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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive in San Jose
On arrival in San Jose you will be met by a private driver and transferred out of the city to your boutique hotel located in a serene coffee estate. The remainder of the day is free for you to recover from your journey, absorbing the views over the valley and perhaps enjoying a soothing treatment in the spa.
Overnight: Finca Rosa Blanca
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Day 2 Coffee and waterfalls in the Central Valley
After breakfast at your hotel, set out with your private guide on a full-day tour of the wonders of Costa Rica's Central Valley. Begin at Poás Volcano National Park, where a short walk leads to the steaming crater of one of the country's most active volcanoes. Continue on to a renowned Costa Rican coffee estate to learn the craft of coffee cultivation, from bean to roast, and sample freshly brewed blends surrounded by mountain views. After a stop for lunch, you will be driven to La Paz Waterfall Gardens, where winding forest trails lead to five magnificent waterfalls.
Overnight: Finca Rosa Blanca
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Day 3 To the Arenal Volcano region
This morning you will take a private transfer to the La Fortuna region, home to the majestic Arenal Volcano. The afternoon is free for you to relax in the thermal springs at your hotel, or to begin exploring. Though the perfect cone of the Arenal Volcano is often shrouded by cloud, many of the attractions of this region lie in the activity-filled national parks and forests that surround the volcano.
Overnight: Amor Arenal
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Day 4 Nature safari river float and Costa Rican cookery class
Today's activity takes you out of La Fortuna with your private guide, into the peaceful tropical surroundings of the Arenal region. Here you will board a raft and drift along the tranquil Peñas Blancas River on a private guided nature safari, spotting monkeys, sloths and vivid aquatic birds as you glide through the rainforest. Afterwards, visit Doña Mara's home in Chachagua for an interactive cooking class, preparing tortillas, picadillo and her signature "chilera" to enjoy together as a traditional Costa Rican lunch. You will then be driven back to your hotel to relax for the rest of the afternoon in the gardens and thermal springs, or perhaps explore the rainforest trails that surround your peaceful lodge.
Overnight: Amor Arenal
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Day 5 Arenal Aerial Tram, Canopy Ziplining and Hanging Bridges
A day of classic Arenal adventures awaits today. You will first glide above the rainforest canopy on the Arenal Sky Tram, an open-air gondola offering sweeping views across misty mountains and emerald forest. At the summit, embark on an exciting zipline circuit, zooming from peak to peak for an exhilarating perspective on the picturesque surroundings. You may even be able to glimpse the cone of the Arenal Volcano on a clear day. Round off your adventures in the treetops with a small group guided walk around the nearby Arenal Hanging Bridges, where your naturalist guide reveals the vibrant flora and fauna thriving at every level of the forest.
Overnight: Amor Arenal
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Day 6 To Manuel Antonio
Leave the Arenal Volcano region behind this morning and take a private transfer to Manuel Antonio on Costa Rica's central Pacific coast. This coastal town is a wonderful place to enjoy golden sand beaches backed by tropical rainforest and sweeping ocean views. Manuel Antonio's best hotels are set along the hillside, delivering gentle sea breezes and magnificent vistas of the turquoise bay. For the days ahead, you will be staying in Manuel Antonio's finest luxury resort, and one with the rare advantage of direct beach access.
Overnight: Arenas del Mar
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Day 7 Manuel Antonio National Park
Embark on a half-day private exploration of Manuel Antonio National Park this morning, where the jungle meets the beach in one of Costa Rica's most scenic locations. Follow a gentle rainforest trail with your expert naturalist guide helping you spot sloths, monkeys, tropical birds and butterflies. Pause at the one of the national's park's prettiest beaches for a refreshing swim before being transferred back to your hotel.
Overnight: Arenas del Mar
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Day 8 Beach relaxation in Manuel Antonio
Take some time to relax in the beautiful coastal setting of Manuel Antonio. Your resort offers access to two different beaches, as well as two ocean-facing swimming pools. Should you find yourself getting restless, surfing lessons, paddle boarding and mangrove kayaking are just some of the additional activities that can be arranged.
