Two of the Best Itinerary
Relax at two of the very best hotels. Enjoy the great outdoors and Costa Rica's amazing nature at Arenal and Golfo Dulce.
10 days from £3555pp plus international flights.
Full itinerary
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Call: 01473 890499
Start planning your tailor-made holiday now. Tell us what you want, and we will tailor make your perfect trip.
© Nayara Gardens
Day 1
Arrive. Transfer to Arenal
A local representative greets you at the international airport in San Jose and shows you to the waiting car for the drive through the northern lowlands to Arenal.
The route passes coffee and sugar cane plantations and fields full of banana palms and pineapple plants. After about three hours the volcano of Arenal comes into sight, a perfect cone, and one of the best-known sights in Costa Rica. Depending on your flight timings, you may have time to enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool or a soak in one of the jacuzzi, to help you relax after your long journey, then you can enjoy dinner in one of the hotel's two restaurants.
© EvocationImages,Shutterstock
Day 2
At Arenal
There's a wide choice of activities to choose from at Nayara Gardens. One of the best, and most exciting, ways to explore the rainforest around Arenal is the Sky Tram and Sky Trek tour. An aerial tram whisks you up to the top of Arenal as you enjoy views down to sparkling Arenal Lake. Having enjoyed the views from the top you descend the Sky Trek, a circuit of zip-lines traversing canyons and strung between trees. It's pure exhilaration! Later at the hotel you can relax by the pool or enjoy the privacy of your own balcony.
Breakfast
© DanielBlindt
Day 3
At Arenal
You might want a more relaxed day today, in which case a visit Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge could be perfect. The reserve is best explored by boat, travelling along the Rio Frio as you look out for caimans, turtles, monkeys, sloths and some of the 300 or so species of birds found here. This is a great introduction to the rich and varied wildlife of Costa Rica. Back at your hotel you can treat yourself to a visit to the spa, relaxing with a therapeutic massage.
Breakfast
© Sky Adventures
Day 4
At Arenal
On your last full day at Arenal you could go for a bike ride by Arenal Lake enjoying some gentle exercise as well as taking in fine views. Afterwards you can visit the hot springs for a long, relaxing soak in the thermal waters. If you'd prefer something to set your pulse racing you could opt for a white water rafting adventure or try a canyoning or canopy tour. Other options include horse riding and guided nature walks.
Breakfast
© Playa Cativo
Day 5
Fly to Golfo Dulce
After breakfast, you're driven to the airport in San Jose for the one hour flight down to Golfo Dulce. You will be met and driven in a 4x4 to El Remanso on the Osa Peninsula. Once you reach the hotel you can make yourself at home. You're here for the next five nights. Settle back and enjoy the sights and sounds of the rainforest as you listen to birdsong, or wander down to the shore and look across the still waters of Golfo Dulce.
Breakfast, dinner
© Playa Cativo
Day 6
At Golfo Dulce
Today you have a choice of complimentary guided activities. You can opt for a rainforest hike, learning about the flora and fauna, identifying different species and finding out about the ecosystem. Alternatively you can explore the underwater world as you go snorkelling in the bay, a deep tropical fjord, marvelling at the bright colours and quick movements of the fish. This is a true natural paradise and however you explore you'll be enchanted.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
© Playa Cativo
Day 7
At Golfo Dulce
From El Remanso there are walking trails you can explore independently. Kayaks, snorkelling equipment and paddle boards are available to help you explore by water. You are welcome to relax at the hotel, watching birds and butterflies in the garden, cooling off with a swim in the pool or browsing through books in the library. Take the day at your own pace.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
© Playa Cativo
Days 8-9
At Golfo Dulce
Two more days to enjoy life at El Remanso. Staff can arrange guided hikes in Piedras Blancas National Park with its abundant plants and trees and rich animal and bird life, or you could accompany a guide along a rainforest trail to a waterfall where you can enjoy a wonderfully refreshing swim. You might want to take a boat trip out into the gulf to look for dolphins, rays and whale sharks. Between June and September you might also spot humpback whales. There's plenty to keep you busy!
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
© Felicity Cowley
Day 10
Fly To San Jose. Head for home.
If you wake early you may witness a lovely sunrise this morning before breakfast. It's then time to head for home, as you travel by boat to the local airport, a final chance for some dolphin spotting. A 60-minute flight takes you back to San Jose in time for your onward travel arrangements.
Breakfast
Call: 01473 890499
Start planning your tailor-made holiday now. Tell us what you want, and we will tailor make your perfect trip.
