Here is a sample itinerary for one week that your Costa Rica Travel Agency and Costa Rica Phil can put together for you. You will visit 3 of the Top 10 places to see in Costa Rica
Day 1
Luggage Assistant
Inside the airport, after passing through immigration office, a luggage carrier will be waiting for you. He will welcome you on our behalf and guide you to the exit where he will look for your driver.
Private transfer from San Jose Intl. Airport to Arenal (Approx 3 hours) Toyota Hiace
The driver will pick you at Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport and transfer you to the Arenal area.
Arenal
A charming and quiet town, La Fortuna is easily accessible from the capital city San Jose, and offers some panoramic views of the spectacular Arenal Volcano. Beside the volcano, this town has other great tourist attractions like the La Catarata de la Fortuna, a breathtakingly beautiful waterfall that falls from a dizzying height of 70 meters.
A stunning sight to see and a lovely short trek away, this beautiful waterfall makes for a picture perfect moment. Another key attraction nearby are the Hot Springs in the area, where one can go to relax and unwind after a day of outdoor activities or for those who just want some peace and quiet. For the more outdoorsy person, this region of the country has plenty to offer. White water rafting, waterfall rappelling, hiking excursions, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, horseback riding, canopy adventures, wildlife viewing , are just some of the many activities that one can enjoy while you are here.
Restaurant ́s Recommendations:
Las Ventanas Restaurant at The Springs Hotel - Tel: (506) 2401-3310 Don Rufino Restaurant - Tel.: (506) 2479-9997
Altamira Restaurant at Nayara Resort - Tel. (506) 2479-1600
Arenal Manoa Hotel
Arenal Manoa Hotel is a beautiful place to rest, relax and enjoy the marvelous view of Arenal Volcano. Surrounded by gardens, pastures and animals, the rooms have been designed so that each one offers you a panoramic view of the volcano. The visitors can take advantage of the spacious gardens for walking and meditation as well as the opportunities to see the daily operations of a typical Costa Rican farm.
Junior Suite Superior
The Junior Suite Superior is equipped with:
Two queen sized beds
Terrace with a view of the volcano
3 Nights in 1 Double - Breakfast Included
Day 2
Regular Sky Tram, Sky Trek & Sky Walk Experience
Sky Tram
The Sky Tram gondolas rise smoothly through the rain forest, offering up endless views during their mountainous ascent. This tour is perfect for people who want to take a different approach on admiring nature, without much physical effort but still be on spot where natures exhibits all its magic. On tour you will be attended by a bilingual guide who will point out different characteristics of the flora and fauna and other interesting facts. The Sky Tram travel up the mountains to arrive in a wide observation platform on the highest point of the reserve, where you can enjoy the view and also have the possibility to walk a short trail.
Approx. 20 minutes.
Sky Trek
Sky Trek is a thrilling zip line circuit that’s located in both of our parks, Monteverde and La Fortuna. Your tour will start riding an open-air gondola from the ground to the heights where you’ll be dropped off at an observation area for fantastic views. From this area, you will start riding down on a zip line track stretching across canyons and in between treetops, the exhilarating adventure of zip lining down the mountainside begins; ultimately returning you to the starting point at the main building. This is the most thrilling zip line in the country.
Minimum height: 1.20m Approx. 3 hours.
Sky Walk
Sky Walk uses trails and a series of suspension bridges for a more relaxing introduction of the flora and fauna of the forest canopy. It allows a vision of the forest from a different perspective which starts with a hike on the ground and then taking you to explore the treetops, a hardly discovered habitat called the “canopy” with a naturalist guide.
In Costa Rica, Sky Adventures was the pioneer in building hanging bridges, with the introduction of Sky Walk, to admire the forest from unique viewpoints. Sky Walk’s bridges span across canyons and bring visitors face to face with the upper level of the forest canopy.
Approx. 2 hours.
Day 3
Regular Arenal Volcano Nat. Park Hike & Tabacon Hot Springs
The Arenal Volcano hike experience transports guests to the northwest side of the volcano. It is possible to observe a great variety of plants, wildlife, magnificent lava rock formations and the Arenal Lake just in time for sunset!
