Date
17 NOV - 25 NOV
About This Tour
Costa Rica is naturally colorful, and first time visitors may feel like they stepped into the middle of rainbow. From every angle the world is flooded with vibrant hues – in the dazzling flowers or vibrant tropical birds and the exotic butterflies as well as the lustrous red coffee plants and the orange glow of molten lava on a volcano rim. In addition to its dazzling colors, visitors are most attracted by the diversity of nature they encounter here. The landscape and micro-climates are ever-changing, and amazing creatures abound.
This is a veritable playground, with a wide range of activities to suit every taste. Whether you want non-stop action or quiet reflection, Costa Rica is a place you must experience. It is also the perfect holiday getaway, with comfortable temperatures and the warm, hospitable greetings of the friendly people here. If you’ve never been to Costa Rica, this tour allows you to check off several items on your personal bucket list of adventures. If you already been here but haven’t gone back in years, join Toto Tours as we make our “return to paradise” after an absence of several years. This is far from an ordinary Costa Rica tour!
Tour Highlights
- Go whitewater rafting.
- Learn how to salsa dance.
- Zip-line through the canopy of the trees.
- Hike in a cloud forest.
- See an active volcano.
- Soak in hot springs.
- Observe a crocodile in its natural environment.
- See a poisonous snake from a safe distance.
- Learn how to surf.
- Ride a horse on the beach.
ITINERARY
ARRIVE IN COSTA RICA
Arrange your international flight to arrive today in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. Use the airport code SJO to search for best flights. Try to arrive by 4:00 pm at the latest to be ready for our welcome festivities. You might consider arriving a day early if your flight will arrive after 4pm. We can arrange an additional night for you at our group hotel, and a city tour if it is your first time here. Those arriving today will be met at the airport and transferred to our city center hotel. Our group gathers in the early evening for introductions over drinks, followed by a Welcome Dinner at a nearby restaurant. Overnight in San Jose. (Welcome Dinner included)
ARENAL VOLCANO
After breakfast we depart San Jose and head for Arenal Volcano. We make a couple of stops along the way, the first being at the Doka Estate, where you will have a chance to learn the whole process of how your morning cup of coffee goes from a coffee plant to your mug. From here we proceed to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, where we can see and learn about all the different types of flora and fauna that Costa Rica is so well known for, all in an incredibly lovely setting. Lunch will be at La Paz. After lunch we continue to the Fortuna area to check into our hotel. Enjoy a great view of the Arenal Volcano and be sure to take some time to soak in the hot springs at the hotel. (All Meals)
RAFTING OR FLOATING
This morning you can choose between a more adventurous whitewater rafting trip down the class 2-3 rapids of the Balsa River, or a more relaxing float trip on the Peñas Blancas River. Lunch is included in either option. There will be free time this afternoon to enjoy the facilities at the hotel. In the evening we will head off to salsa dancing lessons and dinner. Overnight at Arenal. (All Meals)
TREETOP EXCURSIONS / MONTEVERDE
Once again you have two options this morning. You can, depending on how adventurous you are, choose between ziplining through the tree tops or strolling along on hanging bridges. In the late morning we depart Arenal, heading for the Monteverde Cloud Forest. We will make a lunch stop along the way, arriving at our hotel in the late afternoon. The evening is at leisure to enjoy dinner and our hotel. (All Meals)
MONTEVERDE RESERVE
After breakfast this morning, we enjoy a guided hike through the world renowned Monteverde Reserve. Wind-sculpted elfin woodlands give way to rainforests where tall trees – festooned with orchids, bromeliads, ferns, vines and mosses – rise high into the sky. The early morning is the best time to view birds and wildlife when they are most active. We return to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon we visit the Monteverde Orchid Garden, followed by dinner at the Cabure Restaurant. (All Meals)
CROCODILE SAFARI
After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and drive to the town of Manuel Antonio. We make a stop along the way for lunch and then go on a boat ride on the Tarcoles River, where we can get up close and personal with the crocodiles! Upon arrival in Manuel Antonio, we check in to our hotel and the rest of the day is free to relax by our hotel’s pool, have dinner or explore the surrounding area. Overnight in Manuel Antonio. (All Meals)
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES / THANKSGIVING DINNER
This morning you can choose between any of the following activities: surfing lessons, sea-kayaking, or a hike in Manuel Antonio National Park. The afternoon is free to explore the area. Tonight we will have a special Thanksgiving feast at Barba Roja Restaurant with great views overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Overnight again in Manuel Antonio. (Breakfast & Dinner)
FREE DAY / FAREWELL DINNER
This day you again can choose which activity you would like to participate in. You may choose between taking a horse ride on the beach, a boat or kayaking trip on the Damas Estuary or a hike in Manuel Antonio National Park. The afternoon is free with lunch on your own. In early evening, we will take a sunset cruise on a catamaran for our Farewell Dinner. (Breakfast & Dinner)
DEPARTURE
The tour officially ends after breakfast this morning. Since we are driving from Manuel Antonio to the San Jose International Airport, and the drive is approximately 2.5 hours, please do not arrange any return flight departing earlier than 2:00 pm today. We will be happy to book additional nights for you in San Jose if you so desire. (Breakfast)