Classic Itineraries - Costa Rica 9 Day

Destination:Costa Rica Premier-Guided Adventure
Description: 9 days/8 nights
Clients: This premier-guided adventure was designed for a group of 7 to Costa Rica with private transportation and guides throughout their trip.
Activity Level: Challenging

This custom adventure encompasses the heart and soul of Costa Rica. With tropical rainforests, incredible diving and active volcanoes tucked in the rugged landscape of Central America, Costa Rica is an adventurer’s paradise. In between exploring national parks, flying through the Costa Rican jungle and surfing the Pacific Coast, travelers will lounge on white sand beaches and enjoy all the “Pura Vida” that Costa Rica has to offer.

9-Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in San Jose. After clearing customs and picking up your luggage, you will be met at the exit by your AAW Guide. You will be transported to your hotel where you will settle in and explore the surrounding area and the city. There will be a welcome dinner at a local restaurant with your AAW Guide.

Day 2: Full-day of rafting on the Sarapiqui River. Breakfast is at your hotel and then you will meet your guide and drive to the river (2 1/2 hours). The day includes a full-day rafting trip on the Sarapiqui River with rafts and inflatable kayaks to meet the skill level of the group. The evening is free to enjoy the town and have a meal in one of the many fine local establishments.

Day 3: Drive from Sarapiqui to Arenal for an afternoon National Park Tour. A relaxing morning in Sarapiqui and then you will join your guide for the drive to Arenal (2 hours). This beautiful drive will take you out of the Caribbean lowlands and into the tropical canyons and mountains of Central Costa Rica. Lunch will be on the road, and you will check into your hotel after arriving in Arenal. In the afternoon you will visit the park headquarters for unparalleled views of this active volcano and then a short hike over the lava flows and through the jungle. Your evening is free to enjoy your hotel and explore the local town of La Fortuna.

Day 4: Full-day in Arenal with zip-line canopy tour and horseback ride. Full-day in Arenal with morning pick-up by Sky Trek to be taken to their mountain top site for a two-hour canopy and zip-line tour. Lunch will be at your hotel. Afternoon guided horseback ride through the hills to the volcano overlook. Evening visit to Baldi Hot Springs for dinner and time in the hot springs for the entire family.

Day 5: Travel to Monteverde by Jeep, boat and horse. Morning breakfast at your hotel and then departure for the Monteverde Region of Costa Rica. Instead of riding the rough and difficult road, you will take a Jeep to Lago Arenal to board a boat to take you across the lake, then ride horses up to Monteverde. In Monteverde you will settle into the resort and enjoy a walking tour around the town.

Day 6: Monteverde Coffee Plantation and Local Development Tour. Breakfast will be provided at the hotel. This is a great day to get the feel of the rural Costa Rican community by actually visiting some of the local development projects going on in the area. You will visit the local coffee cooperative, visit the coffee processing plant and see the women’s development center. Your afternoon is free to hike, explore or relax by the pool and enjoy your vacation.

Day 7: Drive from Monteverde to Guanacaste. Breakfast will be at your resort, and then you will join your guide to drive from Monteverde to the Guachipelin Adventure Ranch (4 hours). The Guachipelin Adventure Ranch is a great place for variety of adventure-based activities for the entire family.

Day 8: Morning activity at the Adventure Ranch, then travel to your rental house. After a leisurely breakfast at the Adventure Ranch, you will enjoy one of their exciting tours located near the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Lunch will be at the Ranch and then your guide will transport you back to the San Jose airport.

Day 9: Return flight home from San Jose to the U.S.

TOUR INCLUDES

Accommodations:
1 night in San Jose, 1 night in Sarapiqui, 2 nights in Arenal, 2 nights in Monteverde, 1 night in Rincon de la Vieja.

Transportation:
All private transportation between destinations as listed in itinerary.

Activities:
San Jose City tour, Welcome Dinner, Sarapiqui River Rafting tour, Arenal Volcano National Park tour, Arenal Zip-line Canopy tour, Arenal Horseback riding tour, Arenal Hot Springs w/dinner, Adventure Transfer from Arenal to Monteverde, Private Coffee Plantation and Local Development tour, and Private Monteverde Cloud Forest Park tour.

Guides:
AAW private guide services and local Costa Rican guides.

*Adventures Around the World has created this classic itinerary as a rough example to give travelers a basic sense of an adventure to this destination. All schedules and prices are subject to change due to seasons and booking availability at all destinations.