Compare Costa Rica by Mayflower Tours vs Costa Rica: See & Experience it ALL in 11 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours by Charlie The Traveler

Day 1: Usa/San José, Costa Rica

Meals: Dinner

Our journey begins in the historic capital of San José at a delightful casino hotel. There is time for a swim or massage before the included dinner as our busy schedule flows into Costa Rica’s mystical tropical paradise.

Day 2: Poás Volcano 

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

En-route from San José to the La Fortuna area, visit Poás Volcano, one of the most spectacular volcanoes in Costa Rica. Poás has a long history of large eruptions, first producing a cloud of hot ash five miles high back in 1910. Look down from its mile-wide rim into a gigantic boiling cauldron of steaming geysers. We continue to the Doka Coffee Estate for a tour of the plantation where we learn how this famous product of Costa Rica is produced. Following lunch at the estate, we continue to La Fortuna, a village ringed by mountains and inhabited by friendly folk whose little shops may offer the perfect memento. Its most well-known ‘resident’ is the Arenal Volcano. From our hotel we can see its awe-inspiring cone first thing in the morning and the last thing at night. This evening is free to enjoy the rich natural wonders of the area — beautiful waterfalls, fragrant trails and the natural hot springs. Breakfast and lunch

Day 3: Arenal Volcano

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

There are few places on earth where one can observe an active volcano, and we will spend the afternoon near Arenal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the Americas. Since it erupted 400 years ago, it has continued to light up the night sky. From our observation point, we feel the ground tremble and see smoke that billows from the earth’s molten core rise to join the clouds. Upon returning to the hotel, relax in the springs before enjoying the included dinner. With lovely views of the resort’s hot springs, lush gardens and Arenal Volcano, this is a tropical paradise.

Day 4: Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

While in La Fortuna, we enjoy a full day excursion to Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge, a remote “everglades” type of wetlands teeming in different species of flora, fauna and birdlife. During the excursion, a highlight will be a boat ride on the Frío River where you’ll have the opportunity to see birds such as the snake-bird, herons and cormorants; a variety of monkeys such as the howler, spider or white-face monkeys, three-toed sloths and local reptile inhabitants like the Jesus Christ Lizards and turtles. This is truly a unique experience, showcasing the natural beauty of Costa Rica. A typical lunch is provided during the excursion.

Day 5: La Fortuna To Manuel Antonio 

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

After breakfast we drive to the Manuel Antonio area, famous for its national park. This tiny yet bustling town is located off Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast, just a stone’s throw away from Quepos. The region is a treasure for biodiversity, attracting nature buffs, eco-travelers and adventure seekers alike. Without a doubt, Manuel Antonio lies within one of the country’s most celebrated spots. Upon arrival, check in to our hotel for three nights accommodations. Dinner is included this evening.

Day 6: Jungle Crocodile Safari 

Meals: Breakfast

We take a boat trip on the Tarcoles River located near Carara National Rain Forest Park. This adventure combines nature with the breathtaking experience of viewing American crocodiles at near proximities. Home to one of the world’s largest crocodile populations in the wild, some of these "local residents" are up to 15 feet long! As our boat ride takes us inside the mangrove canals and along the Tarcoles River, we also have the opportunity to spot many different species of birds, including the rare scarlet macaw, amongst the lush foliage. The afternoon is at leisure. Breakfast

Day 7: Manuel Antonio National Park 

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Our included tour visits nearby Manuel Antonio National Park, the smallest of the parks in Costa Rica but one of the most popular. There is a magic to this park that is hard to explain. Per-haps it’s the park’s forest, mangroves, lagoons and beach vegetation that supports 1,009 species of mammals and 184 species of birds (with migrants bringing the bird species to some 270) that make it so amazing. Among the inhabitants that can be easily seen are sloths, iguanas, agoutis, armadillos, raccoons, coatimundis and the adorable squirrel monkey. We return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure before we say goodbye at our farewell dinner.

Day 8: Manuel Antonio/San José 

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, our tropical getaway comes to an end as we return to the San José airport for our flight home. Flights should depart after 1:00 p.m. Fond memories of the beauty of Costa Rica and the warm hospitality of its people are sure to be treasured for a lifetime!

