Tour Highlights
- Trekking the mossy, plant-lined trails of the beautiful La Paz Waterfall Gardens near San Jose
- Walking the hanging bridges and canopy walkways of the Arenal National Park, gaining a unique perspective on the forests below
- Making the most of the ever-versatile Arenal National Park with free time to hike, bike or zip-line through the surrounding countryside
- Birdwatching in the iconic Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, known to attract Toucans, Parrots and of course, the colorful Quetzal
- Observe the forest on a tram ride before flying through it on a zip line from one treetop platform to the other.
- Practice your inner Spiderman as you maneuver your way down waterfalls and a canyon wall by rappelling in the middle of the rainforest.
Tour Overview
Essential Costa Rica: Hanging Bridges and Hot Springs combines a short stay in San José and the Arenal area, to explore the hanging bridges and spend the night at the rejuvenating Tabacon Hot Springs. This tour also includes a 3-day stay at Monteverde. The reserve at Monteverde was created to protect the flora and fauna, as well as to carry out scientific studies and educational environmental programs.
This trip can be customized to fit your individual travel dates and any specific requests you may have. Your travel consultant will prepare a customized itinerary for you. We offer a choice of 3, 4, 5-star and deluxe accommodations. Deluxe hotels includes a suite at the El Establo hotel in Monteverde.
Inclusions
Local flights within Costa Rica have a weight limitation of 30 lbs (13 kgs) per person, including carry-on and storable luggage. Extra baggage (if any) can be left in San José where it will be stored at our local office. Collapsible carry-on bags are recommended to allow for separating luggage if needed.
Optional excursions in Arenal (one included):
Arenal Reserve Sky Tram/Sky Trek:
Placed in a unique transition area between the rain forest and the Monteverde Cloud Forest, you will find the Arenal Reserve. You may choose between a ride on the Sky Tram or the Sky Trek, with the most spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano and Lake. Sky Tram is a 15-minute Arenal tram tour through the rain forest to the Miguel Angel Observatory, where you will have spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano and Lake, and the Tilaran Mountain Range. Sky Trek is a 3,280-foot long zip line system that gives you the opportunity to enjoy the rain forest and its beautiful views in a fun, easy and safe ride. Duration: 4 hours
Recommended: long pants, hiking shoes, camera, binoculars, sun lotion, repellent and raincoat.
Venado Caverns:
The caverns were formed in the Miocene period some 15-20 million years ago. For a long time, they were submerged in the depths of the ocean. However, due to the movement of tectonic plates, the caverns rose to form part of the surface. Discover in one visit the limestone rock, stalactites, stalagmites and corals that make up the caves. Located only an hour from La Fortuna, these caverns offer an unforgettable underground mystical adventure. Get ready to get wet and muddy, and to see amazing stalactites, stalagmites, bats and subterranean streams. We will be trekking through some narrow winding passages.
Duration: 7 hours
Recommended: hiking boots, light clothing and shorts.
Participant requirements: Good physical condition; not recommended for those with claustrophobia.
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge:
Great for birdwatchers and nature lovers. This all-day trip takes you to the mighty Rio Frio near the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. One of our professional bilingual guides will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the small town of Los Chiles near the Nicaraguan border. Here we will begin our three-hour ride up the Rio Frio in search of sloths, caimans, lizards, tropical birds, various species of monkeys and more in the surrounding lush rainforest and wetlands. Learn about the wildlife, vegetation, ecology and culture of this tropical paradise. A typical Costa Rican hot lunch is included in this tour and is served on the tranquil banks of the Rio Frio.
Duration: 8 hours
Recommended: insect repellent, rain gear, binoculars, camera.
Sarapiqui River Rafting, Class II & III. La Virgen & Chilamate Section:
A delightful day—more than 20 rapids in a spectacular setting in the tropical rain forest. Sarapiqui is the rafter’s dream; natural whitewater, challenging rapids and crystal-clear pools. Enjoy the natural splendor and abundant wildlife.
