Back to Search ResultsRollin' on the Rivers + San José
Map | Overview | Print
A couple of days to explore the central valley and cosmopolitan capital then set out on an inclusive vacation wildlife extravaganza. The Tortuguero river and canals are lined with gallery forests teeming with wildlife and at the river mouth Sea turtles nest on the beach (seasonal). Caño Negro reserve protects wetland nesting habitat for migrant and resident bird species and there's always the possibility of fauna between rapids on the Río Balsa and of course there are the rivers of lava on Arenal volcano.
All rivers flow to the sea and so will you, finishing off with some serious relaxation at the inclusive beachfront Flamingo Resort.
! Check Availability & Get a Price Quote !
Gran Hotel Costa Rica (2 Nights)
Day 1 — When you plane touches down your VIP greeter will be waiting to assist with your luggage and get you on your way to the classic Gran Hotel.
Built in the heart of the city in 1930 the Gran Hotel Costa Rica is a historical and architectural national landmark. Facing onto one of the most popular plazas and surrounded by other icons of cosmopolitan San José - the national theater, pre-Columbian gold museum and pedestrian malls the Gran is elegant, nostalgic and classy. The fully modernized rooms retain their character with classic hardwood furnishings but include amenities like orthopedic mattresses, wi-fi, satellite television, minibars and digital entry. The 24/7 patio café is a famous meeting place and the restaurant features gourmet cuisine with a tropical flair.
Built in the heart of the city in 1930 the Gran Hotel Costa Rica is a historical and architectural national landmark. Facing onto one of the most popular plazas and surrounded by other icons of cosmopolitan San José - the national theater, pre-Columbian gold museum and pedestrian malls the Gran is elegant, nostalgic and classy. The fully modernized rooms retain their character with classic hardwood furnishings but include amenities like orthopedic mattresses, wi-fi, satellite television, minibars and digital entry. The 24/7 patio café is a famous meeting place and the restaurant features gourmet cuisine with a tropical flair.
Poás, Doka, La Paz Waterfalls - Best of the Central Valley
Day 2 — Highlights of the Central Valley and the best introduction to Costa Rica.
A short walk through gnarled elfin cloud forest from the museum and visitors center, the overlook at Poás reveals the otherworldly color of the mineral dyed crater lake ringed by geysers, steam vents and fumaroles.
Down the slope of the volcano the Doka coffee plantation gives you a great overview of the whole cafe process from field to the cup for the finest quality beans.
Walkways and stairs reveal the stars of the show at La Paz waterfall gardens - five of the most amazing cataratas in Costa Rica - and above the falls the aviary, butterfly garden, serpentarium, frog and hummingbird gardens give you a preview of what you might see in the parks and reserves.
A short walk through gnarled elfin cloud forest from the museum and visitors center, the overlook at Poás reveals the otherworldly color of the mineral dyed crater lake ringed by geysers, steam vents and fumaroles.
Down the slope of the volcano the Doka coffee plantation gives you a great overview of the whole cafe process from field to the cup for the finest quality beans.
Walkways and stairs reveal the stars of the show at La Paz waterfall gardens - five of the most amazing cataratas in Costa Rica - and above the falls the aviary, butterfly garden, serpentarium, frog and hummingbird gardens give you a preview of what you might see in the parks and reserves.
Turtle Beach Lodge (2 Nights)
Day 3 — The route to Costa Rica's "Amazon" winds first by road through the cloud forests of Braulio Carrillo National Park then by covered riverboat along Tortuguero canal to Turtle Beach Lodge. A "welcome cocktail" and lunch will be waiting and after you can wander through the village or visit the Turtle museum (museum entrance fee $3 not included). Much of the wildlife is most active around dusk so relax in a lounger and keep your eyes on the trees.
Wildlife of Tortuguero National Park
Day 4 — The grounds of the lodge are nearly as wild and wildlife packed as the heart of the National Park and an early morning walk along well maintained trails will almost certainly reward you with glimpses of monkeys, sloth, toucan or other wildlife.
After breakfast is served, a naturalist guide will join you for your visit to Tortuguero Park (entrance fee $10, not included).
After breakfast is served, a naturalist guide will join you for your visit to Tortuguero Park (entrance fee $10, not included).
Hotel Arenal Springs Resort (3 Nights)
Day 5 — Ideally situated for the best views directly across from Arenal volcano, the 4 star Arenal Springs Ecoresort is set in isolated tropical gardens. Take advantage of the pool or head to your private terrace and enjoy a cool drink and a traditional Sarchí rocker while the sun sets beside the perfect cone of the volcano.
Arenal Volcano Hike
Day 6 — Arenal Volcano dominates every view from anywhere in the region, but to really see the eruptive action and lava flows you need to be in the right place at the right time. The right place is the observation clearing at the end of a short walk through the rain forest and the right time is late afternoon and early evening when your guide will accompany you on the volcano viewing hike.
