Costa Rica In Depth

Travel Just 4U's representative in Costa Rica will meet you at the airport upon arrival. They will be holding a sign with your name after you leave the secure area with your bags. 

They will escort you to your private transfer, assist you on check-in at your hotel and present you with a detailed itinerary for your experiences in Costa Rica. This is your chance to run through specific pick up times and logistics for your tours in the country. 

If you have any questions regarding your itinerary, ask them now.

Hotel Presidente San Jose City Center is located in the heart of San José and 100m from Costa Rica’s National Theater and Plaza de la Cultura. It offers free daily breakfast buffet and free WiFi access. The property features unique designed interiors.

Rooms at San Jose City Center Hotel Presidente have modern décor with an LCD flat-screen TV. The amenities available also include a laptop safe and a hairdryer.

Las Americas Restaurant is open just for breakfast, while the Azotea Calle 7 Restaurant is open just for dinners. Set on the seventh floor, the hotel gym offers impressive views of San José. There are computer terminals for guests to use in the lobby, along with currency exchange services and luggage storage.

Today after breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel for a guided visit to Poas Volcano, Doka Coffee Plantation and La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Along the way you will drive by the city of Alajuela passing by the Agricultu re Monument, the Monument to Juan Santamaria and the famous Mango Park. 

Your first stop, will be in Doka, a third-generation coffee plantation to learn how coffee is picked, milled, ground and roasted. As we continue towards the Poas Volcano, we will notice the change in temperature and vegetation. You will see coffee plantations, fern, flower and strawberry farms along the way, creating a colorful landscape. 

The Poas is one of the most spectacular volcanoes in the country, with its enormous crater measuring one kilometer in diameter and 314m deep. The crystal blue sulphur pools will amaze you along with the steam rising from the various volcanic vents. We will also hike to the beautiful Botos Lagoon. 

The tour continues to discover La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a natural park where we will walk through some spectacular trails leading to the White Magic Waterfall. We will also visit the largest butterfly observatory and the impressive hummingbird gallery, the serpentarium, the old house, the bird house and the frogs’ exhibit before returning to San Jose.

The Tortuguero region has some fascinating Afro-Caribbean culture, a combination of Jamaican, Italian and Chinese immigrants, and fills the atmosphere with fragrances, tropical rhythms and brilliant colors. After the South Pacific, this is the rainiest region in the country and this factor, combined with high temperatures, makes it a very humid area throughout the year. The extensive Caribbean plains are beautified by the Pacuare, Estrella, Reventazon and Parismina rivers, which join in some sectors with the Tortuguero canals. these canals are of great importance for their scenic splendor and as a site of refuge for the marine turtles to lay their eggs. Along this area you can observe small groups of houses among the plantations of cassava, annatto, and bananas, as well as a vast number of beautiful beaches on the southern part of the coast, coral reefs, and protected areas with small trails which permit the access into the heart of the tropical forest.

Early in the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel for your shared transfer to Tortuguero, which will take approximately 3 hours. You will be driving through the spectacular Braulio Carrillo National Park and have a stop in Rio Danta a private restaurant for a delicious typical breakfast. The bus ride continues through banana plantations to the pier. You will board the boat for a two -hour boat ride through the canals will take you to Mawamba Lodge in Tortuguero, just in time for lunch.

In the afternoon, you will visit the small town of Tortuguero before walking back to the lodge by the beach. You will have free time to enjoy the pool or just to relax in a hammock before dinner is served in the pool restaurant.

From July to September: Optional night tour (not included in the package) to observe the turtle nesting.

From September to early December: Green Turtle Hatching Season (not included in the package) 

Located between the Caribbean Sea and the canals of Tortuguero National Park, Mawamba Lodge offers spacious rooms and features an outdoor pool and an on-site restaurant. 

Each rustic room here features wooden décor and comes equipped with a seating area and a private bathroom with a shower and toilet. They also include a private balcony with a hammock and rocking chairs.

At Mawamba Lodge you will find an outdoor swimming pool and a whirlpool. Guests also enjoy a 24-hour front desk, lush tropical gardens and direct beach access for leisurely walks.

The property's "Mawamba Park," exclusive for guests, features 2 butterfly gardens, frog gardens and nature trails.

Notes:
- The order and logistics of the itinerary may change depending on weather conditions.
- Not Included: Alcoholic beverages, sodas or bottled water
- During turtle nesting season, dinner will be served at 6:45 pm, to allow visitors to join the tour
- We recommend to use dark color clothes when taking the night tour during the nesting season.
 - Luggage is limited to 12 Kg per person

After breakfast,  you will have a guided visit to Mawamba Park’s private trails, visiting the butterfly gardens, and the iguanas and a frog gardens. The Bio-digester, a system where the sewage waters are treated and converted in a natural source of gas to heat up the kitchen stoves. In the afternoon,after lunch, enjoy a canal boat tour through Tortuguero National Park. 

