Costa Rica Tours
See Costa Rica through the eyes of Costa Ricans

Ellen, Jeff, Josh, Dana and Jordie MA

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EASTERN COSTA RICA 8 days / 7 nights :

Costa Rica is about nature. Our fixed departures are intended to bring you close to nature and the culture developed in it. Our expert naturalist guides will unveil the marvels of the tropics as well as the cultural and historical background of Costa Rica. At the end of your trip you will have seen Costa Rica through the eyes of Costa Ricans.

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DETAILED DEPARTURES: EASTERN COSTA RICA  8 days / 7 nights:

DETAILED DESCRIPTION: B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner

Day 1. San Jose arrival

Upon your arrival a Travel in Paradise CR representative will be meeting you at the Juan Santamaria International airport. Welcome to Costa Rica . Overnight in Hotel Parque del Lago.

Day 2. San Jose / Irazu Volcano / Turrialba Valley (B, L, D)

This morning your guide will meet you and your travel companions for a trip briefing prior to departing. Start out going east towards the summit of our tallest volcano, Irazu. Along the way enjoy scenic views of crop land and dairy pastures. Irazu´s summit at 3432meters (aprox. 10500ft) above sea level, presents an impressively barren landscape and two deep craters, one of which contains active fumaroles. After lunch continue further until Turrialba Valley , which is located halfway between San Jose and the Caribbean Port of Limon. The charming town of Turrialba shows an authentic Costa Rican lifestyle, off the touristy paths of other regions. Explore the grounds for some birdwatching with your guide. Overnight in Casa Turire or similar.

Day 3. Pacuare River rafting / Sarapiqui (B, L, D)

Rising early gives you the chance for more and exciting birdwatching and to admire spectacular views of Turrialba Volcano. Move on today after breakfast to enjoy the exhilarating Class III-IV rapids of the Pacuare River , considered one of the best whitewater rafting rivers due to the scenic beauty. Nature is present throughout the route. Time for lunch and get into a dry change of clothes to continue in the afternoon towards Sarapiqui. Overnight in Centro Neotropico Sarapiquis.

Day 4. Tropical rainforest hike / Sarapiqui (B, L, D)

Sarapiqui´s lowland rainforest is home to half the population of bird species of the country. Enjoy a fantastic natural history walk in one of the protected areas of Sarapiqui. Back in the 1950s the Organization of Tropical Studies established La Selva Biological Station as an effort to preserve as much possible amount of land in this privileged environment. Along, other private efforts have joined and more of this lowland rainforest isn't at stake anymore. This morning walk will bring you the closest to the way all this area looked before being inhabited by humans. For the afternoon optional tours on site, or just relax. Overnight in Sarapiqui.

Day 5. horse back riding / Arenal (B, D)

Continue after breakfast towards Arenal area. Along the way, sights of pineapple, ornamental, cassava, orange and papaya farms. Spend some time in the picturesque town of Fortuna . For the afternoon a nice horse will be picked especially for you to go for a nice ride at the base of the volcano. Overnight in Montaña de Fuego.

Day 6. volcano hike & hot springs / Arenal (B, D)

Today your guide will bring you for a nice hike into the Arenal Volcano National Park .  Since 1969 Arenal Volcano´s activity can be described from a destructive spewing action to an attractive reliable flow of incandescent material.  Today´s hike will bring you to regenerated forest over old lava flows, and big boulders of material spewed in past years. After this, enjoy the relaxing hot springs of the area for the remaining part of the evening. Dinner is today at the hot springs . There will be plenty time for you to engage in an optional half day tour here such as:  the canopy tour, the aerial tram or the hanging bridges. Overnight in Montaña de Fuego.

Day 7. to San Jose . (B, D)

Leisure breakfast, leave Arenal area to go to San Jose for a nice city tour. Farewell dinner. Hotel Parque del Lago.

Day 8. Departure day.

Airport shuttle service. Or extend your stay with additional two and three night packages.

Included in the trip:

Transportation: Airport/hotel transfers, private land transportation as described in itinerary.

Lodging: for 7 nights at Superior Tourist-class hotels, in comfortable rooms with private bath.

Meals: 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners.

Services of Expert Naturalist Guide.

Highlights: Irazu Volcano National Park , Turrialba Valley , Pacuare River Rafting tour, Sarapiqui Tirimbina Rainforest Reserve, horse back riding in Arenal, hike to Arenal Volcano national park, hot springs in Arenal. San Jose City tour.

Taxes and entrance fees: of all included features.

Not included: airport taxes, services not specified in itinerary, personal equipment, hotel extras (laundry, phone calls, room service, alcoholic beverages), personal insurance coverage (recommended).

EASTERN COSTA RICA: