San José – Irazú Volcano – Lankester Botanical Garden – Orosi – San José

Early in the morning you will be picked up at your hotel in the city and enjoy a picturesque trip through small towns and lush green landscapes to visit the Irazú volcano. The view of the Central Valley from the mountain road is simply beautiful! At first, we will ascend towards the top of the Irazú volcano, at 3432 meters above sea level (bring a windproof jacket – it can get quite cold at the top). On clear days it is possible to see the coast from up there. After visiting the volcano, we will stop in the town of Cartago to visit the Basilica ¨Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles¨, an important place of pilgrimage for Costa Ricans. It harbors a vast collection of small gold and silver medals in the shape of body parts, known as ‘Milagros’, that pilgrims bring as tokens of gratitude if they have been healed after praying at this shrine. Afterward, we will visit the Lankester Botanical Garden near Orosi, which proudly preserves an extensive collection of orchids and bromeliads, as well as an impressive range of native species. Driving through these rural backwaters of Costa Rica gives you a glimpse of the daily life of these small communities, where little has changed over the years. Known for its picturesque and historic scenery, the Central Valley is also home to Costa Rica’s oldest church, the colonial church of Orosi, which dates back to 1767. After a full day exploring the nature and history of the Central Valley, we will return to San José.

Accommodation: San Jose
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch
Included activities: Visit of the Irazú Volcano National Park, Lankester Botanical Garden

San José – La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano)

After breakfast, at the time that we agreed on, a representative of the rental car company will contact you at your hotel to deliver the rental car. Today’s destination is La Fortuna, with Arenal Volcano as its main attraction. Its almost perfect cone of 1670 m is truly impressive! Although Arenal is somewhat less active than it used to be, that does not detract from the perennial appeal of this area, which has SO MUCH to offer.
Accommodation: La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano).
Included meals: Breakfast
Included activities: None

La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano)

After breakfast, you have all day to explore this magnificent region and all that it has to offer: adrenaline buzzes like canopy zip-line, whitewater rafting, inner tubing, night safaris, horseback riding, rappelling, mountain bicycle tours; hiking, spelunking, visiting waterfalls, or hanging bridges, or more relaxing activities, such as taking a rejuvenating dip in the thermo-mineral waters that come from a volcanic vein.
Accommodation: in La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano).
Included meals: Breakfast
Included activities: None

La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano) – Rincon de la Vieja

After breakfast head for the mountains Guanacaste, and the slopes of the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Here, you find quite a different type of tropical vegetation: dry tropical forest. Rincon de la Vieja National Park is one of the most geothermally active areas in Costa Rica. Steam rises from the earth and mud pools bubble away, making it seem as if the very ground you walk on is alive and heaving. Due to the fact, that this area is a little bit out of the way, this wonderful national park is one of the least visited in the country, which means you don’t have to beat the crowds in order to enjoy it.

Activities offered in the area include horseback riding, whitewater rafting, and canyoning, as well as bathing in the thermal waters and mud baths, said to be beneficial for the skin.
Accommodation: in the Rincón de la Vieja area.
Included meals: Breakfast
Included activities: None

Rincon de la Vieja

After breakfast, you have all day to explore the different activities offered by the lodge or visiting the one of the National Parks in the region, Rincon de la Vieja, Guanacaste National Park or Santa Rosa National Park, or even the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge.  Accommodation: in the Rincón de la Vieja area.
Included meals: Breakfast
Included activities: None

Rincón de la Vieja – North Pacific Beaches

After breakfast, when you are ready, head down to the North Pacific beaches. The Northern Pacific, about 200 km of coastline, is famous for its spectacular beaches, blessed with a pleasant climate, sands that range from pure white to dark ash-colored grains, and crystal clear water, sparkling in every shade of blue.

Accommodation: at one of the North Pacific Beaches.
Included meals: Breakfast
Included activities: None

North Pacific Beaches

Enjoy the next couple of days by the beach, or visiting some of the nature reserve or National Parks in the area. Other possible activities include fishing, canopy tours, horseback riding, swimming, diving, surfing, or just sunbathing.

Accommodation: at one of the North Pacific Beaches
Included meals: Breakfast
Included activities: None

North Pacific Beaches – San José

After breakfast, when you are ready, drive back to San José.  If you get there early, you can visit some of the sites and museums of the capital.

Accommodation: in San José.
Included meals: Breakfast
Included activities: None

San José International Airport

After breakfast, at the appropriate time, head back to the airport. It is recommended to get there 3h-3h30 before your flight’s departure in order to allow for plenty of time to drop off your rental car and get through the check-in and security procedures. The rental car offices are located a little bit away from the airport, but they will give you a lift to the terminal after you have dropped off the car.  It’s time to say goodbye to Costa Rica and board your flight home!

Included meals: Breakfast
Included activities: None