15-Day Nature Lover’s Escape: Costa Rica Adventure from Cloud Forests to Tropical Beaches
Imagine a place where adventure and comfort come together in perfect harmony. Costa Rica, situated between Panama and Nicaragua, is a treasure trove of exciting experiences and modern amenities. On this specially crafted 15-day adventure, you'll get to experience the best of what this incredible country has to offer. From the breathtaking heights of Mt. Arenal to the serene shores of Tortuguero National Park, every moment is a chance to explore, connect with nature and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Costa Rica, making it the ultimate getaway. As you trek through rainforests, relax in volcanic hot springs or marvel at the stunning biodiversity of this beautiful land, you'll create memories that will stay with you forever.
What's included
Itinerary
Get to Costa Rica's lively capital city and take a beautiful ride to the middle of San José. The city is surrounded by green mountains and has a great mix of museums, art galleries and neighborhoods with a lot of character. When you get there, check into your hotel and start feeling the charm of Costa Rica right away. You'll have plenty of time to explore and see what the city has to offer.
The City Walk explores the most famous sites in San José. The visit includes the National Theater and the pre-Columbian Gold Museum as well as a visit to the intriguing Jade Museum. We can then experience part of San José’s retail scene at its local markets, where handicrafts and souvenirs can be purchased.
Travel to Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica’s “little Amazon”. Upon arrival at the port, you will feel immediately how things change to a more primal state in this tropical wilderness. One of the purest areas in Costa Rica, surrounded by canals, lakes and a variety of wildlife. After arriving at the port you will check in at the local operator’s desk and be transported by boat to your accommodation. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the beautiful setting.
After a peaceful morning tour of the beach to see the endangered sea turtle nesting sites (depending on season) , return to your lodge for lunch. Then, explore the canals of Tortuguero by boat while spotting monkeys and exotic birds. Time to settle back into your jungle lodge and relax for the remainder of the day.
From the sun drenched Caribbean coast, head to La Fortuna at the base of Arenal Volcano. Arenal is one of Costa Rica’s most dramatic sights, a near perfect cone covered in rainforest. There are many ways to experience Arenal from hiking in the many trails through the forest to total relaxation in one of the many hot springs which utilize Arenal’s geothermal activity.
Experience flying through the canopy of the Arenal Jungle on state of the art zip lines. Get eye level views of the surrounding landscape and a spectacular view of the volcano. In the afternoon you will visit the La Fortuna Waterfall, where you can swim and enjoy the amazing views of the surrounding forest. Transfer back to your hotel afterwards.
Get to feel and know the beautiful rainforest of Mistico Park from above on a tour via suspended bridges. Identify local wildlife such as the tree frog, iguana and toucan among others. The afternoon's schedule is empty for you to relax and enjoy it as you prefer..
One of the trip highlights will be a visit to the famous Cloud Forest Reserve in Monteverde, with breathtaking biodiversity. Upon arrival you will be able to check into your chosen accommodation and then take a look around the town at leisure. This pretty tourist centre with cobbled streets houses a variety of local handicraft shops and excellent restaurants. As Monteverde gets its name from the persistent cloud which hangs over it, there will be a fresh, mountain atmosphere throughout the town.
In this tour you will visit some of the local coffee and chocolate plantations and will have the chance to understand how the crops are grown, harvested and processed. You will have the chance to taste the different beans and local chocolates made with love and care. After the visit you will be dropped off back to your hotel.
Travel to Piedras Blancas National Park on the Pacific coast and be amazed by the natural splendor of the secluded Flycatcher Rainforest Lodge on the shores of Golfo Dulce Bay. Relax on sun-kissed beaches, hike and play in the rainforest or experience the thrill of swimming in the Bay’s crystal clear waters.
Relax on Nicuesa Beach. Swim in the crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Chiriquí. Take a self-guided hike along the shoreline to experience breathtaking views of the bay and surrounding tropical forest.
Piedras Blancas National Park offers numerous treks which allow access to many hidden waterfalls. On this half-day guided nature walk, accompanied by the knowledge of the guide, encounter the rich variety of flora and fauna that live in the lush jungle of the National Park. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the cool water below one of the waterfalls, then return to the lodge.
Take a leisurely kayak tour along the southern shores of Golfo Dulce guided by an experienced local guide. After kayaking, spend the afternoon at leisure to enjoy the wonderful scenery and natural beauty of the area.
Following yesterday’s kayaking tour you can relax around the lodge and its surroundings. Alternatively, treat yourself with a special spa treatment in order to release any physical tension caused during the several days of vacation.
Leave time to take a stroll along the waterfront on your last morning in Costa Rica before you are transferred back to San José for your departure flight home. We are sure you are leaving full with new experience and we are looking forward to welcoming you back on another trip with Tailored by Locals.