Duration: 10 hours
Recommended: sandals or tennis shoes, short or swimsuit, towel, dry clothing for coming back, sweater, camera
Includes tropical fruits in the river, hot lunch, modern equipment and a kayaker to ensure safety.
Participant requirements: Good physical condition, beginners and advanced, ages: 12 to 60 years old.
Mountain Biking:
This is one of the tours we offer for those who want to go on a bike trip to the area where the forest, Arenal Volcano and the lake meet and lead through a beautiful trail. The tour starts from the Arenal Lake Dam, where we take an old trail into the forest. At the end of the trail, we will arrive at the entrance of the Arenal Volcano National Park and then get on the way to the observatory, and back in the main road.
We will have the chance to see many different birds, for example: Squirrel Cuckoos, Keel-Billed Toucans, Crested Guans, Slaty-Tailed Trogons, Black-Headed Trogons, Bare-Throated Tiger Herons (Laughing Falcons), as well as howler monkeys and raccoons.
Duration: 4 hours
Includes bikes, bilingual guide (English-Spanish), refreshments, water and cookies.
Horseback Riding to the La Fortuna waterfall:
This tour offers the perfect combination of beautiful sightseeing and physical activity. We begin with an easy and scenic horseback ride from La Fortuna to the entrance of the waterfall. After viewing the magnificent 40-meter waterfall from a distance, we descend on a challenging hike through the dense rainforest where you will see amazing specimens of flora. The hike will bring us to the base crystal-blue pool into which the waterfall pours; you will be able to take a wonderful and refreshing swim.
Duration: 4 hours
Recommended: insect repellent, rain gear, binoculars, camera, swimsuit and towel
Participant requirements: Good physical condition.
Note: The only Deluxe accommodation is in Monteverde.
Package Price: From £$ 4385
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
International Flight to San Jose
Upon arrival in San Jose, airport reception and transfer to the hotel.
Upon arrival in San Jose, airport reception and transfer to the hotel.
La Paz Waterfalls - Arenal
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After enjoying a delightful breakfast, begin your road trip to Poas Volcano National Park exploring the crater viewpoint with Sulphur fumaroles, hiking past Botos Lagoon, and learning about the area's ecosystems.
The next adventure begins at La Paz Waterfall Gardens. No doubt your previous trek will mean you've worked up an appetite - good thing lunch is your first activity at this new destination. In the midst of a luscious jungle, La Paz Waterfall Gardens you'll find monkeys, butterflies, tropical birds, rivers, waterfalls, and even dedicated exhibits!
At the end of the tour, continue to the Arenal hotel.
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Arenal Hanging Bridges
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Today, enjoy a half-day tour at the Arenal Hanging Bridges. This 5 km / 3-mile rainforest tour leads visitors across 10 hanging bridges in the canopy of the rainforest and boasts an incredible up-close-and-personal interaction with the flora and fauna found here. Meander the trails and bridges with a keen eye on the lookout for monkeys, butterflies, and colorful birds.
In the early evening, enjoy Ecotermales Hot springs a network of natural hot springs in Arenal, amid the lush vegetation to a symphony of rushing waterfalls. Indulge in a renowned dinner experience.
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Group Pure Trek Canyoning and Rappel Tour
Meet your guide at the reception of the hotel for today's thrilling 3-hour canyoning experience. Practice your inner Spiderman as you maneuver your way down waterfalls and a canyon wall in the middle of the rainforest.
Meet your guide at the reception of the hotel for today's thrilling 3-hour canyoning experience. Practice your inner Spiderman as you maneuver your way down waterfalls and a canyon wall in the middle of the rainforest.
Private Land & Boat Transfer to Lake Crossing Arenal to Monteverde
Today, read more...
