Charming Culture and Amazing Volcanoes in Costa Rica

This morning you will travel to the Arenal Volcano in the Northern Plains region. Majestic in its grand stature, the volcano is one of the country’s natural wonders. While the volcano is quiet these days and there are no lava eruptions, you can still see clouds of smoke or ash emanating from the top of the cinder cone. As well, you can enjoy the plentiful hot springs in the area. Along your journey to the town of La Fortuna, at the base of the volcano, you will see agricultural plantations, large ornamental plant nurseries, and cattle farms.

Accommodation at the hotel of your choice.

You will visit a local farm in the morning where they grow organic crops and follow environmentally-friendly practices. You will learn about the importance of preserving Costa Rican rural culture and traditions and the main crops that have strengthened its economy. Then, you will enjoy a typical Costa Rican lunch. During the afternoon you will hike the Lava Flow 2010 Trail, a two-kilometer journey through the rainforest at the foot of the Arenal Volcano. You will be able to observe an incredible amount of flora and fauna that abound in the area. The hike will take you up to 620 meters (2,034 feet), the highest point where you can see the lava flows from 1975 to 2010. The views are impressive of the majestic volcano and Lake Arenal at your feet – Definitely an unforgettable landscape!

Accommodation is in the hotel of your choice.

Today you will visit the enchanting Celeste River, whose vivid sky blue color makes it a popular attraction in the Tenorio Volcano National Park. Explore the park on a 4.5-mile (7 km) hike through the rainforest to the waterfall and “Los Teñideros,” which means “the dyeing pools” and is the point where the river begins its unique color. You will also visit the famous “Borbollones” or bubbling pools to learn more about volcanic activity. As you walk along the trails, you might meet some resident animals passing through the forest. Finally, your reward will be an exquisite traditional lunch.

Accommodation at the hotel of your choice.

Today you travel to the Guanacaste Province to the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, one of the five most active volcanoes in Costa Rica. Rincon de la Vieja is considered a fascinating volcano due to its unique characteristics, like sulfurous lagoons, relaxing hot springs, boiling mud pits, fumaroles, and its main active crater. Lush, dense vegetation surrounds the area, home to a plethora of insect and wildlife species.

Accommodation at the hotel of your choice.

This morning, you will go on a guided hike in the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, where you will find varied vegetation and a fascinating volcanic environment. You will learn the difference between humid forest, dry tropical forest, and cloud forest. The volcano has nine craters and volcanic cones at its summit and several cones on its slopes, all with variable heights. Afterward, you will go to the Oropendola Waterfall to take a refreshing swim in its breathtaking, emerald green water.

Accommodation at the hotel of your choice.

Transfer in the morning to the Alajuela province to visit another of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica. The Poas Volcano has one of the world’s largest craters. It rises above the mountainous forests of the Central Volcanic Range. You will visit the Poas Volcano National Park, which boasts magnificent cloud forest landscapes. You also will see coffee plantations and enjoy the local culture of communities surrounding the park.

Accommodation at the hotel of your choice.

Today you depart to the Juan Santamaria International Airport. If you are traveling by shared transfer, and your flight leaves before 16:00, you will require a private transfer for an additional amount.

Happy return trip! We hope to have you visit us again.

Included

• Airport transfers
• Ground transfers between destinations (shared or private)
• 8 nights’ accommodation with breakfast included
• Regular excursion: Hike in the Irazú Volcano National Park
• Regular excursion: Tour of the Orosí Valley with lunch included
• Regular excursion: Visit the Lankester Botanical Garden
• Regular excursion: Entrance to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels
• Regular excursion: Visit Arenal Vida Campesina with lunch included
• Regular excursion: Hike in the Lava Flow 2010 Trail at Parque Ecológico Volcán Arenal.
• Regular excursion: Celeste River hike in the Tenorio Volcano National Park, with lunch included
• Regular excursion: Hike in the Rincón de la Vieja National Park
• Regular excursion: Visit the Oropéndula Waterfall
• Regular excursion: Hike in the Poás Volcano National Park
• Value added tax
• Infants from 0 to 2 years do not pay
• Children’s rate applies for ages 3 to 11 years. Maximum 2 children sharing a room with their parents

Not included

• Activities not indicated in the program
• Meals not indicated in the program
• Tips for bellhops
• Tips for housekeeping
• Mandatory dinners during Christmas and New Year’s Eve