During the hike, our experienced guides will provide interesting and educational information regarding the history of the majestic mountain and the Arenal Volcano National Park.
This excursion concludes with a relaxing stop at the mineral Tabacon Resort hot springs where you will enjoy a nice dinner (buffet).
What to Bring: Swimming suit, Towel, Hiking or running shoes, Light comfortable clothing, Light jacket, Binoculars, Camera, Sun Block, Change of clothing, Mosquito repellent.
Day 4
Private transfer from Arenal to Rio Celeste (Approx. 2 hours)
The driver will pick you up at Arenal and transfer you to Rio Celeste.
Premium Private Service
Most modern units, Bilingual driver, Wet Essence Towels, Sodas, Beers, Water, Snacks.
Rio Celeste
Rio Celeste Hideaway is a small resort-style and ecologically-oriented hotel that provides a truly unique Rainforest experience, located next to the Volcan Tenorio National Park (where the amazing Rio Celeste gains its sky-blue color).
It provides comfort, a wonderful restaurant and amenities surrounded by an untouched natural paradise. Be prepared to experience a lush tropical rainforest, complete with vegetation and animal variety that makes it unique. Bring your hiking shoes and adventurous disposition. You may have to use a “poncho” to hike through the park and the own mile-long paths along the majestic river, or you may be surprised by a sunny day.
Each one of the 26 spacious casitas (bungalows) provides an exclusive retreat in which guests can relax amidst the breathtaking rainforest.
They are located just an hour’s drive from the Arenal destination.
Casita Deluxe Forest View
The Casitas Deluxe Forest View provide guests with maximum privacy and have decks with direct views of the rainforest.
2 Nights in 1 Double - Breakfast Included
Regular Night Walk Experience (Complimentary)
You will start the walk at the Hotel at 6pm in a twilight tour until get to a near forest trail. Here you are going to walk through this Humid Forest ecosystem, being this a special time to observe when various animal species as insects, snakes and amphibians are waking up, as well at this time many kinds of birds and another animals are looking for their nests.
Duration: 2 hours approx.
Tour Price Includes: Water, Guide & Flashlight.
Recommendations: Closed shoes, Long pants/long sleeve shirt, Repellent against mosquitoes.
Day 5
Regular Rio Celeste Hike Experience
A four-hour rainforest hike through the Tenorio Volcano National Park. You ́ll experience the wealth of flora and fauna of this area, culminating in an astounding view of the main attraction, the Rio Celeste waterfall and river. You ́ll also see the teñideros, the place where the river takes on this magical color. This park also has thermal water springs where you can take a rejuvenating hot bath surrounded by the rainforest.
Duration: 4 approx.
Tour Includes: Tickets, Fruit snack, Water, Guide.Recommendations: Bring walking shoes, Repellent, Water, Raincoat.
Day 6
Private transfer from Rio Celeste to Manuel Antonio (Approx. 5 hours)
The driver will pick you up at the Rio Celeste and transfer you to Manuel Antonio.
Premium Private Service
Most modern units, Bilingual driver, Wet Essence Towels, Sodas, Beers, Water, Snacks.
Manuel Antonio
Welcome to Manuel Antonio, home to one of Costa Rica’s most popular national parks, beautiful beaches, and stunning sunsets. Playa Manuel Antonio is one of the most picturesque beaches in Costa Rica and has been rated as one the top ten most beautiful beaches in the world! The beach is roughly a half mile long, a perfect white sand crescent, bordered by deep green mangroves and towering palms.
Manuel Antonio National Park abounds with wildlife and provides visitors with many opportunities to experience up close and personal encounters with nature. In a day’s visit it is possible to see iguanas, monkeys, sloths, agoutis, peccaries, armadillos, pisotes, coatimundos, and raccoons. Please do not feed the animals in the park! The park also includes four pristine beaches backed by lush tropical rainforest.
