Costa Rica Prime Time Tour

10 Days

Overview

Experience it all on this 10 day Costa Rica vacation during the prime tine of year to visit this natural paradise.

With temperatures at their best, little rainfall and cool breezy nights February is definitely prime time for Costa Rica.  This well paced package includes stays in the top 4 areas of interest. You’ll stroll through a coffee plantation, stare down into the crater of the world’s widest rimmed volcano, energize yourself in Arenal with adventure activities and relaxing hot springs before hiking the famous mystic trails in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve,  a place like no other, more shades of green here than a box of crayons! End the trip on the pacific coast with a fun all inclusive stay at Occidental Tamarindo. Not only is it located on a great Blue Flag Beach, it’s also just next door to the lively surf side pedestrian friendly town of Tamarindo.

Itinerary

Welcome to Costa Rica. After clearing immigrations and customs follow to the exit and take the transfer to the hotel, less than 30 minutes away.
Check in to the Barcelo San Jose.

Coffee, volcano, waterfalls and rainforest come together in this fantastic full day tour. Starting with a drive by the city of Alajuela passing by the Agriculture Monument, the Monument to Juan Santamaria and the famous Mango Park we make our way out of the Central Valley.

As we ascend towards the Poás Volcano we will notice the change in temperature and vegetation, palm trees are replaced by pine and cool air overcomes the lowland heat.  We will see coffee plantations as well as fern, flower and strawberry farms along the way, creating a beautiful landscape that paves the way to our next stop, The Doka Estates Coffee Plantation.

Upon arrival at Doka Coffee Estate enjoy a delicious breakfast followed by a coffee tour, in the actual coffee plantation. Here, we will learn about the ancient techniques used by the experts to produce one of the best coffees in Costa Rica. Learn about the careful process involved on the cultivation, harvesting and roasting of the Golden Bean.

Next, we will continue to Poás Volcano where we will not only admire the impressive main crater with its sulfur fumaroles, but also learn about the different ecosystems in this beautiful national park. The volcano’s active crater is one of the largest in the world. Poás Volcano National Park protects a spectacular cloud forest that offers tempting trails that lead you through the exotic flora of this unique environment.

Following the visit to the volcano we will continue to La Paz Water Fall Garden for lunch and tour. On arrival to the La Paz, we will walk through a trail, leading to a spectacular waterfall in the middle of the rainforest.   Inside the park we will also visit the largest butterfly observatory in the country, the impressive hummingbird gallery, the serpentarium, the bird house and the frog’s exhibit.  La Paz has five magnificent waterfalls with nine viewing platforms allowing visitors an up close and personal view of the falls and the spectacular La Paz River.
Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at the terrace dining room before we return back to San Jose and your hotel, Barcelo San Jose. Meals BL

After breakfast, check out and be ready with your luggage for your departure to Costa Rica’s heartland.
The Arenal Volcano with Tabacon Hot Springs tour is one of the most popular tours that we offer.
This tour offers the best of both worlds, in terms of the raw untamed beauty of the imposing Arenal Volcano, which is juxtaposed against the lush and soothing thermal waters of Tabacon Hot Springs. All this set against a backdrop of lush vegetation and breathtaking views of the nearly perfect conical shaped lines of the volcano.
Situated in the northern lowlands of Costa Rica and about a 2 hour ride away, the impressive Arenal Volcano is a magnificent natural wonder that attracts thousands of tourists who come to see an active volcano which on clear days allows one to witness white plumes of smoke that emanate from this conical shaped behemoth. It should be noted, that the volcano had previously been assumed to be dormant, until in 1968, when to everyone’s amazement it experienced a major eruption.

Enroute to the Arenal Volcano there will be a stop in the famous town of Sarchi, known as the birthplace of Costa Rica’s Artisans. In Sarchi, you can see many of the handicrafts that Costa Rica has to offer, as well as the possibility of feasting your eyes on the world largest ox cart. The cart is made of cedar and is painted with several coats (4) of orange paint and is multicolored. The design is typical and intricate, indicative of traditional oxcarts. The oxcart is two stories high and took nearly 70 days to construct and paint. For the record, according to the Guinness book of world recorded, the cart is nearly 45 feet long (14 meters) and weighs 4400 lbs (2 tons).

The journey will then continue, traversing diverse plantations with agricultural products, including pineapple farms, and mango groves, ornamental plants and cattle ranches until arriving to the small town of La Fortuna, and stopping to enjoy lunch at a cozy restaurant with a magnificent view of the volcano.

