Tour Overview
Travel on the Tortuguero Canals, up through the area north of Limon, has been likened to a trip on the African Queen, or to floating dreamily down the Amazon. It is certainly one of the most wonderfully lyrical trips to be taken anywhere. As you float dreamily amidst the fragrance of white ginger blossoms, levender water hyacinths, and the llan llan flower, there is a tranquility that soothes all your cares away. Look around and you may catch occassional glimpses of sloths, crocodiles, and basking freshwater turtles. High in the exuberent vegetation, green macaws and multi-colored parrots squawk nosily, while howler monkeys shake the branches. Covering 100,000 acres, Corcovado National Park is an important sanctuary of biological diversity and endangered wildlife, dominating the rugged Osa Peninsula.Day by Day Itinerary
Tortuguero ExtensionDay 1: Arrive Tortuguero National Park
Early today you will be picked up at your hotel for your trip to Tortuguero National Park. Enjoy a typical Costa Rican breakfast on the way as you pass through the cloud forests of Braulio Carrillo National Park and the banana plantations on the Caribbean slope before a two hour boat trip to Tortuguero. The park--one of the most varied within the park system--has 11 ecological habitats, from high rainforest to herbaceous marsh communities. Fronting the sea is the seemingly endless expanse of beach. Behind that is a narrow lagoon, connected to the sea at one end and fed by a river at the other, which parallels the beach for its full 35-km length. Back of the lagoon is a coastal rainforest threaded by an infinite maze of serpentine channels and streams fed by rivers flowing from the central mountain ranges and by the torrential rains that fall in the area. On the periphery of the forest lies a complex of swamps. In the afternoon you will visit the town of Tortuguero and the turtle museum (entrance fee is $1.00 per person, not included). Manatus Hotel is the finest hotel in Tortuguero, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Tortuguero Canals and wildlife. A room at the Manatus begins with an extraordinary sense of peace and comfort. The rooms are designed to inspire, its beauty connects you with the surrounding environment of a wildlife sanctuary and the Tortuguero Canals, while ensuring your comfort and convenience.
Manatus Hotel Day 2: Tortuguero
Today enjoy a jungle boat tour through the rainforested waterways of Tortuguero National Park. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Manatus Hotel Day 3: Tortuguero- San Jose
After breakfast, take the boat to Cano Blanco dock and then continue on coach transportation to San Jose, stopping for lunch along the way. Once in San Jose, your iExplore private guide/driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel in the hills close to Poas Volcano in Alajuela. Xandari Resort & Spa consists of 19 spacious villas on a 40-acre coffee and fruit plantation overlooking Costa Rica's Central Valley... the creation of architect Sherrill Broudy and artist Charlene Broudy, who envisioned a paradise reflecting the natural beauty of Costa Rica. The villas, private terraces, furniture and gardens are designed with great attention to detail, and each villa is adorned with original works of art. All villas have a private view terrace, a walled-in sun area, a bar kitchen, and either a king bed or two full beds
Breakfast, Lunch
Xandari Resort & Spa Day 4: Depart San Jose
Today you will be driven to the airport for your flight home. Lapa Rios Extension
Day 1: Corcovado National Park
Early today you will be picked up at the hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Puerto Jimenez. Enjoy the aerial view of the majestic Osa Peninsula as you approach the area. Upon arrival a representative of the lodge will meet you and transfer you to the Lapa Rios Lodge. Set in a private nature reserve spread over 1,000 acres of Central America's last remaining lowland tropical rainforest in Costa Rica, Lapa Rios Ecolodge overlooks the pristine point where the Golfo Dulce meets the wild Pacific Ocean, a destination matching everyone's idea of paradise. Lapa Rios was designed in harmony with the surrounding forest and beach environment. The main lodge and bungalows line three ridges and are connected by walking paths and steps. Built over 350 feet above the sea, Lapa Rios catches the cooling tropical ocean and forests breezes. The main lodge and the Brisa Azul restaurant soar 50 feet above the sea and, like the private 16 bungalows, are built of locally harvested materials and have intricately woven palm-thatched roofs. Climb the lodge’s three-story circular stairway to overlook the forest canopy and breathtaking ocean vistas. Comfortable, locally made bamboo furniture and huge private decks aid relaxation amidst pristine nature.
Lapa Rios Lodge
Lunch, Dinner Days 2 & 3: Corcovado National Park
As part of your stay at Lapa Rios, you may choose two guided activities (one per day): Rainforest Waterfall Hike, Early Bird Hike, Medicine Walk, Night Walk, or plant a tree.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lapa Rios Lodge Day 4: San Jose
Today board the return flight to San Jose. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The Grano de Oro Hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Situated on a shady street just off Paseo Colón, San José's main thoroughfare, Hotel Grano de Oro is a true oasis, a sanctuary in the heart of the city. Converted from a Tropical Victorian mansion, the hotel maintains the warmth and comfort of a private home. There are gardens at Grano de Oro both inside and out. A rooftop terrace offers relaxing Jacuzzis and a spot for secluded sunbathing and stargazing.
Breakfast
Grand de Oro Hotel Punta Islita Extension
Day 1: Islita
Early today you will be picked up at the hotel and transferred to the airport for the flight to Islita, on the Nicoya Peninsula. When you arrive a representative of the hotel will meet you and transfer you to the property. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Developed in full synergy with its neighboring communities, Hotel Punta Islita is a world-class getaway featuring the charm, culture, and bewildering natural diversity of Costa Rica and its Guanacaste province. Perfect for family vacations, romantic getaways, and relaxation escapes.
Hotel Punta Islita Days 2 & 3: Nicoya Peninsula
Full days at your leisure to enjoy the hotel’s facilities, explore the nearby town and relax at the beach.
Breakfast
Hotel Punta Islita Day 4: San Jose
Today board the return flight to San Jose. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The Grano de Oro Hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Situated on a shady street just off Paseo Colón, San José's main thoroughfare, Hotel Grano de Oro is a true oasis, a sanctuary in the heart of the city. Converted from a Tropical Victorian mansion, the hotel maintains the warmth and comfort of a private home. There are gardens at Grano de Oro both inside and out. A rooftop terrace offers relaxing Jacuzzis and a spot for secluded sunbathing and stargazing.
Breakfast
Grand de Oro Hotel