Restaurant Recommendations:
Kapi Kapi Restaurant - Phone: (506) 2777-5049 Karolas Restaurant - Phone: (506) 2777-1557
La Hacienda Restaurant - Phone: (506) 2777-3473 Aqua Azul Cafe - Phone: (506) 2777-5280
La Luna Restaurant at Gaia Hotel - Phone: (506) 2777-9797 Victorias Restaurante - Phone: (506) 2777-514
Private transfer from Rio Celeste to Manuel Antonio (Approx. 5 hours)
The driver will pick you up at the Rio Celeste and transfer you to Manuel Antonio.
Premium Private Service
Most modern units, Bilingual driver, Wet Essence Towels, Sodas, Beers, Water, Snacks.
Parador Resort & Spa
Welcome to Parador Resort & Spa, Costa Rica’s premier eco-luxury resort. Sitting high above the Central Pacific coastline, this award-winning hotel is built on 12 acres of rainforest in beautiful Manuel Antonio, just minutes from Costa Rica’s best beaches.
Known for its dedication to preserving and protecting Mother Nature as well as its first-class amenities, Parador offers a long list of activities for your enjoyment and a staff ready to accommodate your every need. Experience inspired cuisine. Take a walk along a white sand beach. Swing through the rainforest canopy. Or simply relax and take in the view from your splendid suite.
Premium
Built on a rock high atop the resort’s sprawling grounds, the nine Premium room offer incredible ocean and jungle vistas. Premium room are accessible via interior and exterior stairs or a dramatic panoramic incline elevator. They include shower with bathtub and two sinks. Two queen size beds.
2 Nights in 1 Double - Breakfast Included
Day 7
Regular Manuel Antonio National Park Hike Experience
One of the nation ́s ecological gems and the second most visited nature reserve in Costa Rica; famed Manuel Antonio National Park is a “don’t miss” excursion while visiting our beautiful area.
Under the aegis of professional certified naturalists, this is an easy and relaxing trek over well marked trails that will introduce you to the varied flora and fauna of our rich rainforests. Although many of the animals will be clearly visible (including titi, white face and howler monkeys, sloths, toucans and more), the guide is armed with a high powered telescopic lens that will allow you to view resident wildlife obscured by the lush jungle. He or she will also share extensive information about everything you see.
From the Park ́s entrance, you will journey on the main ̈Forrest Trail ̈ for an hour to 1 1⁄2 hours, which will lead you to the Park ́s spectacular white sand beaches where you will take a short break (one hour beach stop and swim, but you will have a few minutes to take a dip if you want). From there, you venture onto the shorter “Beach Trail”. You will return to the hotel by about noon or, if you prefer, can re-enter the Park with your ticket to enjoy the beaches there. Parador’s free shuttles run several times a day (check schedules with us) so you can easily get back to the hotel in the afternoon.
Duration: 4 hours
Schedule: 8:00 am - 12 md every day but Monday (when Park is closed)
Includes: Round-trip transportation, Park entrance fee, professional guide, fresh fruits.
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses and hat (if desired), water,
bathing suit, towel, and camara.
Regular Catamaran Sunset Sailing Experience
Your adventure aboard our sail ships begins as you sail down the scenic coast, past the beautiful beaches and islands of Manuel Antonio Park. As the boats glides quietly under sail you’ll probably see the dolphins that frequently swim in the boat’s bow wake. Occasional whales and giant sea turtles are a special thrill, and the ever present abundance of sea birds is enjoyed by even the most avid wildlife enthusiast.
Your professional crew will guide you through this aquatic paradise while attending to your safety and comfort. They will personally serve you plentiful portions of delicious food, in the tradition of the great cruise ships but with a homemade touch. Good cooled beer, long drinks and soft drinks are included.
Includes: Transportation , Snorkel equipment, Natural juices, Water, Cocktails, Lunch (grilled fish brochettes, pasta salad, fruits, dessert, coffee and cookies).
Important: For safety reasons we do not allow excessive consumption of liquor in the tours.
Day 8
Private transfer from Manuel Antonio to San Jose (Approx. 2.50 hours)
The will pick up you at Manuel Antonio and transfer you to San Jose.
Click here for more details.