Today, after breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel to transfer from the Arenal area to your Monteverde hotel, including a crossing of Lake Arenal by boat. Initially, you will be transferred to Lake Arenal, where you will board a boat to cross the lake's southern end. There you will be picked up at the Rio Chiquito landing and driven overland to your Monteverde hotel, approx. 2.5-hour transfer. The lake crossing takes 1.5 hours less time than driving all the way around. Please be aware that strong winds or heavy rains can make for a rough, bumpy, and wet boat ride. There are no docks.
In the afternoon visit, Monteverde Reserve nature walk, one of the premier natural history destinations in Costa Rica. The forest is dominated by trees densely covered with mats of small plants known as epiphytes, including mosses, lichens, orchids, ferns, and bromeliads. This cool, very green, and often-misty forest is home to a variety of wildlife. On your walk, you may encounter monkeys, coatimundis, agoutis, and numerous bird species such as Toucanets, Chlorophonias, seasonally the Bellbird, and legendary crimson and green Resplendent Quetzal.
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Private Monteverde Reserve Tour with Zip Line Sky Tram and Sky Trek
This read more...
This will be a day full of fun and adrenaline. You can't miss the chance to observe the forest on a tram ride and then flying through it on a zip line from one treetop platform to the other.
The Sky Tram gondolas rise smoothly through the Rain Forest, offering up endless views during their mountainous ascent.
At our Sky Trek in Monteverde, you ride the tram up the mountain, and then get back to the base riding our thrilling ziplines, making it a perfect adventure activity with no walking segments - get off and jump on to the next cable. You’ll ride 7 cables, where you will be astounded by its impressive heights, speeds that go up to 70km/h (43.5mph), views, and because you will be able to admire the surrounding mountains like in no other place.
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San Jose-Flight Home
Transfer to San Jose Airport to take the flight home.
Transfer to San Jose Airport to take the flight home.
Monteverde, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Arenal, La Fortuna, Alajuela, Costa Rica
San Jose, Costa Rica
Places You'll See
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Monteverde
Take a walk through nature in Monteverde, home to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Take a guided tour through the forests and catch a glimpse of the animals that call it home. Get up early for morning bird watches, or visit the butterfly farms. Go flying through the tree tops with zip-line tours, or walk across the hanging bride for a view of forest canopy.
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Arenal
Experience the excitement of visiting a 7,000 year old, active stratovolcano by visiting the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica. Though it is now dormant, Arenal was the most active of Costa Rica’s seven active volcanoes until 2010. Its dense vegetation is also home to numerous species of wildlife.
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San Jose
Visit the largest, and one of the most exciting cities in all of Costa Rica, San Jose. Get lost in the beautiful shades of green at the Museo del Jade, home to the largest collection of pre-Columbian Jade in Central America. Take a Barrio Bird Walking Tour, or a tour through the butterfly farm and coffee farm. Watch street performers juggle, play music, and interact with their audience.
Media Gallery
Hotel Options
4 Star Properties
Presidente Hotel
San Jose , COSTA RICA
An iconic landmark in San Jose, Costa Rica, Hotel Presidente is a contemporary urban retreat in the heart of downtown San Jose. With its vibrant ambiance, modern decor and great service, our four-star upscale hotel is the symbol of hospitality and the cultural soul of Costa Rica’s capital city. Celebrated for our eco-friendly tourism practices, Hotel Presidente is a window into Costa Rica’s land, people and heritage. Experience an unforgettable vacation adventure, romantic getaway or business trip at our hotel, the place to relax, connect, inspire, dine, and explore Costa Rica.
Park Inn Hotel
San Jose , COSTA RICA
Within walking distance of the bustling downtown area, the Park Inn by Radisson San Jose, Costa Rica is an ideal choice for both leisure and corporate travelers. Spend the day at the Jade Museum to learn about the area’s rich culture, or immerse yourself in the displays at the Costa Rican Art Museum. Visit La Sabana Park, 10 minutes from our hotel, to walk beside exotic plants and lakes. If you’re up for a drive, make the three-hour trip to Arenal Volcano for fun outdoor activities like hiking, white-water rafting, and fishing.
