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TailorMade Costa Rica: Natural Wonders

13 days, San José to San José

Map of the route for TailorMade Costa Rica: Natural Wonders
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Itinerary

Day 1San José

Arrive at any time. Your arrival transfer is included.

Airport Transfer
Juan Santamaría International Airport – San José

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Day 2San José/Quepos

Travel to the Pacific Coast town of Quepos, just outside Manuel Antonio National Park.

Spend the afternoon in Manuel Antonio National Park. The park offers excellent hiking, spectacular views, and abundant wildlife viewing. The park boasts beautiful white-sand beaches and the warm turquoise water. Hike, swim and see the wildlife that makes this park so special. Opt to go on a night out and perhaps learn how to salsa.

The small town of Quepos is on the Pacific Coast and this region of Costa Rica is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun and nearby sea. A short distance away, Manuel Antonio National Park offers beautiful white-sand beaches and warm turquoise water, ideal for swimming, fishing, kayaking, boogie boarding, sailing or surfing.

Manuel Antonio National Park Tour
Manuel Antonio

Pack your sunscreen, snack, beach shoes, and prepare for a great day in Costa Rica’s smallest yet no less stunning national park. Manual Antonio offers four white-sand beaches, separated by jagged rock outcrops and tidal pools. Swim, snorkel, surf, and sunbathe. When you’re all beached out, head to the shade of the nearby hiking trails to search for sloths, monkeys, and armadillos. Climb to the lookout to capture views of the pristine Pacific Ocean and the area’s off-shore islands.

Private Vehicle
San José – Quepos3h-4h166km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 3Quepos

In the morning, set sail with a Manuel Antonio Catamaran Tour. Soak in the sun from a 100ft catamaran, with an included snorkel excursion. Spend the rest the day relaxing on the beach, hiking, learning to hang 10, kayaking, fishing, or horseback riding.

Manuel Antonio Catamaran Tour
Manuel Antonio

Cruise along the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica aboard a 100ft catamaran, taking in the impressive scenery and lush jungle that has made Manuel Antonio famous. Keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins who call these waters home before stopping to snorkel, swim, or ride one of the boat's water slides into the ocean. If you're wanting to relax and experience what the locals call Pura Vida (pure life), then look no further.

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Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow

Fishing
Quepos

Cast a line and (depending on the season) hope to hook a marlin, sailfish, tuna or dorado (mahi mahi). Fishing in Quepos, north of Manuel Antonio, is Costa Rica’s most popular spot for blue water sport fishing.

Hiking
Manuel Antonio National Park

Pack your sunscreen, snack, and hiking shoes. Head out for a great day in Costa Rica’s smallest national park. Manual Antonio offers four white-sand beaches, separated by jagged rock outcrops and tidal pools. Hike on shaded trails to search for sloths, monkeys, and armadillos. Climb to the lookout to capture views of the pristine Pacific Ocean and the area’s off-shore islands.

Horseback Riding
Uvita
35-45USD per person

Throw on some long pants, grab the reins and hop up on a well-trained horse. Trail ride through the tropical forest and across the area’s most beautiful landscape. Look for toucans in the trees and admire the ocean views. Visit waterfalls and end your journey jogging your horse along the beach.

Kayaking
Manuel Antonio National Park
70USD per person

Choose to kayak the calm waters of the mangroves or paddle the waves of the Pacific. In the Damas Island estuary, the ocean meets fresh water rivers and creates a protected home for birds, snakes, crocodiles, and white face monkeys. For the more adventurous, opt for an open-seat ocean kayak and paddle along the shoreline and nearby islands, keeping an eye out for frigates, boobies, and jumping fish. Minimum age: 6-8 depending on tour type.

Surfing
Manuel Antonio National Park1h-5h
55-75USD per person

Slather on the sunscreen, strap on a leash, pull on a rash guard, and get ready to hit the waves. Experience the surf at the beaches near Quepos and Manuel Antonio with their left, right, and well-shaped beach breaks. Take a lesson, learn tips and techniques, then hang ten like a local.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 4Quepos/Monteverde

Travel through the stunning Costa Rican scenery up into mountains and on to Monteverde Cloud Forest. Stop at Life Monteverde, a coffee cooperative for coffee tastings, and a tour of their farm to learn about sustainable agriculture. In the afternoon, take time to venture out and explore the mountainous town of Monteverde. In the evening, take an included guided night walk to learn about nocturnal life in the jungle firsthand.

