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Tour Overview
Enjoy the highlights of Costa Rica on this eight-day itinerary, including wonderful sceneries to celebrate love: rainforests, volcanoes, romantic getaways, tropical jungles and pristine beaches. This is a country of great natural beauty and every destination has something unique to offer. Costa Rica really is a nature paradise for lovers. ...more ...less
Highlights
Pacuare River & Jungle: Experience thrilling class III and IV rapids and stunning scenery in Costa Rica
Secluded luxury eco-hotel stay on the banks of the Pacuare River, surrounded by vibrant nature
Arenal Volcano: Witness the majesty of one of the world's former most active volcanoes and its surrounding lush jungle
La Fortuna area, a leading wellness tourism destination with its natural hot springs and wellness activities
Manuel Antonio: Explore the biodiversity and adventure in this bustling Oceanside village known for its national park and beautiful beaches
Itinerary
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Accommodation Name: Hotel Grano de Oro or similar 4*
Welcome to Costa Rica. A local representative will greet you and assist you at the airport. Private transfer from the airport to the hotel in San Jose. Check-in at the hotel and then enjoy leisure time to refresh, relax and get comfortable at your hotel room. Explore by your own the city and its surroundings.
Overnight at San Jose.
Day 2
:
San Jose – Pacuare (120Km – 3Hrs)
Location: Pacuare River
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Pacuare Lodge or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early check-out from the hotel. Around 7:00 am a local representative will pick you up at the hotel lobby and take you on a shared transfer to your next destination: the exciting Pacuare River. Breakfast on the way. Arrival to the Operations Centre and after basic safety training on the riverbank, you'll embark on an exciting 1.5-hour river rafting trip over class II-III rapids to the Lodge. Upon arrival, around noon, check-in at the Lodge in Pacuare, enjoy lunch and get comfortable at your room. Free time to discover the natural surroundings. At night, dinner included.
Overnight in Pacuare.
Day 3
:
Pacuare
Location: Pacuare River
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Pacuare Lodge or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast at the Lodge. Leisure day to explore the nature trails of the Lodge, enjoy some birdwatching in the morning, learning about sustainability practices, enjoy the Lodge facilities and fall in love with nature. Lunch and dinner included.
Overnight in Pacuare.
Day 4
:
Pacuare – Arenal (180Km – 4Hrs) / Car Hire Delivery
Location: San Carlos
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Arenal Springs Resort & Spa or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Breakfast at the Lodge. After breakfast, check-out and depart by raft for a fun-filled day of white-water rafting (approx. 3.5 hours over class III-IV rapids) on the Pacuare River’s most impressive section. You’ll float through lush canyons past pristine rainforest, crystalline waterfalls, and an array of tropical birds. A deli-style lunch will be served on the riverbank along the way, and you’ll be able to change into dry clothes at a private facility. Then a local car rental representative will meet you at the restaurant and deliver you the rented vehicle and all the information regarding the contract. Afterwards, self-drive to your next destination: La Fortuna de San Carlos, home of the wonderful Arenal Volcano. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel in Arenal. Enjoy free time to relax at the resort facilities.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 5
:
Arenal
Location: San Carlos
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Arenal Springs Resort & Spa or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy leisure time to simply relax at the thermal hot springs of the hotel or explore Arenal region on your own.
Overnight in Arenal.
Day 6
:
Arenal – Manuel Antonio (230Km – 5Hrs)
Location: Manuel Antonio
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Parador Resort & Spa or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel & check-out. At a convenient time, self-drive to Manuel Antonio beach, located in the Central Pacific Coast. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel in Manuel Antonio and relax at the hotel facilities or the beach.
Overnight in Manuel Antonio.
Day 7
:
Manuel Antonio
Location: Manuel Antonio
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Parador Resort & Spa or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel and leisure day to enjoy the beach or go to explore the natural treasures of Manuel Antonio National Park on your own.
Overnight in Manuel Antonio.
Day 8
:
Departure Manuel Antonio (155Km – 4.5Hrs) / Car Hire Drop-Off
Location: Dolorosa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. At a convenient time, self-drive to the office of the Car Rental Company to return the vehicle, then, a shared shuttle will take you to Juan Santamaria International Airport to take your flight back home.
What's Included
TOUR GUIDE:
Operated with English- and Spanish-speaking guide during the activities (Day 2, 4)*
*Please note you will be accompanied by local guides for the activities only. There is no guarantee that you will be part of a group, or part of the same group during the tour.
ACCOMMODATION:
7 nights’ accommodation
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 San Jose:
Superior Hotel Category: Hotel Grano de Oro or similar 4*
Day 2-3 Pacuare:
Superior Hotel Category: Pacuare Lodge or similar 4*
Day 4-5 Arenal:
Superior Hotel Category: Arenal Springs Resort & Spa or similar 4*
Day 6-7 Manuel Antonio:
Superior Hotel Category: Parador Resort & Spa or similar 4*
CAR RENTAL OPTIONS
Car Group A = Daihatsu Bego or similar
MEALS:
7 Breakfasts
3 Lunches (Day 2-4)
2 Dinners (Day 2-3)
TRANSPORT:
Arrival private transfers from Juan Santamaria International Airport (Day 1)
Shared transfers between areas as per itinerary (except during self-drive part)
Shared shuttle from Car Rental Company to Juan Santamaria International Airport (Day 8)
ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: guided white water rafting Pacuare Lodge Class II-III (Day 2); guided white water rafting Pacuare Lodge Class IV (Day 4)
OTHER:
Meet & Greet
Hotel Taxes
CAR HIRE:
4x4 Car rental from Day 4-8
Car delivery (Day 4)
Car drop-off at Car Rental Company (Day 8)
GPS
Additional driver
Daily Basic Insurance
What's Not Included
nternational and Domestic flights
Car Hire Exclusions
Car Rental Full Insurance, deductible deposit, gasoline (the car must be returned with a full tank), damage to a third party or to the hire vehicle due to negligence or inappropriate driving, loss or damage to aerials, jack, safety triangles and vests, windscreen, wipers, petrol cap, luggage covers, or any other fixed or mobile component of the vehicle, damage to the engine through negligence, theft of the vehicle with keys left in the ignition, damage caused to the vehicle or to persons through driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fines due to breaking traffic laws and regulations during the hire period are the responsibility of the driver of the vehicle. In the event of a fine being received, there will be an administration charge, any extra equipment not mentioned as included. ...more ...less
Departure taxes and Visa fees
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the programme
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any)
Optional tours and activities
Porterage and gratuities
Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.