Arenal : Arenal Observatory Lodge (standard Room)
Arenal Observatory Lodge (standard Room)
Arenal , COSTA RICA
The very comfortable Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa is perfectly positioned directly between the massive Arenal Volcano and deep blue Lake Arenal. The hotel offers 48 comfortable rooms surrounded by gardens, all with screened doors and fans to enjoy the naturally cooling rainforest breeze. The majority of the rooms have a direct view of the volcano and/or the forest. Activities at the hotel include hikes to the waterfall or to explore Cerro Chato, horseback riding, bicycling through the trails, enjoying a refreshing swim in the pool, or simply relaxing with a massage in the Spa.
Arenal : Arenal Manoa Hotel & Spa
Arenal Manoa Hotel & Spa
Arenal , COSTA RICA
Arenal Manoa Hotel is a beautiful hotel to relax and enjoy the marvelous view of Arenal volcano in Costa Rica. Surrounded by gardens, pastures and animals, the rooms have been designed so that each one offers guests a panoramic view of the Arenal volcano. They are equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV, a refrigerator, a private bathroom, and a terrace with views of the volcano. The spa offers aromatherapy, reflexology, and other facial and body treatments. Guests can enjoy both national and international cuisine with amazing views at La Saca Restaurant.
Poco a Poco
Monteverde , COSTA RICA
Set in tree-lined gardens, this laid-back hotel is a 1-minute walk from Transmonteverde bus station, a 3-minute walk from the Monteverde Orchid Garden and 5 km from the Monteverde Cloud
Forest Reserve.
Streamlined rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and safes, plus tea and coffeemaking facilities. Some upgraded rooms add terraces or open-air whirlpool tubs.
Breakfast is complimentary. There’s an informal restaurant, as well as an outdoor pool that features a swim-up bar. Other amenities include a hot tub, a gym and a spa, plus a kids’ club. Parking is available.
Monteverde : Trapp Family Lodge (Mountain Suite)
Trapp Family Lodge (Mountain Suite)
Monteverde , COSTA RICA
At such a close distance to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, it would be a shame to not spend a good amount of time exploring this fantastic environment. The Trapp Family Lodge’s 20 rooms are homey and spacious. Hardwood floors reach from wall to wall and Venetian windows look out on the nearby rainforest. Local artwork hangs from the walls and brightens up the room, and wooden furniture provides guests with a place to sit, read or write. All accommodations include a private hot water bathroom, telephone and hairdryer. Certain suites also come stocked with a mini bar and TV, and have balconies that overlook the lodge’s tropical gardens.
5 Star Properties
Grano de Oro
San Jose , COSTA RICA
five-star Grano de Oro Situated on a shady street just off Paseo Colon, San Jose’s main thoroughfare, Hotel Grano de Oro is a true oasis in the heart of the city. Converted from a Tropical Victorian mansion, the 40-room hotel maintains the warmth and comfort of a private home with all the amenities of a fine hotel. Service is paramount and the perpetually smiling staff of the Hotel Grano de Oro welcome guests to their “home away from home” time and again
San Jose : Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen
Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen
San Jose , COSTA RICA
Experience a seamless blend of high-tech and high-touch service at Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen. After landing at Juan Santamaría International Airport, your stay begins almost immediately. Our convenient location offers unparalleled access to many prominent locales such as the San Antonio district and Britt’s Coffee Tour. After exploring our grounds, featuring a golf driving range and tennis court, pamper yourself at our full-service spa. Then, unwind in our spacious rooms complete with luxury bedding and mini-refrigerators. When hunger strikes, satisfy your appetite with international cuisine from one of our on-site restaurants. To stay active, visit our fitness center and outdoor pool. Need to host an event? Choose from one of our 28 venues for your convention or reception. Whatever the reason for your travels, Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen provides an elevated experience you won’t soon forget.
