Costa Rica offers beaches, hiking, cloud forests, bubbling hot springs, lush tropical gardens, and some of the most romantic hotels in the world.
Costa Rica is vibrant; Costa Rican’s are warm, friendly, passionate and proud. Don’t be surprised to find a stranger wave to you on the street or yourself engaged in conversation at a city square. Despite its amazing diversity, all this comes packaged in a small country a bit smaller than West Virginia where your budget goes much further than you would think, making Costa Rica an amazing place to find value and romance, and an incredible vacation experience.
One of the area’s that should be on any Costa Rica vacation itinerary is La Fortuna de San Carlos home of Arenal Volcano. The charming town of La Fortuna sits about 4 miles from the Volcano and is the entrance point for the main road connecting the Arenal region, Lake Arenal, and the road to Guanacaste. Arenal Volcano rises almost 5,500 feet over the pastured green hillsides that surround its magnificent base creating an awe inspiring back drop to your Costa Rica Holiday. Not just another pretty face on planet earth, Arenal’s geothermal activity brings a number of hot springs to the area that makes this one of the most romantic places to escape everyday life.Thanks to the volcano this area is rich in heated underground springs – the area is abundant with unique opportunities and a variety of spas to relax and renew in mineral-laden waters. Surrounded by tropical beauty and neck-deep in a natural Jacuzzi, you can delight in the true sense of rejuvenation that comes from a visit to Costa Rica’s hot springs. With a number of different locations to visit, each with their particular ambiance and specialty, there’s something to fit any traveler.
With incredible views overlooking the forest canopy, Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal, and the Talamanca Mountain Range, it’s no surprise that Arenal is one of the most popular destinations for ziplining in Costa Rica.
Imagine waking up in the morning, slipping into your own private spa and watching the sunrise over Arenal Volcano with the one you love. This makes Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa our No. 5 Most Romantic Hotel in Costa Rica. At Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa you will find a small boutique hotel offering up stunning views of the volcano, all nestled on 27 private acres of park land, surrounded by two streams with crystalline waters that begin to flow in the Arenal Volcano National Park. In addition to the private thermal springs you will find exuberant gardens, wonderful food served up daily, service from a staff that really care.
What can a Costa Rica Tour look like?
If you can dream it, we can build it, however one of the most cost effective options is to choose a tour that includes all of the highlights you are looking for, the security of having someone else do the driving and the insiders knowledge that ensures you are learning about the local culture as you travel.
Sample Tour
Day 1 Arrive San José
Learn the secrets of Pura Vida – Costa Rica’s inimitable zest for life that will linger throughout your effortlessly delivered encounter with a land that boasts no artificial ingredients. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow expeditioners for a Welcome Reception.
Day 2 Travel from San José – Braulio Carrillo National Park – Tortuguero National Park (2 Nights)
We leave the Costa Rica capital behind and journey to San Isidro de Heredia, where we’ll Dive into Culture with master chocolatiers, Julio Fernandez and George Soriana, to learn about the history of chocolate and how it is produced at this small workshop. Then, it’s on to Siquirres where we’ll embark on a river journey through protected wetlands to secluded Tortuguero. Immerse yourself in its vibrant Afro-Caribbean atmosphere as you stroll through the village streets, then visit the Green Turtle Research Station. We enjoy dinner at our hotel this evening accompanied by the enchanting sounds of resident cicadas and tree frogs.
Day 3 Enjoy Tortuguero National Park Sightseeing
Explore Tortuguero’s lush waterways, keeping a keen eye out for howler monkeys, toucans and sloths amidst the dense rainforest canopy. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting during nesting season, choose to join an optional walk to witness some of the world’s largest turtles laying their eggs on the Caribbean shores.
Day 4 Tortuguero – Sarapiquí
Bid adiós to Tortuguero and head back to the mainland where we’ll enjoy lunch before meeting the Tico family for a Dive into Culture experience at their palm plantation to learn about and sample the delicate heart of palm. We continue to Sarapiquí where we’ll get up close and personal to the Costa Rica’s exquisite nature during a leisurely hike. Keep a look out for the endangered great green macaw and connect with your beautiful natural surrounds. Enjoy a Regional Meal dinner this evening at your hotel with the owners.
Optional Experiences: White Water Rafting Level II and III*
Day 5 Sarapiquí – Arenal
Embark on an optional rafting trip^. We Connect with Locals, joining the Quintana Family for a Be My Guest lunch at their eco-friendly hacienda. Make a Difference and learn how your visit contributes to the local community. We continue to Arenal Volcano, where we spend the afternoon relaxing.
Optional Experiences: Arenal Natura Ecological Park
At this wonderful park you will have the opportunity to experience Costa Rica’s wildlife up close and personal where beautiful frogs, birds, reptiles, and their natural habitats will have the starring role. This package includes a frog sanctuary, bird watching, a serpentarium (home to different species of snakes found in Costa Rica), a reptile lagoon (to observe crocodiles) and a heliconia garden. Total duration is approximately 2 hours. Gratuity included.
Day 6 Arenal – Monteverde Cloud Forest (2 Nights)
Our soul-stirring encounter with Costa Rica’s natural wonders continues after a morning at leisure. Straddle the Continental Divide and touch the sky in Monteverde Cloud Forest, where you’ll have an opportunity to explore this biodiverse sanctuary, renowned for its collection of orchid species – more than in any other single place. Tonight, we’ll meet a native Quaker, and Local Specialist, who will share stories of Old Town Monteverde and delve into the history of the American Quakers who settled in the area in the 1950s.
Day 7 Exlore Monteverde Cloud Forest
This morning, join your guide for an excursion through the lush rainforests of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. We ascend to the treetops high above the jungle floor below, treading lightly along the Sky Walk^ suspension bridges amongst the wildlife that find sanctuary in the boughs of the surrounding canopy. As our epic eco-adventure nears its end, we share stories with newfound friends at a Farewell Dinner.
Day 8 Monteverde – Depart Liberia
For now it’s a fond hasta luego to Costa Rica, but not goodbye. Transfer to
Liberia International Airport or travel on to Guanacaste Beach for those extending their stay.
$1,695.00 per person based on Trafalgar Costa Rica Eco Adventure End Liberia – 8 Days, 7 Cities
