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Vacations with Personality

NATURE & BEACH GETAWAY

Escorted Tour

15 days / 14 nights
  • About Tour
  • Tour Itinerary
  • Whats Included
  • Important Info
  • T&C
Languages English Duration 15 days / 14 nights Airline
This 15-day Costa Rica itinerary offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. Starting with private transfers from Liberia Airport, you'll explore the volcanic landscapes of Rincón de la Vieja, stay at the luxurious Borinquen Mountain Resort, and enjoy thrilling activities like waterfall hikes and canopy tours. Journey to Boca Tapada for wildlife observation, including birdwatching and a night walk, with accommodations at the eco-friendly Maquenque Lodge.  

Continuing to Arenal, you'll visit iconic attractions like La Fortuna Waterfall and Arenal Volcano while staying at the serene Tabacón Thermal Resort. Next, discover Río Celeste's turquoise waters and the Tenorio Volcano before heading to the beaches of Tamarindo for leisure days in a tropical paradise. Each destination is paired with exceptional lodging and curated activities, ensuring an immersive and rejuvenating experience.
Highlights
• Departure flight onboard WestJet on a direct flight from your departing airport (Calgary or Toronto) to Costa Rica, Liberia Airport on the selected itinerary and flight class (*)
• One free personal item, one free Carry-on and one piece of checked luggage according to booked category.
• Private transfers in - out.
• Daily activities as per chosen itinerary.
• Accommodation on the selected room category and plan. 
• 24/7 personalized assistance by our professional staff in destination.
• Option to buy additional local excursions and entrances to attractions.
• Return flight onboard WestJet from Liberia Airport to selected airport on a direct flight.

* Please note that some flight classes may already include either carry-on or checked bags on your price. Please make sure to check flight class on your booking before proceeding to pay for extras:
• Economy: Personal item + carry-on. Checked bags can be added online - after bookings are completed - for a fee.
• Premium: One personal item, one carry-on and 2 pieces of checked bags included
• Business: (Available on selected routes). One personal item + one carry-on + 2 pieces of checked bags included
The Tour on Map Tour map image path

Itinerary

Tour day #1 photo
Day 0 Departure from Canada
Arrive on time for your departure from your departing city airport for your direct flight to Liberia, Costa Rica.

Hop aboard your WestJet flight and brace yourself for the adventure!


Tour day #2 photo
Day 1 Welcome to Costa Rica
Transfer to the province of Guanacaste, to the area of Rincon de la Vieja, where one of the five most active volcanoes in the country is located. 

Rincon de la Vieja is considered a fascinating volcano due to its special characteristics such as sulfurous lagoons, relaxing hot springs, and fumaroles, as well as its main active crater. 

This region is surrounded by wonderful dense vegetation and is home to a plethora of insect species, and wildlife.

Accommodation at selected hotel. Breakfast included


Tour day #3 photo
Day 2 4 Senses Waterfall, Canopy Tour, Horseback
Enjoy our two in one tour, where you will horseback ride on scenic paths with views of the mountains and the north pacific coast of Guanacaste, then you will have an energetic hike under the forest that will take you to the Misterio and Escondida Waterfalls and finish the tour riding the zip line cables.

Lunch is included

Accommodation at selected hotel. Breakfast included


Tour day #4 photo
Day 3 Rincón de La Vieja - Boca Tapada
Transfer to Boca Tapada. Located in the northern lowlands, near the mouth of the San Carlos River and the Nicaraguan border; this is an area that true ecotourists embrace for its natural beauty and tranquility. 

Boca Tapada is much more than just a bird watching destination, you can also find mammals, amphibians, reptiles, sloths, white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, coatis and even wild cat species such as jaguars.

Accommodation at selected hotel. Breakfast included


Tour day #5 photo
Day 4 Birdwatching Tour
Our tropical rainforest has a lush gallery with over 592 bird species, including some migratory species. Some of the species that can be found in our forests are Great Green Macaw (in endangered), Scarlet Macaw, some Toucans, Oropendolas, Honeycreepers, Tanagers, Euphonias, and Jacamars, just for the mention! 

