Exploring Costa Rica

Arriving at San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport, you will be welcomed to Costa Rica and given your rental car. Drive north of the capital to the volcanic valley of Bajos del Toro to spend 2 nights at El Silencio Lodge and Spa. The balance of the day is at leisure at this luxury, eco-lodge.

Today enjoy an included, guided tour to meet local Costa Ricans in the nearby town. Here you will learn about typical life styles and traditions and even visit a private home to see how fresh tortillas are made. For the rest of the day, enjoy exploring the Lodge's private reserve with its hidden waterfalls and stunning tropical grounds. Or, indulge yourself at their tranquil spa. The evening is at leisure and overnight at the lodge.

After a leisurely breakfast, continue driving north through beautiful countryside to Arenal, Costa Rica's most famous active volcano. Arriving by lunchtime, check into Hotel Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa for a 2-night stay. Set in 27 acres of beautiful rainforest, with wonderful views of the volcano from your private balcony, it boasts 7 thermal hot springs on the property as well as a spa. A perfect place to unwind and marvel at the surrounding natural wonders.

This morning drive to the nearby Sky Adventures Park. Here you are treated to a ride in the Sky Tram; a gondola that takes you over the Park's tropical rainforest with its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Arenal. Once at the top, take a Sky Trek for an exciting zipline journey back over the jungle, using 7 different cable rides (both activities included). Drive back to the resort with the rest of the day and evening at leisure.

Depart after breakfast to drive to Tamarindo seeing more of Costa Rica's wonderful scenery en route as you travel west towards the Pacific coast. Arriving by early afternoon, check in for a 3-night stay at the Hotel Tamarindo Diria. This beachfront property is surrounded by tropical gardens where you can relax for the balance of the day, and take a walk on its beautiful beach, enjoy one of 4 swimming pools or the outdoor Jacuzzi, then watch the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean.

The morning is at leisure to continue enjoying this wonderful resort. Then, drive to the nearby meeting point where you will be met and taken to board a Catamaran for a half-day excursion, including lunch as you sail along the coast watching for dolphins, flying fish and whales. The boat will anchor off a pristine beach where you can swim and snorkel before returning to Tamarindo as the sun goes down. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Enjoy another full day at leisure in this beautiful part of Costa Rica. There are a variety of optional excursions available and recommended would be a visit to one of the many local national parks such as Las Baulas National Park or the Tamarindo National Wildlife Refuge. You can also spend time in the town of Tamarindo where you will find lots of interesting shops and good restaurants. The evening is at leisure and overnight at your hotel.

After a leisurely breakfast, set off over the mountains, driving south and east into the Central Valley where San Jose is situated. Check in for your last night in Costa Rica at the Gran Hotel Costa Rica. This iconic hotel is in the heart of the capital allowing you time later this afternoon to walk to some the city's main attractions. The evening is at leisure at your hotel.

Today, drive to the Santamaria International Airport, where you drop off your car before departing on a flight home.