Che Bella Trailblazer Tour to San Ramon, Arenal, Manuel Antonio and San Jose
9 days/8 nights
Costa Rica's motto is “Pura Vida!” or “Pure Life!” Delicious and hearty fresh food, succulent tropical fruit, great weather, friendly people and outdoor adventure are all reasons why Costa Rica is a popular vacation destination. More than a vacation destination, traveling in Costa Rica is an interactive sensory experience. The country offers an array of environmental attractions: majestic volcanoes, misty cloud forests, stunning river valleys and hundreds of beaches. Luxurious hotels boast hot springs and massages. Simple, family-owned cabins dot the landscape. A peaceful, family-oriented culture weaves it all together.
Costa Rica is one of the world's most biologically diverse countries. Scientists have estimated that close to 4% of the Earth’s species live in Costa Rica. The nation boasts rainforests and cloud forests (there is a difference), sunny beaches, mountains, volcanoes, hot springs, waterfalls and rivers – as well as all of the action you would expect to find across these terrains. Enjoying outdoor adventures, relaxing by the beach, seeing animals in their native habitat, learning about a new culture, supporting sustainable travel and local family-owned businesses … When you vacation in Costa Rica, you’ll not only have an amazing time, you can actually feel good about where your travel dollars are going.
Please inquire about 2022 pricing
9 days/8 nights
Costa Rica's motto is “Pura Vida!” or “Pure Life!” Delicious and hearty fresh food, succulent tropical fruit, great weather, friendly people and outdoor adventure are all reasons why Costa Rica is a popular vacation destination. More than a vacation destination, traveling in Costa Rica is an interactive sensory experience. The country offers an array of environmental attractions: majestic volcanoes, misty cloud forests, stunning river valleys and hundreds of beaches. Luxurious hotels boast hot springs and massages. Simple, family-owned cabins dot the landscape. A peaceful, family-oriented culture weaves it all together.
Costa Rica is one of the world's most biologically diverse countries. Scientists have estimated that close to 4% of the Earth’s species live in Costa Rica. The nation boasts rainforests and cloud forests (there is a difference), sunny beaches, mountains, volcanoes, hot springs, waterfalls and rivers – as well as all of the action you would expect to find across these terrains. Enjoying outdoor adventures, relaxing by the beach, seeing animals in their native habitat, learning about a new culture, supporting sustainable travel and local family-owned businesses … When you vacation in Costa Rica, you’ll not only have an amazing time, you can actually feel good about where your travel dollars are going.
Please inquire about 2022 pricing
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Please join Tour Director Sandy Gregory for this wonderful adventure to Costa Rica, or contact us to help you create your own independent travel experience with our Concierge Travel Services.
Suggested time to travel: This tour is focused on the Pacific side of Costa Rica, traveling during the dry season, January through March. |
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A Journey to Costa Rica
2 nights San Ramon 2 night Arenal 3 night Manuel Antonio 1 night San Jose |
DAY 1: ARRIVE SAN RAMON. YOUR ADVENTURE BEGINS! |
Arrive & Depart from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) or Alajuela Airport.
SAN RAMON WITH TOUR OF VILLA BLANCA & JOSÉ MIGUEL ALFARO RESEARCH STATION
Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to our lovely hotel & nature reserve for the first two nights of our Costa Rica adventure. Our property is located in the foothills of the central highlands, an hour from the San Jose International Airport. Here you'll be surrounded by pristine cloud forest and a private biological reserve. Medicinal plants, hundreds of bird species, insects and amazing fauna are just part of the area's attractions.
This afternoon we’ll take a tour of the property, where the biodiversity of flora and fauna of the cloud forest, come to life in their dairy, henhouse and greenhouse. There are "celebrity" cows and Hisex Brown chickens that allow their chefs to make its craft products, as well as the green house where they collect their sustainable and fresh food.
