Blissful Nature and Beach Getaway
Overview
Experience the stunning countryside of Costa Rica, engage with the local community, and marvel at the natural beauty while hiking near one of the country's most renowned volcanoes. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of the rainforest or indulge in the soothing hot springs at Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity that this remarkable nation presents. After exploring these captivating sites, unwind on the pristine shores of Tamarindo, a popular beach destination for both locals and tourists. Here, you can reflect on your Costa Rican adventure while savoring a relaxing beach retreat and creating unforgettable memories.
Format
Locations
- Liberia
- Boca Tapada
- La Fortuna
- Bijagua de Upala
- Tamarindo
Inclusions
- Round-trip flights in and out of Liberia International Airport
- Private transfers to and from airports and in between hotels
- Shared transfers for all excursions and sightseeing tours as per the itinerary
- 14 nights of accommodations: (Rincón de la Vieja - 2 nights, Boca Tapada - 3 nights, Arenal - 3 nights, Río Celeste - 2 nights, Tamarindo - 4 nights)
- Daily breakfast
- Lunch and snacks as indicated in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to landmarks, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries as mentioned in the itinerary
- Naturalist guides and access to equipment for the excursions as indicated in the itinerary
- Hotel taxes, fees and service charges
- Service of English-speaking local guides as per program
- More Moments activities included in:
- Rincón de la Vieja – 4 Senses Waterfall, Canopy tour and Horseback with lunch
- Boca Tapada – Bird Watching Tour; Chocolate Combo Tour; Night Walk Tour
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- Arenal – 2 in 1 Hike Sendero 1968 + lunch + Waterfall Tour Combo; Sloth’s Observation Tour; Vida Campesina Tour
- Río Celeste - Río Celeste & Tenorio Tour (with transportation)
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Canada - Liberia Airport - Rincón de la Vieja
Fly to Liberia, Costa Rica. After clearing customs, you will pick up your luggage, then proceed to the arrivals hall where you will meet with a local representative who will escort you to your private transfer to take you to your hotel. Transfer to the province of Guanacaste to the area of Rincón de la Vieja, home to one of the five most active volcanoes located in Costa Rica.
Rincón de la Vieja is a fascinating volcano due to its special characteristics such as sulfurous lagoons, relaxing hot springs, fumaroles, and its main active crater. Your hotel is located within this beautiful National Park region. Here you will check-in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Day 2
Rincón de la Vieja
After breakfast your transfer will take you to your dual adventure! A guided tour to experience the beauty of Guanacaste on horseback, a hike to see two waterfalls, and to end your tour riding zip line cables to fly over the treetops. After your tour, you will have the rest of the day at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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4 Senses Waterfall, Canopy Tour, Horseback with lunch
Experience our dual adventure tour, featuring a horseback ride along picturesque trails that offer stunning views of the mountains and the northern Pacific coast of Guanacaste. Following this, embark on an invigorating hike through the forest, leading you to the Misterio and Escondida Waterfalls, and conclude your journey by soaring along the zip line cables.
- This 3-hour tour includes: transportation, guide, equipment, and lunch
- Physical difficulty level: Moderate
- What to bring: Mosquito repellent, sunblock, hat, long pants (or shorts), tennis shoes or hiking boots, camera, binoculars
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner et dîner
Day 3
Rincón de la Vieja - Boca Tapada
After an early breakfast your transfer will take you to Boca Tapada, situated in the northern lowlands, close to the mouth of the San Carlos River and the Nicaraguan border. This region is cherished by tourists for its stunning natural landscapes and serene environment. A prime location for birdwatching, Boca Tapada is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including sloths, white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, coatis, and even wild cats like jaguars.
The Maquenque Eco Lodge is strategically located inside the Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge, bordering the San Carlos River. It is the ideal place for nature lovers who wish to explore their senses. Here you will check in and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner
Day 4
Boca Tapada
Rise with the sun today to get an early start on a morning birdwatching tour. Be on the lookout for the endangered Great Green Macaw (Lapa Verde) as this region is a primary nesting area for this beautiful bird. You might catch them feeding on almond trees, which are common in the area, but almost as endangered as the birds that eat their seeds.
After the tour, you will be able to enjoy the rest of the day exploring on your own or relaxing!
