Overview
As the name implies this vacation package is an easy going tropical trip perfect for those yearning to escape wake up calls, rigid itineraries and inflexible schedules. This is vacation after all! Sit back and relax while our expert drivers pave the way from the Central Valley to the coastal treasure of Manuel Antonio National Park and Monteverde Cloud Forest.
Much like the elusive sloth, this trip eases through the best of Costa Rica staying at hotels selected for their excellent location.
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 Palacio.
Today we visit San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica, and the largest city in the country.
Our tour will take you through historical monuments, museums and parks. Along the way, our half-day sightseeing will include the commercial district, San Jose’s Central Park and the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Theater, the National Museum and the Legislative Assembly. Sight-seeing will continue through the University of Costa Rica’s main campus, and then to Moravia, home of leather craftsmen, where you will have plenty
of time to shop at the stores.
Or substitute with Optional upgrade to Combo Tour for an extra charge.
Combo Tour Option Description:
We will visit the Doka Coffee Estate for a delicious breakfast. Then we will be treated to a coffee tour in an actual coffee plantation where we will learn the ancient techniques used by the experts to produce some of the best coffee in Costa Rica and around the world. The careful process involved in the cultivation, harvesting and roasting of the Golden Bean will then be illustrated, very hands-on, and then we will savor the delectable product.
After the coffee tour, we will continue to Poas Volcano National Park, where there is a noticeable change in temperature and exuberant vegetation of the cloud forest.
The Poás Volcano, is an active 2,708-metre (8,885 ft) stratovolcano. The crater of the volcano is over a mile across and 1050 feet deep. It has erupted 40 times since 1828, including April, 2017.
At the Volcano we will have time to enjoy the impressive main crater with its sulfur fumaroles, and hike on a trail to the beautiful Botos Lagoon as we learn about the different ecosystems in the park.
After Poás, we will continue to La Paz Waterfall Garden, where we will enjoy a buffet lunch (rated 4 Forks by the Costa Rican Tourism Council) that includes multiple selections of Traditional Costa Rican dishes and much more.
At La Paz Waterfall Gardens we will go through walking trails surrounded by lush tropical rain forest. Here we will appreciate flowing white rivers, spectacular waterfalls, birds, butterflies, monkeys, and hummingbirds. There are also, educational animal exhibits to enjoy such as the Aviary, the Butterfly Observatory, Hummingbird Garden, Serpentarium, Jungle Cats Exhibit, and the Frog Exhibit. This is definitely a tour enjoyed by nature lovers from all ages.
Meals B
After breakfast, be ready for your scheduled shuttle semi-private transportation to Manuel Antonio. You’ll be heading west to the gorgeous Central Pacific Coast and to the treasure of white sand beaches housed in Manuel Antonio National Park (park closed Mondays). Check in to your selected hotel; the Karahe Hotel (4 stars). Meals: B
Early this morning after breakfast get ready for our visit to Manuel Antonio National Park (Park close Mondays)
Manuel Antonio National Park, it’s absolutely unforgettable. Take a leisurely hike with a highly trained, well-educated Costa Rican naturalist guide through exotic, bio-diverse tropical rain forest preserved in this national treasure established in 1972, Manuel Antonio National Park.
Watch sloths and numerous species of monkeys travel through the tree canopy, track nocturnal silky anteaters and several types of monkeys or iguanas resting in the tropical rain forest, and listen to the songs of the various birds as they chirp above your group, curiously. And if we are lucky, we might spot one of the only 1,000 remaining endangered Mono Titi or squirrel monkey, which live in only one location in the world, here in Manuel Antonio National Park biological corridor.
So much can be seen here in a span of just 2 w1/2 hours! Hike through the trails and enjoy unspoiled, un-crowded, pristine beaches after your guided trip. Then there is time free for independent activities. You can explore on your own, go to a seaside restaurant for (lunch not included) or return to your hotel for relaxation. Meals: B
What can we say about someone experiencing Costa Rica’s number one visitors’ spot for the first time with THE Manuel Antonio specialist our Manuel Antonio National Park. It’s just like experiencing Costa Rica for the first time absolutely unforgettable. Take a leisurely hike with a highly trained, well-educated Costa Rican naturalist guide through our exotic, bio-diverse tropical rain forest preserved in our 34 year old national treasure, Manuel Antonio National Park.
A day at leisure full of sun, sand and sea! Meals B
Early in the morning transfer from Manuel Antonio to the mountain to reach the town of Monteverde. Check -in to the lovely Fondavela Hotel. Welcome to the Cloud Forest! Overnight. Meals B
Day at leisure.
Opional 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. Meals B
After check out, private transfer to the San Jose International Airport in time for your return flight to the U.S. Meals: B
Includes:
- 2 nights in San Jose deluxe hotel with buffet breakfast daily, Barcelo San Jose
- 3 Nights in Manuel Antonio, Karahe Hotel
- 2 Night in Monteverde, Fondavela Hotel
- City Tour of San Jose or Optional upgrade substitution : Combo Tour, Doka Coffee Plantation, Poas Volcano & La Paz waterfall Gardens with lunch
- Guided Tour in Manuel Antonio: Manuel Antonio National Park
- All transfers with baggage handling throughout
- 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)
BARCELO SAN JOSE
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.
KARAHE
Karahe Hotel is located just in front of the beautiful beach of Manuel Antonio in the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, a place known by providing an experience that goes beyond a room in a beach hotel. Our food, location, personnel, and 30 years of providing quality service in Manuel Antonio, makes us the ideal place to unplugged from the routine and enjoy a personal connection with nature.