The Tortuguero National Park was created to protect the most important nesting site of the green turtle in the Western Hemisphere. The park extends along 22 Km of shoreline and 30 Km out to sea. The Canal de Tortuguero runs through the park, connecting a labyrinth of deltas, canals, and lagoons. With 11 distinct life zones ranging from raffia palm forest to herbaceous swamps, the park offers one of the most rewarding nature experiences in the country. This watery world is best seen by boat, the wide canals allow grandstand wildlife viewing, and unusually close contact with the fauna. River otters, caimans, and howler monkeys are easily sighted as are birds such as oropendolas, toucans, and jacamars and other waterfowl. For most visitors, the star attraction is the green turtle, which nests between June and November. Three other species of marine turtles also come ashore throughout the year, although in lesser numbers.

After breakfast, you will begin the journey back to the pier via a boat and then continue by bus for approximately 3 hours to Arenal. You will also have a lunch stop at Rio Danta Restaurant. San Carlos offers a landscape of exceptional beauty with its forests, lagoons, fields of crops, rivers with hot springs, and the most active volcano of Costa Rica: Arenal. Upon arrival you will check into your hotel and have the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Offering great views of Arenal Volcano, 8 km away, Montana de Fuego Resort & Spa features luxurious accommodation set amongst attractive gardens and lakes. This striking property has indoor and outdoor swimming pools, kids pool and its own adventure park. Free WiFi is available at the Lobby and Restaurant.

This bungalow style resort offers contemporary suites and bungalows with stylish décor, sloping, thatched roofs, beamed ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. Each has a balcony or terrace, air conditioning, a minibar and a bathroom. Luxury amenities are included.

You can enjoy Costa Rican cuisine in the Acuarelas Restaurant, which uses produce grown in the property’s orchard. Buffet breakfast is included.

The Fuego’s park offers activities including rainforest canopy tours, kayaking, rafting and horse riding. Guests can enjoy Thermal Springs and volcanic mud baths. Montana de Fuego Resort & Spa has indoor and outdoor hot tubs, sauna and spa and 24 hours medical service.

You have the morning at leisure to enjoy the scenery around you. In the afternoon, you will be able to see from up close the activities of the Arenal Volcano with a hike. On this hike you will head along the trails of the Arenal Volcano National Park, and enter the tropical forest and the areas that were once devastated by the fury of the volcano.

During the walk, it is possible to observe a variety of flora and fauna typical of the area, as well as other sites of interest such as the impact craters. We will reach the lava flows of 1992; a large accumulation of solidified volcanic material ejected from the crater of this conical colossus in a period of much activity during that year. On clear days, we will have a magnificent view of the imposing Arenal colossus, the Arenal lake, the Tilarán mountain range and the Chato hill. The naturalist guide will provide valuable and interesting information about the main features of this volcano, active since 1968, and other important details of everything you will see during the tour. 

At the end of the walk, you will go by minibus, to the hot springs, where you can relax and enjoy the different pools. The natural hot springs of Tabacón Resort are 97% rainwater and 3% magma. Through the cracks in the surface, the rainwater penetrates to the heart of the earth, where the magma heats it before rising, bringing in the minerals that form the rocky stratum of our planet. Tabacón is a natural site and has five different springs, with temperatures from 25°C to 50°C.

After breakfast, you will be picked up and start the journey to Monteverde. You will transfer by regular boat transfer through the Arenal Lake which will take approximately 3 hours. The rest of the day is yours to explore this area. 

Monteverde is home to one of the rarest habitats on Earth, the cloud forest, and an astounding variety of flora and fauna. The town of Monteverde, located at the south end of the cloud forest, had its beginnings in the early 1950s with the impetus of a group of Quakers from the United States, a group that came to Costa Rica attracted by its pacific inclinations and disarmament. They established themselves in the region and devoted themselves to produce milk and quality cheeses. Monteverde is located 172 kilometres northeast of San José. The climate is template and humid, with an average of 17ºC. 

Located in Monteverde Costa Rica, featuring a restaurant and gardens with a terrace, Trapp Family Lodge also offers complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout and public parking on site. The property is located amid the tropical forest of Monteverde Reserve.

The rooms and suites at Trapp Family Lodge include a working desk, cable TV, and a balcony with views of the garden. The suites also feature a seating area with a sofa. All bathrooms provide toiletries and a hairdryer. The property is constructed featuring a rustic style.

Guests will be able to find restaurant options within 5km from the property, and the Trapp Family Lodge restaurant specializes in local dishes and international cuisine.

Guest may enjoy outings to visit the Monteverde Reserve by foot or by horse ride, go to the Suspended Bridges. Canopy tours and go bird watching are also recommended activities.