Overnight: Arenas del Mar
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Day 9 To Golfo Dulce, The Osa Peninsula
Leaving Manuel Antonio behind, you will travel further south along the Pacific Coast to the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica's jewel in the crown for biodiversity. After time to settle into your beautiful ocean facing lodge, you might set out later today with an expert naturalist guide to discover some of the diverse flora and fauna to be found in this sheltered corner of the Osa Peninsula. Some of the species you may spot in the immediate surroundings include toucans and howler monkeys in the treetops, and pods of dolphins gliding across the bay.
Overnight: Playa Cativo
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Day 10 Rio Esquinas Mangrove Kayaking
After a delicious first breakfast at Playa Cativo you will set out for a morning kayaking tour through the tranquil mangroves of the Río Esquinas, one of the region's most pristine river systems. Glide along quiet waterways rich in birdlife, where herons and other aquatic species feed on the exposed mudflats. A peaceful boat ride takes you back across the river in time for lunch at the lodge. This afternoon you may wish to take advantage of the lodge's kayaks and paddle boards to explore the calm, clear waters of the bay. Grab a snorkelling mask to bring with you and take a leisurely paddle in search of the turtles and tropical reef fish which drift around the coral.
Overnight: Playa Cativo
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Day 11 Activities from Playa Cativo Lodge
Enjoy another full day in the Osa Peninsula, taking advantage of the glorious setting of your lodge. Playa Cativo is uniquely positioned to offer both jungle and marine experiences in the Osa Peninsula, and a wide range of activities are on offer to immerse you in these pristine natural habitats. In addition to kayaking and snorkelling in Cativo Bay, a number of well-marked rainforest trails are available for you to explore independently. Here you can discover the sights and sounds of the tropical forest, including peccaries, agoutis, monkeys, and a multitude of tropical birds.
Playa Cativo also offers a portfolio of supplementary excursions which you can choose to add to your stay. These include birdwatching, guided tours of the Piedras Blancas National Park, nocturnal rainforest hikes, bioluminescence tours, waterfall hikes, dolphin watching, whale watching (July to October), sunset cruises, guided snorkelling in the Golfo Dulce, fishing and surf lessons.
Overnight: Playa Cativo
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Day 12 To Isla Palenque, Panama
Today you will leave Costa Rica behind as you take a private transfer south to the border and cross into Panama. On arrival at Boca Chica, take a short boat ride to Isla Palenque, a pristine private island in the Chiriquí Gulf. Your intimate and sustainably-run lodge on the island is a haven of barefoot luxury, setting the perfect balance between activity and relaxation, and positioned within easy reach of seven beautiful beaches.
Overnight: Isla Palenque
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Day 13 - 14 Activities from Isla Palenque
The next two days are free for you to immerse yourself in Isla Palenque's natural beauty and relaxed rhythm. Included in your stay are guided nature walks through tropical forest, kayaking and paddleboarding along quiet mangrove-lined shores, snorkelling from the beach, explorations of the island's extensive trail network, and daily yoga sessions overlooking the ocean. Complimentary cultural activities include traditional cacao ceremonies, cooking demonstrations and dance classes. Supplementary excursions include island hopping and snorkelling in the Gulf of Chiriquí, deep-sea fishing, whale-watching (in season), and private culinary experiences. Back at the resort, you may simply wish to unwind on one of the island's secluded beaches, or further explore the coastline by kayak or paddle-board.
Overnight: Isla Palenque
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Day 15 To Panama City, private tour of the Casco Viejo
Depart Isla Palenque on a short boat ride, from where you will be driven to David for your light aircraft flight to Panama City. After checking in to your beautifully appointed hotel in the historic centre, you will set out this afternoon on a private guided walk through the atmospheric Casco Viejo. The early evening is a wonderful time to be in the old quarter, so we recommend you remain after your tour for a relaxed drink and dinner at one of Casco Viejo's finest restaurants.
Option: Extend your stay in Panama City and take a behind-the-scenes tour of the workings of the Panama Canal
Overnight: Hotel La Compania
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Day 16 Depart
After a final breakfast, transfer to Panama City airport in plenty of time for your onward flight.
Overnight: Home
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Depart
