It is time once again for another long-awaited episode in the 'Let's Go To...' series. These don't come around often enough, I know. My goal is to inspire you to take a trip here, or anywhere! I know that when I work on a client's itinerary I feel I have traveled vicariously through them. So thank you dear clients for 'taking me with you', so to speak. And for the rest of you, dear readers/travelers-to-be, here is your vicarious journey.
Livin’ la Pura Vida! This philosophy of the pure life in Costa Rica is also a common greeting you’ll hear. From the mind-blowing lava trails and soul-soothing thermal springs of the Arenal Volcano region to the lush tropical forests in the clouds of Monteverde, you’ll encounter pure nature of Costa Rica’s rich and resplendent flora and fauna found nowhere else on earth. Put your head in the clouds in the Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to over 3,000 plant species, some 120 mammal species, 400 bird species, and 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles. Land in Guanacaste to laze and gaze upon the beautiful beaches of the North Pacific. Add a dose of I-time to immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture and cuisine in San José, and you’re living your best life, indeed!
DAY 1: Welcome to Costa Rica! A representative will meet and greet you, also he will provide you with all the necessary documentation you will need during your vacation. Then, you will be transferred to Real InterContinental San José hotel, where you will spend your first night in Costa Rica.
DAY 2: Today, transfer to the lush town of Arenal, located in the shadow of Arenal Volcano. Settle in and experience the magic of your resort. You could stay at either of the sister properties of Nayara Gardens and Nayara Springs, which offer luxurious accommodations in the heart of the 30,000-acre Arenal Volcano National Park. Each of the 50 rooms at Nayara Gardens is a single-bedroom villa with a private garden, outdoor shower, and a view of the active Arenal Volcano. At the adults-only Nayara Springs, each of the 35 villas features a hot spring plunge pool. The properties, connected by a footbridge, provide access to four unique restaurants and two open-air spas.
This afternoon, visit the famous hot springs the area is known for and take a dip in the natural springs and pools of mineral waters surrounded by lush, tropical forest. Enjoy dinner at the hot springs.
DAY 3: Enjoy the day on your own or perhaps visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges, a network of suspension bridges, platforms, and trails built in the cloud forest. From here, explore the forest canopy with a bird’s-eye view, giving you a different perspective of the forest’s wildlife. Alternatively, you may choose a rafting or horseback riding adventure.
DAY 4: This morning, your transfer begins with a short boat ride across Arenal Lake to admire different species of birds that visit and call the area home. Continue through incredible mountain scenery and the Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to over 3,000 plant species, approximately 120 mammal species, 400 bird species, and 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles. In the evening, venture into Monteverde’s Cloud Forest just before nightfall with an expert Naturalist for a guided nature walk to search for the jungle’s nocturnal creatures, like sloths, foxes, agoutis, frogs, and many more!
DAY 5: Maybe wake up early and visit Santa Elena Cloud Forest to best experience the animals in their natural forest habitats. Discover this misty and surreal wildlife sanctuary full of mosses, ferns, flowers, and other indigenous plant life. Also, notice how the combination of climatic and geographic factors create temperature and humidity gradients, changing dramatically over just a short distance, or you could visit a local family’s farm to learn about sugar cane, coffee, and tilapia farming.
DAY 6: Journey to the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. This part of the North Pacific region of Coast Rica offers hundreds of unspoiled beaches lining the shores, but Guanacaste is surprisingly far from being a traditional beach destination. During your time here, you may choose a rainforest canopy tour, river rafting or a float trip down the Corobici River. Consider horseback riding or fishing, or relax on the beach and snorkel in the Pacific Ocean.
Stay at the Hotel Punta Islita, Autograph Collection, terraced into a hillside from summit to sea cove, on Guanacaste's Nicoya Peninsula. Return after a day of zip-lining in the tropical forest, horseback riding, hiking, monkey questing, or bird-watching – all are complimentary. Or lounge at the infinity-edge pool, oceanside family pool, or secluded beach. Choose a romantic junior suite with hypnotic ocean views and private whirlpool or plunge pool, a double room, or a spacious family villa. Don’t miss the Nanku Spa, where treatments combine ancient healing traditions with natural ingredients.
DAY 7: Enjoy a free day or opt for a guided visit to Rincon de la Vieja National Park, known as Costa Rica’s Yellowstone, to explore the steamy sulfur water ponds and pungent fumaroles that punctuate this jungle, home to toucans, monkeys, and many other animals. Or, take a leisurely boat cruise through Palo Verde National Park, composed of tropical dry forest and mangroves, and admire scores of birds, caimans, and iguanas along the way.
DAY 8: Why not choose a total adrenaline rush for today’s adventure on a zip line tour?! Then enjoy a relaxing evening - your last in this jungle paradise
DAY 9: Your vacation ends after breakfast, with transportation to the airport for your flight home.
Aaaaaand lickety split you're back home, energized and refreshed from your tropical adventure. You bathed in mineral-rich hot springs, breathed fresh air, relaxed and adrenalined your way though Costa rica, tasting la pura vida, and you know some day you'll go back. Just say when!
'til next week.
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Contact: GLOBAL EXOTIC ADVENTURES - Juliet Weller, Founder