We will also visit the local research station, an initiative supporting the alliance for sustainable practices of the hotel group to which they belong. Together, they are working to develop research projects that generate information about Cloud Forest Biodiversity of Costa Rica, including education, conservation and the importance of sustainable tourism.
Welcome dinner. Join your companions to enjoy an exceptional gastronomic experience, surrounded by the cloud forest that characterizes the restaurant, where you will experience a fusion of international technique with local products and nutritional sensitivity, creating a Costa Rican gastronomic concept combined with the creativity and excellence of the chef and all the staff & local talent from San Ramon.
We have an environmentally conscious menu. Our chef is in charge of using seafood extracted by fishermen from the Central Pacific of Costa Rica using traditional fishing techniques, primarily from national sources from local producers to support the local economy. traditional fishing techniques, primarily from national sources from local producers to support the local economy.
Included Welcome Dinner
Overnight in San Ramon, 2 nights with breakfast
SAN RAMON WITH TOUR OF VILLA BLANCA & JOSÉ MIGUEL ALFARO RESEARCH STATION
Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to our lovely hotel & nature reserve for the first two nights of our Costa Rica adventure. Our property is located in the foothills of the central highlands, an hour from the San Jose International Airport. Here you'll be surrounded by pristine cloud forest and a private biological reserve. Medicinal plants, hundreds of bird species, insects and amazing fauna are just part of the area's attractions.
This afternoon we’ll take a tour of the property, where the biodiversity of flora and fauna of the cloud forest, come to life in their dairy, henhouse and greenhouse. There are "celebrity" cows and Hisex Brown chickens that allow their chefs to make its craft products, as well as the green house where they collect their sustainable and fresh food.
We will also visit the local research station, an initiative supporting the alliance for sustainable practices of the hotel group to which they belong. Together, they are working to develop research projects that generate information about Cloud Forest Biodiversity of Costa Rica, including education, conservation and the importance of sustainable tourism.
Welcome dinner. Join your companions to enjoy an exceptional gastronomic experience, surrounded by the cloud forest that characterizes the restaurant, where you will experience a fusion of international technique with local products and nutritional sensitivity, creating a Costa Rican gastronomic concept combined with the creativity and excellence of the chef and all the staff & local talent from San Ramon.
We have an environmentally conscious menu. Our chef is in charge of using seafood extracted by fishermen from the Central Pacific of Costa Rica using traditional fishing techniques, primarily from national sources from local producers to support the local economy. traditional fishing techniques, primarily from national sources from local producers to support the local economy.
Included Welcome Dinner
Overnight in San Ramon, 2 nights with breakfast
DAY 2: SAN RAMON, A COFFEE PLANTATION AND SARCHI ARTISANS |
This morning you’ll travel in comfort along a scenic route through the Canton of San Ramón. It is the “city of poets” and birthplace of three previous presidents. Most famous was Don Pepe Figueres, the president who abolished Costa Rica’s military and established its current democracy. We’ll stop to view a photo gallery in his honor, plus the nearby Church and Central Park.
Then we’ll drive along the Pan-American Highway to the Canton of Naranjo. We'll visit a coffee plantation where a step-by-step explanation of the entire process from harvesting to roasting a cup of Costa Rica’s finest blend of plantation coffee.
From there, we continue on to Sarchí, home to the typical artisans of Costa Rica. Sarchí offers from the hands of laborious artisans the most beautiful oxcarts, very representative of Costa Rican culture with a variety of handicrafts.
It’s back to the villa for the balance of the day. Take in the butterfly garden, book a spa service for yourself (not included), enjoy the tranquility of this beautiful place.
Inquire about one of our Dig a Little Deeper private optional tour excursions below. Pricing will be based on the number of participants. Click on the + below for details.
Then we’ll drive along the Pan-American Highway to the Canton of Naranjo. We'll visit a coffee plantation where a step-by-step explanation of the entire process from harvesting to roasting a cup of Costa Rica’s finest blend of plantation coffee.
