Tour description
We’ll meet you in the capital San José, then spend the night in a centrally-located small hotel with character. On day 2 you’ll be able to explore the city and pay a visit to one of the many museums and parks, the colourful Mercado, the famous National theatre, or the Poàs volcano.
Along the Caribbean coast
The next day you’ll have a magnificent ride through primeval rain-forest and mountain passes as we travel along the Caribbean coast to Punta Cocles. The more adventurous members of the party can go wild-water rafting on the Pacuare if they wish.Cahuita National Park
We’ll stay in a pleasant resort where we’ll be awakened in the morning by howler monkeys. Nevertheless, it’s a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a swim from the beach. You might wish to take a walk amongst the flora and fauna that thrive around the resort. Or you could visit the Cahuita National Park, a little further from the resort. Swimmers might take a snorkelling or diving trip by boat so that they can enjoy the magnificent corals and large numbers of multi-coloured fish. Nightlife fans will want to go out in Puerto Viejo, with its many reggae-bars and restaurants. Day 5 we move on to Sarapiqui to observe many of their 400 or so bird species.The most active volcano in Central America
On day 6 we drive to La Fortuna Arenal, the most active volcano in Central America. There's a lot to do here: horse-riding, rafting, hiking to a hidden waterfall, or paying a visit to the Caño Negro (a water-rich area full of birds, alligators, turtles, moneys and reptiles). One must-see is the ‘Jesus Christ Lizard’ or common basilisk, which can walk on water.Rincón de la Vieja
On day 8 we’ll drive north to the national park at Rincón de la Vieja. The several volcanoes there are ideal for long or short walks. Clouds of fog and sulphur will billow around us as we walk beside the boiling and whirling mud-pools, stopping here and there for a mineral clay bath. Here you’ll also be able to ride horses and participate in a ’canopy tour’ during which you’ll be lifted in a harness and ‘flown’ amongst the tree-tops.Monteverde Cloud Forest
On day 10 we drive towards the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Situated at the highest point of the central mountain ridge, it’s nearly always covered in fog. This has caused the trees and tree brackens to be overgrown. Here you’ll find extraordinary fauna such as humming birds, coatis, poison arrow frogs and the shy and beautiful red-and-green-coloured quetzal. Adventurers can have a sky-walk here amongst the hanging bridges high over the jungle.Playa Tamarindo
Day 12 sees us at Playa Tamarindo, the sunniest part of the country. Its magnificent beach offers superb swimming and, during October to March, giant green sea turtles and leatherback sea turtles may come ashore to lay their eggs. You can snorkel, dive, surf or visit the nearby bird-rich Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge. Alternatively you might hang out at the bars and restaurants. Our comfortable hotel has its own small swimming pool and you'll sleep here, in small bungalows, just opposite the road to the beach.San José
On day 14 we’ll return to San José, and a chance to eat ourselves under the table, for one last night before we disband.