Costa Rica Christmas Natural Treasures - 8 Days

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 transfer to Arenal your hotel Montaña de Fuego. Meals BL

A morning to relax or perhaps treat yourself to the lava rocks massage at the hotel’s spa.

Later this afternoon you’ll be picked up from your hotel for the most populat “must -do” tour of Costa Rica,  Arenal Volcano Hike at Dusk & Tabacon Hot Springs Tour with deluxe buffet dinner. This is a tour you’ll never forget! Make your way to the active side of the Arenal Volcano to observe the tumbling lava rocks and spewing gases. As the evening approaches and your sense of hearing heighten, the hike takes on a surreal quality due to the amazing sounds the volcano makes in the distance. As you experience this tour, your well-trained bilingual guide will teach you a great deal about the activity and history of the volcano. Next, head for a bit of rest and relaxation at the beautiful Tabacon Resort! The indescribable hot springs and exotic tropical gardens will soothe your body and soul. When the sun sets, the show begins with the grace of clear skies permitting, and the sight of redhot lava boulders rolling down the volcano as you soak in the springs, will stun you.  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! Latter, a truly fabulous buffet is offered in the open air restaurant. Transfer back to your hotel for a good night’s sleep. Meals BD

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 continue with an adventurous drive up the mountain to reach the town of Monteverde. Check -in to the lovely El Establo Hotel. Welcome to the Cloud Forest!  Overnight. Meals B

After breakfast you will visit 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 the El Establo Hotel. Meals B

After breakfast, depart from Monteverde for a scheduled shuttle transfer to Guanacaste and the beautiful beach hotel, Esplendor Tamarindo in Tamarindo Beach for a 2-night stay. Meals B Daily

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