Extended Costa Rica Highlights

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Extended Costa Rica Highlights Day to Day Itinerary 

You decided on a Costa Rica Vacation! Great! But now you probably face the problem of deciding which places to visit, simply because you want to see them all. For the traveler with a little bit of extra time who wants to scratch the finest Costa Rica destinations off their list, we have devised the Extended Costa Rica Highlights Package. From the Caribbean Coast to the northern zones, Guanacaste, the Central Pacific all the way to the fabled Osa Peninsula. This 21 day trip will introduce you to the best Costa Rica has to offer! 


Day 1:

Holiday Inn San Jose AurolaToday’s the day to start off on your amazing Costa Rica adventure tour. We will meet you personally at the airport with a custom welcome package. Then we direct you to the private transfer and you are on your way to the first hotel. Stay at Aurola Holiday Inn, one of downtown San Jose’s most friendly centrally-located hotels, with a beautiful view of Morazán Park and the National Museum.


Day 2:

Puerto Viejo Costa Rica CoastNow it is time for your shuttle to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica and the town of Puerto Viejo. Here you will stay at the Villas del Caribe. Villas del Caribe caters to those that love to relax and put their feet up after a full day of travels. The Caribbean Coast is market by a completely different influence than the rest of the country. Here you will get a chance to experience the Afro-Caribbean culture, a reggae like vibe mixed with the Tico Pura Vida. Go out and enjoy some of it!


Day 3:

Baby SlothOn day three you’re in for a treat as we take you to the Jaguar Rescue Center, Chocolate Lady & Waterfall. This trip combines three of our most popular activities: a visit to an Animal Sanctuary and Rescue Centre. Then a visit to an indigenous family that shows you how they make chocolate right from the Cacao trees in their yard and a visit to a local waterfall and swimming hole. The rescue center houses and rehabilitates wildlife that has been wounded, orphaned or even confiscated. See sloths, monkeys, birds and many other species of animals! Learn to make chocolate with the family indigenous to this area of Costa Rica and take a relaxing dive into a waterfall. Perfect day!


Day 4:

The Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge MonkeyEnjoy a hike in Cahuita National Park! Start by exploring the charming community and then walk along the stunning beaches. Spot monkeys, sloths, birds, anteaters, armadillos, and many more!


Day 5 – 6

Mawamba Floating RestaurantNow we take you all the way north on the Caribbean side to stay at the Mawamba Lodge in Tortuguero. The lodge is specially designed for the complete enjoyment of the natural surroundings Tortuguero National Park has to offer. The hotel is situated on a narrow strip of land between the Caribbean Sea and the Tortuguero Lagoon. Spend some time exploring the town and don’t forget t take photos!

The next day, experience a boat tour through the canals of Tortuguero. This tour is will introduce you to the diversity of flora and fauna in this region. Be prepared to see sea turtles, crocodiles, caimans and many species of birds.

 


Day 7:

Hotel Arenal Lodge Volcano ViewTake another shuttle transfer all the way to the stunning and iconic Arenal volcano, one of Costa Rica’s active volcanoes, and stay at Los Lagos. Make sure enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way! Sit back and enjoy yourself. They pull out all the stops for you at this luxurious hotel.Arenal is famous for many things. Hot springs, al Fortuna, the La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal lake, hanging bridges, but also the canopy tour. The Sky Trek & Tram Tour are two thrilling tours sure to entice the inner child to come out and play. The views you get from atop the zip line leave you breathless and if that doesn’t, maybe the speedy zip down through the canopy will. On the Sky trek tour you can experience something a little more relaxed. Ride through the rainforest observing everything the eye can see! From wildlife to lush jungle.


Day 8:

Arenal Zip LiningThe Sky Trek is similar to a canopy tour and has a thrilling zip line circuit. This is the most thrilling zip line in the country. The Sky Tram, on the other hand, takes you on a smooth gondola ride through the lush rainforest, offering up endless views of Arenal National Park and beyond!


Day 9:

Trapp Family Lodge Hotel View1Head from Arenal to Monteverde and stay at the Trapp Family Lodge. On the same day you will take the El Trapiche tour! A Costa Rican Family project where you can see the working of the Tilapia fish project and enjoy the small forested area of the Monteverde zone where it is possible to see various flora and fauna. During the tour, you will get a chance to taste fresh coffee brewed from regional beans. After the tour you will be dropped off at your next hotel and spend a relaxing evening in Monteverde.