From there, we continue on to Sarchí, home to the typical artisans of Costa Rica. Sarchí offers from the hands of laborious artisans the most beautiful oxcarts, very representative of Costa Rican culture with a variety of handicrafts.
It’s back to the villa for the balance of the day. Take in the butterfly garden, book a spa service for yourself (not included), enjoy the tranquility of this beautiful place.
Inquire about one of our Dig a Little Deeper private optional tour excursions below. Pricing will be based on the number of participants. Click on the + below for details.
NEW! Dig a Little Deeper Series
Guided Night Walk in the Cloud Forest, 6 pm, approx. 2 hours.
If you’re looking for the region’s wildest nightlife, look no further. When the sun goes down, the cloud forest transforms like no other habitat in the world.
Night is when the cloud forest breathes; pumping out higher concentrations of oxygen along with layers of the sweet fragrances of nocturnal plants and flowers. And then, something truly extraordinary happens--the forest is filled with the music of nature’s most spectacular symphony as the voices of millions of life forms fill the cool night air.
Starting at dusk, this exceptional night tour takes place along the hotel’s comfortable trail network and is led by a Certified Guide. You’ll be provided with a flashlight and be led into the cloud forest to discover a world rarely seen by visitors to other parts of Costa Rica: dozens of nocturnal species representing the countless variety of insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals that represent this amazing jungle. It’s a slow-paced tour designed to give you the best chances to observe the wildlife close-up and discover many of the characteristics of the flora and fauna that can’t be seen during daylight hours.
This personalized night tour of the mountain cloud forest is truly an exceptional experience in Costa Rica. Don't miss it!
If you’re looking for the region’s wildest nightlife, look no further. When the sun goes down, the cloud forest transforms like no other habitat in the world.
Night is when the cloud forest breathes; pumping out higher concentrations of oxygen along with layers of the sweet fragrances of nocturnal plants and flowers. And then, something truly extraordinary happens--the forest is filled with the music of nature’s most spectacular symphony as the voices of millions of life forms fill the cool night air.
Starting at dusk, this exceptional night tour takes place along the hotel’s comfortable trail network and is led by a Certified Guide. You’ll be provided with a flashlight and be led into the cloud forest to discover a world rarely seen by visitors to other parts of Costa Rica: dozens of nocturnal species representing the countless variety of insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals that represent this amazing jungle. It’s a slow-paced tour designed to give you the best chances to observe the wildlife close-up and discover many of the characteristics of the flora and fauna that can’t be seen during daylight hours.
This personalized night tour of the mountain cloud forest is truly an exceptional experience in Costa Rica. Don't miss it!
DAY 3: ARENAL AND SAFARI FLOAT BY RAFT |
Today we head to the Arenal Volcano area. Our resort and spa is located just outside the quaint town of La Fortuna, near the Arenal Volcano. Feast your eyes on the outstanding lush, green, natural beauty that abounds here and the awesomeness of the Arenal Volcano. Visitors longing to be surrounded by nature, birds and forest will have come to the perfect place when they arrive to the Arenal area.
We’ll store our luggage, grab a bite to eat (not included) and then head off for an awesome afternoon adventure.
In our included Safari Float by Raft, we’ll gently float along the tranquil waters of the Peñas Blancas River. This tropical river is the perfect place to discover the magic of the natural surroundings. After a short 35 minute drive, a trained naturalist guide will provide you with your safety gear and a few instructions before we begin this safe and relaxing adventure. Along the way, you will have plenty of opportunities to observe and photograph the animals that make these riverbanks their home; like sloths, monkeys, otters, bats, iguanas, turtles, toucans, crocodiles, and several species of aquatic birds. In addition, we will stop for a break along the shore to savor a buffet of fresh tropical fruit. After 2 ½ hours of relaxation and nature observation, our driver will be ready to return us to the hotel, while we treasure our memories and photographs.
