Costa rica: honeymoon in paradise 15 days
san jose - tortuguero - pacuare river - puerto viejo de limon - arenal volcano - santa teresa - naranjo - San Jose

itinerary, prices & Inclusions

Day 1 ARRIVE SAN JOSE
Upon your arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), one of our representatives will be waiting for you at the exit of the air terminal to welcome you to Costa Rica, provide you with the necessary information about your trip and then take the transfer to the Presidente Hotel in the San José area. 

Day 2  SAN JOSE – TORTUGUERO (BLD)
This morning you will depart early from San Jose for the Northern Caribbean plains, where the main attraction is the Tortuguero National Park, one of Costa Rica's most exuberant national parks. The tour begins with an ascent through the central volcanic mountain range where you can appreciate from the bus, beautiful waterfalls and evergreen forests that adorn the Braulio Carrillo National Park. As you approach the Caribbean plains, you will notice a change in climate, as it will become hot and humid, but pleasant at the same time. After breakfast (which you will take on route), the trip continues, possibly through banana plantations and into rural roads until you reach the local pier where the boat will be waiting to take you to Tortuguero. The boat ride (1 ½ hours approx.), will take you through the channels that are surrounded by the rainforest where you can appreciate the unique flora and fauna of this area, as well as different species of birds. Upon arrival at Aninga Lodge, you will make the registration and possibly a small informative meeting of the hotel, the area, activities to do and then lunch. In the afternoon, you will visit the town of Tortuguero where you will learn about the lifestyle of the local inhabitants of the Caribbean. For example, their colorful houses surrounded by beautiful canals. In general, learn about the conservation efforts that some NGOs have developed to protect the sea turtles, which lay their eggs each year along the 22 kilometers of the protected coast.

Day 3 TORTUGUERO (BLD)
Today you will visit the channels of the paradisiacal Tortuguero National Park that will dazzle you with its enormous biodiversity. From the boat, you can feel a pure contact with nature in a paradise that offers visitors 2000 species of plants and 400 species of trees, as well as observe some of the 405 species of birds. Among the mammals are white-faced monkeys and howler monkeys three-toed sloths, in addition to some endangered such as the jaguar, the manigordo and the tapir, which is the largest animal in the tropical rainforests of America. There are also crocodiles, as well as different species of turtles and freshwater fish. Tortuguero will definitely offer you a unique and unforgettable experience.

Day 4 TORTUGUERO – PACUARE RIVER (BLD)
At mid-morning in the lodge, you will board the boat again enjoying again the biodiversity present in the journey through the channels to the local pier, to continue by road to the town of Guapiles where you can enjoy a delicious lunch and then continue to the Rio Pacuare to enjoy an afternoon of adventure and adrenaline. A professional guide and the appropriate equipment will be waiting for you upon your arrival at the river, and after some safety instructions, you will begin this incredible rafting trip through the rapids of the Pacuare River. In the water, you will experience the euphoria over the currents in this picturesque river, which passes through canyons where crystal clear waterfalls fall into the rapidly flowing river. Enjoy an exceptional adventure experience that combines rapids with a stay in at Tropical Rivers Lodge located in the tropical jungle on the banks of the Pacuare River.

Day 5 PACUARE RIVER – PUERTO VIEJO DE LIMON (BL)
In the morning, you will wake up with a harmonious melody created by the sound of the river and the sweet songs of tropical birds. After a delicious buffet breakfast, you will get back on the rafts for the second day of the river expedition. The rapids become even more exciting as you begin to use the skills and experience gained the day before. You can stop to explore side streams that lead to stunning waterfalls and pools with a natural water slide that tempts you to jump. Lunch will be served along the river and, upon arrival at the exit, you will be able to change your clothes and then receive a SUV Compact 4x4 Manual Transmission - Ssang Yong Korando or similar to continue to Puerto Viejo de Limón where you will stay for the next three nights at the Aguas Claras Hotel. The southern coast of the Caribbean is a truly wonderful place and very particular to the rest of the country. It has become a place of leisure for those who seek to relax on their holidays and enjoy the sun, the beach and the sea breeze. Also offers each visitor a cultural mix that is noticeable in its small rustic hotels and in its varied and exquisite culinary variety.

Days 6 & 7 PUERTO VIEJO DE LIMON (B)
These days are at your disposal to enjoy the natural environment, rest on the beach, swim in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea or visit the town of Puerto Viejo de Limon and buy a souvenir at a good price. If you wish to continue discovering the natural beauties of the Southern Caribbean of Costa Rica, we recommend you visit as optional activities the Cahuita National Park or the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, which are well known locally. Not only for their natural beauty, but also because they have created an awareness in the local people about the importance in the conservation of natural resources for future generations.

Day 8 PUERTO VIEJO DE LIMON – ARENAL VOLCANO (B)
This day will be time to continue to the plains of northern Costa Rica. This route offers beautiful landscapes accompanied by picturesque rural villages until the arrival at La Fortuna de San Carlos. From this town if the climatic conditions are favorable, you will be able to appreciate one of the biggest natural attractions of the country; the imposing volcano Arenal that will welcome you to the zone with its majestic volcanic cone. Registration and lodging for the next two nights at the Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa Hotel.

