Costa Rican Eco-Journey

Meet and greet, then a private transfer to the Manuel Antonio area, about 2 1/2 hour drive from the airport. Manuel Antonio is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious locations in Costa Rica, with spectacular white-grey sandy beaches fringed by thickly forested green hills.

About the Makanda by The Sea Hotel: Hotel Makanda By the Sea provides fully equipped villas and studios carefully placed in rainforest gardens 100 meters above the ocean. From this vantage point, you will enjoy breathtaking sunset views of the sixty mile coastline and a diverse host of the plant and animal wildlife of Costa Rica's southern Pacific coast. Located on the map between the fishing port of Quepos and famous Manuel Antonio Park, a wide variety of tours, attractions and beaches are all close by. Soak in the gorgeous weather and unwind at our poolside Sunspot Bar and Grill, one of Costa Rica's most award-winning restaurants. Make your stay at Manuel Antonio the romantic vacation of a lifetime.

Pick-up from your hotel for a private half day guided visit to the Manuel Antonio National Park. This famous national park covers an area of about 1688 acres, which protects not only four beautiful beaches and the unique formation of Punta Catedral, but also mangroves, a setting of islands offshore, and a humid tropical forest. Visitors have the opportunity to take a dip in its warm waters, hike in the forest trails and observe the abundant wildlife such as squirrel monkeys, raccoons, coatis, and sloths. Return to your hotel by noon.

This afternoon, pick-up for a Horseback Riding Tour. Lunch will be served before the tour starts. Upon arrival to the hacienda you will receive riding instruction, safety tips and have practice time, before heading out to explore the rainforest. This tour will uncover the exotic secrets that lie within this secondary rainforest. You will ride through the mountains, reaching a maximum elevation of 600 meters. Your horse ride lasts approximately 2 and a half hours roundtrip and it will be highlighted by views of the valley, verdant vegetation and numerous wildlife species such as birds and reptiles. At the end of the trail there is a beautiful waterfall where you will be able to rest for about 30 minutes. You can lounge on the grass or take a swim. You will then return on the same route. (b,l)

Morning transfer from Manuel Antonio to the Sierpe Dock (2 hours), where you will board a boat and navigate on the scenic Sierpe River, continuing later along the Pacific Coast to the Osa Peninsula. Upon arrival to the lodge lunch will be served. Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park, located in the South West of Costa Rica, is considered the crown jewel of all nation parks in Costa Rica. The park conserves the largest primary forest on the American Pacific coastline and one of the few remaining sizable areas of lowland tropical rainforests in the world. The abundance of life as well as its ecological variety is so stunning that National Geographic has called it 'the most biologically intense place on Earth'. (b,l,d)

About the La Paloma Hotel: La Paloma Lodge sits atop a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and backed by the lush tropical jungle. The property is located on 14-acres; just a short walk from the cool waters of Agujitas River and secluded black-sand beaches. The accommodations, 7 bungalows and 4 rooms, are equipped with air-conditioning and offer a sanctuary for those looking to reconnect with nature. Relax amidst the richness and splendor of the tropical jungle. From your balcony, watch monkeys playing in the trees, catch a glimpse of scarlet macaws soaring overhead or relax poolside with your favorite book. Explore Corcovado National Park, snorkel in the clear waters of Caño Island and indulge in all that our tropical paradise has to offer. La Paloma Lodge is the perfect place for nature lovers looking for adventure, couples escaping on a romantic getaway, or families looking to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Pick-up from your hotel for an unforgettable half day mangrove boat tour in Damas Island.  This tour will take you through the natural canals of Damas Island; a nature sanctuary located about 20 minute drive from Manuel Antonio. Damas Island is currently one of the most important remaining mangroves in Costa Rica covering thousands of acres of protected forest and being the home to a large number of birds, reptiles, mammals and other wildlife species. The experienced guides will take you through the channels of the mangrove forest, far away from civilization passing beneath tunnels made naturally from trees and allowing you to take a closer look to this rich natural environment. You will discover an abundance of species native to the area such as white-faced monkeys, anteaters, boas, iguanas, birds and thousands of colorful crabs. Lunch will be served before or after the boat tour (departure time is according to the tides). Transfer back to your hotel and enjoy the day at leisure. (b,l)

Depart the hotel with your guide (this will be with a small group) for a Full day to explore Corcovado National Park. The tour starts with a short walk to San Pedrillo Ranger Station for a guided hike into the rain forest. A picnic lunch will be served on the beach. (b,l,d)

Depart the hotel with your guide (this will be with a small group) for a full day tour to Isla Del Caño Biological Reserve, a guided snorkeling expedition in crystal waters (b,l,d)

Today, a boat and ground transfer to Drake Bay Airport for a flight to San Jose.

Upon arrival in San Jose a private transfer to the Arenal Volcano area, located about 2 1/2 hours from the airport. Check-in and balance of the day to enjoy the resort facilities. (b,d)

About the Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa Hotel: Arenal Kioro offers a fabulous place with a natural viewpoint to the Arenal Volcano. The hotel has 27 acres of undulating land, surrounded by two streams (La Palma and Kioro) with crystalline waters that begin to flow in the Arenal Volcano National Park. It has two paths where plant species are identified. Besides,private thermal springs surrounded exuberant gardens for our customer's delight.

This morning you will be picked up for the Arenal Hanging Bridges Tour. This beautiful, environmentally friendly project located near the Arenal Volcano offers a series of trails that span a total of 2 miles, allowing you to see the rainforest from a bird's perspective! Your naturalist guide will teach you about Costa Rican culture, history, and nature, while pointing out different species of plants, animals and birds along the way.

These trails bring you as close as you'd ever hope to see the rainforest and its inhabitants, as well as give you access to see stunning views of the rainforest and mountains that are miles away. (b,l,d)

This morning you will be picked up and enjoy the Arenal Paraiso Zip Line Canopy Tour. This zip line tour is considered one of the best in the area. The 12 platforms and cables over 350 meters long and 80 meters heights make this adventure, unforgettable. This ride will let you admire the beautiful surroundings and observe monkeys, birds and sloths as you practically fly over the canopy of the rain forests. This zip line is located at the canyon of the Arenal River for a perfect combination of nature and adventure. From the higher platform and cable you will be able to observe two beautiful waterfalls. Towards the end of the ride you will fly over the Arenal River to the last platform. There a truck will be waiting for you with some snacks before you leave back to the hotel on a very fun ride. Transfer back to the hotel and balance of the day at leisure to enjoy the hot springs. (b,l,d)

According to the departure time of your international flight, private transfer to the San Jose International Airport (estimated driving time: 2 1/2 hours). (b)