This 12 nights’ package provides some of the back roads of our country. An interesting combination between the rainforest, volcanoes, dry forest, beach and local culture.
You will be visiting the Northern plains, in a couple of impressive sites. The Boca Tapada area near Nicaragua border, in a protected area (Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge) close by the majestic San Carlos River. Then you will travel to the Arenal Volcano area, specifically to the Arenal Volcano, which is known for its impressive conic shape.
Afterwards you will be heading to the Guanacaste area mountains near the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park. A great combination between the dry forest, countryside and nature.
Toward the end of your driving adventure, you will travel to the Nicoya Peninsula region where you will have some beach days. The landscapes of the Nicoya Region offer picture perfect views, whether from the crests of majestic, jungle-covered mountains, to the endless running streams and the tranquil beaches. The area in a way is remote set to just appreciate the laid-back lifestyle in a relative peaceful area along with gorgeous beaches.
Finally, you will enjoy the last two nights of the program in the Central valley mountains in the Naranjo region. In the area, you will find extended coffee plantations and a great view of the central valley. This is a nice place to settle, relax, make remembrance of your trip and eventually explore on your own.
Program summary:
Day 1: Arrival (SJO) and Overnight in San Jose.
Day 2: Boca Tapada, San Carlos
Day 3: Boca Tapada
Day 4: Arenal Volcano area
Day 5: Arenal Volcano area
Day 6: Rincon de la Vieja area
Day 7: Rincon de la Vieja area
Day 8: Nicoya Region
Day 9: Nicoya Region
Day 10: Nicoya Region
Day 11: Naranjo
Day 12: Naranjo
Day 13: Final day, departure via SJO.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: SJO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – SAN JOSE
Arrival at the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). A Swiss Travel representative will meet and greet you upon arrival and will provide you with all the necessary documentation that you will need during your vacation, such as day-by-day itinerary and the main contacts information and phone numbers. Then, you will be transferred to your hotel in San Jose, which is approximately 30 minutes driving distance, place where you will be staying one night.
Day 2: SAN JOSE – BOCA TAPADA, SAN CARLOS
Breakfast
Today in the morning at the hotel in San Jose, you will be provided with a (4×4) Car Rental.
You will be driving on your own to the different areas of the program. The driving experience today takes you to the Northern region of our country, north of Pital de San Carlos specifically to the Boca Tapa de San Carlos. Maquenque Lodge will be your home for the following two nights. This area is known for its ecology, wildlife observation, unique birding which is all surrounded by tropical rainforests and bordering the majestic San Carlos River.
Estimated driving time, non-stop: 4 ½ hour depending on route.
Estimated length time visiting places on route: 6 – 8 Hours
Places to possible visit: Poas Volcano, Sarchi artisan town, Zarcero church and park, La Paz Waterfalls.
Day 3: BOCA TAPADA
Breakfast
Day at leisure for you to explore the wonders of this area on your own. A boat tour on the San Carlos River, Walking Tours, horseback riding or a night tour are part of the optional (extra cost) activities in the area.
Day 4: BOCA TAPADA – ARENAL VOLCANO
Breakfast
After breakfast, you will be making your way to the Arenal Volcano area.
This Area represents the countryside of our towns. These lands are dedicated to agriculture and cattle ranches that become what many people have called the heart of the country. The main attraction of this area is by far the Arenal Volcano, which rises 1,633 meters above sea level showing off one of the main characteristics with its almost perfect conic shape.
Two nights stay at Lomas del Volcan Hotel.
Estimated driving time, non-stop:3 hour.
Estimated length time visiting places on route: 4 – 5 Hours
Places to possible visit: Ecocentro Danaus, Sonafluca, Fortuna.
Day 5: ARENAL VOLCANO
Breakfast
Day at leisure for you to discover on your own the different attractions, which are available in this area. At additional cost, you might explore Hiking in the Arenal National Park, Hanging Bridges, Canopy, and Horseback riding or relaxing at the Hot springs.
Day 6: ARENAL – RINCON DE LA VIEJA AREA
Breakfast
Today you will continue the journey driving around the Arenal Lake to the Rincon de la Vieja area.
A less than a four hour drive in which you will also be passing by Tilaran, Cañas, Liberia and then making your way up toward the Guanacaste mountains.
Here you will find country style-cattle areas and some of the natural wonders contained in the nearby Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park. Altitudes and climates vary significantly within the park, leading to a great degree of biodiversity within its borders. Hundreds of species of birds have been identified, as well as mammals of all sizes. This park is also famous for its boiling hot mud springs, sulfur springs and fumaroles.
Overnight at Hacienda Guachipelin Lodge for the next two nights.
Estimated driving time, non-stop: 3 1/2 hour.
Estimated length time visiting places on route: 4 ½ – 6 Hours
Places to possible visit: Arenal Lake, Eolics, Las Pumas Rescue Center.
Day 7: RINCON DE LA VIEJA AREA
Breakfast
Day at leisure. There are many activities at extra cost, which can be done in the area, such as Canopy, horseback riding, hiking, visit to the Rincon National Park and much more for you to discover.
