Unmissable Costa Rica: City Lights, Volcanic Peaks and Golden Beach | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Unmissable Costa Rica: City Lights, Volcanic Peaks and Golden Beach

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PRIVATE TOUR - 8 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 5166

Private Tour Highlights

  • Trekking the mossy, plant-lined trails of the beautiful La Paz Waterfall Gardens near San Jose
  • Witnessing the wildlife and wilderness of the coastal Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its abundance of Monkey’s and some of the country’s best beaches
  • Visiting a working coffee plantation to learn the production techniques of one of Costa Rica’s finest exports
  • Walking the hanging bridges and canopy walkways of the Arenal National Park, gaining a unique perspective on the forests below
  • Enjoying a boat ride along the Frio River, located in Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, a conservation area of wetlands considered to be one of the richest in biological diversity in Costa Rica.
  • Making the most of the ever-versatile Arenal National Park with free time to hike, bike or zip-line through the surrounding countryside
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

See the Unmissable Costa Rica: City Lights, Volcanic Peaks and Golden Beach. This tour includes a visit to San José and the Poas and Arenal Volcanoes as well as a 3-day extension to Manuel Antonio National Park and its beaches. Manuel Antonio is known for its white sandy beaches, cliffs, rivers, rain forests and varied animal life. Manuel Antonio is home to the white-faced capuchin, mantled howler and red-backed squirrel monkeys, two- and three-toed sloths, and a large number of species of birds. Yampu travelers will spend 3 nights at a nearby hotel with a full-day excursion to the park.

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 include the Finca Rosa Blanca in San José and the Gaia Hotel & Reserve in Manuel Antonio.

Inclusions
Prices includes hotel accommodation including continental daily breakfast, guided tours in English (naturalist guides), meals where specified, entrance fees, transportation between hotels, transfers between airport and hotel, naturalist guides, and taxes. Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are already included.

*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.

Note:
*On day 8, first flight arrives into San Jose at 8 am, so departure flight must depart at the earliest at 12 pm. Cost of $88 per person. Flights do not operate year round, please check with your Yampu travel advisor.

*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 Treks, with the most spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano & 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 & Lake and the Tilaran Mountain Range. Sky Trek is a 3280-foot long zip line system that gives your the opportunity to enjoy the rain forest and its beautiful views in a fun, easy and safe ride.
Duration: 04 hours
Recommendations: long pants, hiking shoes, camera, binoculars, sun lotion, repellent and raincoat.

Venado Caverns:
The caverns were formed in the Miocene period some fifteen to twenty 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 which 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 rafters dream; natural whitewater, challenging rapids and crystal clear pools. Enjoy the natural splendor and abundant wildlife. Distance for section around 11 kilometers each one Duration: all day three and half-hours in the river
Duration: 10 hours
Recommended: sandals or tennis shoes, short or swimsuit, towel, dry clothing for coming back, sweater, photographic 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, the Arenal Volcano and the Lake meet and lead trough 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 the waterfall pours into where you will be able to take a wonderful refreshing swim.
Duration: 4 hours
Recommended: insect repellent, rain gear, binoculars, camera, swimsuit and towel.
Participant Requirements: Good physical condition.
Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best Good Consult

Package Price: From £$ 5166

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

Day
1

Flight to San Jose

International Flight to San Jose.

Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel.

International Flight to San Jose.

Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel.

Day
2

Doka Estate Coffee & Poas Volcano National Park Tour with Lunch

After enjoy a delightful breakfast begin your road trip to the Doka Coffee Estate where you'll also enjoy an educational tour of this fully functioning coffee plantation, you will observe steps of the production, and (of course) savoring the perfect blend.

Next, you'll be making your way to Poas Volcano National Park exploring the crater viewpoint with Sulphur fumaroles, hiking past Botos Lagoon, and learning about the area's ecosystems. A 10-minute walk to exit the park.

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 offers you you'll find monkeys, butterflies, tropical birds, rivers, waterfalls and even dedicated exhibits!

At the end continue to the Arenal volcano
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Day
3

Volcano Hike, Waterfall & Bridges with Tabacon Tour, Lunch & Dinner Included

After breakfast, you will pick up at your hotel to begin the combination tour, this tour is designed to share the main attractions of the La Fortuna region. There is no doubt that our volcano is a highlight in the region, so we start with 3.5 km (2 mi.) hike through trails volcanic lava and primary rainforest.

Move on to the second point of interest. The 70m (230ft) high La Fortuna Waterfall is a breathtaking place, where you can take a refreshing swim or just photograph this magical waterfall and its splendid surrounding.

Enjoy a delicious lunch in a restaurant near La Fortuna. Lunch will be served a la carte.

Make your way to the Hanging Bridges to walk along a trail through the rainforest and across bridge high above the treetops, to observe plants and animals from a different perspective. The 3.1 km (2 mi.) circuit trail.

As night falls, we head to our last destination, the hot springs and includes dinner. Give you time from 6:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. to enjoy this part of the night on your own and then we will provide transportation back to your hotel in our modern minivans.
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Day
4

Cano Negro Refuge Canoe Adventure Tour

After breakfast, depart from La Fortuna town, we'll drive along a road surrounded by different crops for 1 hour and 45 minutes to Los Chiles.