Day 10:

Monteverde

In Monteverde, you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the rainforest and take a tour through the Santa Elena Reserve. Learn all about the phenomenon of the cloud forest, a pristine paradise full of flora and fauna. Avoid the crowds as you explore the boundless primary forest at the Santa Elena Reserve and discover the natural wonders that the cloud forest has to offer. You can take self-guided hike on the various trails and discover many species of birds like the elusive but stunning Resplendent Quetzal!


Day 11:

Tamarindo Diria Ocean ViewBeach time! Head to the charming and bustling Tamarindo! You will be spending the next two nights at the stunning Tamarindo Diria.


Day 12:

Tamarindo Beach Aerial ViewEnjoy a free day relaxing at the hotel or explore Tamarindo. This is a great time to go souvenir shopping or indeed visit some of the many bars and restaurants. Why not take up a surfing lesson? Tamarindo is great for beginners!


Day 13:

Tamarindo Diria Beach SailingEnd your time in Tamarindo with a sunset sailing tour. Spot marine life while sailing to a tranquil bay where the catamaran will anchor and you will have the opportunity to go on a little snorkeling adventure! Enjoy a delicious lunch and sail back enjoying the sunset!


Day 14:

kahare gardensTime to head to Manuel Antonio where you will spend a couple of nights in the smallest yet one of the most lively national parks in Costa Rica! Manuel Antonio Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica! This destination is awesome for beachgoers and surfers as well as those looking to take advantage of the stunning rainforest. You will be staying at Hotel Karahe!


Day 15:

Manuel Antonio Beaches Aerial ViewTake a hike through this stunning park! Manuel Antonio National Park contains a unique combination of distinct habitats including rainforest, mangrove swamp, beaches and coral reefs. The beaches are considered by many to be the most beautiful in the country. The forest itself houses all kinds of exotic species. Get your camera ready!


Day 16-19:

CorcovadoToday you will head south to Drake Bay along the Sierpe river where you will enjoy a 3 night jungle package at Hotel Rancho Corcovado! Visit the San Pedrillo Ranger Station and explore the vast wilderness of Corcovado. Corcovado holds 13 major ecosystems, beach habitats, and coastal marine diversity.

As well as exploring the wilderness, you can explore the underwater paradise at Cano Island. Caño Island contains a great abundance of marine wildlife offering the perfect location for your next snorkeling adventure. You will be able to explore the warm waters and observe barracudas, moray eels, tuna, parrotfish, puffers, and many more! With a bit of luck, you might even get the opportunity to swim alongside sea turtles, dolphins and rays! Once inhabited by an indigenous tribe, the island possesses many pre-Colombian artifacts offering you the chance to learn more about its history and culture.


Day 20: 

Day 20 is here and probably way too soon, but it is time to head back to San Jose. We hope that you have enjoyed your Costa Rica Vacation and that you will be traveling with us again one day soon. Pura Vida!

Costa Rica Vacations Signature Collection

20
SJO
Interests Hiking, Beaches, Rainforest
Ideal for Families, Adrenaline Lovers, Nature Lovers, Couples

Destinations Visited

Click to Enlarge Costa Rica Map

Vacation At a Glance

Hotels Include

  • 1-night at Aurola Holiday Inn
  • 3-nights at Villas del Caribe
  • 2-nights at Mawamba Lodge
  • 2-nights at Los Lagos
  • 3-nights at Tamarindo Diriá Hotel
  • 4-nights at Karahe
  • 3-nights at Rancho Corcovado
  • 2-nights at Trogon Lodge

Tours included

  • Jaguar Rescue Center
  • Manzanillo Wildlife
  • Tortuguero National Park
  • Sky Trek & Tram Tour
  • Rafting connection to the Rio Tenorio
  • Diamante’s Adventure Pass
  • Manuel Antonio National Park
  • Catamaran Island Adventure
  • Caño Island Biological Reserve
  • Corcovado Park
  • Quetzal Bird Tour

