2. COSTA RICA
Though gaining in popularity, Costa Rica remains one of the "best kept
secrets" of vacation destinations. Though it's only as big as West
Virginia, there are few places in the world that compare for the sheer
magnitude of its bio-diversity. Twelve major life zones provide refuge for
over 10,000 kinds of flowering plants, 850 bird species, 3,000 butterfly
species, and 209 mammal species! Active volcanoes, rainforests, cloud
forests, lowland jungles, the dramatic Pacific coastline, and tranquil
Caribbean beaches ramble across seven provinces. Thirty percent of
the land is protected by national and private reserves, which harbor
more than five percent of the world's plant and animal species.
Equally fantastic are the activities - rafting, scuba diving, jungle
hiking, bird watching, horseback riding, mountain biking, and more. As
the perfect complement to this vacation Eden, Costa Ricans (Ticos, as
they call themselves) are friendly, peaceful people who welcome you to
their country like a long-lost relative. Simultaneously, Costa Rica is
known for the multi-ethnic pleasures of its capital, San José, and as a
producer of some of the world's best coffee. Most Costa Rican vacations
begin and end in the exciting capital, but it's what lies beyond that takes
your breath away!
3. COSTA RICA
EC0-NATURE AREAS
Manuel Antonio: This is a small town with exquisite scenery and astounding ecological treasures. There are
panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, evergreen vegetation, an exciting mix of comfort and adventure, and
popular beaches in Costa Rica. Manuel Antonio was designated as a National Park in 1972, forever preserving
its 1,700 acres of land, 136,000 acres of ocean, and the 109 mammal and 187 bird species that inhabit its
coasts and forests. This privileged place of virgin forests, lagoons, mangroves, beaches, and 12 small islands is
also crucial as a nesting and feeding ground for many sea birds. Venture along the jungle trails and come face
to face with toucans, white-faced monkeys, red squirrels, three-toed sloths, and many more!
Monteverde: This Cloud Forest Reserve is a village as well as a biological reserve. The Dry Season is the best
time for bird-watching and any time of year visitors can enjoy art and butterfly galleries, orchid gardens, a
serpentarium, horseback riding, family restaurants, pubs, craft shops, and more. The Reserve sits on the
Continental Divide in the Tilarán Mountain Range and contains 8 life zones that shelter many rare species such
as the brilliantly-plumed quetzal birds and the endangered gentle tapir, a relative of the horse. Nature trails let
you journey safely and easily through this priceless ecosystem.
Arenal Region: Facing one of the most active volcanoes of Costa Rica, this is a favorite destination for locals
and tourists. Lake Arenal provides safe viewpoints of the volcanic fireworks, and the Arenal Reservoir is rich in
aquatic resources and wildlife. Hiking and horseback riding are also popular. Take a self-guided tour through the
botanical gardens, handicraft markets, greenhouses, rainforest nature trails, river, waterfalls, keep your eyes
open for the more than 225 species of birds that populate the region, and don't forget a rejuvenating soak in the
Tabacon Hot Springs.
Osa Peninsula:At the top of the Osa Peninsula, Corcovado National Park offers an extraordinary chance to get
close the diversity of nature. Beside the lush flora of this rain forest reserve, there are 624 species of mammals
birds, reptiles, and amphibians to meet here.
Tortuguero: Great adventures await in the tropical rain forest of Tortuguero National Park. Your boat guide will
lead you among a network of canals teeming with life, from howler monkeys to herons and more.
4. COSTA RICA
BEACH AREAS
Guanacaste: The largest province in Costa Rica, Guanacaste offers miles of
untouched beaches on the Pacific, and is home to the relaxed beach towns of
Flamingo and Tamarindo. You'll also find some of the country's finest resort
hotels and best nature parks.
Puntarenas: The closest beach resort to San Jose, Puntarenas features striking
and unusual volcanic black sand beaches. A great starting point for day trips to
the Monteverde Cloud Forest or the Gulf of Nicoya.
Jaco Beach: Excellent surfing, small native style hotels, restaurants with local
flair and low key entertainment are all part of the Jaco Beach experience. The
area is an ideal base for exploring the Carara Biological Reserve.
Tambor: You can play all day in the warm Pacific water of Tambor, set on the
Southern end of the Nicoya peninsula. In fact, it's a perfect place to get off the
beaten path and onto the beach!