More Moments Activities Included
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Morning Birdwatching Tour
The day will commence very early as you prepare for a 2-hour birdwatching tour. The tour starts at 5:30 a.m., when most birds start their activity. A Naturalist guide will take you through the gardens and lagoons until there is enough sunlight to enter the forest path, a nesting place, for many bird species. Your guide will then take you through a tropical rainforest which has a lush gallery with over 592 bird species, including some migratory species. Some of the species that can be found in these forests are the Great Green Macaw (endangered), Scarlet Macaw, some Toucans, Oropendolas, Honeycreepers, Tanagers, Euphonias, and Jacamars, just to name a few!
- Includes: Naturalist guide and rubber boots
- Estimated duration: 2 hours
- Physical difficulty level: Easy
- What to Bring: Comfortable clothes, camera, raincoat, insect repellent, binoculars
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner
Day 5
Boca Tapada
After breakfast, the day will take you to get to know the delicious treasures of Costa Rica and take part in a chocolate, coffee, sugar cane, and organic farm tour! Costa Rica is renowned for two of the most delicious things on earth: coffee and chocolate. You will get to know the organic farm and its sustainable importance. Then you will be shown the history, tradition, and current production of chocolate, coffee and sugar cane. Finish the tour with samples of hot chocolate and other tasty treats.
Your afternoon will be spent at leisure but come the night and you will prepare for part two of your day’s adventure: a moonlit haven. As daylight fades, a vibrant new realm emerges; the nocturnal fauna stirs to life. Our knowledgeable guides will assist you in identifying the local wildlife and provide insights into the unique species that thrive in the darkness on a Night Walk Tour.
($) Optional Activities
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Chocolate Combo Tour
This morning, you will gain insights into the cultivation and harvesting processes of chocolate, coffee and sugar cane. The tour commences with a stroll through the gardens and along the San Carlos River, where you will witness the rich diversity of flora and fauna, including impressive fruit trees. Subsequently, visit the dairy, mill, and cheese house, followed by an exploration of the orchard pollinated by Mariola bees, featuring various crops utilized in the lodge's restaurant. You will then have the chance to sample different coffee flavours at the coffee station, then proceed to the chocolate station to understand its cultivation and production process, culminating in a tasting of various types of this "drink of the gods."
- Includes: Guide and Tasting
- Estimated duration: 2 hours
- Physical difficulty level: Easy
- What to Bring: Comfortable clothes, insect repellent, sunscreen, and walking shoes
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Night Walk Tour
This activity includes a visit to the gardens and the hotel's forest, where you will have the opportunity to observe the nightlife of various animals, including alligators, frogs, nocturnal birds, snakes, and spiders. Additionally, you will immerse yourself in the tranquility and sounds of nature. A Naturalist guide will provide insights into the local flora and fauna.
- Includes: Naturalist guide
- Estimated duration: 1.5 hours
- Physical difficulty level: Easy
- What to Bring: Comfortable clothes, raincoat, insect repellent and camera.
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner
Day 6
Boca Tapada – La Fortuna
After breakfast, take your transfer to La Fortuna, where the impressive Arenal Volcano awaits. Known as one of the natural wonders of the country for its majesty, the active Arenal Volcano has not had any recent lava eruptions, but you can still observe the smoke and ash spewing out of the top of the volcano. The Arenal Volcano region is an exquisite destination for its attractive landscape, its hot springs, and Lake Arenal. During the transfer, you will see agricultural plantations, ornamental plants and cattle farms.
Upon arrival in La Fortuna, you will make your way to the Arenal Paraíso Resort & Spa. This hotel has been designed to offer an incredible direct view of the majestic Arenal Volcano and each terrace is surrounded by tropical gardens that facilitate contact with wildlife. In addition, the hotel offers an experience in which you can enjoy their hot springs, which have been created to give you the feeling of being in a natural thermal river in the middle of the jungle. Here you will check in and enjoy the rest of the day relaxing!
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner
Day 7
Arenal (La Fortuna)
After breakfast you will meet with your guide who will accompany you on your transfer to your next adventure. Experience the breathtaking natural beauty and wildlife of the region on a 6-hour combined tour that includes swimming beneath a jungle waterfall and hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park. As you traverse the rainforest near La Fortuna waterfall, you will have the opportunity to observe monkeys and vibrant tropical birds. Afterward, savour a relaxing Costa Rican lunch accompanied by locally sourced coffee. Your guide will lead you along rugged lava flows and mountain trails, providing insights into the history of this renowned volcano while offering spectacular views of Arenal Lake.
