COSTA RICA PURA VIDA
November - 5th December, 2024
We want to show you Costa Rica on the road a little less travelled, where you can truly enjoy and be at one with nature and not be among the many others also seeking to do the same thing. You will be meeting the locals, both the indigenous communities and the local farmers as well as meeting the many other inhabitants of Costa Rica: sloths, monkeys and toucans to name a few.
On your Diamond Skies tour, you will begin your adventure by rafting your way to your first hotel, an eco-lodge deep in the tropical rain forest where pure relaxation awaits. It’s then onto another family-owned eco-lodge from where you will have the chance to travel by boat to the border with Nicaragua, seeing how many crocodiles, egrets, kingfishers and howler monkeys you can spot as you go. There’s the chance for some kayaking for those seeking yet more thrills on the river. And not just this, you will zip line through the rain forest, climb the Arenal volcano, bathe in hot water springs and waterfalls, visit local farmers and pineapple groves, make your own chocolate, and end at the beach to soak up the sun as you relax by the sea.
This trip is about embracing sustainable travel and sustainable ways of life. It’s about living in harmony with nature whilst also finding internal harmony.
Pura Vida indeed!
Day 1: Central Valley
Welcome to Costa Rica! You will have the chance to meet your fellow travellers and to settle in and relax, ready for the adventure ahead.
(D)
Overnight: San Jose
Day 3 – meeting the cabecar indigenous community
Wake up deep in the tropical rain forest and start your morning with a medium-level hike up to an indigenous Cabecar community. Learn about their ways, culture, and respect for nature in a century-old tradition that has shielded them from civilization. Back at the lodge you have the chance to go zip lining, explore the trails, go for a ride or simply enjoy the hammock or your balcony overlooking the river basin.
(B, L, D)
Overnight: Pacuare
Day 2: Pacuare
Start your adventure by driving along Costa Rica’s largest national park. The Braulio Carrillo is one of the most important rainforest corridors connecting the Pacific to the Caribbean. Your first lodge in a river canyon is truly special, and there can be few places in the world where you raft to get to your hotel, but this is how you know you are really in Costa Rica.
Settle in for the day, perhaps enjoy some yoga or relaxing in a hammock observing your lovely surroundings. The rest of the day is at leisure.
(B, L, D)
Overnight: Pacuare
Day 4 – boca tapada
Raft out of your lodge and travel further up along the northern plains going up towards the border with Nicaragua. Pineapple fields are popular here, and you will have the chance to learn about how they cultivate pineapples and also of course have the chance sample this delicious fruit along with your delicious lunch on the plantation.
Later this afternoon arrive at your secluded eco-lodge, a family-owned cattle farm turned private reserve and birders’ paradise, and spend the evening at leisure.
(B, L, D)
Overnight: Boca Tapada
Day 5 – kayaking to the border with nicaragua
Discover the San Carlos River by either enjoying a comfortable boat tour to the border with Nicaragua or kayaking its thrilling waters on the lookout for egrets, kingfishers, crocodiles, and howler monkeys. Hike the private reserve in the afternoon and prepare your flashlight to discover the hidden life during a night tour before dinner.
(B, L, D)
Overnight: Boca Tapada
Day 6: waterfalls and hot springs
Travel to Arenal and start your adventure by bathing in the natural spring water of La Fortuna Waterfall. After a change of clothes, visit a school teacher turned farmer who now educates on organic farming and sustainability. A tour of his farm with included lunch is sure to be one of your most authentic and delicious meals. And here you will also have the chance to learn how to make chocolate
This is then followed up by a swim in the hot springs of the Arenal Volcano in the evening for a perfectly relaxing day.
(B, L, D)
Overnight: Arenal
Day 7: Guanacaste - Volcano and beach
Hike up to the lava rocks of the Arenal Volcano, before continuing your way to your beach adventure! Say adios to your guide and driver and enjoy your first night in your beautiful Autograph Collection Hotel.
(B, L, D)
Overnight: Guanacaste
Day 8: Guanacaste
Hop on your boat and discover the Pacific Coastline with a beach hopping and snorkeling adventure! Relax!
(B, L, D)
Overnight: Guanacaste
Day 9: Guanacaste
Free beach day at your leisure! You are free to indulge in some rest and relaxation, perhaps enjoying a nice massage, or enjoying some cycling or water sports if you’re feeling more energetic.
(B, L, D)
Overnight: Guanacaste
Day 10 - Departure day
Say hasta luego Costa Rica, we hope to see you again soon.
(B)
TOTAL COST PER PERSON, BASED ON 2 SHARING: $4400
Single room supplement: $1940
trip dates: 4 - 13th May 2024
TOTAL COST PER PERSON, BASED ON 2 SHARING: $4400
Single room supplement: $1940
trip dates: 26th November - 5th December, 2024
Included in Your Trip
Accommodation & Services:
Eco-lodges in the rain forest, 4* hotels and a beautiful Autograph collection hotel in Guanacaste
1 night in Central Valley, 2 nights in Pacuare, 2 nights in Boca Tapada and 3 nights in Guanacaste
An entertaining and super knowledgeable tour manager with you from days 1-7 (days 7-10 you will be looked after by the hotel staff and all activities are arranged via them)
Wonderful local guides full of stories to entertain
Tips for local services (guides, porters, waiters etc)
Private transportation
You will be visiting: Pacuare, Boca Tapada, Arenal, Guanacaste
All airport transfers
Food & Beverages:
Breakfast and either lunch or dinner (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch and D - Dinner). On this trip, all meals are included.
One soft drink or beer or wine is offered with every meal. In your final hotel, all drinks are included (excluding Premium alcohols).
Activities:
Rafting
Kayaking
Boat Ride
Chocolate making class
Horse riding (for those who wish)
Zip lining
Meeting with the Cabecar indigenous community
Bathing in waterfalls and hot springs
Pacific Ocean boat ride - beach hopping and snorkelling
Hiking in the rain forest and up Arenal Volcano
A surprise (we are children at heart after all)
Guided Tours
Pineapple Farm
Sustainable Organic Farm
Arenal
not included in this trip:
Flights not included.
Travel insurance.
Visas, where applicable.