Caribbean Coast/Limon: Experience the Caribbean as it was, and as it should
be...pristine beaches, waving palm trees and small quaint hotels. Don't miss the
opportunity to explore at the underwater park in Cahuita.
5. COSTA RICA
The tropical weather in San José is usually temperate, with
temperatures generally ranging between 70°-85° in the lowlands
and 58°-76° in the elevated Central Valley, and San
José, Monteverde, and Arenal. The Pacific coast is more arid and is
the hottest region, with dry season temperature up in the 90s.
Summer is the dry season, running from December to April and
winter is the rainy season, running from May to November, though
rain tends to fall only in the late afternoon or evening.
Weather in Costa Rica in November is a gamble. On average it's a
rainy season month on the Pacific and in the central mountains but
sometimes (especially with El Niño) the dry season comes early.
The month of November is characterized by essentially constant
daily high temperatures, with daily highs around 80°F throughout the
month, exceeding 83°F or dropping below 75°F only one day in ten.
Daily low temperatures are around 66°F, falling below 63°F or
exceeding 69°F only one day in ten.
Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in the
tourist centers.
8. HOTEL PUNTA ISLITA
5 star boutique hotel
Hotel Punta Islita is located along the sunny
Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste
Province.
Approximately 2 hour drive from Liberia airport
Hotel Punta Islita bears the engaging design of
Ronald Zurcher, a prominent Costa Rican
architect. The tiered layout capitalizes on the
property’s hilltop setting, gazing upon Islita Beach
and the namesake islet that separates from the
mainland during high tide. The décor is a blend of
Costa Rica’s aesthetic traditions with a splash of
whimsical, emphasizing local art.
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10. HOTEL PUNTA ISLITA
Features an ocean-view infinity pool set on
the hillside and an additional pool with a
swim-up bar located at ocean level.
Set in a tropical garden, the on-site spa offers
relaxing treatments that incorporate natural
Costa Rican ingredients and ancient healing
rituals
Tennis courts and 9-hole golf course
On-site hiking, bird watching, howler monkey
quests, cooking classes
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13. HOTEL PUNTA ISLITA
The stylish 1492 Restaurant showcases the rich
textures, vibrant colors, and intense flavors of Costa
Rica's culinary traditions. Fresh local and regional
ingredients are playfully combined with the flair and
zest that reflects Costa Rica's ethnic diversity and
Guanacaste's natural exuberance. 1492 Restaurant's
fifty-foot thatched palm ceiling and open layout are
inspired by the architectural style of ancient native
cultures for a memorable dining experience.
Borrancho Restaurant- casual beachfront restaurant
serving salads, ceviche, sandwiches, pizza and fresh
seafood dishes.
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18. HOTEL PUNTA ISLITA
Suite Room
A couple’s retreat or honeymoon in Costa Rica is
best enjoyed in the secluded privacy of Hotel Punta
Islita’s beautiful Junior Suites. The locally-crafted
king-sized canopy bed, sitting area, private
deck, and private outdoor whirlpool are sure to
inspire dreamlike romance.
Air-conditioner and ceiling fan
Local art
Complimentary wifi
6 Nights $5,041 (includes breakfast only)
24. EL MANGROOVE
5 star boutique hotel
Opening February 2014-No pictures available at this time
Where man and mangrove meet with groovy inspiration, El
Mangroove brings a new stature of "hot and hip" to Guanacaste.
Located in Bahia Papagayo, at only 20 minutes from touch down to
sand, it's the closest resort to any international airport in Costa
Rica. Spanning for 18 acres and embracing 150 meters of beach
front it's also ideally located at only 15 minutes from the artsy and
bustling town of El Coco. 85 -chic suites are nestled amongst
mangrove and beach front forest. A hotel surrounding a concept
of barefoot luxury, it's straight up laid-back and down-right cool!
Perfect mixes of wood and water alongside contemporary linear
architecture, natural furnishings and subtle splashes of color make
it evident that true indulgence is actually found in simplicity. This
property is not only naturally inspiring but wholesomely fresh and
sexy. Whether you are looking for paddle-boarding escapades or
cross fit jungle training or perhaps a re- energizing kick start, in our
wellness center we can accommodate it all.