Then you will go on to relax at one of the best hot springs in the area where you will revel in the cleansing and rejuvenating effects of the thermal waters. Tabacon is nestled at the base of mighty Arenal with a view of the Volcano towering in the background. Here, thermo-mineral springs flowing from Arenal run at a soothing 102 F through a maze of pools, waterfalls and exotic tropical gardens. You’ll love exploring the springs many nooks pulsating with these magic hot waters!

Tabacon Hot springs combines the four elements of nature; the heat of the volcano, the flowing waters of the hot springs, the pure air of the rainforest, and the fertile earth of the Fortuna de San Carlos Region, to provided visitors with a first rate experience.

And for a perfect ending, before checking in to your Arenal area hotel, Tabacon’s signature buffet dinner will be served with a great view of the volcano. Back on board for your drop off at The Montaña de Fuego Hotel. Check in and overnight.  Meals BLD

Full day in Arenal, Costa Rica’s adventure capital. Choose from a huge array of exciting optional tours. Rafting, sky trams, zip lines, hanging bridges, volcano hikes, ATV tours, horseback riding and more!

Optional Tour: Sky Trek & Tram: $89 p.p
After breakfast, if you join today’s optional tour. We are off for a great adventure! After a short drive, we will arrive at Sky Adventure Park.
Here we will embark on the Sky Tram. The Tram is.a series of gondolas that rise smoothly through the rainforest, offering up endless views during its mountainous ascent. This tour is perfect for people who want to take a different approach on admiring nature, without much physical effort but still be on spot where nature exhibits all its magic. On tour you will be attended by a bilingual guide who will point out different characteristics of the flora and fauna and other interesting facts. The Sky Tram travels up the mountain to arrive at a wide observation platform on the highest point of the reserve. Once there,  enjoy the indescribable view.  And of course, get ready for the thrilling Sky Trek portion of today’s tour, the ultimate Zip line experience!
Sky Trek is a thrilling zip line circuit that directly follows the Sky Tram starting at the observation platform.  Here, all geared up and in harness & helmet, you will start riding down on a zip line track stretching across canyons and in between treetops, the exhilarating adventure of zip lining down the mountainside begins; ultimately returning you to the starting point at the main building. This is the most thrilling zip line in the country. It’s something you probably never thought you would do…but sure glad you did!

Return to hotel with great memories of an amazing day!
Overnight at your hotel. MEALS B

Early in the morning travel between Arenal and Monteverde via crossing on the country’s largest man made lake, Lake Arenal. Once on the other side, we continuewith an adventurous drive up the mountain to reach the town of Monteverde. Check -in to the lovely but simple Los Jardines Monteverde Hotel. Welcome to the Cloud Forest!  Overnight. Meals B

After breakfast day free to enjoy all that Monteverde has to offer on your own or take today’s optional tour, The Monteverde Biological Reserve Guided Tour.

Optional: The Monteverde Biological Reserve Guided Tour
Tour departs in morning for a visit to the Monteverde Biological Reserve, a cloud forest rich in tropical flora and fauna. It stretches from the lush ferns and mosses which blanket the ground to the dark canopy formed from the tallest trees. It is composed of six different, highly diversified ecological communities of plants and animals. Then a visit to the Hummingbird Gallery to view nature photography at its best.  Afternoon at leisure. Enjoy Monteverde’s quirky town vibe and check out the many restaurants and bars just near the hotel. Overnight at Los Jardines de Monteverde Hotel. Meals B

After breakfast, depart from Monteverde for a scheduled shuttle transfer to Guanacaste and the beautiful all inclusive beach hotel, Occidental Tamarindo.  Check-in for a relaxing 3 night stay. Meals All Inclusive

Morning transfer to the Liberia International Airport (LIR) for your departure flight. Meals B

Includes:

  • 2 nights in a deluxe hotel in San Jose with buffet breakfast daily, Barcelo San Jose.
  • 2 nights in a first class hotel in Arenal, Montaña de Fuego Hotel.
  • 2 nights in a country style lodge in Monteverde Cloud Forest with buffet breakfast daily, Los Jardindes Hotel.
  • 3 nights in Langosta Beach, Guanacaste All Inclusive Resort, Occidental Tamarindo.
  • 18 meals : 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
  • Full day Combo Tour to Poas Volcano, Doka Estates Coffee Plantation and the Amazing La Paz Waterfall Gardens with lunch
  • Full day Tour of Arenal Volcano & Tabacon Natural Hot Mineral Springs with lunch & dinner and visit to Sarchi Artesan Village
  • Optional Guided Monteverde Biological Cloud Forest Reserve tour
  • Arenal Lake crossing
  • All transfers with baggage handling throughout
  • Entrance fees to parks and all places of interest
  • All transportation within Costa Rica
  • Services of SLT local representatives throughout
  • SLT guaranteed tour performance warranty
  • SLT $1 Million Insurance Protection Plan

