuge, ADR Adventure Park, and Manuel Antonio Beach. The resort boasts 38 luxurious guest rooms that all enjoy breathtaking views from the private decks.
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Day 5: The "Flavors of Costa Rica" Culinary TourSet out on a fun and informative foodie experience and learn how to prepare local Costa Rican cuisine along the way. The tour starts with a quick stop to browse the vibrant farmers' market in Quepos to see firsthand where locals congregate to sell their fresh produce. From there, you will go to a private ranch in the quaint town of Londres, where you will be welcomed by the local team and brought to see goats, turkeys, ducks, geese, cows, peacocks, and more. Walking through the lush organic garden, you will also pick out the perfect ingredients to add texture, color, and flavor to your lunch such as cilantro, green onion, and tomatoes. Local cooks will then guide you through the preparation process, giving you hands-on experience in making traditional corn tortillas, exotic ceviche's with plantain or banana, and hearty tomato-based chicken dishes, just to name a few. Afterward, sit down and savor the delicious meal you helped create, and let your taste buds take a journey through the unique flavors of Costa Rican cuisine. You will leave not just with a full belly, but also with the skills and inspiration to recreate these dishes at home using your own seasonal ingredients. You will also have some time to explore the ranch and take a dip in the refreshing waters of the nearby Naranjo River, weather permitting. Following the experience, you will be privately transferred to your hotel in Manuel Antonio.
Day 6: Manuel Antonio to the Osa PeninsulaToday you will arrive to the Osa Peninsula, one of Costa Rica's most spectacular and biodiverse regions. Hidden amidst this paradise, Playa Cativo is an intimate haven offering elegant accommodations, world-class amenities, and endless opportunities for the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Traveling to the Eco Lodge is an adventure in itself. Upon arrival to the local airport, staff with Playa Cativo will meet you to take you on a 30-minute boat ride to the lodge while you take in the magnificent coastline featuring tropical vegetation and an array of marine life. You may even be welcomed by the occasional schools of dolphins, turtles, or humpback whales. Just sit back, relax, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime. Your stay at Playa Cativo includes three a la carte meals daily, access to kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and snorkeling gear, an introductory guided rainforest tour, access to a range of self-guided hiking trails and morning mindful movement sessions. Pending on the time of your arrival, perhaps this afternoon will be the right time to set out on the guided rainforest tour which will introduce you to the unique combination of forest, swamp, beach and wetland that define this spectacular corner of the country. In the evening, make your way to El Gavilan Restaurant for dinner before retiring to your accommodation for a night of rest.
Meal(s): Dinner
Hotel: Playa Cativo Lodge (5 Star Rating)
Welcome to Playa Cativo Lodge, where you are invited to set out on an immersive journey deep into the heart of the Costa Rica tropics. Imagine clear waters of serene turquoise and emerald palettes surrounded by lush and incredibly biodiverse tropical rainforests. Hidden amidst the paradise of the Osa Peninsula, this luxury boutique eco lodge is an intimate haven offering elegant accommodations, world-class amenities, and endless opportunities for the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.
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Transfer: Quepos /Manuel Antonio to Puerto Jimenez
Day 7: Exploring the Osa PeninsulaTo make the most of your stay at Playa Cativo, consider an early rise to join in on the morning mindful movement session, ensuring you are mentally and physically prepared for a day of adventure ahead. After breakfast, consider visiting Cativo Bay to explore the incredible coastline by kayak or stand-up paddleboard in search of manta rays, turtles and dolphins. Another option is to explore the network of trails found around the property that showcase the outstanding biodiversity of the region. Alternatively, a range of private excursions and Spa treatments can also be arranged (available at additional cost locally). Among specialized excursions that you may wish to consider are advanced bird watching expeditions, sport fishing, whale watching or Playa Cativo's bioluminescence tour. However you choose to spend your time, ensure you make the most of your day, joyfully spent in the heart of one of only four tropical fjords in the world.
Hotel: Playa Cativo Lodge (5 Star Rating)
Welcome to Playa Cativo Lodge, where you are invited to set out on an immersive journey deep into the heart of the Costa Rica tropics. Imagine clear waters of serene turquoise and emerald palettes surrounded by lush and incredibly biodiverse tropical rainforests. Hidden amidst the paradise of the Osa Peninsula, this luxury boutique eco lodge is an intimate haven offering elegant accommodations, world-class amenities, and endless opportunities for the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.
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Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Day 8: Exploring the Osa PeninsulaAs dawn breaks over the Osa Peninsula, you will be invited to join in on another morning mindful movement session, though you are of course welcome to simply enjoy a fresh cup of coffee as the sun rises above the forest canopy. Today you will enjoy another day in this remarkable part of the country, perhaps participating in a specialized excursion, exploring more of the hiking trails found on-site, or enjoying a pampering Spa treatment.
Hotel: Playa Cativo Lodge (5 Star Rating)
Welcome to Playa Cativo Lodge, where you are invited to set out on an immersive journey deep into the heart of the Costa Rica tropics. Imagine clear waters of serene turquoise and emerald palettes surrounded by lush and incredibly biodiverse tropical rainforests. Hidden amidst the paradise of the Osa Peninsula, this luxury boutique eco lodge is an intimate haven offering elegant accommodations, world-class amenities, and endless opportunities for the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.
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Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Day 9: Depart from Costa RicaFollowing breakfast, and arranged to coincide with your travel plans, you will either be picked-up by a private vehicle for your onward transfer within Costa Rica or to the nearby airport. If time permits, perhaps you will have the opportunity to enjoy a final jungle experience in this uniquely wild and beautiful corner of the country.
Meal(s): Breakfast