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27. EL MANGROOVE
130 foot pool with private cabanas
Located on beach
Fitness center
Outdoor yoga deck
Full service spa
Complimentary kayaks
Entertainment and poolside DJ
El Mangroove is just minutes away from some of the best sports
fishing, diving, surfing, and boating destinations in Costa Rica. Active
volcanoes such as Rincón de la Vieja, Miravalles, Tenorio, and Arenal are
accessible within a one-hour drive. The highest density of protected land
in the country is located in Guanacaste, ranging from national parks to
natural reserves that are world famous for their biodiversity and amazing
scenery. The area offers a wide range of activities such as canopy
tours, river rafting, canoeing and tubing, hiking, bird watching, horseback
riding, cultural activities, and more. Guests also have exclusive access to
an Arnold Palmer-designed golf course just 15 minutes from El Coco.
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29. EL MANGROOVE
Featuring farm-to-table and ocean-to-table cuisine, the
restaurants and bars at El Mangroove offer a range of
ambiances and flavors to entice all palates.
Core Restaurant: Serves three meals daily and is located
off the hotel lobby.
Central Bar: Located within the primary restaurant, the
bar area is the place to wind down the day.
Beach Shack: This oceanfront beach restaurant is
surrounded by sand and teak deck, making it a perfect
setting for laid-back dining.
Oasis: The main pool area—the largest in Guanacaste—
is surrounded by coveted cabanas and private catering.
Picnic menus and to-go meal boxes are also available.
24-hour room service
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31. EL MANGROOVE
Junior Suite Superior, Room with king size bed
and sofa bed, 2 plasma TVs 42" MIDI
Technology, 2 phones, one for video calling and
other wireless, wireless connection, air
conditioning and fan, Alarm clock, Docking
station for iPad/iPhone, valet service kit, hair
dryer, walking closet, mirror, safety box, mini
bar, outdoor terrace, hammock, living room
area.
6 Nights $5,195
34. RIU PALACE
5 Star Resort
All-Inclusive
From pools to their "Renova Spa", this new hotel has
everything you need for maximum comfort during
your stay. The quality of the cuisine offered at the
different restaurants of the hotel is exceptional thanks
to their chefs, who prepare a variety of dishes, from
classic to the most exotic. Being on a privileged
environment, the hotel offers a variety of activities on
the beautiful beaches such as diving or fishing in the
Pacific waters, ecotourism in the volcanic areas, and
during the day several programs of entertainment for
all ages, whether in family or friends.
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36. RIU PALACE
Four swimming pools
Swim-up bar
Jacuzzis
Windsurfing, pedaloes, snorkelling
equipment, kayaking
One introductory scuba diving lesson in the
pool
Daytime and evening entertainment and
shows
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38. RIU PALACE
24 hour room service
“Arenal" main restaurant with terrace
"Krystal" Fusion Restaurant
"Tokio" Japanese restaurant
"L'Anfora" Italian restaurant
"Papagayo" poolside restaurant/grill and
steakhouse
"Daiquiri" lobby bar
"Capuchino" pâtisserie & ice cream parlor
"Stars" lounge bar with terrace
"Melody" plaza bar
Lounge 24 (open 24 hrs, all inclusive service)
"Coconut" poolbar with swim-up bar
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40. RIU PALACE
Jacuzzi Suite
Ocean View
Bathroom with hydromassage bathtub and shower
cabin, double-sink
Bathroom amenities
Free WiFi
Mini-bar
Liquor dispenser
Balcony or terrace
with out jacuzzi
6 Nights $5,197
42. COSTA RICA
Corobici River Rafting Tour and Las Pumas Jaguar Rescue
Center
Get up-close views of nature while you float lazily down the
Corobici River in the Costa Rican rainforest! Aboard a raft with an
expert guide, you'll take in the sights of the flora and fauna that
flourish in the bio-diverse region - including ospreys, mot
mots, herons and egrets as well as a variety of iguanas and
monkeys. Your day trip includes a visit to the Las Plumas Jaguar
Rescue Center to see a variety of big cats and other wildlife.
Forest Canopy Tour
Enjoy a scenic drive to the little town of Artola for an
amazing, unforgettable experience! After instruction from
extensively trained guides, the tour begins with a short hike to the
first platform. Fly through the tree tops of the Forest via steel
cables. You will be able to experience the various levels of the
canopy as you swing/ glide from tree to tree. During the tour you
will come across a walking bridge between two platforms, this is a
truly an exhilarating and exciting experience. If you are
lucky, even the howler monkeys will be your company during a
part of these canopy travels.