We start the tour at 5:30 am, the time when most birds started their activity, our Naturalist Guide takes you through the gardens and lagoons until we have enough sunlight to enter the forest path, nesting place, for many bird species.

Accommodation at selected hotel. Breakfast included


Tour day #6 photo
Day 5 Chocolate Combo - Night Walk
Choco Tour:
Get to know the delicious treasures of Costa Rica and take part in our chocolate, coffee, sugar cane and organic farm tour! We will take you to live an unforgettable experience - You will get to know our organic farm and its sustainable importance. We will show you the wonderful world of local chocolate, coffee and also the sugar cane that sweetens our lives, including its history, tradition and current production. 

You will also learn about the cultivation and harvesting. 

We begin our tour with a walk through the gardens and trail along the San Carlos River, where we will experience directly the abundance of the flora and fauna. You will be amazed by the fruit trees. Later on we will visit the dairy, mill and the cheese house. Then, we will show you the orchard pollinated by Mariola bees, with a variety of crops that we use in our lodge's restaurant.

Afterwards you will have the opportunity to try different flavors of coffee in the coffee station, where we will also learn about its history and what it represents to our culture. After an explanation of the cocoa plantation, we will visit the chocolate station, we will learn how it is cultivated and the process of chocolate's production.

And last but not least - you can try different types of this "gods drink"!.

Night Walk
In this activity we will visit the gardens and the hotel´s forest, where we can live and enjoy the nightlife of some animals such as alligators, frogs, nocturnal birds, snakes, and spiders also, we will experience the peace and sounds that the nature gives us. Our Naturalist Guide will give you information on the flora and fauna in the area.

Accommodation at selected hotel. Breakfast included


Tour day #7 photo
Day 6 Boca Tapada - Arenal
Transfer to La Fortuna, where awaits the impressive Arenal Volcano, one of the natural wonders of the country for its majesty. Today there aren´t lava eruptions, but you can still observe the smoke, and ash spewing out of the top of the volcano. 

The Arenal Volcano region is an exquisite destination for its attractive landscape, its hot springs, and Lake Arenal. During the transfer, you will see agricultural plantations, ornamental plants and cattle farms.

Accommodation at selected hotel. Breakfast included


Tour day #8 photo
Day 7 Combo 2 in 1: Hike Sendero 1968 + Lunch + Waterfall
We are going to visit La Fortuna Waterfall; a view of the 70-meter-high waterfall and a 600 meters hike to the natural pool at the base. (Bring swim clothes, a towel, and special water shoes because of the rocky river bottom).

Later on, drive to an organic production farm near La Fortuna for lunch. At 3:00 p.m. tour continues to the Arenal National Park, in here the tour guide will talk about the natural and geological history of the volcano, cross a path of solid lava and enjoy an excellent view over the volcano and Lake Arenal.

Lunch included.

Accommodation at selected hotel. Breakfast included





Tour day #9 photo
Day 8 Sloth's Observation - Vida Campesina Tour
One of the most beloved animals of our country is the popular sloth. This animal captivates us with its tenderness and peculiar slow behavior. We cannot deny that we have envied their pace at some time in our own lives.

 The La Fortuna area is a unique place when it comes to sloths.Our climate, protection, availability of food, and the essential absence of predators make this privileged property an amazing natural oasis.

You have the option of enjoying the activity in the morning at 8:00 a.m., in the afternoon at 2:30 p.m., or at 5:30 p.m., as a night walk.

The 2-toed sloths are more active at night. We will pick you up at your hotel at the reserved time to begin this exciting journey to Sloth Territory, located within a small family ecological project just 5 minutes from La Fortuna. 

The project has a 1.5 km (1 mi) trail that is suitable for adults, families, and children of all ages. The tour of approximately 2 hours will take us through amazing flora, alongside a river bordering the property, and of course to the Guarumo trees; the favorite food of these emblematic animals.

