Immersive Costa Rica: Lush & Verdant Land
Get closer to the verdant landscapes and warm people of this special country on this rich itinerary designed expressly for Wild Nectar travelers.
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9.0
ECO SCORE
2
PASSENGERS
10
DAYS
3.5/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Costa Rica: Drink It In
Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse nations of the world. It has 12 distinctive ecological zones ranging from cloud forests, to rainforests, to mangroves to dry forests. The country is home to over 880 bird species, 9000 recorded species of plants, 200 mammals, 2000 butterflies, 50 species of hummingbirds, 150 species of amphibians and much more! This immersive itinerary offers a wide range of experiences including rafting, nature hikes, hot springs, tortilla-making and more to help you discover the power and beauty of what locals refer to as "Pura Vida," the special life force of Costa Rica.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
- • Arrive to a stunning jungle lodge via river raft then spend the night in a fantasy wooden bungalow with creature comforts, fine wines, and delicious food.
• Explore Don Martín’s private orchid garden and learn to palm fresh tortillas at Doña Olga’s home.
• At sunset in the Monteverde cloud forest, look for sloths, porcupines, frogs and hundreds of other species with this wildlife-passionate operator.
Trip Sustainability Awards
CARBON
Fantastic advances in minimizing carbon footprints at locations.
ENERGY
On the East African Energy Renewal Board
EDUCATION
Runs local educational facilities for children.
Itinerary
Day 1: San Jose, Costa Rica
Welcome to Costa Rica! Arrive at the San Jose airport and transfer to your hotel.
Accommodation: Grano de Oro Hotel
Grano de Oro Hotel: Historic ambiance meets modern comfort at Grano de Oro Hotel. This enchanting guesthouse is located off San Jose's main street, Paseo Colon, minutes from museums, historic sites, restaurants, and downtown. Built in the 1910s as a Victorian mansion, this 40-room hotel maintains the warmth and comfort of a private home with all the amenities of a fine resort.
Day 2: Pacuare River & Lodge
Arrive to the Linda Vista River Put-in. Upon arrival you will be briefed on the basics of paddling and all the instructions before starting the rafting adventure that takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. The rainforests that surround the river are home to exotic animal species such as jaguars, monkeys, ocelots, and a very large number of birds. Arrive at last to one of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World, Pacuare Lodge.
Accommodation: Pacuare Lodge
Pacuare Lodge: Nestled between an untouched wilderness reserve and one of the best rivers for whitewater rafting in the world, this unique jungle lodge mixes luxury and ecotourism. This unparalleled location, with its vibrant nature, offers a scenic backdrop to adventure, romance and wellness. Simple, and yet sophisticated, the indigenous Cabécar-inspired architecture, pristine rainforest, farm-to-table exquisite cuisine, and luxurious, well-appointed accommodations come together to offer an experience like no other.
Day 3: Day at Leisure, Pacuare
Enjoy the surroundings, treat yourself with a relaxing massage or take part in any of the activities included at the lodge such as:
• Pacuare Canopy Adventure
• Canyoning at El Tesorito Creek
• Cabecar Indigenous Hike
• Ancient Trail & Hidden Waterfall Hike
• Early Morning Bird Watching
• Sustainability Tour
Accommodation: Pacuare Lodge
Day 4: Rafting & Arenal
After another great breakfast, you’ll depart in the morning by raft for an exhilarating day of whitewater rafting past gorgeous tropical scenery. A yummy, deli-style lunch will be served on the riverbank en route, and you’ll have a chance to change into dry clothes at the private facilities by the river take-out before heading to your next destination, the Arenal volcano.
Arenal’s perfectly symmetrical shape makes it a visitor's dream, while its abundance of outdoor activities makes it an easy place to check things off your “must-do in Costa Rica” list. Get settled into your hotel, then experience the magic of the Tabacón sunset! Enjoy a delicious dinner and a soak in relaxing thermal springs in the heart of the rainforest. Tabacón is the largest natural flowing thermo mineral water spring in Costa Rica. All the water in Tabacón has always been and always will be, thermal water, heated naturally by the volcano, being mineralized underground. Dinner is served in the Ave restaurant and includes natural drinks.
Accommodation: Amor Aenal
Amor Arenal: Amor Arenal is a stunning rainforest lodge at the foothills of the Arenal Volcano on the edge of a virgin forest. Shower overlooking the rainforest. Walk from your room to our jungle trails. Soak in our spring pools. Eat our delicious food. Enjoy our jaranita where you can feel the "Pura Vida" vibe.
Day 5: Volcano Hike & Sky Trek, Arenal
The Arenal Volcano trek explores the northwest part of the volcano. You'll cross the rainforest over a large lava flow from the 1968 eruption observing the great variety of plants, wildlife, magnificent lava stone formations, and the Arenal Lake.
After the volcano trek, ride a tram up the mountain, and then get back to the base by riding thrilling ziplines. Just get off and jump on to the next cable. You’ll ride 7 cables that go up to 200m (656ft) in height and 750m (2460ft) in length where you will be astounded by its impressive heights, and speeds that go up to 70km/h (43.5mph). Once at the top, admire the surrounding mountains and enormous vistas unlike any you can see in Costa Rica from any other viewpoint.