Arenal : Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort
Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort
Arenal , COSTA RICA
The Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort is nestled in the heart of the tropical rainforest at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano in the northern Region of Costa Rica. Tabacon provides luxurious accommodations, services and amenities in a picture-perfect natural setting. The resort’s unique healing thermal mineral spring river emerge from the volcanic earth, cascading to form waterfalls, streams, and tranquil pools. Delight the senses with world- class cuisine inspired by local fares. Inside the gardens is the resort’s Grand Spa, which combines a beautiful location with a singular spa experience, where treatments are rendered in open air bungalows all of them with private jacuzzi.
Arenal : Nayara Hotel Spa & Gardens
Nayara Hotel Spa & Gardens
Arenal , COSTA RICA
Nayara Hotel Spa & Gardens is Arenal’s jewel. The casitas, suites, and villas have large screened windows that open up to bring nature inside. Light flows through the interiors, from the bedroom to the private gardens, to the private terraces with secluded Jacuzzis. Modern amenities compliment the rooms to make them the most desired and exceptional accommodations in the area. Enjoy the modern facilities, including remarkable restaurants offering international and local cuisine, a pool bar, and a wine and tapas bar. The Spa at Nayara is incomparable. Perched on a cliff overlooking the forest, the Spa is a spiritual enclave in an emerald jungle, a place of rejuvenation, harmony, and beauty.
Hotel Fonda Vela
Monteverde , COSTA RICA
Experience Hotel Fonda Vela’s natural approach to life — with style! Surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens, the buildings are an attractive part of the lush, tropical mountainside. The rooms are cozy, yet elegant, spacious and comfortable. Each room is designed with the environment in mind. For example, large windows help to bring the outdoors inside. They are also equipped with satellite TV, a minibar, and a private bathroom. The hotel also offers an indoor pool and two Jacuzzis, a bar overlooking the sunset. There are also two restaurants, both serving local and international cuisine.
Monteverde : El Establo (deluxe room)
El Establo (deluxe room)
Monteverde , COSTA RICA
Nestled in the misty cloud forest of Monteverde, El Establo offers the best quality services that will make any guests trip an unforgettable experience: The area`s best view, heated indoor pools, spa, restaurants, café-bars, special events center, internet access, souvenirs shop, tennis court, basketball court, mini soccer court, hiking trails, canopy tour and the most charming staff. This half Costarican – half Quaker, family owned hotel, will allow guests to share the best of both cultures. The hotel has a serious commitment to the environment and promotes sustainable and responsible practices that insure the minimum impact to the most valuable resource… Nature.
Luxury Properties
San Jose : Finca Rosa Blanca (Santa Barbara)
Finca Rosa Blanca (Santa Barbara)
San Jose , COSTA RICA
Finca Rosa Blanca offers an incomparable lodging experience with three extraordinary Master Suites and Villas and eleven elegant Junior Suites. Almost all of our well-appointed rooms include Jacuzzi baths, King beds with exotic bamboo linens as well as private verandas overlooking the green Central Valley, the volcanoes above, and secluded patios surrounded by tropical gardens and flowers.
San Jose : Xandari Resort & Spa (Alajuela)
Xandari Resort & Spa (Alajuela)
San Jose , COSTA RICA
On a ridge overlooking Central Valley in the foothills of Poas Volcano, this chic 16-hectare resort is 6 km from the town of Alajuela.
Colorful villas provide free Wi-Fi, sitting areas and private terraces with valley views, plus minibars, tea and coffeemakers, and wet bars. Some have gardens and/or thatched roofs. An upgraded 2-bedroom villa includes a TV, a kitchen and an office. There’s no air-conditioning.
Parking and continental breakfast are free. There’s also a relaxed restaurant, an open-air spa and a game room. Other amenities include hiking trails, an infinity pool with views of the valley, and 2 more outdoor pools with hot tubs.
Arenal : Nayara Springs (Adults only)
Nayara Springs (Adults only)
Arenal , COSTA RICA
Hidden among the tropical forest, the Springs Villa features its own private plunge pool fed by natural mineral hot springs, an expansive private garden with dual rain showers, an oversized bathroom, a sleek, four-poster bed, and indoor and outdoor sitting areas. Exotic touches, modern amenities, and indigenous wood and stone are widely used to produce an unparalleled, authentic, and romantic experience.