Sloth's Observation
During the tour, we will stress the importance of sloth protection, due to its growing popularity, illegal trade of this species has increased significantly, which is why Ecoterra Expeditions, together with the Rodriguez family, work to preserve a privileged space for their protection. Our specialized guides are experts in finding them, so we can guarantee their observation. We must remember that the sloth is a solitary animal and that most of its time it is sleeping or resting in the treetops.

Our Naturalist Guide will supply you with high quality observation equipment so that the observation experience is 100% pleasurable. 

Vida Campesina Tour
During the tour of the organic farm, we will enjoy a cultural activity of milling sugar cane in the troja of the trapiche with tasting of three different derivatives: cane juice, cane guaro and peeled cane segments.

We will also be able to taste the fruits in harvest of the farm and receive the class of tortillas, where you will have to demonstrate your skills to knead and prepare the tortilla with the palms of your hands.

At the end, you will be delighted with a delicious typical organic lunch prepared over wood and buffet style.

Accommodation at selected hotel. Breakfast included





Tour day #10 photo
Day 9 Arenal - Río Celeste
Transfer to Celeste River, a destination where you will discover the depths of the Tenorio Volcano National Park, the mysterious, and enchanting chemical phenomenon that transforms the water of two rivers into a blue stream.

Accommodation at selected hotel. Breakfast included



Tour day #11 photo
Day 10 Río Celeste & Tenorio Tour
The Río Celeste Hike is in the Tenorio Volcano National Park. “Catarata Río Celeste” is one of the seven natural wonders of Costa Rica. 

We will pick you up at the hotel (this may be a private transfer depending on the hotel location) and the tour will be led by a bilingual naturalist guide. We start guiding from the moment we leave the hotel. On the way to the national park, we may stop to see toucans, monkeys, sloths or the beautiful view of the Tenorio & Miravalles Volcanos.

We will also point out the rural life and typical activities in the area like agriculture and open cattle pastures. Once inside the national park, we start with the hike. We begin by walking through a secondary forest which is a good place to spot insects and different birds. On the second half of the hike, we will enjoy a primary forest where it is possible to uncover the footprints of the tapir and other animals.

The trail is in a good condition but can be a little muddy in the rainy season. The iconic waterfall is the first main stop along the hike. This place is amazing, and you can see the waterfall up close. Later, we will be able to view the three different craters of the Tenorio Volcano. Next, you’ll find the “Blue Lagoon” a great place for photos. 5 minutes after the lagoon, we will come across the “borbollones”. 

This is where the volcanic sulfur gases escape the earth’s surface. And lastly, before heading back, we will witness “Teñideros”, where two rivers join and the magic-like chemical reaction of transparent water instantly turning blue happens before our very eyes. 

This unique natural phenomenon in Costa Rica shouldn’t be missed.

Accommodation at selected hotel. Breakfast included


Tour day #12 photo
Day 11 Río Celeste - Tamarindo Beach
Transfer to the Pacific coast of Costa Rica in the region of Guanacaste. This province has earned a name for itself as a tropical paradise with an unspoiled coastline, beautiful mountains, and a series of majestic volcanoes.

You can also enjoy different activities such as nature, and cultural activities; you will be delighted with beautiful panoramic views of the coast and discover the variety of flora and fauna native to the Guanacaste region. You will find the amazing Guanacaste trees and a variety of monkeys, coatis, and birds on a private farm.

Accommodation at selected hotel. Breakfast included



Tour day #13 photo
Days 12 - 14 Days at leisure in Tamarindo Beach
Tamarindo Beach in Costa Rica is a great place to spend a day at leisure, with activities including swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and beachcombing. 

Tamarindo is also known for its nightlife, with many bars and clubs to choose from. Here are some other things to do (not included in your package) in Tamarindo: 

• Snorkeling: Take a snorkeling tour or go to Catalina Islands to swim 
• Scuba diving: Discover scuba diving or take a spearfishing course 
• Fishing: Go on a private charter fishing trip 

Accommodation at selected hotel. Breakfast included



Tour day #14 photo
Day 15 Bye, bye Costa Rica
Adiós Costa Rica!