Our beautiful gardens are the home of hundreds of exotic species, because Karahe is located very close to a national park where you can observe species such as squirrel, white face and howler monkeys, sloths, iguanas, hummingbirds, agoutis and others. In addition to been located just 1 kilometer from the world famous Manuel Antonio National Park, where you can enjoy one of the top ten famous beaches in the whole world.
FONDAVELA
Experience Hotel Fonda Vela’s natural approach to life — with style! Surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens, our buildings are an attractive part of the lush, tropical mountainside. The rooms are cozy, yet elegant, spacious and comfortable. Each room is designed with the environment in mind. For example, large windows help to bring the outdoors inside.
The Fonda Vela was built with the idea of being a nurturing experience, environmentally, culturally and spiritually. Our guests play an important part in fulfilling this dream.
With the mysterious veils of mist and phenomenal sunsets, Costa Rica has drawn us back to nature. It is the spirit and feelings that brought us here that we want to share with you, our guests.
SAN JOSE
Combo Tour, Doka-Poas-La Paz Waterfalls. Rate $162 pp:
We will visit the Doka Coffee Estate for a delicious breakfast. Then we will be treated to a coffee tour in an actual coffee plantation where we will learn the ancient techniques used by the experts to produce some of the best coffee in Costa Rica and around the world. The careful process involved in the cultivation, harvesting and roasting of the Golden Bean will then be illustrated, very hands-on, and then we will savor the delectable product.
After the coffee tour, we will continue to Poas Volcano National Park, where there is a noticeable change in temperature and exuberant vegetation of the cloud forest.
The Poás Volcano, is an active 2,708-metre (8,885 ft) stratovolcano. The crater of the volcano is over a mile across and 1050 feet deep. It has erupted 40 times since 1828, including April, 2017.
At the Volcano we will have time to enjoy the impressive main crater with its sulfur fumaroles, and hike on a trail to the beautiful Botos Lagoon as we learn about the different ecosystems in the park.
After Poás, we will continue to La Paz Waterfall Garden, where we will enjoy a buffet lunch (rated 4 Forks by the Costa Rican Tourism Council) that includes multiple selections of Traditional Costa Rican dishes and much more.
At La Paz Waterfall Gardens we will go through walking trails surrounded by lush tropical rain forest. Here we will appreciate flowing white rivers, spectacular waterfalls, birds, butterflies, monkeys, and hummingbirds. There are also, educational animal exhibits to enjoy such as the Aviary, the Butterfly Observatory, Hummingbird Garden, Serpentarium, Jungle Cats Exhibit, and the Frog Exhibit. This is definitely a tour enjoyed by nature lovers from all ages.
MONTEVERDE
The Monteverde Biological Reserve Guided Tour. Rate $99 pp:
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.
Selvátura Park Full Combo Adventure. Rate $145 pp
4 activities :
Canopy + hanging bridges and choose two options between: butterfly garden, Reptils, Insectary, Reptils and humming bird.
Canopy
Selvatura Adventure Park’s Canopy Tour is one of the safest extreme adventures in Costa Rica!
Our Canopy Tour guides start by harnessing you with all the appropriate equipment after which they will lecture you on all the safety procedures to enjoy this amazing adventure with our “Safety First” motto.
You will then be flying through 15 cables and 18 platforms with an optional Tarzan Swing at the end of the adventure. Selvatura Park is one of the longest Canopy Tours in Costa Rica. Also it is the only canopy tour located inside the Monteverde Cloud Forest.
If you are looking for an extreme Monteverde canopy tour and amazing rides, Selvatura Park’s Zip Lines are your best choice.
Hanging bridges
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve What is typically known as the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is actually several biological reserves which have have been responsible of promoting this ecological destianation. Among the most important ones are: The Biological Reserve of Monteverde, Biological Reserve of Santa Elana and the Eternal Children’s Rain Forest.
Together these reserves and plus some other adjacent protected zones comprise the area of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve which is superior to the 30.000 hectares of protected virgin forest.
Butterfly Garden
A Different World… A World of Butterflies
Venture into exploring a different world. A world in which a controlled climate provides the best temperature (82.4º F or 28º C) for its inhabitants to feel in paradise. Explore a community that gathers more than 20 species of butterflies. Learn about their life cycle, their special abilities and behaviors that have helped them evolve throughout thousands of years.
Insectary
Enjoy the world’s third largest private insect collection. Take a close look at thousands of insects, butterflies and other wonderous species from all over the world, presented in a way never seen before anywhere else. Admire the exhibition “Jewels of the Rain Forest” by world renowned entomologist Dr. Richard Whitten who has been collecting insects for decades.
Learn from Dr. Whitten on a special video called “Jewels of the Rain Forest” which is projected in our cinematic auditorium throughout the tour. This video features insects from all over Costa Rica, most of which can be found at Selvatura Park. Come and be part of one of the world’s most beautiful bio-artistic shows at our World Class exhibition “Jewels of the Rain Forest”.
Reptils
Mysteryous Animals that Wake our Curiosity
In our Reptile and Amphibian Exhibition you will find frogs, lizards, geckos and snakes, more than 30 species! In this guided tour, you will be able to observe live reptiles and amphibians inside terrariums with specialized climate control which provides these wonderful creatures a home-like habitat.
Humming birds
Imagine yourself in a beautiful garden. Now imagine over 100 beautiful hummingbirds flying cheerfully around you! That is what the incredible Hummingbird Garden has to offer you. More than 14 species of hummingbirds will amaze you with their incredible aerial maneuvers and bright lively colors.
Definitively a photography fan’s treat! No matter what mood you are in these small daredevils will cheer you up and give you an unforgettable air show. Come to our hummingbird garden and amaze yourself with these fantastic speeding creatures!
