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An introduction to Costa Rica, it's rainforests, volcanoes, beaches and rich culture
Overview
Introduction
Our dedicated Latin America team hold a remarkable depth of knowledge about Costa Rica; a knowledge founded on over 20 years of exploratory visits and underpinned by a deep understanding of, and friendship with, those who live and work in the country. Our partners on the ground are some of the best in the business and between us our aim is to introduce you to the real Costa Rica.
Our carefully-crafted 'Introduction to Costa Rica' tour will set you amongst the locals in the capital San Jose; immerse you in the country's pristine ecosystems and set your heart racing with the opportunity to try a host of activities including white water rafting and zip-lining (payable locally), before journeying to Playa Quizales on the Nicoya Peninsula for a relaxing beach stay. Did you know that Costa Rica has over 800 miles of coastline stretched along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, and that the soft sand beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula are some of the best in the country and a prime destination for surfers, yoga enthusiasts, kayakers, snorkellers and divers?
This trip is the ideal introduction to Costa Rica and is guaranteed to whet the appetite for further exploration of those lesser-known corners.
Please note that group transfers are included throughout, except on arrival where a private transfer is included.
Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast, Full BoardAgenda
Day 1 - Day of arrival
On arrival at San Jose International Airport, you will be transferred to the Bougainvillea Hotel on the outskirts of the capital. Where possible, Sunvil handpick locally owned and managed hotels and the Bougainvillea is no exception; this is one of the few independent hotels in the Central Valley of Costa Rica. The hotel also enjoys a tranquil setting amidst ten acres of botanical gardens, 15 minutes' drive from the centre; has a focus on customer service and places importance on the promotion of local gastronomy and heritage. As such the property is a firm favourite with the team and our guests.
Overnight at the Bougainvillea Hotel in San Jose (Bed & Breakfast).
Bougainvillea hotel, San Jose
Day 2 - Transfer to the Tortuguero National Park
After an early breakfast, you will be transferred east towards Costa Rica's Caribbean coast and to the Tortuguero National Park. This group transfer will cross the central highlands and the banana growing district of Limon by road before travelling by boat to your final destination, the Mawamba Lodge. This remarkable property is in the heart of the rainforest, where its only neighbour is the impressive local wildlife. There are no roads here, just pristine and protected nature interspersed by a network of navigable lakes, rivers and canals. For those hoping for the chance to see Capuchin, Spider and Howler monkeys, two and three-toed sloths, American crocodiles, caiman and more look no further.
This afternoon, a guided tour of the local village of Tortuguero is included. The visit will provide an insight into the sights, sounds and smells of local life, and will also enable you to engage with those who protect this region of outstanding natural beauty.
Overnight at Mawamba Lodge in Tortuguero National Park (Full Board).
Mawamba lodge, Tortuguero
Day 3 - Tortuguero National Park
Founded in 1975, Tortuguero National Park covers an area of approximately 26,000 hectares inland and 50,000 marine hectares and is best explored by boat. Today we have included a group guided wildlife canal boat trip and guided walk for your enjoyment. Keep your eyes peeled, you never know what you will see.
During your free time at Mawmba Lodge be sure to explore their butterfly and frog gardens and to learn about the property's sustainability projects. You can also borrow a hammock and relax on the beach (swimming is not permitted), lounge around the pool or book additional experiences: kayak tours, sunrise and sunset excursions, fishing trips and massages to name but a few.
Overnight at Mawamba Lodge in the Tortuguero National Park (Full Board)
Tortuguero
Day 4 - Transfer to Arenal
After breakfast, you will be transferred by boat and road to the Montana de Fuego Eco Resort and Spa in the foothills of the Arenal volcano. The nutrient rich soils and volcanic formations of the region have come together to create one of the most ruggedly beautiful areas in the country. Aromatic and colourful flowers border green fields, dense tree plantations reach high to the sky and the sound of nature can be heard all around. Waterfalls, volcanic craters, thermal pools and wildlife reserves are all waiting to be discovered and your hosts will be on hand to ensure that you get the most out of your stay.
Overnight at the Montana de Fuego Eco Resort and Spa in Arenal (Bed & Breakfast).
Montana de Fuego Hotel, Arenal
Day 5 and 6 - Free time in Arenal
Arenal is quickly becoming recognised as one of Costa Rica's leading destinations for outdoor pursuits. Sunvil can pre-book a host of activities in advance for our guests or experiences can be arranged locally. Choose from rainforest hikes, mountain biking, river tubing, zip-lining, horse riding and white water rafting to name but a few of the activities on offer. Our personal favourites include a relaxing bathe in the Ecotermales hot springs and the Hanging Bridges of Arenal, a series of six suspension bridges which take you high into the cloud forest. A stay here can be as relaxed or adrenaline-filled as you desire.
Overnight at the Montana de Fuego Eco Resort and Spa (Bed & Breakfast)
Arenal volcano
Day 7 - Transfer to the Nicoya Peninsula
After breakfast, transfer south to the Pacific coast and to the Nicoya Peninsula. This full-day transfer includes a 90 minute scenic ferry ride and will transport you to a region that has been identified as one of the world's five 'Blue Zones', where the local population live remarkably longer lives. Your accommodation for the next four nights is the Tango Mar beachfront boutique hotel and villas, and its location could seemingly have been taken from a romantic novel - golden sands bordered by the bluest of seas and the greenest of vegetation.