Ascend to the Monteverde cloud forest region. Spend a couple of days exploring the town and a cloud forest reserve, truly a bird lover's paradise. This unique community has several cooperatives worth visiting.

Your G for Good Moment: Cafe Monteverde Experience

Enjoy a visit to Life Monteverde, a coffee cooperative made up of 12 local families, dedicated to educating Costa Rica and the world about sustainable farming and conservation. Your visit here directly benefits Life Monteverde's educational programs, which provide free access to local school groups, and training for Costa Ricans. Walk through the plantations of various tropical plants including bananas and pineapples, and learn about coffee growing and production, as well as various sustainable agriculture techniques like converting animal waste to fuel. Also make sure to taste the delicious coffee before you go!

Guided Cloud Forest Night Walk
Monteverde

Join a naturalist guide for a 1.5-2 hour tour in the cloud forest after dark. Learn more about the habits of the area's nocturnal wildlife including mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians, and keep your eyes and ears open on this slow-paced walk. You never know what you might see – it depends on the day and your luck!

Private Vehicle
Quepos – Monteverde4h-4h190km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 5Monteverde

In the morning, explore the cloud forest in a totally new light with a guided tour of the Santa Elena Cloud Forest. In the afternoon, continue to take in the best of Monteverde from a bird's eye view flying across the the canopy on a series of ziplines.

Santa Elena Cloud Forest Guided Tour
Monteverde2h-3h 5-6km

Pull on your poncho and boots. It’s time to head into the cloud-covered forest, past over-sized ferns and exotic orchids. Harness your inner Tarzan and Jane as you imagine swinging from the giant vines. Walk along 5-6km (7 mi) of trails at a leisurely pace, watch for wildlife, and trek to the top of the observation tower. Be sure to stop and listen, too. Hear the haunting call of the bellbird and perhaps catch sight of the brilliant green and red resplendent quetzal. Feel good about protecting the forest and sustaining the quality of local schools through payment of your park fees.

Ziplining in Monteverde
Monteverde3h-4h

Buckle up your harness, don your helmet, and prepare to launch. Glide along cables suspended high above the cloud forest canopy. Dare to let go and reach top speeds as you zip past stunning scenery. Forget your fear as you spot a toucans or exotic orchids in this adrenaline-filled experience.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 6Monteverde/La Fortuna

Travel by bus and boat across Lake Arenal through the stunning Costa Rican scenery from Monteverde to La Fortuna.

Upon arrival into La Fortuna, get right in the swing of things with an afternoon of canyoning past waterfalls in the jungle. In the evening and chill at the pool as you take in views of the surrounding jungle and volcanoes.

Lost Canyon Adventures Canyoning
La Fortuna4h

Hold on tight and get ready to rappel down the face of rushing waterfalls. Fear and fun collide in the rainforest as you throw caution to the monkeys and launch yourself into nature. Get soaked and feel completely alive. Trek through rivers and keep your eyes peeled for exotic birds and wildlife. Let the action begin!

Private Vehicle
Monteverde – La Fortuna4h-5h90km

Descend from the cloud forests of Monteverde to the shimmering Lake Arenal. Board a boat to view the volcano, then continue on to La Fortuna once across the lake.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 7La Fortuna

Take in the sights of the river with a day of adrenaline packed white water rafting on the Sarapiquí River. Like much of Costa Rica, the area is a birders’ paradise, with over 600 species as permanent residents. In the evening, relax in the soothing waters of the local hot springs.

Whitewater Rafting
Arenal – La Fortuna

Pull on your bathing suit and water shoes, don a helmet and prepare to get wet and wild. Guided by expert leaders, paddle through Class II-IV rapids as you raft past spectacular scenery. Feel the burn, work up a sweat, then cool off in the pure river water. Experience the energy and excitement and enjoy!

Your Wellness Moment: Hot Springs

Relax in the shadow of the Arenal Volcano immersed in therapeutic waters heated by the earth’s magma and infused with healing minerals and salts. Rejuvenate your muscles, detox your cells, and stimulate all your senses in nature’s thermal spa. Breathe in the pure rainforest air and marvel at the mystic surroundings of these outdoor pools of paradise.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 8La Fortuna/Tortuguero

In the morning, transfer by road then boat through the famous canals of Tortuguero. This tropical eco-paradise is home to countless bird and animal species, and you will have many opportunities to view and photograph wildlife. This unique village has walking paths that extend into the national park, a fantastic place to see wildlife even when turtles aren't in season.

