Costa Rica
Costa Rica, a jewel of Central America, is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and commitment to environmental conservation. From the pristine beaches of the Pacific and Caribbean coasts to majestic volcanoes and lush tropical forests, every corner of the country offers a unique natural adventure. Costa Rican culture is equally captivating, infused with indigenous, Spanish, and Afro-Caribbean traditions. Ticos, as the locals call themselves, are known for their laid-back attitude and love for outdoor life. The rhythmic music of calypso and salsa, colorful dances, and lively festivals reflect the joy of life and cultural diversity of Costa Rica. Costa Rican cuisine showcases local delights, from exotic fresh fruits like pineapple and papaya to traditional dishes like gallo pinto (rice and beans), ceviche, and casados (complete meals). Local markets brim with fresh produce and regional specialties, offering visitors an authentic and delicious culinary experience.
Day 1: Your home - SAN JOSE
Departure from Paris to San José. Arrival in San José in the afternoon and welcome at the airport by your French-speaking private chauffeur-guide. Depart by private vehicle to your hotel. You will have a free afternoon and spend the night in the capital.
Day 2: SAN JOSE - POAS VOLCANO - LA PAZ - SAN JOSE
This morning, you will take the Pan-American Highway towards Poás Volcano. You will pass through plantations of ferns, flowers, and strawberries. You will notice the change in vegetation as you ascend to the lush forest of Poás Volcano. It is known for having the largest crater in the world: 1.5 km in diameter and 300 meters deep! You will be able to observe the impressive main crater with its sulfur fumaroles. Then, you will take a walk along the trails to Botos Lagoon. You will continue to La Paz, a beautiful natural park where you will discover spectacular waterfalls. You will also visit a butterfly, hummingbird, and frog garden. Your return to San José is scheduled for the afternoon, with a stop along the way to visit a coffee plantation.
Day 3: SAN JOSE - TORTUGUERO
In the morning, depart towards the north of the Caribbean coast and Tortuguero National Park for your first glimpse of the “Green Gold” of Costa Rica. You will board a motorboat for a ride on the park's canals. Enjoy getting up close to nature; monkeys, iguanas, sloths, parrots, and other wild birds will be there to welcome you! Arrive at your lodge, settle in, and have lunch before visiting Tortuguero, a small village located by the nature reserve. It mainly relies on tourism, but fishing and subsistence farming are also practiced there: an interesting symbiosis between indigenous elements proud of their origins and current developments looking towards the future.
Day 4: TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
A full day dedicated to exploring Tortuguero National Park, the "little Amazon"... In the morning, you will take a guided walk along the lodge's trails; in the afternoon, enjoy a lovely cruise on the Tortuguero canals. It is one of the most important wilderness areas in Costa Rica in terms of biological diversity. Tortuguero is characterized by its beautiful canals, lagoons, and rivers that can be traversed by boat or kayak.
Day 5: TORTUGUERO - ARENAL VOLCANO
In the morning, you will take a motorboat back to the dock, then drive towards Arenal Volcano. In the late afternoon, you will arrive in the lush San Carlos Valley, where the majestic Arenal Volcano, one of the most active in the world, rises, its perfect cone emerging from the clouds...
Day 6: ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK
This morning, you will immerse yourself in authentic Costa Rica. First, you will visit a school where the children will present their daily lives and culture. Then, you will visit a fruit plantation with the owner, who will explain their various uses and health benefits. On the same property, there is a "trapiche": you will observe the process of extracting juice from sugarcane, taste it, and enjoy its spirit. In the afternoon, you will hike along the wonderful trails of Arenal National Park. The trails will lead you through the mountains, over recent lava flows and the area destroyed in 1968, which is now regenerating.
Day 7: ARENAL VOLCANO - JACO - MANUEL ANTONIO
Today, you will head south along the Pacific coast. On the way, you will stop at the mouth of the Tarcoles River for a wildlife observation cruise, notably for crocodiles. Continue to Jaco, one of the country's first seaside resorts, and then proceed to Manuel Antonio National Park, one of Costa Rica's natural gems...
Day 8: MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK
This morning, depart for the marina in Quepos, meet your captain, and board for a cruise to observe the marine mammals that inhabit these warm Costa Rican waters. Dolphins will surely swim close to your boat. The rest of the morning on board will be free, depending on your preferences: you can continue wildlife watching or venture closer to shore for an impromptu swim. You will also have the option to kayak, paddleboard, snorkel, and fish. Fresh fruits and ceviche will be served on board. The afternoon will be dedicated to exploring Manuel Antonio National Park: with dream beaches lined with forests and abundant flora and fauna, it is a true jewel! You can observe 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds. Your experienced guide will provide you with all the necessary information about the natural history during your walk.
Day 9: MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK
A free day to enjoy your hotel’s surroundings and its beautiful environment.
Day 10: MANUEL ANTONIO - SAN JOSE - Home
Free morning before returning to San José for your flight back home.