43. COSTA RICA
Rincon de la Vieja Active Volcano Tour
Rincon de la Vieja, meaning "The Old Woman's Corner," is named
after the legend of a local woman whose father threw her lover into
the volcano's crater. Mourning her lost love, she became a recluse
on the mountaintop, developing healing and restorative powers.
Today, the one million-year old volcano continues to heal and
restore; its hot springs are said to alleviate aches and pains that
stump even the most modern medicinal cures. Rincon de la Vieja
Volcano is the third most active of Costa Rica's seven active
volcanoes. Despite this fact, the volcano is considered only gently
active, spewing ash and steam infrequently. On a 2 hour hike, you
will see the energy that this sleeping giant liberates. Bubbling water
lagoons, steamy sulphur water ponds, little mud volcanoes, gases
and more are enough to understand this is an active volcano.
Rincón de la Vieja National Park is home to more than 300 species
of birds (including the quetzal), and numerous reptiles, amphibians
and mammals (including kinkajous, tapits, monkeys and
jaguars).Mammals found here include peccaries, coatis, skunks and
of course monkeys (white-faced and howler), 2-toed
sloths, armadillos and anteaters. The park also has probably one of
the largest populations of the national flower of Costa Rica, the
44. COSTA RICA
Monteverde Cloud Forest Tour
The spectacular Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Feels like
walking in a grandiose green Cathedral. Wind-sculptured elfin
woodlands on the exposed ridges are spectacularly
dwarfed, whereas protected cove Monteverde rainforests have
majestically tall trees festooned with
orchids, bromeliads, ferns, vines, and mosses. Experience yourself
at this place with the different levels of the forest walking over
bridges as we visit the Sky Walk. Sky Walk is a guided tour, which
combines trails and suspension bridges with lengths of even 984
feet and heights above the canopy of Monteverde cloud forest.
After lunch we will visit the butterfly farm. The Monteverde Butterfly
Garden is one of the area's original and most visited attractions.
Situated in Cerro Plano, between the town of Santa Elena and the
Monteverde Reserve, the Mariposario offers a biodiversity
center, medicinal plant garden, live leaf cutter ant colony, in addition
to four climate-controlled butterfly gardens where visitors can
observe some of the most beautiful and fascinating insects in the
Tropics.
45. COSTA RICA
Arenal Hike & Tabacon Hot Springs
The Arenal Volcano is considered one of the most active volcanoes in
the world. It has been active since 1968 when it suddenly
exploded, destroying all vegetation that covered the cone.
Nowadays, trees and vegetation are starting to regenerate in some
areas of the volcanoes base. Volcano hot springs are the result of
rainwater heated by magma in the earth’s interior. Once
heated, the waters rise to the surface, taking with them minerals found
in the earth’s rocky crust, causing the waters to be very beneficial
to our bodies because of its temperature. It helps to relax
muscles, clean pores and rejuvenate the skin. Hiking and visiting the
hot springs are 2 activities that can be combined into one. You can
visit the National Park and walk through the lava paths while admiring
the imposing perfect cone and then take a dip into the natural mineral
hot springs that descend from the volcano. Or, you can enjoy these
activities separately. At the hot springs, you will find different warm
pools filled with mineral water, surrounded by impressive wellmanicured tropical gardens and wooden bridges over a hot water river
that crosses the entire property. Dinner will be served at an open
restaurant where you can admire the red lava and gases that are
constantly ejected from the crater of the volcano.
46. COSTA RICA
Butterfly Farm
In the Butterfly Farm Tour you will find explore the
life cycle of the butterfly. Among hundreds of freeflying butterflies, guides interpret the butterfly’s
natural history, a mesmerizing on-site experience.
From biology and ecology the tour delves into the
symbolic and mythological meaning of the butterfly.
In The Butterfly Farm tour, science meets the heart
of nature in hopes of fostering true stewardship of
our planet. Visitors are also shown the process of
exporting chrysalises to butterfly houses worldwide
and learn about the widespread attraction for these
flying beauties
47. COSTA RICA
Cano Negro Wildlife Boat Tour
After picking you up from your hotel and ride the bus
for approximately 1.5 hours, we will arrive to Los
Chiles; a culturally mixed village located only 2 miles
from the Nicaraguan border. From here, we will start
our journey on a 2.5 hour boat safari through the
rainforest and pastureland to the huge Marsh.