Overnight at the Tango Mar on the Nicoya Peninsula (Bed & Breakfast).
Tango Mar, Playa Quizales
Day 8, 9 and 10 - Days at leisure on the Nicoya Peninsula
Days at leisure at the Tango Mar and on the Nicoya Peninsula. Stay close to the hotel or venture further afield, independently or with a guide, the choice is yours. We'd highly recommend visiting the Curu reserve by boat, home to some 200 species of bird; exploring the rich underwater world using snorkels or by diving and taking a sunset cruise - after passing the southernmost point of the peninsula nothing stands between you and the horizon, a wonderous sight.
Overnight at Tango Mar on the Nicoya Peninsula (Bed & Breakfast).
Nicoya peninsula
Day 11 - Day of departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Sao Jose International Airport for your return flight to the UK (c. 5 hours).
Accommodation
Bougainvillea Hotel - Night 1 to 1
Surrounded by extensive mature gardens and a short drive away from the hustle and bustle of downtown San Jose, Bougainvillea Hotel is an oasis of calm and a comfortable base from which to explore the city.
Surrounded by extensive mature gardens and a short drive away from the hustle and bustle of downtown San Jose, Bougainvillea Hotel is an oasis of calm and a comfortable base from which to explore the city.
The hotel offers a large outdoor pool, tennis courts and fitness centre. In addition, guests can enjoy local and international cuisine in the Vitrales restaurant and bar.
The spacious rooms have private facilities and feature balconies overlooking the gardens or city, flat-screen TV, safety deposit box, coffee maker and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Mawamba Lodge - Night 2 to 3
This lodge has 58 simple cabins, all with private facilities (shower) including four honeymoon suites.
This lodge has 58 simple cabins, all with private facilities (shower) including four honeymoon suites. The suites have a private terrace, king size bed and corner bath.
There is an attractive swimming pool. From the lodge it is only a short walk to the village and to Tortuguero Beach, the nesting place of Green Turtles.
Montana de Fuego Resort and Spa - Night 4 to 6
The Montana de Fuego Mountain Resort and Spa is located close to La Fortuna, a town familiarly known as the gateway to the Arenal Volcano. This is not a town you solely pass through however, alongside its remarkable backdrop - the volcano itself - La Fontana is the activity centre for the region. Here you can swim in the thermal waters of Ecotermales, visit the flowing cascades of La Fortuna waterfall, hike in the foothills of the volcano, raft, rapel and participate in wildlife safaris. With so much on offer, even the longest stay is never enough.
The Montana de Fuego Mountain Resort and Spa is located close to La Fortuna, a town familiarly known as the gateway to the Arenal Volcano. This is not a town you solely pass through however, alongside its remarkable backdrop - the volcano itself - La Fontana is the activity centre for the region. Here you can swim in the thermal waters of Ecotermales, visit the flowing cascades of La Fortuna waterfall, hike in the foothills of the volcano, raft, rapel and participate in wildlife safaris. With so much on offer, even the longest stay is never enough.
Surrounded by a private natural reserve, measuring 100 acres, the Montana de Fuego offers tranquillity and space. The natural environment takes centre stay with most rooms opening onto a private terrace and enjoying views over the reserve towards the famous mountain peak. Wellness, mindfulness and yoga are on offer at the property to help you to relax and connect with the magnificent surroundings, and the hotel's restaurant continues that connection with its critically-acclaimed, farm to table menu that is focused on supporting local famers.
Accommodation:
- Room categories to suit all budgets and party sizes including Bungalow standard, Cantarrana family, Bungalow superior, Garden deluxe, Junior suite and Lake suite
Amenities / Leisure:
- Buffet breakfast
- Restaurant enjoying panoramic views of the Arenal Volcano and serving a farm to table menu concept
- Engadi Spa
- Complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel
- 4km of hiking trails in the reserve
- Thermal mineral springs and volcanic mud baths within the hotel's private reserve
- On site activities include: Arenal river tubing, volcano hikes, canopy tour, horse riding and mountain biking. Off-site activities include: ATV tour, hanging bridges experience, a visit to the Cano Negro National Wildlife Reserve, kayaking and paddle boarding on Arenal Lake and rafting on the Balsa or Sarapiqui rivers
The following complimentary activities are available for all guests:
- Early bird watching hiking tour: A 90 minute hike along the reserves marked trails with the opportunity to see several bird species, monkeys and sloths
- Villa Maleuku experience: A 90 minute visit to the village of Villa Maleku where a local initiative is working to restore local pride and to raise awareness of the ancestral culture and heritage of the area
- Fam visit: A 90 minute visit to a local farm with animal handling opportunities
Tango Mar - Night 7 to 10
Tango Mar is located 3km south of Tambor village, a 40 minute drive from the ferry terminal. This is an attractive, romantic and remote beachfront resort.
Tango Mar is located 3km south of Tambor village, a 40 minute drive from the ferry terminal. This is an attractive, romantic and remote beachfront resort.
The extensive facilities include a swimming pool, nine-hole golf course, two floodlit tennis courts and stables. It has a variety of beachfront rooms, different suites and large villas with air-conditioning, fans, satellite TV, mini-bar, safe deposit box, large showers and picture window balconies. Some rooms do not have an ocean view. Lovely spot and great value.