This morning you will be able to visit to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve with  a bilingual naturalist guide. Costa Rica is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world, having 4% of all the known species of plants and animals in only 0.04% the earth's surface. Due to its altitudinal variation and climatic factors that vary between the Pacific and Caribbean slopes, Monteverde is perhaps one of the richest regions in the country where there are 3,021 known species including a total of 755 species of trees. 

One of the main attractions of Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is its 13-kilometer network of trails. While walking the trails, visitors are presented with a number of options. One way is to walk to "La Ventana" scenic overlook, where you may witness the contrasting panorama exhibited naturally by the Continental Divide, a geographical feature that traces the principal mountain ranges of Costa Rica. At this location, visitors can experience the force of the moisture -laden trade winds blowing in from the Atlantic coast, and witness how they descend at high velocity toward the Central Pacific and Northern coastal plains of Costa Rica. 

There are over 500 bird species live, including the majestic quetzal and the three -wattle bellbird, 120 species of reptiles and amphibians and more than 3000 plants among them, the highest diversity of orchids in the world. In the main building visitors will find a restaurant and a Gift Shop. 

After breakfast, say farewell to the cloud forest and head south to Manuel Antonio. This transfer will take approximately 3.5 hours

Manuel Antonio National Park and the nearby town of Quepos are located on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. The rich biodiversity of this area, coupled with a wealth of activities make this a destination that offers something for everyone. The National Park contains three beautiful beaches, casual forest trails, and a dense rainforest teaming with animal life. In 2011, it was named by Forbes as one of the world’s most beautiful parks.

The resort is located on the Punta Quepos promontory in Costa Rica, surrounded by 12 acres of wildlife-rich tropical rainforest with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Manuel Antonio. This eco-luxury resort features 3 swimming pools and 3 restaurants.

Each bright, air-conditioned room at the Parador Resort and Spa has a balcony with ocean, garden or jungle views. All accommodation has cable TV, a minibar and coffee maker. All rooms have free Wi-Fi.

La Galeria Restaurant serves a range of innovative cuisine and overlooks the Parador’s gardens, while El Quijote and El Galeon offer lighter dishes. There is also 2 bars. The Parador’s spa offers a range of treatments, including wraps and massage. At the spa they offer a hot tub and plunge pool. With such close proximity to a national park, it receives any number of very unique visitors on a daily basis, including several species of monkeys, sloths and a wonderful variety of birds.

Take a walk along a white sand beach. Swing through the rainforest canopy. Or simply relax and take in the view from your splendid suite. It’s all about responsible luxury, pura vida style.  

Today you will have the morning to visit to Manuel Antonio National Park. This National Park is one of the most popular in the country thanks to its wide variety of flora and fauna specimens: it is home to 3 of the 4 existing monkey species in Costa Rica. The park itself boasts 3 different trails that vary in grade from flat to very steep. 

During this tour, you will be accompanied by a nature guide who is knowledgeable about everything they will see. The trail they will take is approximately 2 miles long, flat and picturesque and loops through the Park. Throughout the hike, the guide will stop and explain the different nature specimens that can be observed; where you can take photographs or just admire the view. Half way through the hike, a 20-minute stop will be made at the third beach for everyone to rest on the beach or play among the waves if they choose so. 

Throughout the hike you will be able to observe sloths, birds and reptiles, as well as admire orchid s, butterflies and tropical trees. The guides are equipped with Pentax and Swarovski telescopes that you can use to observe wildlife and take pictures with a different perspective. Upon finishing the tour everyone will be provided with transportation back to the hotel.

Manuel Antonio is one of the most popular places in Costa Rica and has alot to offer than only the national park.See below for some things to do in Manuel Antonio:

National Park: this goes without saying, you can spend as long as you want in this national park and still not be done! The park is one of the most biodiverse places on earth and worldwide known for the key role it plays in the conservation of one of the earth’s most important rainforests. 

Go for a catamaran cruise: The Pacific Ocean offers a superb venue for enjoying marine animals, stunning sunsets and hosting gatherings.

Go fishing: Recreational fishing is enjoyed by both locals and visitors in Manuel Antonio. There are plenty of places where you can stop your boat and throw your fishing rod for a day of fun.

Explore Quepos: Give the gateway to Manuel Antonio a chance before you drive past by it. Explore Quepos and get to know why this simple banana planting and fishing town is garnering regular visitors as tourism went in full bloom in the past years. 

Sunbathe at Manuel Antonio’s beautiful beaches:  Pristine beaches in Manuel Antonio are plentiful. There are two that are a must-visit while at the city. Playa Espadilla is hard to miss, with its whole beach divided into two sections. One stretches to the south inside the Manuel Antonio National Park and can be visited with a fee while the other stretches to the north, where you can access the beach for free.

This transfer will take approximately 3 hours