Accommodation: Amor Aenal
Day 6: Monteverde Cloud Forest
This morning, transfer to Monteverde. The Monteverde Cloud Forest was founded 40 years ago by a small group of conservation-minded Quakers who were looking for a peaceful place to live. Its Cloud Forest Reserve is one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the tropics. This high elevation rain forest offers miles of trails with excellent opportunities for bird watching. The resplendent Quetzal is often sighted up here (mostly January to July). It is for this reason that more visitors are attracted to this private reserve than to any other in Costa Rica. While here, enjoy amazing walks through hanging bridges, breathtaking forest views, and wildlife observation.
Later this evening set out on a Monteverde night adventure. This trek starts at sunset, the time when all the wildlife is very active. Diurnal animals are looking for someplace to sleep; and nocturnal animals are starting their hunting activities.The most common animals you will see are sloths, coatis, agoutis, porcupines, gray fox, tarantulas, frogs, some species of insects along with many sleeping birds.
Accommodation: Monteverde Lodge & Gardens
Monteverde Lodge & Gardens: Though Monteverde Lodge & Gardens is walking distance from downtown Monteverde, our setting feels like a natural oasis worlds apart from civilization. We offer 28 guest rooms framed by designer gardens and a private cloud forest reserve teeming with exotic local wildlife. All rooms feature breathtaking forest views. The ambiance throughout the hotel is tranquil and relaxing with the rustic design and wood fireplace offering a touch of rustic warmth.
Day 7: Curicancha Wildlife Refuge, Monteverde
This morning, experience a private exploration of the Curicancha Wildlife Refuge. Curicancha is part of a 210 acre private wildlife reserve in the very heart of Monteverde including both the premontane zone right below the mountain zone, and humid virgin moist forests. You begin your trek from a vista taking in the Gulf of Nicoya surrounded by 1,800 recently planted trees. Birds and wildlife here are in danger of extinction, including the Quetzal Resplendent, the brilliantly colored bird people come here from far and wide to see. Follow a series of nature trails to the depths of the forest where you will learn about the critical roles played by all the residents of this incredibly complex and diverse habitat.
This afternoon is at leisure. Explore the extensive gardens or relax in the lounge at the Monteverde Lodge.
Accommodation: Monteverde Lodge & Gardens
Day 8: Bajos del Toro
Transfer this morning to a relatively unknown tourist destination, UNESCO cultural heritage site, Bajos del Toro and settle into the peace that awaits you at El SIlencio Lodge. Perhaps the most spectacular waterfall in Costa Rica, Cataratas del Toro, is located within Bajos del Toro and should be a top priority for any traveler who wants to appreciate the country's terrific natural landscape.
This afternoon, embrace the living culture of Bajos del Toro, highlighting unique elements of Costa Rica’s rural communities. Explore Don Martín’s private orchid garden and learn to palm fresh tortillas at Doña Olga’s home. These nearby happenings off site are easy-going and authentic ways to meet with locals.
Accommodation: El Silencio Lodge
El Silencio Lodge: Floating like a cloud in the rainforest canopy near the Poas Volcano, El Silencio Lodge & Spa is one of the most secluded, tranquil and relaxing hotels in the mountains of Costa Rica. Our eco-lodge hotel was created to be a sustainable yet luxury retreat for travelers who seek out unique and authentic experiences and a deep connection to nature and the genuine Costa Rican “Pura Vida” lifestyle.
Day 9: Birdwatching & Waterfalls, Bajos del Toro
Start your day surrounded by some of nature’s most enticing bird species. El Silencio’ trails are peppered with the area’s most exciting feathered species including diminutive hummingbirds, black guans, and the seasonal quetzal.
Explore a waterfall wonderland. Your El Silencio Eco-Concierge will guide you along paths that trace a pristine creek to find soothing waterfalls. Leave our forest even more beautiful than when you arrived. Plant a living legacy in Costa Rica’s carbon-offsetting forests and help bring back beautiful Quetzal birds to the region. This complimentary ceremony is one of the highlights of the El Silencio Experience.
Accommodation: El Silencio Lodge
Day 10: Depart San Jose
A representative will take you to the Juan Santa Maria International Airport where you will take your flight back home.
Activity Level: This itinerary includes active elements like hiking, ziplining, and rafting. Since this is a custom itinerary, the activity level can be customized to meet your preferences. Less active options are available.
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These are some of my absolute favorite places and experiences in the world. Costa Rica revitalizes. I've worked with my favorite operator to create this extraordinary itinerary for you.
Joy Martinello, Founder
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What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Meet & Greet at SJO Intl. Airport; Private transfer from airport to Hotel Grano de Oro; 1 Night at Hotel Grano de Oro, breakfast included (1 dbl standard room); Transfer to Pacuare River "put-in" for rafting to Pacuare Lodge; Arrival Rafting to Pacuare Lodge; Optional activities at Pacuare Lodge; 2 Nights at Pacuare Lodge, full board (1 dbl garden suite); • Departure Pacuare River Rafting; Private transfer to Arenal; Hot Springs and Dinner at Tabacon; 2 Nights at Amor Arenal, breakfast included (1 dbl garden suite); Shared Arenal Volcano Hike; Shared Sky Tram & Sky Walk; Private transfer to Monteverde.
