Discovering Costa Rica

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 theaters 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.

Located just 2-hours’ drive northwest of San Jose, the little Costa Rican town of La Fortuna rests at the foot of the majestic Arenal Volcano. La Fortuna provides an excellent base for visitors to explore the beautiful surrounding area, most notably the scenic Arenal Volcano National Park. Photographers will delight in the spectacular views provided by several lookout points along sublime hiking trails, which wind through lush rainforests and past idyllic natural hot springs. The glistening Arenal Lake, which is the largest lake in the country, offers fantastic opportunities to practice water sports. Don’t miss the beautiful La Fortuna waterfall and natural pool. Visitors can also look forward to wildlife tours, coffee plantation tours, and cacao farm tours, as well as an array of excellent restaurants and shops in the town centre.

La Fortuna Waterfall is located in a biological reserve, within the Arenal Volcano National Park, and is close in proximity to the Plates of May and Cerro Chato. Visitors interested in viewing the 70-metre waterfall or having a swim in the Fortuna River need only to walk a short distance of approximately 530 steps. Afterwards, the journey to Arenal Volcano awaits. Whether hiking through lava trails, traversing into the rainforest on a mountain bike or celebrating a special occasion at the skirts of the Arenal Volcano, enjoy a remarkable occasion filled with scenic beauty, accompanied by the breathtaking Lake Arenal. Visitors can enjoy two different hiking trails walking on hills formed by lava during the Arenal Volcano 1968 eruption. The Los Patos Lagoon, medium difficulty trails through a very original landscape and magnificent panoramic views of Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake, and more than 16 km of private trails made for mountain biking, with closed-circuit of jumps, river crossing on a single track to that goes through the rainforest and panoramic views of Arenal Volcano and Arenal River Canyon. Private parking, restrooms, showers and an on-site cafeteria is available.

Set in the north of Costa Rica, Tenorio Volcano National Park is home to a magnificent volcano from which it received its name. The park is covered in natural tropical forests and decorated with rivers and waterfalls. One of the many highlights here is a hike to the magnificent Celeste Waterfall, known for its stunning blue waters. Visitors can also enjoy walking over the many suspension bridges in the rainforest, visiting the Blue Lagoon, and climbing through the cloud forest along the Crater Trail to the top of the volcano to view the steaming Lago Dante. Hikers are likely to spot a variety of wildlife, possibly even the shy tapir and puma. The park also provides the opportunity to bathe in wonderful natural hot springs.

This morning, you’ll embark on a journey to Tamarindo which will be your home for the upcoming 3 days. The horseshoe bay of Tamarindo, on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, offers three and a half kilometers of white sand and azure waters. Five-star resorts are strung along the beachfront with charming restaurants, bars and shops clustered further back from the beach under the lush vegetation that blankets this laid-back town. Surfing, diving, estuary trips, fishing and a weekly farmers market are just some of the activities on offer in Tamarindo. For a rare opportunity to witness turtles nesting, travel to National Park Las Baulas just outside town.

A free day at a Costa Rican beach can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience, offering the chance to soak up the sun, swim in the ocean, and enjoy the natural beauty of this stunning country.

Enjoy the visit to Diamante Animal Sanctuary! Diamante´s Animal Sanctuary is one of the finest Wildlife Education Centers in Costa Rica. Lush gardens surround the shaded walking trails and offer guests the opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica. These animals are not fit for life in the natural environment and are cared for by a large team of qualified and dedicated professionals. Diamante is known for its world-class habitat designs that address the needs of each species.

Your trip will conclude with the departure from Liberia Airport.