Puerto Viejo & La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano)

Costa Rica is small but incredibly diverse. Beaches and rainforests, rivers and waterfalls, volcanoes and mountain ranges, all in a country that is about 195 times smaller than Canada!

Puerto Viejo

Set along the turquoise Caribbean Sea in southeast Costa Rica, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a laidback beach town with a distinctly Caribbean feel. With residents of both Afro-Caribbean descent and indigenous descent, expat Europeans and North Americans, Puerto Viejo offers a unique culture that can be found only in this part of Costa Rica. Here, coconut rice, Reggaeton beats, colorful homes, and a laid back attitude dominate. And with beautiful beaches, lush jungle, great surf, and an array of restaurants and nightlife, it is no surprise that Puerto Viejo is becoming a popular tourist destination.  

Arenal

There is a wide range of attractions and tour activities in all areas, however, Arenal really does offer everything. Besides great views of the majestic volcano, Arenal features other remarkable landmarks, such as waterfalls, hanging bridges, and hot springs. The large, man-made lake is located just behind the volcano, and the surrounding national park bursts with spectacular flora and fauna.

DAY 01: Arrive to San Jose, Costa Rica. Private transfer to your hotel.

Welcome to Costa Rica!

We will be waiting outside the arrivals terminal with a sign with your names on it.

After leaving the airport, we will begin the journey to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, four and a half hour drive trough the beautiful Costa Rican countryside. Upon arrival to Puerto Viejo, we will take you to your hotel ‘La Costa de Papito’ (or similar), hotel that is a real tropical jewel, awarded 5 coconuts for style, service and setting by a Carribbean Travel Magazine, and 2015 Hall of Fame Certificate of excellence by Tripadvisor. Here you can expect attention and real Caribbean comfort.

La Costa de Papito is located on the beach road and short drive from Puerto Viejo town, in a lush tropical “Garden of Eden” on the edge of the jungle. Each bungalow features private bathrooms, safe, ceiling fans, WiFI, and patios with hammocks.

Beach chairs, towels and umbrellas are available at no charge.

DAY 02: Puerto Viejo, City Tour

After the breakfast, we will take you on a tour around the town, introducing Puerto Viejo landmarks, beaches, hotels, restaurants and nightlife. You will get to know Puerto Viejo like someone who lives here. So you can decide for yourself what is it you want to do during your vacationJ

Afterwards, enjoy the beach or stroll trough the town and visit many little shops, have a lunch in a local inexpensive soda restaurants serving local Caribbean food or try one of many international restaurants (we can recommend where to go) or rent a bicycle and explore the area – this town has so much to offer.

Puerto Viejo’s dining scene reflects its widely-varied international population – Caribbean, Italian, Argentinean, Mexican, Asian, Spanish, Middle Eastern, North American, and of course, Costa Rican. There’s also a great selection of bars and discos to dance the night away or listen to live music.

DAY 03: Gandoca-Manzanillo Jungle Hike

After the breakfast, we will go to a Gandoca-Manzanillo Jungle Hike tour.

Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge is a rainforest and wetland habitat with a coral reef. Apart from the great variety of vegetation, you will see animals like monkeys, toucans, sloths, snakes, caimans and a wide variety of birds.

Our guide knows this refuge like his own backyard, since he grew up in the jungle and the breadth and depth of his knowledge and experience are simply amazing. He knows ever plant, animal, and sign of every animal that you will encounter. It will be an experience you will never forget, fun and adventurous! The tour is approximately 4 hours

DAY 04: Free day Puerto Viejo

DAY 05: La Fortuna / Arenal

After the breakfast at your hotel in Puerto Viejo we will begin our journey to Arenal Volcano / La Fortuna. It will be a 6 hours drive with stops along the way as needed.

Casa Luna Hotel & Spa (or similar)

This La Fortuna hotel features rustic-colonial architecture and lies among beautiful and peaceful gardens, with an amazing and close view of the Arenal Volcano, one of the youngest volcanoes in northern Costa Rica. Each room features air conditioning, private bathroom, Cable TV, Mini bar, safe deposit box, Wi-Fi.

DAY 06: La Fortuna / Arenal / Sky Tram Tour

After the breakfast we will head to a Sky Tram Tour.

The Sky Tram gondolas rise smoothly through the rain forest, offering up endless views of the Arenal Volcano’s southern face and rainforest during their mountainous ascent. This tour is perfect if you want to take a different approach on admiring nature, without much physical effort but still be on spot where natures exhibits all its magic. The Sky Tram travel up the mountains to arrive in a wide observation platform on the highest point of the reserve, where you can enjoy the view and also have the possibility to walk a short trail.

There are two ways to return to the Sky Tram’s base. You can ride the tram down the same route that you ascended or sign up for a fast-paced zip line tour to the bottom (additional $21 per person). Those seeking an adrenalin rush should choose the second option, which will have them flying along a series of secure cables connecting one mountain to another.

Optional: Zip line, $21 per person

DAY 07: La Fortuna / Arenal/ Hot Springs

Today we will head to a nearby Hot Springs Resort for the hot springs pools. This is the world’s largest hot springs resort, with 25 thermal water pools, filled by crystalline waterfalls. The purity of the water will make you feel like you are floating in an oasis of healing, while having an unobstructed view of the Volcano.

DAY 08: Drive to San José, Juan Santamaria International Airport.

The drive from Arenal to San Jose Airport will be approximately 2.5 hours. We recommend selecting an afternoon flight back home.

We hope you had a great time and will come to visit Costa Rica again soon!

Pura Vida!

Deposit $500US