The Pura Vida Best Of Costa Rica vacation is an amazing cross-country adventure, providing great accommodations, enlightening experiences and the best destinations.
Day 1
Welcome to Costa Rica! Upon arrival to San Jose International Airport (contact us for details if arriving at other airport), you will receive a VIP Airport Greeting by a Pacific Trade Winds representative.
Hilton Doubletree Cariari Resort
Overall 87.5% (82 guest ratings)
Location: San Jose
Hilton DoubleTree Cariari Resort in Cariari, Costa Rica, is an affordable but luxurious and inviting retreat situated amidst lush tropical gardens and tranquil lagoons. This upscale resort offers a perfect blend of relaxation and convenience, located just minutes away from San Jose's international airport (SJO). The spacious and elegantly appointed guest rooms provide a comfortable sanctuary for guests, while the resort's array of amenities, including a sparkling outdoor pool and a fitness center, ensure a pleasurable stay. Indulge in exquisite dining experiences at on-site restaurants, serving a variety of international and local cuisines. With its serene ambiance, attentive service, and proximity to both nature and urban attractions, Hilton DoubleTree Cariari Resort is an ideal choice for business and leisure travelers seeking a refined and convenient getaway in Cariari, Costa Rica. Hotel amenities include a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, fitness center, business center, barber shop, beauty salon, concierge, tropical gardens and internet.While at Hilton Doubletree Cariari Resort, the room you will enjoy is a Executive Room. Executive Rooms offer the following amenities: air conditioning, alarm clock, cable tv, coffee service, hair dryer, internet, iron, phone, radio, safe deposit box, tub.Meals: Breakfast
La Paz Waterfall Gardens Tour - Expediciones Tropicales
Overall 83.8% (30 guest ratings)
Location: San Jose
Min. Guests: 2
Min. Age: 3
Today you will go on an incredible guided hike to immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s natural garden paradise. You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to La Paz Waterfall Gardens where you will go for a leisurely hike on well-maintained trails through the rainforest to see 5 beautiful cascading waterfalls. Your nature guide will point out many forms of plant and animal life along the way and you will pass through several wildlife sanctuaries to see rescued monkeys, birds, and large jungle cats. You will also visit a trout and frog pond, butterfly conservatory, orchid house and beautiful flowering gardens where hummingbirds abound. A buffet lunch will be provided in the award-winning restaurant where you can relax before being driven back to your hotel. This tour includes a bilingual nature guide, entrance fees, lunch, and transportation from Alajuela, Escazu, Heredia, and San Jose. One way transportation to La Paz Waterfall Gardens can take from 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the location of your hotel and local traffic conditions. Combined time of guided garden tour, lunch, and round-trip transportation is typically between 6 and 7 hours. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring your camera, sunblock, insect repellent, rain gear, and extra spending money if you would like to purchase souvenirs.
Experience authentic Costa Rican charm and the soothing embrace of thermal hot springs at Arenal Springs Resort and Spa in La Fortuna. Set against the majestic backdrop of Arenal Volcano, this top-rated eco-resort offers not only breathtaking views but also lush tropical gardens and private hot springs for an exclusive retreat. Our friendly and welcoming staff ensure you never forget you're in the heart of Costa Rica, greeting you with warm smiles and providing delightful service. Our resort's amenities cater to all your needs, including thermal hot springs, a rejuvenating spa, adult and kids' swimming pools, Jacuzzi, sun deck, restaurants, pizza and sushi bars, wet bar, souvenir shop, Wi-Fi in select areas, a yoga platform, and a conference room. Plus, when you book your vacation through us, you'll enjoy an extra treat: a special 15% discount per person on spa treatments at Arenal Springs Resort, enhancing your Costa Rican getaway. This offer is only available to Pacific Trade Winds clients!While at Arenal Springs Resort and Spa, the room you will enjoy is a Junior Suite. Junior Suites feature air-conditioning, cable TV, a ceiling fan, a minibar stocked with complimentary beverages for two people, a telephone, an in-room safe, a hair dryer, and a terrace area with a view of Arenal Volcano. Please note that when a single bed is listed, it is a single rollaway bed.Meals: Breakfast
The Natural History and Nature tour at Arenal Volcano is a fantastic opportunity to aquire knowledge about the history of the volcano and to see rainforest wildlife. This is a 3 hour intermediate hike with some steep climbing involved. With a little help from Mother Nature your guide will show you some of the animal species and explain the part their habitat plays in the eco system. You'll end up at a mirador where if clouds permit you will have an excellent view of the volcano. This half day expedition includes entrance to the private reserve, transportation, and a naturalist guide.
