Monteverde Cloud Forest

Today your shuttle will pick you up early in the morning to drive you to the cloud forest of Monteverde, with a stop over in Zapotal of Miramar in Puntarenas province, is a small rural community of 100 inhabitants. The dairy products are the main economic activity but a few families made a bet on authentic rural tourism: you will visit an ecological farm where everything is produced organically. You will learn about wastewater purification process,about how to feed a biodigester with pigs, how to grow chicken organically and how to maitain an organic garden with medicinal plants. But most importantly, you will learn how to cook Costarican style, at Betty’s house!

Then you will get to the 1440 meters above sea level mountain, on top of Costa Rica’s continental divide, and the much cooler weather of Monteverde and Santa Elena.  Free afternoon to visit the shops, ice cream parlors, cheese factories or coffee houses of Monteverde.

As sunset falls in the forest and it’s nocturnal animals truly awaken. The night visit to Monteverde Reserve is an excellent opportunity to see up close the vast biological diversity of the area from another perspective. During the night, many species emerge and display a unique spectacle in which only the darkness, the stunning forest and we will witness. A flashlight will be provided for each person for a better appreciation of the 2hours tour. 

Monteverde - Hanging bridges

In the morning you will discover the canopy of the cloud forest, walking over the hanging bridges and spotting wildlife.  The cloud forest hosts a remarkable amount of biodiversity.  A walk through a cloud forest in Monteverde reveals a lush garden of mosses, ferns, flowers and epiphytes growing thickly on every tree. Clouds drift in and settle among the slopes, providing the plants with the continuous moisture that they require. Dangling roots and vines sweep across the trails, while the sounds of birds and other creatures echo throughout the forest. You will have the rest of the day to enjoy the area, including the small and quaint town of Santa Elena, filled with tasty restaurants and folksy artisan shops.

Head to the Coast and Get Off the Beaten Track

Then, you’ll continue your journey to the tropical dry forest of Ensenada Wildlife Refuge. A private refuge with a family-run lodge, this lush, biodiverse area is legendary for its birdwatching and mangrove forests . Relax in the peaceful atmosphere here, with views over the Nicoya Gulf, the Mangroves and  salt marshes.

The estate is 800 acres where horses and cattle roam, and the main production is salt and growing fruit. Since 1977 the estate has been pursuing a programme of reforestation and much of the area has been reclaimed and re-wilded by the atmospheric, twisting branches of the mangroves, providing a haven for all manner of exotic birds, crocodiles and howler monkeys.

A stay at the Hacienda is a unique and unforgettable experience, it is family run and you have the opportunity to participate in the daily activities of typical country life of Costa Rica. Your accommodation will be in a bungalow facing the Gulf with twin beds, a private bathroom and a spacious terrace with a hammock to relax and watch the sunset.

Accommodation

Hacienda La Ensenada

Meals 

Breakfast

Explore Unique Eco-Systems

The mangrove forests for which this area is renowned work to create a unique ecosystem and environment, as they act as a water purifier and as a nursery for all kinds of native wildlife.

On your third day in Costa Rica, you’ll begin exploring this magical landscape by boat, slipping silently through the dappled sunlight beneath the twisting mangroves.

Spot roseate spoonbills, hawks, black-bellied whistling ducks, and egrets over your two-hours gliding through the shade of the trees.

Accommodation

Hacienda La Ensenada

Ferry to Surfers Paradise

The next day, you’ll be heading to the Nicoya Peninsula by ferry, then crossing it to the west coast and the stunning little town of Santa Teresa.

A surfer’s paradise, it combines sea, sand and beautiful trails winding inland to create the perfect spot for nature lovers. The town of Santa Teresa sits snugly on the long line of palm-fringed beaches, and exudes a deliciously laid-back, surfer town kind of vibe.

Pair this with great restaurants, cafes and bars and you’ve got yourself the perfect base for exploring the North Pacific coast.

Accommodation

Manala Hotel

Located in the small town of Santa Teresa and is within walking distance of the beach, the accommodation is in spacious bungalows featuring modern amenities including air conditioning, minibar and a fully equipped bathroom. The hotel has an in-house restaurant serving light dishes including pizza and pasta. The bar serves a range of cocktails and tropical beverages. Guests may also relax at the beautiful outdoor swimming pool which is surrounded by lush vegetation.