This experience includes a boat ride that lasts about 2.5 hrs, which takes place along the Frio River, located in Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, a conservation area of wetlands considered to be one of the richest in biological diversity in Costa Rica. It shelters a great variety of fauna including resident and migratory birds, three of the four different species of monkeys we have in Costa Rica, iguanas, sloths, turtles, spectacled caimans, and many other animals. Besides, Cano Negro is also home to incredible fish like the almost prehistoric Tropical Gar and endangered animals, being a place of extreme importance for the country and unique as well. You will enjoy a delicious lunch.

Later Return to La Fortuna van to your hotel.
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Day
5

Arenal - Manuel Antonio

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Manuel Antonio.

Upon arrival to Manuel Antonio, you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel.

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Manuel Antonio.

Upon arrival to Manuel Antonio, you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel.

Manuel-Antonio-Beach
Day
6

Manuel National Park

After breakfast, enjoy a half day guided nature walk in Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the natural jewels of Costa Rica. Look for the abundant wildlife including monkeys and sloths and take in the views from scenic overlooks. Cap it off with time to enjoy the gorgeous beaches and warm pacific waters.

Free afternoon to relax.

After breakfast, enjoy a half day guided nature walk in Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the natural jewels of Costa Rica. Look for the abundant wildlife including monkeys and sloths and take in the views from scenic overlooks. Cap it off with time to enjoy the gorgeous beaches and warm pacific waters.

Free afternoon to relax.

Manuel-Antonio-National-Park
Day
7

Day of Leisure in Manuel Antonio

No scheduled activities on this day, you just can relax and enjoy the hotel facilities or if you prefer you can reserve a day tour available from the hotel tour desk with an additional cost.

No scheduled activities on this day, you just can relax and enjoy the hotel facilities or if you prefer you can reserve a day tour available from the hotel tour desk with an additional cost.

Day
8

Manuel Antonio – San Jose –Flight Home

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and privately transferred to San Jose airport for your flight home.

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and privately transferred to San Jose airport for your flight home.

San José, San Jose, Costa Rica

Arenal, La Fortuna, Alajuela, Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio National Park, Quepos, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Places You'll See

  • Arenal

    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.

  • manuel-antonio-sunset-costa-rica

    Manuel Antonio

    This stunning coast side National Park is one of the top destinations in Costa Rica with its pristine beaches and splendid hiking trails. Check out the local vanilla farm after a day at the beach snorkeling with the occasional dolphin feeding in the afternoon. Travel inland and enjoy activities such as rafting and zip lining amongst many other options of activities.

  • San-Jose-Costa-Rica

    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.

Hotel Options

4 Star Properties

San Jose : Park Inn Hotel

San Jose : Presidente Hotel

Arenal : Arenal Observatory Lodge (standard Room)

Arenal : Arenal Manoa Hotel & Spa

Manuel Antonio : Si Como No

Manuel Antonio : Hotel Parador

5 Star Properties

San Jose : Grano de Oro

San Jose : Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen

Arenal : Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort

Arenal : Nayara Hotel Spa & Gardens

Manuel Antonio : Gaia Hotel & Reserve

Manuel Antonio : Arenas del Mar

Luxury Properties

San Jose : Finca Rosa Blanca (Santa Barbara)

San Jose : Xandari Resort & Spa (Alajuela)

Arenal : The Springs Resort & Spa

Arenal : Nayara Springs (Adults only)

Manuel Antonio : Makanda by the Sea (Adults only)

Testimonials

Alison

Traveled February, 2012

All of the staff and guides were excellent

We had a great holiday thank you.We saw loads of birds, pelicans, egrets, 5 or more heron species, 3 monkey species including a mutant one that was all ginger, both sloth species, lots of caimen, loads of iguana, 4 kingfisher species, raccoons, 2 sorts of toucan, 2 sorts of buzzard, Jesus Christ lizards, white ibis, a variety of hummingbirds and best of all a female and a juvenile Resplendent Quetzal. I’m sure there were more but I need to see what turns up on the photos.Manatus lodge was fabulous. Because we stayed there 3 nights, when most people stay 2, they offered us a special meal for lunch on the 3rd day. It was a traditional meal and was excellent. All of the staff was excellent.Tabacon Spa was very good but we were busy every day we didn’t get much of a chance to try their hot springs and facilities.We were a little disappointed with El Establo. The rooms were great and the hotel had obviously been built so that they all had fabulous views. The problem was it advertised tea & coffee making facilities in all rooms and ice machines on all blocks. The manager had decided the coffee machines were too much trouble and had removed them from the rooms. Free coffee was available in the restaurants and reception. Our room was in the 800 block, about a mile down a steep hill from reception. It was not practical to ring for a shuttle bus down to a restaurant or reception to collect coffee to take back to your room. We asked a maid where the ice was in our block and there wasn’t any but, without being asked, somebody turned up within minutes with a bag of ice.All of the staff and guides were excellent but especially good were Pablo on the Cano Negro tour and the driver who took us from Monteverde back to San Jose.

Traveled To

Frank

Traveled February, 2010

Thank you very much for organizing a most successful overland trip through central-america.

I returned home safe and sound on Sunday. Thank you very much for organizing a most successful overland trip through central-america. I am thinking seriously about a third overland trip through south-america in the next year or so. Thank you again for arranging a very successful and most enjoyable itinerary. I will contact you again in the next couple of months about similar trips through south-america and the Caribbean.

Kay

Traveled May, 2006

The trip to Costa Rica was wonderful!

The trip to Costa Rica was wonderful! Everyone was friendly and helpful. I seemed to be unusual to be traveling alone. They made sure that I was taken care of and able to see all the sights. I had some special experiences I will never forget and am glad I had the opportunity. Got lots of pictures.

Traveled To

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