Today you will have your choice of one of the following tour options:
A) The Cano Negro Riverboat Safari is an amazing experience and opportunity to see numerous species of wildlife. The refuge is home to one of the largest populations of caimans, which can be observed at nearly every turn! It’s not only reptiles though as the area is also home to both spider monkeys and congo monkeys which can be heard howling from miles away. Birdwatchers will delight as hundreds of species either live here or migrate through including toucans, roseate spoonbills and trogons. This fun filled safari includes transportation, bilingual naturalist guide, and lunch.
B) Whitewater rafting is a thrilling adventure and Costa Rica is home to some of the best rivers and guides in the world! The day starts off with a brief safety lesson and you are then on your way as your guide navigates you through class II and III rapids on the Rio Balsa. This is a great river for first timers and those that want the thrills of rafting without going overboard - yes the pun was intended. No experience necessary on this half day adventure which includes transportation, safety kayaker, guides, lunch, and equipment.
Hotel Poco a Poco in Monteverde, Costa Rica, offers a cozy and inviting mountain getaway. Our boutique hotel provides comfortable and well-appointed rooms, allowing guests to relax and recharge amidst the tranquility of nature. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at our on-site restaurant before venturing out to explore the wonders of Monteverde. Immerse yourself in the lush greenery through guided hikes, thrilling zipline tours, or wildlife-spotting adventures. After a day of adventure, unwind in the inviting hot tub or heated swimming pool or sip a refreshing cocktail at the bar. With its warm hospitality, convenient location, and a range of amenities, Hotel Poco a Poco invites guests to experience the charm and beauty of Monteverde, Costa Rica, one step at a time. Hotel amenities include a heated swimming pool with swim up bar, a kids pool, a restaurant and bar, coffee shop, computer station, gym, spa, tropical gardens, and WiFi in some public areas.While at Hotel Poco a Poco, the room you will enjoy is a Forest Deluxe. Forest Deluxes offer the following amenities: air conditioning, cable tv, coffee service, hair dryer, internet, internet free, mini fridge, phone, safe deposit box, terrace.Meals: Breakfast
Free day to explore Monteverde on your own. This is a fun little tourist geared town with plenty of shops, restaurants, and activities. Go explore the cloud forest, town, or contact us for choices of an added activity. Free days are for descriptive purposes only and do not include any services.
Choice Aventuras: Canopy Hanging Bridges or Zipline
Overall 100.0% (1 guest ratings)
Location: Monteverde
Min. Guests: 2
Min. Age: 1
Today you will have your choice of one of the following tour options:
A) The Hanging Bridges offer an amazing glimpse into the canopy of the cloud forest! The hike includes terrestrial trails and bridges through the tree tops allowing you to view the forest from all perspectives. This fun filled half day tour includes guides, transportation and entrance to the private reserve.
B) The Aventuras Zipline tour is among our top recommendations in the Monteverde area. This is an awesome canopy tour that includes 16 ziplines, which are up to 1,590 meters and 80 meters high as you soar through the air from platform to platform via wheel and harness for a birds eye view of the loud forest. To top it all off, you can also do a rappel and Tarzan swing. This fun filled half day adventure includes transportation and guides.