You might want to finish the day at our resort’s thermal waters. The hot springs have been created to give you the feeling that you are in natural thermal river in the middle of the rainforest. Tropical gardens surround the river to add to the sensation. The floor of the pools is made from limestone which adds to the soothing atmosphere. The light color allows you to see your feet and verify the cleanliness of the waters. The thermal water is naturally heated by the Arenal Volcano and its underground rivers. The pools are drained nightly, cleaned, dried, and refilled before morning.
Dinner is on your own at one of the resort restaurants tonight; there are three!
Overnight in Arenal, 2 nights with breakfast
We’ll store our luggage, grab a bite to eat (not included) and then head off for an awesome afternoon adventure.
In our included Safari Float by Raft, we’ll gently float along the tranquil waters of the Peñas Blancas River. This tropical river is the perfect place to discover the magic of the natural surroundings. After a short 35 minute drive, a trained naturalist guide will provide you with your safety gear and a few instructions before we begin this safe and relaxing adventure. Along the way, you will have plenty of opportunities to observe and photograph the animals that make these riverbanks their home; like sloths, monkeys, otters, bats, iguanas, turtles, toucans, crocodiles, and several species of aquatic birds. In addition, we will stop for a break along the shore to savor a buffet of fresh tropical fruit. After 2 ½ hours of relaxation and nature observation, our driver will be ready to return us to the hotel, while we treasure our memories and photographs.
You might want to finish the day at our resort’s thermal waters. The hot springs have been created to give you the feeling that you are in natural thermal river in the middle of the rainforest. Tropical gardens surround the river to add to the sensation. The floor of the pools is made from limestone which adds to the soothing atmosphere. The light color allows you to see your feet and verify the cleanliness of the waters. The thermal water is naturally heated by the Arenal Volcano and its underground rivers. The pools are drained nightly, cleaned, dried, and refilled before morning.
Dinner is on your own at one of the resort restaurants tonight; there are three!
Overnight in Arenal, 2 nights with breakfast
DAY 4: SKY TRAM, SKY TREK (ZIPLINE) AND SKY WALK |
Today we combine three exciting activities in Arenal: a tram ride, a walk along suspension bridges, and zip-lining. It's a fun and fascinating way to experience the bounty of Arenal.
Once we arrive at the park, our first activity is the Sky Walk. In total, the walk is a little over 2 miles (3.5 km) long and lasts around 3 hours. The trail leads through primary rainforest and includes 5 suspension bridges, 2 observation points, and 2 waterfalls. Walking across the suspension bridges will provide us with a new perspective on the intricacies of the rainforest. The trail is in good condition, but participants should be capable of walking for several hours and navigating slight elevation changes.
Next up is the Sky Tram, during which we'll board a gondola and ascend through the rainforest. This tram goes slow and provides us with ample opportunities to peer into the forest and search for animals. The ride ends at an observation deck, where we'll enjoy views of the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal.
After enjoying the view, we'll gear up for the zip-line. Our guides will provide each of us with a helmet, harness, and gloves, and explain the proper technique for riding the zip-line. This series of zip-lines stretches across canyons and reaches in-between treetops. Needless to say, it's an exhilarating experience. There are 8 zip-lines total, the longest of which is 2,493 feet (1,250 m).
Together, the Sky Tram and Sky Trek take 2.5 hours. Do note, that if you arrive at the zip-line and feel unable to participate, you can take the tram back down to the base of the mountain.
There is a restaurant onsite where you can buy lunch, and we’ll be back to the resort around 4 pm.
Dinner is on your own at the resort tonight.
Overnight in Arenal
Once we arrive at the park, our first activity is the Sky Walk. In total, the walk is a little over 2 miles (3.5 km) long and lasts around 3 hours. The trail leads through primary rainforest and includes 5 suspension bridges, 2 observation points, and 2 waterfalls. Walking across the suspension bridges will provide us with a new perspective on the intricacies of the rainforest. The trail is in good condition, but participants should be capable of walking for several hours and navigating slight elevation changes.