Day 1: A Social Gathering on the Sand & Horseback Riding

Our tour to Costa Rica starts in Tamarindo. This beach village is a popular destination for couples and families looking for a good time. Tamarindo is the epitome of everything Costa Rica prides itself on. Let's head to the beach, where there is likely to be a gathering/party of some sort. On a side note, Tamarindo is also home to leatherback turtles. The day ends with horseback riding on the beach and in a nearby valley.

Day 2: Sunset Catamaran Cruise with an Open Bar & Appetizers & Going Snorkeling

We go on an excursion today. Passing by the beaches in Brasilito and then Potrero, we stop at Flamingo beach so we can go swimming. Afterwards, we do a cruise into the bay. We are provided with snorkeling gear, local appetizers and access to an open bar. Enjoy the sunset while “sipping on some bubbly.”

Day 3: Zip-Lining & a Night Expedition in a Cloud Forest Reserve

We relocate from Tamarindo near to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. There we go on a zip-lining tour. We return in the evening for a night tour.

This reserve draws roughly 70,000 visitors a year. It consists of over 10,500 hectares of cloud forest and 6 ecological zones, 90 percent of which are virgin forest. A high biodiversity-consisting of over 2,500 plant species, 100 species of mammals, 400 bird species, 120 reptilian and amphibian species and thousands of insects-has drawn scientists and tourists alike.

Day 4: Rappelling, Climbing & Hiking & Bathing in Natural Hot Springs

We relocate from Monteverde to the town of La Fortuna. Shortly thereafter, we are taken on an adrenaline-pumping adventure to the Lost Canyon. There we climb and hike and otherwise go waterfall rappelling. Lunch is included on today’s tour.

After the Lost Canyon, we are taken to one of the many natural hot springs in La Fortuna. More specifically, we are taken to a resort called Ecotermales Fortuna. There we bathe as well as eat. Dinner is included this evening.

Day 5: Walking Over Hanging Bridges & Swimming Under a Waterfall

Today we are taken on a tour to the nearby surroundings. First is Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, which features cool-looking bridges hanging in the tropical rain forest. Next is La Fortuna Waterfall, where we can go swimming. Following the waterfall is lunch, which is included on today’s tour. Lastly for today is Arenal Volcano National Park. It offers a nice hike amid tropical scenery. The volcano measures at least 1,633 meters (5,358 feet) high and is estimated to be less than 7,500 years old.

Day 6: An Intimidating Volcano

We go on a daytrip today. We are taken to Tenorio Volcano National Park. The jewel of this national park is its volcano, from which it receives its name. Tenorio Volcano consists of 4 volcanic peaks and 2 craters. Thermal springs and small geysers dot the area, as do rivers, waterfalls and lagoons. The upper area of the park is dominated by primary cloud forest, while the lower regions are carpeted with rain forest. The summit can be reached via the Lago Las Dantas Trail, which winds up the volcano and passes through forested terrain before eventually reaching the peak. From the park’s entrance, it takes about an hour to hike up to the peak/main viewpoint. Lunch is included on today’s tour.

Day 7: The Country's Most Famous Beach

We relocate from La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio. We see why this town is so popular with tourists. Its national park receives almost 150,000 visitors annually. Manuel Antonio is Costa Rica at its most tropical. Let's head to the beach.

Day 8: White Sand & Taking a Surf Class

The day starts with a guided tour inside Manuel Antonio National Park. Extra time is given so we can go swimming. This park has impressive landscapes and several coves with many white sand beaches and lush foliage amidst great mountains and forests. The second half of the day is spent taking a surfing class.

Day 9: Discovering Wildlife Inside an Animal Kingdom

Before relocating to the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose, we are provided with a guided tour inside Manuel Antonio National Park. Extra time is given so we can go swimming. This park has impressive landscapes and several coves with many white sand beaches and lush foliage amidst great mountains and forests.

Day 10: The Most Stunning Volcano in Costa Rica & a Coffee Plantation Visit

We go on a daytrip today. We are first taken to Doka Estate. There we are provided with breakfast followed by a guided tour of a coffee plantation. Next, we visit Poás Volcano National Park. There we are provided with a guided tour. Please note that Poás Volcano National Park is often closed due to eruptions. If this is the case during your visit, then this park would need to be removed from today’s itinerary. Lastly, we visit La Paz Waterfall. There we are provided with lunch as well as a guided tour.

Day 11: Our Tour Ends This Morning

San Jose is the final destination on our tour around Costa Rica. Transportation will be arranged for you to reach the international airport.