Arrive on time at Liberia Airport for your direct WestJet flight to your destination in Canada.
Whats Included
• Departure flight onboard WestJet on a direct flight from your departing airport (Calgary or Toronto) to Costa Rica, Liberia Airport on the selected itinerary and flight class (*)
• One free personal item, one free Carry-on and one piece of checked luggage according to booked category.
• Private transfers in - out.
• Daily activities as per chosen itinerary.
• 4 Senses Waterfall, Canopy Tour, Horseback with lunch
• Birdwatching Tour
• Chocolate Combo
• Night Walk
• Combo 2 in 1: Hike Sendero 1968 + Lunch + Waterfall 
• Sloth's Observation
• Vida Campesina Tour
 •Río Celeste & Tenorio Tour 
• Accommodation on the selected room category and plan. 
• 24/7 personalized assistance by our professional staff in destination.
• Option to buy additional local excursions and entrances to attractions.
• Return flight onboard WestJet from Liberia Airport to selected airport on a direct flight.

* Please note that some flight classes may already include either carry-on or checked bags on your price. Please make sure to check flight class on your booking before proceeding to pay for extras:
• Economy: Personal item + carry-on. Checked bags can be added online - after bookings are completed - for a fee.
• Premium: One personal item, one carry-on and 2 pieces of checked bags included
• Business: (Available on selected routes). One personal item + one carry-on + 2 pieces of checked bags included

ACCOMODATION:

Superior Category:
Rincón de la Vieja Volcano - Borinquen Mountain Resort & Spa
Boca Tapada -  Maquenque Eco Lodge
Arenal Volcano -  Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
Celeste River & Tenorio Volcano - Rio Celeste Hideaway
Tamarindo Beach - Cala Luna & Villas

Standard Category
Rincón de la Vieja Volcano - Borinquen Mountain Resort & Spa
Boca Tapada -  Maquenque Eco Lodge
Arenal Volcano - Volcano Lodge
Celeste River & Tenorio Volcano - Rio Celeste Hideaway
Tamarindo Beach - Tamarindo Diría Beach Resort

Comfort Category
Rincón de la Vieja Volcano - Borinquen Mountain Resort & Spa
Boca Tapada -  Maquenque Eco Lodge
Arenal Volcano - Arenal Paraíso Resort & Spa
Celeste River & Tenorio Volcano - Río Celeste Hideaway
Tamarindo Beach - Wyndham Tamarindo





Whats Not Included
. Baggage porterage at airport/hotel
. Personal travel insurance (highly recommended)
. Beverages, snacks, lunches, dinners unless otherwise noted in itinerary 
. Guaranteed early check-in
. Guaranteed late check-out 
. Any service not specifically listed under "Included"
What to bring to Costa Rica?

- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Comfortable t-shirts and pants.
- Footwear: waterproof and lightweight hiking boots, river sandals (such as Teva sandals), and a pair of sneakers.
- Rain gear: poncho, waterproof jacket, and umbrella.
- Hat, visor, cap, and sunglasses for sun protection.
- Reusable water bottle for hikes.
- Charger for electronic devices and a U.S.-style adapter.
- Medications.
- Small backpack for hikes.

In case of emergency please contact our local Representatives:

Best of Costa Rica | Tour Operator & DMC
El Robledal, La Uruca, San José; from the Hotel Barceló San José Palacio, 400m North & 100m East, corner house
Costa Rica
Email: info@bestcostaricadmc.com
Tel: +506 8936 1212

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FROM THE TOUR OPERATOR

Please read and accept the following Terms and Conditions to continue with your purchase of any product offered by THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION.
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS FROM THE AIRLINE

Please read and accept the following Terms and Conditions to continue with your purchase of any product or air segment offered by WESTJET Airlines.
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS FROM THE DESTINATION MANAGEMENT COMPANY

Please read carefully the Terms and Conditions applicable to the services offered by Best of Costa Rica (local Destination Management Company in Costa Rica)

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