Next up is the Sky Tram, during which we'll board a gondola and ascend through the rainforest. This tram goes slow and provides us with ample opportunities to peer into the forest and search for animals. The ride ends at an observation deck, where we'll enjoy views of the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal.
After enjoying the view, we'll gear up for the zip-line. Our guides will provide each of us with a helmet, harness, and gloves, and explain the proper technique for riding the zip-line. This series of zip-lines stretches across canyons and reaches in-between treetops. Needless to say, it's an exhilarating experience. There are 8 zip-lines total, the longest of which is 2,493 feet (1,250 m).
Together, the Sky Tram and Sky Trek take 2.5 hours. Do note, that if you arrive at the zip-line and feel unable to participate, you can take the tram back down to the base of the mountain.
There is a restaurant onsite where you can buy lunch, and we’ll be back to the resort around 4 pm.
Dinner is on your own at the resort tonight.
Overnight in Arenal
DAY 5: TO MANUEL ANTONIO |
Costa Rica is about the size of West Virginia, but ground transportation can take many hours on its windy and mountainous roads. After a lazy morning, we’ll head to the airport for an included short domestic flight to Manuel Antonio.
Manuel Antonio is home to a namesake national park full of unspoilt beaches and world-class views. Enjoy adventures as diverse as snorkeling and jungle hikes. A great destination for families, there’s something for everyone. The best part? This is just the beginning of all of the beauty, excitement and adventure awaiting you in Manuel Antonio.
Our resort and spa is located on the glorious central Pacific coast between Quepos and Manuel Antonio. This popular tourist destination is a sanctuary of bio-diversity treasured by eco-travellers, nature buffs and those looking for a dream vacation getaway. Long stretches of white sand beaches lined with swaying palm trees, golden sunsets and turquoise waters await you in Manuel Antonio
The resort sits atop Punta Quepos promontory, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by 12 acres of wildlife-rich tropical rainforest, and world famous Manuel Antonio National Park. The property´s grounds are home to many species of monkeys, sloths and a variety of birds, such as macaws, falcons, toucans and more. It offers a sumptuous daily breakfast, superb restaurants and bars, spectacular ocean-view swimming pools, and a world-class spa.
We’ll check in around 3 pm, and the balance of the day is yours to spend as you wish on the resort property. Pamper yourself. You deserve it.
Included dinner at the resort.
Overnight in Manuel Antonio, 2 nights with breakfast
Manuel Antonio is home to a namesake national park full of unspoilt beaches and world-class views. Enjoy adventures as diverse as snorkeling and jungle hikes. A great destination for families, there’s something for everyone. The best part? This is just the beginning of all of the beauty, excitement and adventure awaiting you in Manuel Antonio.
Our resort and spa is located on the glorious central Pacific coast between Quepos and Manuel Antonio. This popular tourist destination is a sanctuary of bio-diversity treasured by eco-travellers, nature buffs and those looking for a dream vacation getaway. Long stretches of white sand beaches lined with swaying palm trees, golden sunsets and turquoise waters await you in Manuel Antonio
The resort sits atop Punta Quepos promontory, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by 12 acres of wildlife-rich tropical rainforest, and world famous Manuel Antonio National Park. The property´s grounds are home to many species of monkeys, sloths and a variety of birds, such as macaws, falcons, toucans and more. It offers a sumptuous daily breakfast, superb restaurants and bars, spectacular ocean-view swimming pools, and a world-class spa.
We’ll check in around 3 pm, and the balance of the day is yours to spend as you wish on the resort property. Pamper yourself. You deserve it.
Included dinner at the resort.
