Itinerary
- Intro
Introduction
- Day 1
San José
San José- Start point
- Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría (SJO), Ruta Nacional 1, Alajuela, Alajuela, Costa Rica (Airport)
- Meals
- Dinner (Authentic Costa Rican cuisine at Silvestre Restaurant, contemporary cuisine fused with traditional Costa Rican ingredients and techniques, set in a 1930s house in one of San José's finest old neighbourhoods)
- Accommodation
- Hotel 3* (Park Inn)
Optional Activities
- Stroll around San José neighbourhood to experience the city's atmosphere
- Day 2
San José
San José- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation
- Hotel 3* (Park Inn)
Included Activities
- Coffee tasting at Borbon market
- Exploration of Borbon market with learning about agricultural history and local folk medicine
- Visit to Central Market (120-year-old building) for local cuisine and traditional medicines
- Coffee farm tour in Barva de Heredia including nursery, selection, harvest, roasting and packing techniques, and gourmet coffee tasting ('cupping')
Landmarks Borbon Market Central Market - Day 3
San José
San José- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch with hints of cacao oil and garnished with cocoa nibs, followed by a cacao-based dessert and a chocolate drink infused with spices such as chili, vanilla, anise, achiote and pepper), Dinner (Range of traditional Costa Rican dishes at Hernandez family table)
- Accommodation
- Hotel 3* (Park Inn)
Included Activities
- Chocolate tasting experience and cacao plantation tour with chocolate maker Alex
- Lunch with cacao oil and cocoa nibs, cacao-based dessert, and spiced chocolate drink
- Visit to Hernandez family to learn about traditional Costa Rican dishes
- Family table dining experience at Hernandez family home
- Visit to Hernandez family botanical garden with over 500 species of organically grown orchids
- Day 4
San José - Sarapiquí - Arenal Volcano
San José - Sarapiquí - Arenal Volcano- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Buffet dinner)
- Accommodation
- Hotel 4* (Los Lagos Spa & Resort)
Included Activities
- Finca Sura organic farm tour in Sarapiquí including learning about organic crop growing and pineapple cultivation
- Eco Termales Hot Springs with natural pools varying in temperature from 32°C to 41°C
Landmarks Arenal Volcano National Park Eco Termales Hot Springs - Day 5
Arenal - Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
Arenal - Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation
- Hotel 4* (Los Lagos Spa & Resort)
Included Activities
- Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge boat tour down Río Frío to Caño Negro Lake with wildlife viewing (birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians)
- Wildlife spotting including howler monkeys, spider monkeys, white-faced monkeys, three-toed sloths, caimans, turtles, and 'Jesus Christ Lizard'
Landmarks Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge Río Frío Caño Negro Lake - Day 6
Arenal - Tamarindo Beach
Arenal - Tamarindo Beach- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Prepared during cooking class at La Casa Rústica)
- Accommodation
- Hotel 3* (Tamarindo Diria)
Included Activities
- Hands-on cooking class at La Casa Rústica with chef Scott Alan covering local tropical ingredients, grilling techniques, and cocktail preparation
- Participation in prepared dishes (with choice to actively participate or observe)
Landmarks Arenal Volcano Tamarindo Beach - Day 7
Tamarindo
Tamarindo- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel 3* (Tamarindo Diria)
Optional Activities
- Sunbathing or swimming at Tamarindo Beach
- Reading or watching surfers at the beach
- Guided snorkelling tours
- ATV adventure tours
- Sunset catamaran ride
- Sunset viewing from beach or beach bars/restaurants
- Al fresco dinner at beach bars or restaurants
Landmarks Tamarindo Beach - Day 8
Tamarindo to San José
Tamarindo to San José- End point
- Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría (SJO), Ruta Nacional 1, Alajuela, Alajuela, Costa Rica (Airport)
- Meals
- Breakfast