More Moments Activities Included
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Tour Combo 2 in 1: Hike Sendero 1968 with Lunch and Waterfall
Hike through the rainforest trails, bridges and through the flora and fauna of the area. Enjoy the amazing views of the Arenal Volcano along the way. You will be visiting La Fortuna Waterfall, which features a stunning 70-metre drop, followed by a 600-metre hike to the natural pool at its base. It is advisable to bring swimwear, a towel, and specialized water shoes due to the rocky riverbed. Afterwards, you will drive to an organic farm near La Fortuna for lunch. At 3:00 p.m., the tour will proceed to Arenal National Park, where the guide will talk about the natural and geological history of the volcano, traverse a solid lava path, and enjoy remarkable views of both the volcano and Lake Arenal.
- Includes: Transportation, Naturalist guide, all entrance fees, water, lunch
- Estimated duration: 6 hours
- Physical difficulty level: Moderate
- What to Bring: Long pants, hiking shoes, bathing suit, towel, water shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, raincoat or umbrella, camera, and binoculars
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner et dîner
Day 8
Arenal (La Fortuna)
Your tour guide has an exciting day planned for you today. You will start with a visit to observe a sloth in its natural environment. The La Fortuna region stands out as a remarkable habitat for sloths. The combination of our climate, protective measures, abundant food sources, and the significant lack of predators creates an extraordinary natural sanctuary. Visitors can choose to partake in activities at 8:00 a.m., 2:30 p.m., or during a night walk at 5:30 p.m., with two-toed sloths being more active during the evening hours.
In the afternoon, a tour of an organic farm awaits you, followed by a delicious organic lunch!
More Moments Activities Included
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Sloth Observation Tour
You will be picked up from your hotel at the scheduled time to commence an exhilarating journey to Sloth Territory, situated within a small family-run ecological project just five minutes from La Fortuna. This project features a 1.5 km trail that accommodates adults, families, and children of all ages. The tour, lasting approximately two hours, will guide you through stunning flora, alongside a river that borders the property, and to the Guarumo trees, which are the preferred food source for these iconic animals. Throughout the tour, we will emphasize the significance of sloth conservation, as the rising popularity of these creatures has led to an increase in illegal trade. During the tour, you may encounter both two-toed and three-toed sloths, and if fortune smiles upon us, we might witness a mother with her baby, a truly captivating sight. Our Sloth Observation Tour is a benchmark in the country, ensuring responsible resource management while respecting the habitat of this species. A Naturalist guide will provide you with high-quality observation equipment, allowing you to enjoy the experience without disturbing their natural behaviour. At the end of this enriching experience, we will return you to your hotel.
- Includes: Transportation, bilingual Naturalist guide, entrance fee, specialized observation equipment, bottled mineral water, snacks, and insurance policies
- Estimated duration: 3 hours
- Physical difficulty level: Moderate
- What to Bring: Hiking or tennis shoes, comfortable clothes, rain jacket, and Insect Repellent.
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Vida Campesina Tour
In the afternoon, take a tour of an organic farm where you will enjoy a guided journey of the Arenal Vida Campesina property and experience the traditional and non-traditional cultivations and take part in activities like making tortillas, gathering of vegetables from the vegetable garden, cultural activities as the milling of sugar cane, typical dances and collecting water from the handmade well. Lastly, you will be delighted with a delicious typical organic lunch prepared over wood and buffet style. After the tour you will transfer back to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
- Includes: Entrance to the farm, bilingual guide, and lunch
- Estimated duration: 2.5 hours
- Physical difficulty level: Easy
- What to Bring: Closed-toe shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, hat and a raincoat
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner et dîner
Day 9
Arenal (La Fortuna) - Río Celeste (Bijagua de Upala)
After breakfast you will check out of the hotel and board your transfer enroute to to Río Celeste located near Bijagua de Upala. Discover the depths of the Tenorio Volcano National Park, as well as the enchanting chemical phenomena that transforms the waters of the two rivers into a unique turquoise hue. Río Celeste (Celeste River) flows through Tenorio Volcano National Park and is also adjacent to multiple hot springs and a waterfall.