Domestic Transportation

  • Private Transfer
  • Shuttle Transfer

All taxes included, perks listed where applicable

Hotels Included

Holiday Inn San Jose Aurola

Holiday Inn Aurola

San Jose. Pool, Jacuzzi, Restaurant. TV, Internet access / Wi Fi, Phone, Safe Box, Private Jacuzzi, Mini Bar / Fridge, Coffee Maker, Hair Dryer. Concierge.
4
4
From: $125 - $200
Villas Del Caribe Puerto Viejo Living Room

Villas del Caribe

Puerto Viejo. Favorite. Family Friendly Pool, Jacuzzi, Restaurant. Safe Box. Concierge.
3
2
From: $125 - $200
Mawamba Lodge Aerial View

Mawamba Lodge

Tortuguero. Favorite. Nature Pool, Jacuzzi, Restaurant, Bar / Lounge, Shop, Walking / Hiking Trails. Internet access / Wi Fi, Safe Box, Hair Dryer. Laundry Service.
3
From: $125 - $200
Los Lagos Hotel Spa & Resort

Los Lagos Resort

Arenal. Favorite. Family Friendly, Adventure, Volcano Spa, Pool, Restaurant, Shop. TV, Phone, Safe Box, Hair Dryer. Laundry Service, Concierge, Room Service.
3
5
From: $125 - $200
Tamarindo Diria Pool

Tamarindo Diria

Tamarindo. Favorite. Family Friendly, Adventure, Beachfront Pool, Jacuzzi, Fitness Room / Gym, Restaurant, Casino, Shop, Business Center, Golf. TV, Phone, Safe Box, Hair Dryer. Laundry Service, Concierge, Room Service.
4
From: $200 - $300
Hotel Karahe Exterior

Hotel Karahe

Manuel Antonio. Favorite. Beachfront Pool, Jacuzzi, Restaurant. TV. Concierge.
3
From: $125 - $200
View on Rancho Corcovado

Hotel Rancho Corcovado

Drake Bay. Nature, Adventure Restaurant. . .
3
From: Under $125
Trogon Lodge Lake

Trogon Lodge

San Gerardo. Favorite. Birding, Boutique, Nature Restaurant, Shop. Hair Dryer. Concierge.
3
From: Under $125

Tour Options

Sloth Sanctuary in Costa Rica

Sloth Sanctuary and Rescue Center

Cahuita, Puerto Viejo. Cultural, Nature
Wildlife Refuge Sloth

Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge Day Tour

Manzanillo, Puerto Viejo. Favorite. Nature Guide.
From: $50 - $75
Arenal Sky Trek Costa Rica

Arenal Sky Trek & Tram Ultimate Zip Lines

Arenal. Adventure, Nature
From: $75 - $100
Sky Tram Lake View

Arenal Sky Tram Up & Down

Arenal. Nature Guide, Drinks.
From: $50 - $75
Costa Rica Zipline Canopy

Diamante Eco Adventure Park

Potrero. Adventure, Cultural, Nature
From: $75 - $100
Pacuare River Rafting

Pacuare River Rafting Adventure

Pacuare, Puerto Viejo. Adventure, Nature Guide, Drinks, Snack, Meal, Transfer, Equipment.
From: $75 - $100
Manuel Antonio Monkey

Manuel Antonio National Park Tour

Manuel Antonio. Favorite. Family, Nature Guide, Drinks, Snack, Transfer, Equipment, Entrance Fee.
From: Under $50
extended highlights

Extended Costa Rica Highlights

Arenal, Corcovado, Manuel Antonio, Puerto Viejo, San Gerardo, San Jose, Tamarindo, Tortuguero. Families, Adrenaline Lovers, Nature Lovers, Couples. Hiking, Beaches, Rainforest.
20
SJO
More than $2000 p.p.
Corcovado Rainforest

San Pedrillo Corcovado National Park Tour

. Nature, Excursion Guide, Drinks, Snack, Meal, Transfer.
From: $75 - $100

Free Quote!

* The prices listed are subject to change at any time, you will receive a 100% exact price at the time of the quote. The rates listed here are per person of double occupancy and include taxes, domestic transportation, tours and hotels as described. The price DOES NOT include international air tickets or any other service not mentioned, includes the optional travel insurance.
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