A Day of Adventure and Adrenaline

Strap yourself in for a day of adventure, because today you’ll be jumping onto a zipline that carries you through the tropical dry forest canopy. As you soar through the cool coastal air, you will see the incredible landscape unfold beneath you, for one of the highlight activities of the tour.

Then, get your hiking shoes on and strike out through the jungle for the great Montezuma Waterfall. Nestled in the deep jungle, white water cascades into a deep blue lagoon totally surrounded by pristine nature.

Take a dip in the refreshing pool, or add more adventure to your trip by leaping from the heights of the waterfall into the water below.

Accommodation 

Manala Hotel

Meals

Breakfast

Ride the Waves in Santa Teresa

You can’t visit this surfing haven without trying your hand at the most popular activity there. So on your final day here, you’ll be taking advantage of the perfect surf that comes rolling into the stunning beaches from the Pacific with a surf lesson from a local expert.

Learn to ride the waves and immerse yourself in the natural environment in the greatest way possible, and enjoy the freeing sensation of standing and surfing to shore in beautiful settings.

Accommodation

Manala Hotel

Meals

Breakfast

Glamping on a Remote Tropical Island

You’ll be heading back across the Nicoya Gulf today, and  travelling south towards Jacó. As you hop on the ferry, there is a beautiful little island in the gulf known as Jesusita Island and this will be your stop for two nights.

A glorious, untouched gem of lush green forest and golden sand beaches set in glistening blue waters, it’s an incredible place to get off the beaten track and experience nature at its purest.

During the day you can try your hand at artisanal fishing, your guide will take you to some of the best spots on the island and you can catch fish in the traditional way, spending a day getting to know the slow life of the local fisherme. In the afternoon relax and take in the sunset from your lounging deck, accompanied by only the sounds of nature, the gentle hissing of the surf and the call of tropical birds, in your own private paradise.

On one evening  you will have the opportunity to see  a rare natural sight on the ocean,  as darkness falls and you take to a boat just off the coast where you will witness the amazing sight of bioluminescence!  In the dark waters surrounding Isla Chiquita there are high concentrations of  light-emitting plankton that create this magical effect. Upon being disturbed, the algae give off a burst of light, and as there are millions of them it looks like sparkles in the water. Depending on the number of algae it appears as bluish or greenish sparkles,  and is a magical sight.

Accommodation

Isla Chiquita Glamping

Located on the shores of Costa Rica’s Gulf of Nicoya, each of the 15 glamping tents features a king bed, a daybed lounger, and a spacious lounging deck with stunning ocean views.

The dining experience at Isla Chiquita brings together the best of two worlds; the stunning natural beauty of the Gulf of Nicoya and the freshest ocean-to-table seafood to be found in Costa Rica. Guests can enjoy a diverse array of excursions, from self-guided kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding to bird watching, sports fishing and island hopping tours.

Meals

Breakfast

Ferry to your beach stay at Playa Hermosa

Your ninth day will be spent travelling south by boat to beautiful Playa Hermosa.

Your hotel for the next two nights will be the Hotel Resort Terraza del Pacifico, which is located directly on the ocean at the majestic Playa Hermosa Beach.

Relax and enjoy your last days in Costa Rica, by the beach, at the pool or taking part in some of the many activities close by the hotel in this surfers paradise.

Accommodation

Hotel Resort Terraza del Pacifico

Located directly on the beach with two outdoor pools and a restaurant serving Costa Rican and International cuisine. There are 61 rooms,  each with air-conditioning and wonderful views overlooking the gardens, pools and the ocean. There are lots of activities to try close to the hotel such as kayaking, horse riding and rafting, or you could choose to spend your time relaxing and taking in the gorgeous views.

Meals

Breakfast

Jungle Adventures in Jacó

Today, experience the thrill of exploring the wild, untamed jungle as you ride quad-bikes along the dirt trails and river beds, splashing through the forest on a unique journey through nature.

Enjoy a two hour guided white-knuckle ride  ( or something a little more tame – depending on your preference) through the spectacular forest and then take a cooling dip in a wonderful natural swimming pool surrounded by many species of indigenous flora and fauna,  a great way to refresh, you will swim immersed in nature at its richest and most vibrant.

Accommodation

Hotel Resort Terraza del Pacifico (or similar)

Meals 

Breakfast

Transfer to San José and Departure

It’s time to say goodbye and head back to San José and the airport, after an incredible ten-day journey around the beautiful, unspoilt North Pacific coast of Costa Rica.