Excludes:

  • 13% Costa Rica Government tax (VAT)

Optional Tours:

  • Sky Trek & Tram: $89 p.p
  • Monteverde Biological Reserve $96 p.p

The Barceló San José***** (5-star) hotel

What makes the Barcelo San Jose so special is a particular paradise. While it’s location defines the 254 room deluxe hotel as a city hotel, being just 15 minutes from the San Jose International Airport and 10 minutes to downtown San Jose, arriving guests quickly realize they’ve found a bit of Eden in the city.

It’s lovely outdoor spaces including pools and gardens planted with indigenous native Costa Rican tree species coupled with outstanding attention to guests
and it’s recognized commitment to the environment (evident by its Sustainability Certificate displayed in the lobby) make the Barcelo San Jose Hotel our favorite.
An outstanding buffet breakfast is included daily and features Costa Rican favorites, European specialties and all the things you would expect from a grand buffet. Enjoy well appointed guest rooms with views of the Central Valley.
Barceló San José Hotel offers spacious and bright rooms renovated in 2013, with classic and elegant style. With the comfort of our guests in mind, all of the rooms include a 32” LCD TV, free Wi-Fi and a free electronic safe with capacity for laptop computers.

Montaña de Fuego

At the foot of Arenal Volcano sits Montaña de Fuego Resort & Spa, a hotel inspired by its natural environment, surrounded by 86 acres of tropical forest on a private reserve, enhanced by its lush vegetation, rivers, waterfalls and diverse wild life.

We have develop a site of rest and fun that will make you feel in a new world. Live the nature and enjoy the best volcano view from your room.

Montaña de Fuego Resort & Spa offers the ultimate vacation experience for those seeking a tropical Costa Rican adventure. Located in La Fortuna, the resort offers visitors extreme nature, adventure, culture & unique experiences.

Los Jardines Monteverde Hotel

Is located in the touristic spot of Monteverde Costa Rica. We are located 350 meters northeast of the public school in Cerro Plano, and just 2 Km from Santa Elena.

This is a hotel that opened its doors to the public in 2004. Here you will experience the charm needed to have an enjoyable time. We give personalized attention, which allows us to provide you with better service. From the patio garden, you can experience great sunsets with views of the Gulf of Nicoya.

Occidental Tamarindo

A tropical heaven awaits you at the Occidental Tamarindo***** in Tamarindo , Costa Rica . Situated on dazzling Playa Langosta, the crystal waters of Barceló Langosta Beach offer guests a sanctuary to renew their souls while delighting in the natural surroundings at our hotel.  Awarded a Four Star rating from Blue Flag for safe, clean beaches, and Three CST  Stars, which are the Certification of Sustainable Tourism awarded by the Institute of Tourism and the Hospitality and Tourism Industry of Costa Rica.

The Occidental Tamarindo hotel is a surfer’s dream, ideal for warm-water surfing and scuba diving. Relax on the shore while you bask in the sun on a long stretch of warm, white sand or take a deep-sea-fishing excursion in the blue waters of the Pacific.

  • QUALIFICATIONS: Travel Agent employees and affiliated Independent Contractors, Travel Writers & Bloggers are welcome. Agents Proof of qualification: IATAN ID Card, IATAN List, CLIA ID Card, TRUE ID. Agents without ID cards may qualify with a letter signed by the Agency owner/manager. Home based agents qualify. Travel Writers & Bloggers present your professional profile and affiliations.
  • Single Supplement $990
  • No triple rate reduction
  • This Land
    only FAM requires air into San Jose International Airport (SJO) anytime
    on Day 1 and out of Liberia International Airport (LIR) on Day 10
  • Special Needs: If
    you require an extra night in San Jose before or after the tour, a
    pre/post night is available for just $65 p.p. dbl occupancy which
    includes 1 night accommodation at Barcelo San Jose Palacio,  breakfast
    buffet, hotel tax, and airport shuttle.
  • Conditions: Non refundable $200 per person deposit required to hold space.
  • Full payment due 60 before departure date
  • FAM Payments are non-refundable in case of cancellation

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Costa Rica Prime Time Tour
From $1,299.00
/ Adult
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