Overnight in Manuel Antonio, 2 nights with breakfast
DAY 6: MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK |
We’ll tour one of Costa Rica’s most stunning national parks on the Manuel Antonio National Park hike. An experienced guide will lead us through this natural world of wonder that is bursting with biodiversity, pointing out several species of monkeys, sloths, coatimundis and much more.
We’ll arrive back to the resort before lunchtime. The balance of the day is yours to spend as you please. You have marvelous beach, spa, pool, hiking, and watersport options (some activities at additional cost, organized through the hotel).
Overnight in Manuel Antonio
We’ll arrive back to the resort before lunchtime. The balance of the day is yours to spend as you please. You have marvelous beach, spa, pool, hiking, and watersport options (some activities at additional cost, organized through the hotel).
Overnight in Manuel Antonio
DAY 7: A MORNING AT LEISURE AND AFTERNOON CATAMARAN TOUR |
After a morning at your leisure, we’ll regroup after lunchtime for our afternoon Catamaran experience. Onboard our catamaran, we will navigate our way around the various islands and along the beautiful Pacific Coastline. Gliding along the blue waters in search of playful dolphins we will pass along jagged rock formations and towering cliffs that host numerous varieties of nesting marine birds. Snacks and refreshments are included in the trip.
After gliding along the coast and bays we will stop in a protected bay where the waters are calm and the reefs are healthy. Be sure to bring your bathing suit — you will have about 30 minutes to swim and snorkel at a popular dive site. Look for tropical fish and colorful coral while the crew prepares a delicious meal that includes local produce, tropical fruits, and fresh bocas — skewers of meat and fish. The excursion also comes with a variety of refreshments.
We’ll return to our resort around 6 pm. Balance of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Manuel Antonio
After gliding along the coast and bays we will stop in a protected bay where the waters are calm and the reefs are healthy. Be sure to bring your bathing suit — you will have about 30 minutes to swim and snorkel at a popular dive site. Look for tropical fish and colorful coral while the crew prepares a delicious meal that includes local produce, tropical fruits, and fresh bocas — skewers of meat and fish. The excursion also comes with a variety of refreshments.
We’ll return to our resort around 6 pm. Balance of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Manuel Antonio
DAY 8: A DAY IN SAN JOSE |
Today we head back to San José, but our Costa Rica adventure is far from over! For a good look at San José, we’ll have a panoramic view of the city, including parks, busy city streets, and notable landmarks.
Some stops will have us hopping out to get a closer look and stretch our legs. We’ll have time for shopping at the outdoor Central Market where we can browse local crafts.
There are more fascinating stops, and we will include a stop for lunch at a local restaurant where we'll feast on a few typical Costa Rican offerings. Our guide will give us interesting insights into the history and culture of Costa Rica’s most vibrant city.
Luxury and convenience come together in a setting of classic elegance at our San Jose hotel, which combines modern interiors with colonial architecture. This historical landmark is located in the Plaza de la Cultura, "Plaza of Culture," which is the historical heart of downtown San Jose.
A Farewell dinner is included at our hotel tonight as we celebrate the amazing experiences we’ve shared together.
Overnight in San Jose, 1 night with breakfast
Some stops will have us hopping out to get a closer look and stretch our legs. We’ll have time for shopping at the outdoor Central Market where we can browse local crafts.
There are more fascinating stops, and we will include a stop for lunch at a local restaurant where we'll feast on a few typical Costa Rican offerings. Our guide will give us interesting insights into the history and culture of Costa Rica’s most vibrant city.
Luxury and convenience come together in a setting of classic elegance at our San Jose hotel, which combines modern interiors with colonial architecture. This historical landmark is located in the Plaza de la Cultura, "Plaza of Culture," which is the historical heart of downtown San Jose.
A Farewell dinner is included at our hotel tonight as we celebrate the amazing experiences we’ve shared together.
Overnight in San Jose, 1 night with breakfast
DAY 13: TRANSFER BACK FOR FLIGHTS OUT |
We include your departure transfer to Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) or Alajuela Airport.