Upon arrival into Río Celeste, you will check into the Río Celeste Hideaway, a luxurious 80-acre rainforest reserve offering private trails, exclusive swimming access, comfort and natural beauty. Nestled in the foothills of the Tenorio Volcano, one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. Here, exotic wildlife encounters and exclusive access to the Rio Celeste River will become the most cherished highlights of your stay. The rest of the day is yours to explore this beautiful place!
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner
Day 10
Río Celeste (Bijagua de Upala)
After breakfast you will be met by your guide and transferred to the Tenorio Volcano National Park for this day’s adventure. You will enjoy a hike through the rainforest where your main stop will be at the iconic Catarata Rio Celeste, one of the seven natural wonders of Costa Rica.
More Moments Activities Included
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Rio Celeste & Tenorio Tour (With Transportation)
We will arrange for your pick-up at the hotel, and the tour will be conducted by a bilingual naturalist guide. During the journey to the national park, we may stop to observe toucans, monkeys, sloths, or enjoy the stunning views of the Tenorio and Miravalles Volcanoes. Upon entering the national park, we begin our hike, starting in a secondary forest that offers opportunities to spot various insects and birds. The latter part of the hike will take us through a primary forest, where we may discover tapir tracks and other wildlife. The trail is generally well-maintained, though it can be somewhat muddy during the rainy season. Our first significant stop will be at the iconic waterfall, where you can experience its beauty up close. Following this, we will observe the three distinct craters of the Tenorio Volcano. Soon after, we will arrive at the Blue Lagoon, an excellent spot for pictures. Just five minutes past the lagoon, we will encounter the borbollones, where volcanic sulfur gases escape from the earth. Finally, witness the Teñideros, where two rivers converge, creating a remarkable chemical reaction that transforms clear water into a vibrant blue, showcasing a unique natural phenomenon in Costa Rica. This unique natural phenomenon is not to be missed.
- Includes: Bilingual guide, transportation, refreshments, typical Costa Rican meal after the tour
- Estimated duration: approximately 6 hours
- Physical difficulty level: Challenging
- What to Bring: Insect repellent, hiking shoes, raincoat, long pants or shorts, and a camera
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner et dîner
Day 11
Río Celeste - Tamarindo Beach
After breakfast and checking out, your private transfer service will take you to the Pacific coast of Costa Rica in the region of Guanacaste. This province has earned a name for itself as a tropical paradise with an unspoiled coastline, beautiful mountains, and a series of majestic volcanoes. Tamarindo awaits as your next destination, celebrated for its breathtaking beaches, lively surfing culture, rich biodiversity, and an inviting "Pura Vida" ambiance.
You will check into the Wyndham Tamarindo, A tropical oasis offering natural beauty, elegant accommodations, and quality service. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy on your own.
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner
Days 12-14
Tamarindo Beach
The next three days will be yours to enjoy at your own pace. You can do as much or as little as you like. Here you can enjoy different activities such as nature and cultural activities. Be delighted by the beautiful panoramic views of the coast and discover the variety of flora and fauna native to the Guanacaste region.
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner
Day 15
Tamarindo Beach - Liberia International Airport
After breakfast, you will board your private transfer that will take you to the Liberia International Airport to check in and catch your flight back to Canada
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner
Accomodations
Where you'll stay
Location
Hotel
Room details
Type of bed(s): 2 double beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 4 people (1-3 adults, or 2 adults and 2 children)
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Important Information
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Departure Dates:
- October 01, 2024 – November 30, 2025
Frequency:
- Daily
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Not included:
- Gratuities
- Airport taxes (where applicable)
- Meals outside of the ones mentioned within the itinerary above
- Transfers for any optional activities, and any other transfer services required outside of the itinerary above.
- Entrance to other landmarks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Additional activities and excursions
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The More Moments/excursions mentioned in the itinerary are all included in the package but may be rescheduled to take place on an earlier or later day, replaced with an alternate option depending on availability, weather, seasonality, and operational reasons beyond the suppliers’ control.
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- Private transfer service from/to airports
- Shared transfer service for all sightseeing tours and excursions
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The itinerary above is subject to change without prior notice. The order in which destinations are visited or day excursions occur may change due to operational restrictions, such as weather and accommodation availability.