Day 9 ARENAL VOLCANO (B)
This day is reserved for you to enjoy the different tourist attractions (extra cost) that are near the Arenal Volcano. If you want to explore the area in a more exciting way, we recommend the Sky Tram & Sky Trek. This excursion combines the ascent to the top of the mountains by means of a cable car enjoying the beautiful landscapes of Lake Arenal, while the descent is made by means of pulleys attached to transverse cables that go from one mountain to another, to give way to adventure and fun. If you prefer a quieter excursion and admire the natural beauties of the northern plains, we recommend a visit to the Arenal Hanging Bridges, a system of trails immersed in the tropical rainforest where 16 hanging bridges are found. The bridges and trails were built with all types of visitors and their safety in mind. This route is adorned by magnificent views of the imposing Arenal Volcano and regularly you can find an enormous variety of species such as mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and insects making it one of the most profitable in the area.

Day 10 ARENAL VOLCANO – SANTA TERESA (B)
Today will be time to continue on your wonderful experience driving to Santa Teresa beach in the Nicoya Peninsula. It is one of the World’s five Blue Zones, as recognized by UNESCO, for the healthy lives and longevity presented by its population. At this magical place is located Nantipa, the newest Luxury Boutique hotel that has been inaugurated in Costa Rica. Nantipa's mission is to combine World Class design with authentic Costa Rican hospitality right on one of the country’s top beaches. The vibrant and unique natural setting and the barefoot luxury feel of Santa Teresa provide the perfect setting to deliver unique and memorable experiences. This concept adapted to a wellness tourism and luxury facilities, offers an amazing romantic environment to share as a couple while enjoy the unforgettable sunsets in the area.

Days 11 & 12 SANTA TERESA (B)
These days are at your leisure to explore the area and know about the local customs. Santa Teresa is an authentic beach town with its own unique culture and style. Many define Santa Teresa as the new home for Barefoot Luxury, combining World Class surfing conditions, great yoga studios and instructors, superb cuisine and great nature and parks, all in a relaxed atmosphere that depicts Costa Rica’s Pura Vida lifestyle. Many well-known restaurants featuring cuisine from many regions, along with bakeries, coffee shops, small strip malls and bars are found along the main road and on the beach side, giving guests a wealth of dining, shopping and nightlife alternatives.

Day 13 SANTA TERESA – NARANJO (B)                           
This day after breakfast, will be time to drive back to the central volcanic mountain range. You will enjoy beautiful landscapes on the route to Naranjo town where Chayote Lodge is located. Chayote Lodge is a lodging concept where the unique combination of culture and nature meet to share with you one of the most valuable treasures of Costa Rica: our authentic lifestyle and culture. Inspired by the rich coffee culture of the region, each nook of the property resembles a piece of the coffee picker’s story and their lifestyle. Moreover, Chayote Lodge’s architecture and design integrates the most noteworthy elements of the coffee culture. For instance, the rooms will resemble the traditional Coffee Receiving Stations known locally as “Recibidores”.

Day 14 NARANJO (B)
Extensive coffee plantations and a beautiful view of the central valley of Costa Rica, will awake you this morning, then you will be pleased with a delicious Costa Rican breakfast without missing of course the fresh coffee. Rest of the day at your leisure explore the area from this strategic location, it is a perfect gateway to discover different national parks, waterfalls, coffee fields, rural villages, local artisans, as well as enjoy the local lifestyle by visiting homes, gardens and city parks within the vicinity.

Day 15 NARANJO – SJO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (B)
Today you will be making your way to SJO International Airport where you will drop off the car, please consider the 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.

INCLUSIONS

• Private unescorted transfer from SJO Intl Airport to San Jose downtown.

• One (1) night stay at Presidente hotel.

• Two (2) nights stay at Aninga Lodge in Tortuguero.

• Includes: transportation (ground/boat), lodging, meals, programmed tours & entrance fee to Tortuguero National Park.

• One (1) night stay at Tropical Rivers Lodge.

• Includes: transportation, lodging, meals (3 times) & walk on the trails.

• Ten (10) days rental of a SUV Compact 4WD MT - Ssang Yong Korando or Similar

• Includes: Unlimited mileage, daily rent, GPS, one additional driver and prepaid mobile phone with 60 minutes for local calls (Reservation in advance is required)

• Does not include: Guarantee deposit, daily insurance, Wi-Fi, children seats, nor optional services offered by car rental. Fuel, toll rates, ferry tickets nor expenditures as per the driving experience are also not included.

• Car will be delivered in Guapiles, on day 5.

• Car should be returned at SJO Intl Airport, on day 15.

• Three (3) nights stay at Aguas Claras Hotel.

• Two (2) nights stay at Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa Hotel.

• Three (3) nights stay at Nantipa - A Tico Beach Experience Hotel.

• Two (2) nights stay at Chayote Lodge.

• Meals: 14 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 3 dinners.

• Sales taxes.

EXCLUSIONS
• Personal expenses, international airfare, Visa fees
• Customary gratitude to your guide and driver