Baldi Termale Hot Springs
After the thrill of Arenal rumbling and erupting you're in for a relaxing evening at Baldi Hot Springs enjoying the geothermally heated mineral waters as the volcano continues to rumble in the background. The kids area (big kids or little) features water slides while the adults can enjoy a more sedate romantic atmosphere and swim up bar. Between dips towel off and enjoy a leisurely buffet dinner (included).
White Water Rafting Río Balsa
Day 7 — Today you have a choice between two activities on the water.
Choose White Water Rafting on the Río Balsa and professional guides will navigate you through Class II and III rapids. This is a great adventure for first time and experienced rafters alike. Hold on and enjoy the ride! Challenge yourself as you paddle through fun and safe rolling rapids with names like "Morning Coffee" and "Rock around the Croc" and then play around in tranquil river pools in an isolated rain forest river canyon! Lunch included.
Choose White Water Rafting on the Río Balsa and professional guides will navigate you through Class II and III rapids. This is a great adventure for first time and experienced rafters alike. Hold on and enjoy the ride! Challenge yourself as you paddle through fun and safe rolling rapids with names like "Morning Coffee" and "Rock around the Croc" and then play around in tranquil river pools in an isolated rain forest river canyon! Lunch included.
Optional Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
Or choose a jungle riverboat ride through the wilds of the Río Frío and ever changing seasonal Lago Caño Negro. The wetland refuge includes some of the best wildlife viewing anywhere in Costa Rica, protecting the breeding grounds of dozens of species of aquatic birds featuring three species of monkeys, both types of sloths, caiman (cousins of crocodiles) , turtles and even bull sharks. Lunch included.
Flamingo Beach Resort (3 Nights)
Day 8 — Welcome to the beach front Flamingo Beach Resort & Spa, located on the pristine golden sands of Playa Flamingo. Grab a cold beer (included along with other drinks alcoholic & non), pull up a palm tree, or grab a seat on the sand and get down to seriously relaxing. Later on you may want to try some of the many available activities such as Spanish lessons, Salsa dancing, beach volleyball and snorkeling.
Snorkeling Playa Flamingo
Day 9 — A professional bilingual guide will lead you on a snorkeling adventure above a vibrant tropical coral reef. Costa Rica's Pacific coast is teaming with tropical fish, but there's also a good chance of seeing pelagic sea life like Olive Ridley turtles, rays and maybe even a shark if you're incredibly lucky.
Canopy zipline or horseback riding on the beach can be substituted at no additional charge. Sunset catamarn cruise, Palo Verde riverboat ride or ATV adventure are available for an additional cost.
Canopy zipline or horseback riding on the beach can be substituted at no additional charge. Sunset catamarn cruise, Palo Verde riverboat ride or ATV adventure are available for an additional cost.
Flamingo Beach Resort Day!
Day 10 — A final chance to get back on the beach in front of the Pacific Sun and work on that tropical tan. This day will give you the opportunity to do what you want and make your own adventure! Whether relaxing on the beach beneath a shady palm tree with a refreshing beverage or choosing to take advantage of the many activities available at Flamingo Beach Resort, be sure to take advantage of this last whole day in Paradise!
Adiós ¡Hasta Luego!
Day 11 — Step out on your terrace and take a last long look at the Pacific paradise, then zip your bag and we'll make sure you arrive at the international airport the required 3 hours before your departure.
Thank you for traveling with us and of course ¡Pura Vida!
Thank you for traveling with us and of course ¡Pura Vida!
Included in your Costa Rica Vacation (mouse over name to show location)
•Gran Hotel Costa Rica (2 Nights)
•Poás, Doka, La Paz Waterfalls - Best of the Central Valley
•Turtle Beach Lodge (2 Nights)
•Wildlife of Tortuguero National Park
•Hotel Arenal Springs Resort (3 Nights)
•Arenal Volcano Hike
•Baldi Termale Hot Springs
•White Water Rafting Río Balsa
•Optional Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
•Flamingo Beach Resort (3 Nights)
•Snorkeling Playa Flamingo
•Flamingo Beach Resort Day!
•Adiós ¡Hasta Luego!
•Poás, Doka, La Paz Waterfalls - Best of the Central Valley
•Turtle Beach Lodge (2 Nights)
•Wildlife of Tortuguero National Park
•Hotel Arenal Springs Resort (3 Nights)
•Arenal Volcano Hike
•Baldi Termale Hot Springs
•White Water Rafting Río Balsa
•Optional Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
•Flamingo Beach Resort (3 Nights)
•Snorkeling Playa Flamingo
•Flamingo Beach Resort Day!
•Adiós ¡Hasta Luego!
All Drinks (Both Alcoholic and Non Alcoholic) are included at Flamingo Beach Resort & Spa. This vacation includes most of your meals, but there are a few lunches two dinner that are not provided to give you a chance to explore local restaurants.
† Toucan Maps Inc./Costa Rica Guide.com is based in Colorado and an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in good standing with an A rating.
‡ Pacific Trade Winds S.A. is based in Nuevo Arenal Costa Rica and certified by the Costa Rica National Chamber of Tourism/Camara Nacional de Tourismo (Canatur) and a green member (#900185097) in good standing of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA).
