Poas Volcano and Coffee Tour

Today you will set off on your Costa Rican adventure. Making your way towards La Fortuna you will first stop at the Poás Volcano, an active volcano with the second largest crater in the world at over 1.5 km in diameter and 320m deep.

At a height of nearly 3000m the volcano offers some of the most spectacular views in all of Costa Rica, on a clear day. The clouds start to form in the morning and so you will get there early to have the best chance of a good view. With the ever-changing climatic conditions, of course, this cant be guaranteed. The walk to the crater is an easy 10 minute hike each way on good paths, and if the weather allows you will be rewarded by a spectacular view of the dazzling blue lake in its centre.

As you approach the crater the air becomes noticeably colder and thinner and the cloud forest landscape is apparent,  many trees found in the cloud forest appear severely disfigured and gnarled, impacted by the cold temperatures and wind and also by the volcanic activity. The cloud forest is home to hummingbirds, tanagers, flycatchers, toucanets, Costa Rica’s national bird the clay-coloured thrush, and the famous, resplendent quetzal.

Due to the potentially harmful gases and unpredictable volcanic activity the time at the viewing point is limited to 20 minutes.

Afterwards, you head to the Doka Coffee Estate one of the oldest coffee plantation in Costa Rica, and have an insider view of Costa Rica’s most famous produce coffee and sugar cane. You will have a tour of the plantation and learn about the history of the estate, its owners, the many varieties of plants and the traditional ways of  cultivation, learn how coffee beans are grown, harvested, and roasted to perfection, and then follow the journey of sugar cane at a working sugar mill. Finish the visit with a tour of the estate’s amazing gardens with hundreds of miniature bonsai trees, colourful orchids, and butterflies, local breakfast and of course a great cup of coffee.

Accommodation: 

Xandari Resort and Spa

Meals: Breakfast

Day at Rio Perdido

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and you will be collected for your drive to Bagaces, in the Guancaste  region. Your next stay will be at the Hotel Rio Perdido,  a sanctuary of well-being and the true embodiment of the Costa Rican phrase “Pura Vida”

The hotel  is set in the depths of Costa Rica’s Tropical Dry Forest, with canyons on either side  and volcanic ranges in the distance, it is a spectacular setting.

The accommodation is made up of 30 stand-alone bungalows surrounded by natural vegetation designed to be in perfect harmony with the surroundings  and decorated in fresh, bright colours. They each have a private balcony with a hammock, ideal for relaxing during the heat of the day.

The location provides an amazing opportunity to get out and experience the natural wonders of the landscape and the hotel provides a great range of activities during your stay. You can experience the forest from above as you zip-line in Rio Blanco Canyon, enjoy tubing the gentle rapids of the White Canyon, explore the area by bike or on foot along the network of tracks and hiking trails, taking in the spectacular mix of landscapes, dry dwarf forest, bridges, rocks, rivers and pastures and seemingly endless variety of exotic flora and fauna

Relax and enjoy swimming in the abundant, completely natural hot springs, along a mile of thermal gorge that cuts right through the spectacular, 600-acre reserve, or visit the on site spa for a therapeutic massage.

Wellness is the overall aim of this sanctuary and you are invited to take part in yoga, meditation or forest bathing sessions to harmonise body, mind and spirit.

The hotel has a truly authentic dining experience employing talented local chefs and using locally grown produce served in the atmospheric open air restaurant offering superb panoramic views of the forest.

Accommodation: 

Rio Perdido Hotel and Thermal River

Meals: Breakfast

Zip Line the Canyon and River Tubing

After breakfast, you will start your day of adventure!

You will start with an exciting canyon adventure through the inspiring Rio Blanco Canyon featuring 15 platforms, a pendulum cable, a 50-foot Tarzan swing, a 90-foot challenge bridge and five zip lines with lengths varying from 260 to over 800 feet making for an exciting and adrenaline fuelled adventure. Then you will come down to earth descending to the river valley where you will float and splash as you navigate small grade rapids on your river tube, through the stunning scenery.

Accommodation: 

Rio Perdido Hotel and Thermal River

Meals: Breakfast

Departure

Today, after breakfast you will check out of the hotel and be transferred to Puntarenas port to embark the ship to continue on your Latin American adventure, or to be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

Meals: Breakfast