The tropical rainforest gives way to prime secluded beaches, ideal nesting grounds for green turtles (nesting July through October), loggerhead, hawksbill, and leatherback turtles (nesting March through June). We cannot guarantee you will see turtles, but that odds are fairly good from July through October. Opt to visit the nesting grounds of the green and leatherback turtles at night (seasonal).

Private Vehicle
La Fortuna – Guápiles

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Pachira Lodge 3D/2N Package
Tortuguero

Take two days at a beautiful lodge on the canals of Tortuguero. Package includes transportation to and from the lodge, all meals covered, a guided boat tour in the Tortuguero National Park Canals and the village of Tortuguero, along with all entry fees. There's no better way to view the flora and fauna of the stunning Tortuguero National Park.

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Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow

Guided Kayak Excursion
Tortuguero
60USD per person

Grab a paddle and prepare to witness a parade of tropical birds, reptiles, and mammals as you kayak through the black water canals of the Tortuguero National Park. Scan the trees for toucans, watch the shores for caimans, otters, iguanas, frogs, and look up to see monkeys sharing space with sloths. Bring your binoculars and bug spray. Be prepared for hot, humid, and possibly wet weather.

Tortuguero National Park Guided Night Boat Tour
Tortuguero National Park

Travel the canals by night to learn about the incredible biological diversity of the area. Different animals are more active at night and this is the best time for caiman spotting.

Turtle Nesting Night Excursion (Seasonal)
Tortuguero National Park – Tortuguero
51USD per person

Head out at night to visit the nesting grounds of the green and leatherback turtles (seasonal) on the beaches of Tortuguero National Park. Learn about the turtles' nesting process and hopefully see females lay eggs, during this once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 9Tortuguero

On your second day, take a guided boat tour through the canals and view the wildlife. Search for caiman, monkeys (spider, howler, and white-faced capuchin), sloths, and basilisk lizards. In the afternoon, opt to wander through the town.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 10Tortuguero/Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

After a morning boat ride back to the mainland, head to the picturesque village of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, with spectacular scenery en route. This seaside town is perfect for relaxing. Upon arrival check out the beach and the sea creatures with an afternoon of snorkeling.

Snorkel and Hike Cahuita NP
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca5h17m-6h

Cahuita is a tiny village and is famous for beautiful white sandy beaches and its National Park. Start off with a hike through the park to see an extensive variety of flora and fauna throughout this protected area and learn the unique history for Cahuita from your guide. Break at some of the various beaches and coral reefs throughout the park to snorkel and see the abundant marine life here. Tropical fruits and water are provided for some snacks along the way!

Private Vehicle
Tortuguero – Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

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Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow

Bike Rental
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Rent a bike from a local shop and head out to explore.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 11Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

In the morning head to one of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca’s 14 kms of incomparable white- and black-sand beaches. Surrounded by exotic tropical vegetation, test your balance and coordination with an included surf lesson. The warm turquoise water is ideal for swimming, fishing, kayaking, boogie boarding, and surfing. In the afternoon head into Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge for a hike.

Don't forget to try some fantastic Afro-Caribbean cuisine.

Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge Hike
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca4h-5h

Beginning at the Cocles River south of Puerto Viejo, the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge extends through beach communities, jungle, marshland, coves and coast all the way to the Sixaola River and the border with Panama. Begin in Manzanillo and wind your way through plantations of cacao, strangler fig and almond trees, look for capuchin and howler monkeys, sloths and raccoons. White sand beaches lead into aquamarine water, filled with 35 species of coral and tropical fish, sea turtles, lobsters and sting rays. Wear light clothing, walking shoes, and bring lots of water and insect repellent.

Surf Lesson - Puerto Viejo
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Hit the beach and get ready to hang ten with a surf lesson from trained surf instructors. Spend some time in the water getting friendly with the waves, practice paddling, then pop up to balance on the wider, softer beginner boards.

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Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow

Bike Rental
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Rent a bike from a local shop and head out to explore.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 12Puerto Viejo de Talamanca/San José

Enjoy a free morning in Puerto Viejo and soak up the sun on the Caribbean. In the afternoon, start the journey by private transfer back to the capital.

Private Vehicle
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca – San José4h30m-5h410km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 13San José

Depart at any time. Your departure transfer is included.

Airport Transfer
San José – Juan Santamaría International Airport

You will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport.

Meals included:

Breakfast

TailorMade Costa Rica: Natural Wonders

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