Cano Negro is considered one of the most important
nesting sites for migrant waterfowls in Costa Rica.
Our experienced guide will bring the area alive for
you, and you might see literally hundreds of birds
while you’re out there. Some other species like
monkeys, iguanas, sloths, turtles and caimans can
be seen in this area.
48. COSTA RICA
Damas Island Mangrove Tour
Experiencing the estuary and mangroves of Damas
Island is an exciting adventure that allows you to
investigate the natural history of Costa Rica’s exotic flora
and fauna. Mangroves are trees that grow in the tropical
weather and saline coastal habitats; they provide
protection from erosion or water flows to estuaries and
shorelines.
This excursion will be defined by our capacity for
observation in the abundance of wildlife that we
encounter in this natural and impressive swamp. The
three-toed sloth, different species of monkeys and
snakes are found in this area as well as many marine
birds. The expedition through the mangrove can be done
by kayak or by boat.
49. COSTA RICA
San Jose City Tour
This tour will take you on a journey through the Costa Rican culture and
history. San Jose City became capital of the newly independent country in
1824 after the president decided to move the capital from the old Spanish
colonial city of Cartago with the idea of making a fresh start with a New city.
The new capital grew rapidly, extending into the Central Valley and in
1884, became the first city in Latin America to be illuminated by electric
energy.
The tour begins with an orientation drive through residential areas and the
Sabana Metropolitan Park, known as the lung of the city for being the closest
green area to the city. Continuing, a walk through the historic National
Theater will show you a master- piece in art and architecture; it was
completed in 1897, after many architectural and engineering head- aches
finding the right architect to build it and the money to finance it. Next stop is
at the National Museum, the former Bellavista Headquarters, base of our
now-abolished army. It was one of the most important buildings in San
Jose, a weapon warehouse used to instruct recruits in
militia, tactics, weapon handling and discipline. It is important to
highlight, that tour logistics are subject to change according to our
Operations Department.
50. COSTA RICA
Costa Rican Coffee Production Tour
You will drive through the stunning scenery of Costa Rica as
you travel to Doka coffee plantation! As songbirds chirp
overhead, you'll brush up against and touch real coffee
bushes, in a real coffee plantation. Guided by an expert, you
will receive extensive information, which will make this
activity an incomparable experience. The coffee plantation
tour begins in the seedbed. There you will observe and learn
about the development process of the plant up to the point of
recollection of the ripe grain. The second station is the oldest
humid coffee processing plant, declared to be an
Architectural Heritage for Humanity in 2003, that works by
hydraulic power. Next, the natural honey of the grain is cut in
the fermentation tanks and a process is carried out that is
significant to the taste of the coffee. Finally, the roasting
plant Café Tres Generaciones is visited, where you will
observe the different types of roasts that are offered.
51. COSTA RICA
Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Day Trip from
San Jose
Combine adrenaline with relaxation and prepare for
an unforgettable experience on one of the most
popular tours in Costa Rica.
Breathtaking and alluring, the thundering Arenal
Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the
Americas. The Arenal Volcano has been active since
1968, and to this day continues to produce a daily
mixture of glowing red lava and explosions. Feel the
earth rumbling as the sky explodes with nature's own
fireworks.
Then rejuvenate yourself with a healthy and relaxing
soak in a mineral pool and hot spring created by the
volcano itself.
52. COSTA RICA
Whitewater Rafting Class 3
This section of the mighty Reventazón River is some of
the fastest and best 10 miles of Class III rapids you'll
ever paddle! If you're a first-time or experienced paddler
looking for the excitement of big waves, hydraulics, and
stunning scenery, then this trip is for you. The trip begins
with a scenic drive to the tremendous Rio Reventazón.
The journey down the river provides plenty of excitement
for the most experienced rafter, yet it's forgiving enough
to allow even a novice to paddle, making this the perfect
introductory trip for the beginner. The ride begins with a
relatively easy series of rapids, providing an opportunity
to gain confidence as you approach the challenging
rapids, while enjoying the magnificent jungle scenery and
wildlife.