Arenal : The Springs Resort & Spa
The Springs Resort & Spa
Arenal , COSTA RICA
The Springs Resort & Spa is a world class luxury resort featuring spectacular hot springs, picture perfect views of the Arenal Volcano from every guest room and four restaurants including the famous Ginger Sushi Bar and Las Ventanas fine dining. Enjoy the 28 mineral laden, artesian Hot Springs and the 14,000 square foot Spa and Fitness Center. All of the amenities make The Springs Luxury Resort & Spa a great destination for Costa Rica vacations, weddings, or a honeymoon. The 27,000 square feet of event, convention and meeting space have also made us the leading Costa Rica conference hotel.
Monteverde Lodge
Monteverde , COSTA RICA
Monteverde Lodge & Gardens offers a sought-after location among hotels in Monteverde, Costa Rica. While our hotel is walking distance from downtown Monteverde, our setting feels like a natural oasis worlds apart from civilization. We offer 28 guest rooms framed by designer gardens and a private cloud forest reserve teeming with exotic local wildlife.
Our rooms feature breathtaking forest views and are appointed with comforts like free Wi-Fi, plush pillowtop beds, soft bathrobes, private balconies or terraces and nightly turndown service. The ambiance throughout the hotel is tranquil and relaxing with the rustic design and wood fireplace offering a touch of rustic warmth.
Senda Hotel
Monteverde , COSTA RICA
The best, luxury hotel. The comfiest hideaway to rest up for all the Monteverde Cloud Forest activities on your bucket list.
Senda Monteverde Hotel in Monteverde, Costa Rica is the cozy mountain lodge you’ve been searching for. You’ll find all the best essentials you’d expect from a five-star luxury hotel. Enjoy easy access to every Monteverde adventure you can think of. Not to mention complimentary hiking access to the neighboring Aguti Wildlife Reserve, all year round.
Our luxury hotel is hidden and private but within walking distance to Monteverde town and a private cloud forest reserve
Testimonials
Andy and Joan.
Traveled August, 2015
Both Joan and I had a fabulous time away
Both Joan and I had a fabulous time away and very much appreciate everything that you did to make it possible. The wildlife, particularly the sea turtles we saw laying their eggs, the monkeys, the tapir we tracked, and all of the different bird types that we encountered, were all great experiences. We also enjoyed the relaxation time that we had in Belize, where the snorkeling and diving was also good.
Traveled To
Kurt & Rosabel, family of 5
Traveled August, 2010
I consider using your company again
The trip was fantastic. No complaints about the accomodations and I was truly impressed with the transportation arrangements. The guides from the various companies were courteous, polite and extremely helpful whenever a problem arose. The atmosphere on the Caribbean coast (Tortuguero) was completely different from that encountered on the Pacific coast (Guancaste), as was each location along the way. I honestly can’t say I preferred on spot over the others, though perhaps I was little more outspoken about the comforts of Arenal Springs compared to rest. The two beach spots along the Pacific were memorable for the ocean and all the things we did there.All the above said, I have no problem recommending your firm, and yourself in particular, to any of my friends and acquaintances regarding having you help them with their travel plans. Indeed, I have done so repeatedly today and will continue to do so into the future. It also goes without saying that I consider using your company again when Rosabel and myself start planning our next vacation or adventure trip.
Traveled To
Louise, London
Traveled September, 2006
We had a fantastic time
We had a fantastic time, thank you so much for organising a marvellous trip!! The trip ran so smoothly and was so well organised, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Yampu- in fact we did to many people on our trip!Everything ran very smoothly, all of the accommodation was of a very high standard, and the people were some of the nicest I’ve ever met. I can’t wait to go back to Costa Rica!Thanks again, and we’ll be in touch soon to plan our next trip!
Traveled To
