Stefanie Lerner
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
ARRIVE INTO SAN JOSE
Arrive at San Jose Airport where your guide and transport will be waiting to take you to Hotel Grano De Oro. Have a restful evening before the long drive to Puerto Jimenez in the morning.
San Jose, affectionately known to its residents as ‘Chepe,’ lies in the heart of Costa Rica and is home to almost two-thirds of the country’s population. With few buildings over 100 years old, the mountainous capital is relatively modern compared to its Latin American counterparts but still has a significant amount of culture, art, and history for visitors to discover. With a number of theatres full of Costa Rican culture, museums that include the largest collection of American jade in the world, and streets full of bright murals and painted buses, San Jose is an eclectic city waiting to be experienced.
Hotel Grano De Oro is located in the heart of San Jose and is within walking distance of the city’s most popular attractions. The hotel features comfortably furnished rooms which include cable TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, a coffee machine, and air-conditioning. For dinner, Restaurante Grano de Oro specializes in French, Mediterranean, and tropical-influenced cuisine. The hotel also features a rooftop garden terrace with two jacuzzis and secluded lounging.
Overnight Hotel Grano De Oro
Day 2
ARRIVE IN PUERTO JIMENEZ
After breakfast, a driver will collect you to begin the journey to the Osa Peninsula, arriving directly into Puerto Jimenez after the 5-6 hour drive. You will be met by the hotel staff who will transfer you to their luxury lodge, Bosque del Cabo.
After check-in, take some time to explore the area and unwind at the beautiful lodge.
Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula lies between the Pacific Ocean and the Golfo Dulce in the southwestern region of the country. This virtually untouched corner of the world contains almost half of Costa Rica’s wildlife species, offering nature lovers the chance to see exotic animals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians in the rainforest of the Corcovado National Park. The surrounding waters are perfect to surf, snorkel, or fish. If you prefer, simply relax on the white sandy beaches.
Bosque Del Cabo Rainforest Lodge is located in the jungle of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. Cabins are shaded by rainforests and feature spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. The lodge has a secluded swimming pool surrounded by trees and wooden deck chairs waiting for you to lounge in.
Overnight Bosque del Cabo Rainforest Lodge
Day 3 - 5
SEA TURTLE VOLUNTEERING
Today you will be transferred to our conservation partner to assist in their turtle patrol volunteering program with their expert staff. Join a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the fragile biodiversity of the Osa Peninsula.
After a morning patrolling the beaches and watching the sun rise, you will be transferred back to your hotel in time for a great breakfast.
There are seven species of sea turtles in the world, all of which are considered threatened or endangered. This is due to poaching, habitat disturbance and degradation, and in-water threats. The world’s sea turtle population is incredibly susceptible to human and environmental threats and is in urgent need of global protection.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure, enjoy the facilities and activities on offer at Bosque del Cabo.
Overnight Bosque del Cabo Rainforest Lodge
Day 6
Arenal Volcano
Today, enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring from Puerto Jimenez to the airport for your local flight to San José. Your guide and driver, who will be with you for the rest of the trip, will be waiting in San José. Drive to the Arenal Volcano National Park area, stopping for lunch en route. If you’re not hungry just yet, wait until you arrive into La Fortuna Town to check in to the hotel, eat at a local restaurant, and unwind for the afternoon.
Located in central Costa Rica, Arenal Volcano National Park lies within the Arenal Tilaran Conservation Area and encompasses eight of the country’s 12 protected life zones. The park is home to the majority of the country’s 850 bird species and an array of creatures such as capuchin monkeys, parrot snakes, jaguars, and deer. The diverse landscape includes grasslands and volcanic badlands. Overlooking the park is the magnificent Arenal Volcano and the Chato Volcano.
In the late afternoon, depart for the Mistico Hanging Bridges for your night tour to learn about the rainforest’s nocturnal animals.
Located within Volcano Arenal National Park, Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park is a nature reserve dedicated to protecting Costa Rica’s natural environment and its species. The park is currently home to hundreds of varieties of animals and features 15 bridges.
Nayara Resort Spa & Gardens is located in the Arenal Volcano National Park. Villas and casitas feature breathtaking views of the rainforest and volcano.
Overnight Nayara Resort Spa & Gardens
Day 7
VOLUNTEER TO PROTECT LOCAL WILDLIFE
Today, after breakfast, experience a farm-to-table half-day tour to see what life is like on a sustainable and organic farm. Taste fresh fruits and Costa-Rican-style coffee while a guide talks about the farm’s history and discusses what will be learned, tasted, and harvested during the tour. Expect to be informed about the many ingredients and processes used for producing incredible Costa Rican cuisine. You will be treated to a delicious farm-to-table lunch at the end of the tour.
With full bellies, head to our wildlife partner for an afternoon of volunteering with an wildlife rescue center dedicated to rehabilitating and rescuing wildlife. The organization offers volunteer and cultural immersion programs and supports local, environmental, social, and conservation projects within the community.
The wildlife rescue center provides an educational experience that allows visitors to get up close and personal with the wildlife of the region. A great balance between cultural immersion, community service, conservation, and a touch of adventure can be found through the service-learning program.
Overnight Nayara Resort Spa & Gardens
Day 8
ARRIVE IN NOSARA
After breakfast, depart for the beautiful Playa Nosara in the North Pacific section of the country. This is a spectacular region with a lot to explore! Once you arrive, you will have time to make use of the hotel facilities and activities at the lodge such as kayaking, surfing, boat tours, hiking, beach sports, and even language courses.
Resting on the outer western edge of the Nicoya Peninsula between the popular beach towns of Playa Samara and Playa Tamarindo, the town of Nosara is known for its picture-perfect wildlife, an array of water sports, and yoga culture.
A long stretch of white-sand beaches fringed by palm trees and verdant jungle make Nosara a prime destination for holidaymakers, and it is one of the only coastal towns with little development on the beach.
Rated as one of the top twenty surfing destinations by National Geographic, the town draws surfers from all over the world to ride the clean, plentiful waves.
Lagarta Lodge is an eco-lodge located on the Nicoya Peninsula. The lodge is surrounded by lush greenery and is situated on a bluff with mesmerizing views.
Overnight Lagarta Lodge
Day 9
SEARCH FOR SEA TURTLES AT PLAYA OSTIONAL
On the western coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, the small fishing village of Ostional is known for its unspoiled landscapes and nesting turtles.
View the crystal-clear waters lapping natural beaches, which create the perfect habitat for these well-protected animals. Spend the morning at Playa Ostional and have the opportunity to look for signs of sea turtles and their nests.
After an early lunch, make the 5-6 hour drive to San Jose to arrive before dark.
Your guide will take you to the airport in time for your flight home. Pura Vida!
Stay at a local hotel or continue onward on your international flight.