Day 8: RINCON DE LA VIEJA – NICOYA REGION
Breakfast
After breakfast at the lodge, you will be making a long but very interesting drive through the Guanacaste plains heading to the remote area of the Nicoya Peninsula, duration driving time according to the route and the exact beach location.
The Nicoya Peninsula is one of the outreaches areas of Costa Rica, although it provides a vast, pristine region offering many diverse eco-systems. The terrain is diverse and bountiful, providing homes to an array of vegetation and some wildlife. The landscapes of the Nicoya Region offers picture perfect views, whether from the crests of majestic, jungle-covered mountains, to the endless running streams, to the cascading, thunderous waterfalls, or the tranquil relatively unpopulated beaches. The area in a way is remote set to just appreciate the laid-back lifestyle in a relative peaceful area along with gorgeous beaches.
For flexibility of your traveling, we will be providing you a different line of beach area hotels in which you can select according to your needs and concept. Kindly review carefully the different options, which are generated for the beach, stay in this area and its corresponding rate.
Three nights stay at your selected Hotel location.
Estimated driving time, non-stop: 3 1/2 – 5 hours depending on route and selected beach hotel.
Estimated length time visiting places on route: 5 – 10 Hours
Places to possible visit: Tempisque River – Palo Verde National Park, Guatil, Santa Cruz, Nicoya.
Days 9 & 10: NICOYA REGION
Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. Days at leisure to relax and enjoy the beach. Eventually on your own, you can explore the surroundings areas.
Day 11: NICOYA– NARANJO
Breakfast
Today you will continue your driving experience, as you will be making your way into the Central Valley and its central volcanic range, specifically to the Outskirts hills of the Naranjo. In this area, you will find Chayote lodge, which will be your home for the final two nights.
This is a nice place to settle, relax, make remembrance of your trip and eventually explore on your own the surrounding areas such as the countryside, nearby cloud forests and of course, the coffee producing process, where in general in the area you will find, extended coffee plantations.
Estimated driving time, non-stop: 5 hour depending on route and the departed beach area.
Estimated length time visiting places on route: 7 – 10 Hours
Places to possible visit: Nicoya Gulf/Tempisque River crossings, Barra Honda National Park (far distance from some locations).
Day 12: NARANJO
Breakfast
Day at leisure for your own exploring.
Day 13: NARANJO – SAN JOSE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Breakfast
Departure day.
Today you will be making your way to San Jose, specifically and directly to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO Airport).
In this area, you will drop off the car, please leave additional timing to drop off the car and also consider that as per airport regulations passengers are requested to be 3 hours in advance (before flight departure time) at the Airport for checking in process.
Estimated driving time, non-stop: 1 hour
END OF SERVICES
Details of Hotels
Beach Option, Nammbu Hotel| Location | Hotel Name | Category | Type of Room | CST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San José | Presidente | 3+Stars | Standard | 4 |
| Boca Tapada | Maquenque Lodge | Lodge | Bungalow Standard | 4 |
| Arenal | Lomas del Volcan | 3 Stars | Standard | N/A |
| Rincón de la Vieja | Hacienda Guachipelín | Lodge | Superior | 3 |
| Nicoya, Carrillo Beach | Hotel Nammbú | Boutique | Deluxe | N/A |
| Naranjo | Chayote Lodge | Boutique | Recibidor Suite | N/A |
Details of Hotels
Beach Option, Lagarta Lodge| Location | Hotel Name | Category | Type of Room | CST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San José | Presidente | 3+Stars | Standard | 4 |
| Boca Tapada | Maquenque Lodge | Lodge | Bungalow Standard | 4 |
| Arenal | Lomas del Volcan | 3 Stars | Standard | N/A |
| Rincón de la Vieja | Hacienda Guachipelín | Lodge | Superior | 5 |
| Nicoya, Nosara Beach | Lagarta Lodge | Boutique | Jungle | N/A |
| Naranjo | Chayote Lodge | Boutique | Recibidor Suite | N/A |
Details of Hotels
Beach Option, Tango Mar Hotel| Location | Hotel Name | Category | Type of Room | CST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San José | Presidente | 3+Stars | Standard | 4 |
| Boca Tapada | Maquenque Lodge | Lodge | Bungalow Standard | 4 |
| Arenal | Lomas del Volcan | 3 Stars | Standard | N/A |
| Rincón de la Vieja | Hacienda Guachipelín | Lodge | Superior | 5 |
| Nicoya, Tambor Beach | Tango Mar | Boutique | Beach Front | 3 |
| Naranjo | Chayote Lodge | Boutique | Recibidor Suite | N/A |
Details of Hotels
Beach Option, Tropico Latino Hotel| Location | Hotel Name | Category | Type of Room | CST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San José | Presidente | 3+Stars | Standard | 4 |
| Boca Tapada | Maquenque Lodge | Lodge | Bungalow Standard | 4 |
| Arenal | Lomas del Volcan | 3 Stars | Standard | N/A |
| Rincón de la Vieja | Hacienda Guachipelín | Lodge | Superior | 5 |
| Nicoya, Santa Teresa | Tropico Latino | 3 Stars | Standard | 3 |
| Naranjo | Chayote Lodge | Boutique | Recibidor Suite | N/A |