Requirements
Comfortable and light and quick dry clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Costa Rica. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, tennis shoes, hiking shoes, sandals, sweater, raincoat or jacket, bathing suit, a hat or cap and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay. All drivers must carry their current driver's license. All drivers must carry an international personal credit card (Visa, MC, Diners Club, and AMEX).
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Please Note
Please note that this tour is a suggested itinerary. While the sites listed may be visited independently, the package does not cover any applicable entrance or tour fees
The minimum age for renting a car must be 21 years
All drivers must carry their current driver's license
All drivers must carry an international personal credit card (Visa, MC, Diners Club, and AMEX)
Please consider that the driving times and distances are estimated and that they can vary because of many circumstances, such as the specific route taken, hotel location, traffic, weather, road conditions, etc.
All mentioned transfers are included on a shared basis except transfer in. All mentioned excursions are included on a shared basis with other guests
The start times and durations of excursions as well as transfers are approximate
In many hotels in Costa Rica, the triple rooms are a double room with an additional bed or sofa bed. Their comfort conditions are lower than the international standards of the triple room
Hotel early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed
No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS Day 1 San Jose:
Superior Hotel Category: Hotel Grano de Oro or similar 4*
Day 2-3 Pacuare:
Superior Hotel Category: Pacuare Lodge or similar 4*
Day 4-5 Arenal:
Superior Hotel Category: Arenal Springs Resort & Spa or similar 4*
Day 6-7 Manuel Antonio:
Superior Hotel Category: Parador Resort & Spa or similar 4*
CAR RENTAL OPTIONS
Car Group A = Daihatsu Bego or similar
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 San Jose:
Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Grano de Oro or similar 4*
Day 2-3 Pacuare:
Superior Hotel Category = Pacuare Lodge or similar 4*
Day 4-5 Arenal:
Superior Hotel Category = Arenal Springs Resort & Spa or similar 4*
Day 6-7 Manuel Antonio:
Superior Hotel Category = Parador Resort & Spa or similar 4*
CAR RENTAL OPTIONS
Car Group A = Daihatsu Bego or similar
Check out our Q&As
Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If a solo traveler is allowed for the tour, a single room with a specific rate will be available for you to book. If single room should not show available, solo traveler booking is on request
What is the minimum age on this tour?
The minimum age is 18 years.
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes, Arrival private transfers from Juan Santamaria International Airport (Day 1); Shared shuttle from Car Rental Company to Juan Santamaria International Airport (Day 8)
Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Operated with English- and Spanish-speaking guide during the activities (Day 2, 4)**Please note you will be accompanied by local guides for the activities only. There is no guarantee that you will be part of a group, or part of the same group during the tour.
Are all entrance fees included in the price?
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: guided white water rafting Pacuare Lodge Class II-III (Day 2); guided white water rafting Pacuare Lodge Class IV (Day 4)
Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes, we will inform you about the confirmed hotel's list with a personalized welcome letter sent to your own email address
Is a Meet & Greet Service provided by a company representative included in the tour?
Yes, Meet and greet on Day 1
Are flights included in this tour?
No, not international nor domestic flights to/from Costa Rica are not included
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Moderate
Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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Reviews of this operator
Brian
Exotic Costa Rica
12-Feb-2022
We were delayed a couple of times in getting to Costa Rica and our tour operator, Roy, was extremely accommodating of the changes. The trip was partially guided, so though lodging and transportation were covered there were a few days where I could have used help coordinating afternoon activities.
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Peter Herbert
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste
11-May-2022
A little aprehensive on 1st day with no tour leader... but ran better that clockwork, a few natural obstacles overcome. Good hotels, transport , drivers AND OUTSTANDING GUIDES.....A THEN THERE WAS THE WILDS OF COSTA RICA AND ITS PEOPLES ....
Jean Walsh
Exotic Costa Rica
17-Mar-2022
This trip was much anticipated and lived up to all of our expectations. We had a wonderful experience. If we had questions, Andres was immediately responsive. It was such a nice feeling to know we could reach him.
Susan Langton
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
06-Jan-2022
Our trip was well organized, all of the service providers ( transfers, guides, accommodations) we friendly and professional, and each location was as promised. A bit more local information would have been useful in preparing for the trip, but nothing that wasn't able to be accommodated on the fly.
...more ...less
Marianne Brownell
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
03-Oct-2022
Terrific experience!
Debra R
PURAVIDA CR
26-Jun-2023
Great staff taking care of us along the way! Hotel choices were unique and beautiful and accommodating.
Keith
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste
08-Mar-2022
A good tour with 4 completely different ecosystems. A couple of long travel days.
Destination Services Costa Rica requires a minimum deposit of
20%
or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of destination services costa rica charges.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Romantic Adventure in Costa Rica, Self-Drive (On Request)
8 Days Starting and ending in San Jose, Costa Rica
Visiting:
Dolorosa, Pacuare River, San Carlos, Manuel Antonio
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