Costa Rica is a great destination to get in touch with its culture, natural wonders and of course its beaches. This program offers all of it and much more!
Enjoy amazing views of the Central Valley, surrounded by coffee plantations at the brand new hotel Chayote Lodge, then travel to northern lowlands and relax at the hot springs, just at the foot of the imposing Arenal Volcano and for the end of the program, enjoy some days sunbathing at the pacific coast with its extensive white-sand beaches backed by evergreen forest, it’s the ideal place to conclude your vacation, with days full of rest, relaxation and sun!
Program summary:
Day 1: Naranjo
Day 2: Naranjo // Coffee Plantations
Day 3: Arenal Volcano // Tabacon Hot Springs.
Day 4: Arenal Volcano
Day 5: Manuel Antonio
Day 6: Manuel Antonio
Day 7: Manuel Antonio
Day 8: Departure via SJO
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: SJO INT’L AIRPORT – NARANJO
Welcome to Costa Rica! Make sure to book a flight arriving early afternoon.
After arriving at Juan Santamaría Int’l Airport (SJO), a Swiss Travel representative will meet and greet you upon arrival and will provide some information and eventually traveling tips as per your visit. Your drive through the Central Mountain Range will take approximately 1 hour; it will offer you a first look of the diversity that the country has to offer including the beautiful Naranjo Coffee Plantations After check in at Chayote hotel, enjoy the rest of the day and evening at leisure.
Chayote Lodge can be sits amidst the growing coffee region of Llano Bonito de Naranjo. The intimate lodge boasts itself on a unique experience combining nature, culture, and of course, coffee. Guests will have the option to stay in one of the 12 suites that have been designed to resemble a classic Recibidores or coffee receiving station. Each of the individual 500 square-foot bungalows includes king bed, private sitting area, large two-sink bathrooms, and balcony with views to Poas, Barva and Irazu volcanos. The main building, hosts a restaurant, bar, terrace café, and gift store.
Day 2: NARANJO
Breakfast
Extensive coffee plantations and a beautiful view of the central valley of Costa Rica will wake you up this morning, and then you will be pleased with a delicious Costa Rican breakfast without missing of course, the aroma of fresh coffee, the perfect ingredients to start a day and go deep into the history and culture of this ancient beverage. You will visit the Espiritu Santo Coffee plantations, where you will learn the traditional methods that transform small reddish fruits in a fine coffee export worldwide. In the afternoon, an ecological walk along the paths of the hotel, will allow you to appreciate the flora and fauna of this region. Various species of colorful birds and mammals and plants thousand greens show us a new and different ecosystem.
Day 3: NARANJO – ARENAL VOLCANO
Breakfast & Dinner
At mid-morning, continue with a land transfer towards the northern lowlands, this route offers the experience to pass through different towns such as Zarcero, San Carlos and Florencia. In addition, along the way you will enjoy the beautiful scenery, which includes amazing views of the mountains and one of the major sources of revenue in the area: the agriculture, so you will have the opportunity according with the season to observe the crops of pineapple, bananas and sugar cane.
Arrive to La Fortuna Village late afternoon where the mighty Arenal Volcano will welcome you with its impressive perfect conic shape. This volcano has been active since 1969 and it has become one of the world’s most active volcanoes and one of Costa Rica’s main highlights.
Check In at the Arenal Springs hotel, where you will find a unique blend between the hospitality of the local culture and the warm tropical climate, making your escape an unparalleled experience for the next two nights. During the evening, you will visit the world famous Tabacón Hot Springs. These natural hot springs features a hot river that flows through a series of pools. From cascading falls to tropical gardens, the hot springs are the result of rainwater heated by magma in the Earth’s interior. Once heated, the waters rise to surface, taking with them minerals found in the earth’s rocky crust; this way, waters become very benefic to your body because of its temperature that helps to relax muscles, clean pores and rejuvenate the skin. Tabacón is a unique location full of natural jewels that definitely you cannot miss staying at Arenal Volcano area.
Day 4: ARENAL VOLCANO
Breakfast
Day at your leisure to explore the area. We highly recommend the visit to Arenal Volcano National Park (extra cost) that protects an active perfect cone volcano with constant moderate explosions accompanied by roar, gases and ash emissions that raise high in the air. The attraction of this volcano has helped to develop the area as a prime destination in the country; from being a small town of cattle and agricultural farms, it has become one of the most tourist-developed areas with hotels, tour attractions, adventure activities, hot springs and water sports.
Day 5: ARENAL VOLCANO – MANUEL ANTONIO
Breakfast
Today travel to Central Pacific Coast, specifically to Manuel Antonio National Park. You will be passing through a scenic mountain road with various climates and elevations. On the way, you will be driving along the coastal road until reach the fishing town of Quepos. Finally, at just few minutes from there, you will arrive to Manuel Antonio National Park where you will be impressed by the magnificent beaches of this beautiful National Park. In this area, you will enjoy three night accommodations at Parador Resort hotel
Day 6 & 7 : MANUEL ANTONIO
Breakfast
Days at leisure for you to enjoy the hotel grounds, the beach and even consider on taking an optional (extra cost) day tours in the area. No trip to Costa Rica’s mid-Pacific region is complete without a visit to the Manuel Antonio National Park; Perhaps It is so popular because of its expensive white sand beaches backed by an evergreen forest that grows right up to the high tide line. In addition, you will have a number of different adventure options like kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, diving, horseback riding and canopy.
Day 8: MANUEL ANTONIO – SJO INT’L AIRPORT
Breakfast
Your Costa Rican adventure ends today. After breakfast, you will be transferred to San Jose Int’l Airport for your departure flight back home.
*Please note: When choosing your flights, please select one with a return flight that departs no earlier than mid-day, in order to accommodate the transfer time from Manuel Antonio to SJO Int’l Airport.
END OF SERVICES
Superior Category
| Location | Name of the Hotel | Category | Type of room | CST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naranjo | Chayote Lodge | Boutique | Recibidor | N/A |
| Volcán Arenal | Arenal Springs | 4 stars | Jr. Suite | 5 |
| Manuel Antonio | Si Como No | 4 stars | Superior | 5 |