Its important to mention you have to wear closed toe shoes on these tours, open sandals or shoes are NOT permitted.
Shana by the Beach, located in captivating Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, offers a serene and luxurious escape in the hillside resort area overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Our boutique hotel combines contemporary elegance with tropical charm, providing a tranquil oasis amidst lush gardens. Indulge in the comfort of our stylishly appointed rooms and suites, each offering a balcony or terrace with breathtaking ocean or jungle views. Unwind by the swimming and adults pool, surrounded by swaying palm trees, or take a short walk down the nature trail to the nearby secluded beach. Delight in a culinary journey at our on-site restaurant, where innovative flavors and fresh ingredients come together to create unforgettable dining experiences. Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Manuel Antonio National Park, go on thrilling outdoor adventures, or simply relax and rejuvenate in our spa. With attentive service, breathtaking surroundings, and a commitment to sustainability, Shana by the Beach invites you to experience a truly unforgettable retreat in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. Resort amenities include ocean view restaurant and infinity swimming pool bar and lounge, Jacuzzi, in-room internet, and tropical gardens. Also, Shana maintains a trail down the steep hillside to the stunning, Biesanz Beach, which guests can enjoy visiting for day trips to soak in the sun and go swimming in the calm surf.While at Shana By The Beach, the room you will enjoy is a Family Suite. Family Suites offer the following amenities: air conditioning, balcony, cable tv, coffee service, hair dryer, internet free, iron, jungle view, mini fridge, phone, safe deposit box, sitting area.Meals: Breakfast
Beach day at Manuel Antonio to explore on your own. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the tropical sun on the palm studded beaches of the Pacific coast. Free days are for descriptive purposes only and do not include any services.
Embark on a guided hike through Manuel Antonio National Park, led by expert local guides, for an immersive exploration of its lush rainforests, hidden beaches, and vibrant wildlife. The trail winds through the park's diverse landscapes, offering insights into the intricate relationships between flora and fauna. Your knowledgeable guide will point out elusive creatures like monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds, and share ecological and cultural information. Enjoy pristine beaches and the warm Pacific waters, all while contributing to the park's conservation efforts through entrance fees. This experience promises a deep connection to Costa Rica's natural beauty and biodiversity with the guidance of a local expert. This tour includes the park entrance fee, bilingual guide, and transportation. Note: This tour operator has improved wait conditions at the start of the tour during peak season, although it cannot regulate park-administrated delays. Depending on the distance from Manuel Antonio to your lodging, shuttle transportation may take from 15 minutes to an hour and a half. Regulations restrict bringing food into the park, and you may only bring water in with a reusable bottle. However, there is a new small food kiosk inside the park and water bottle refill stations.
Another Manuel Antonio beach day to explore on your own. You can sit back, relax, and perfect that tropical tan, or contact us for choices of an added activity. Free days are for descriptive purposes only and do not include any services.
Beach day at Manuel Antonio to explore on your own. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the tropical sun on the palm studded beaches of the Pacific coast. Free days are for descriptive purposes only and do not include any services.
Final Day — All good things must come to an end, though memories last a lifetime.
Transportation will be provided back to San Jose International Airport scheduled to arrive three hours prior to your departure flight.¡Pura Vida!
Summary
Travel assistance while in Costa Rica
VIP Airport Greeting
All Domestic Transportation as described
2 nights at Hilton Doubletree Cariari Resort
La Paz Waterfall Gardens Tour - Expediciones Tropicales
3 nights at Arenal Springs Resort and Spa
Arenal Volcano Nature and History Tour
Choice: Riverboat Safari or Rio Balsa Rafting
3 nights at Hotel Poco a Poco
Free Day Monteverde
Choice Aventuras: Canopy Hanging Bridges or Zipline
5 nights at Shana By The Beach
Free Day - Beach Day Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park
Free Day - Another Beach Day Manuel Antonio
Free Day - Beach Day Manuel Antonio
Inquire for details about Included Meals/Drinks
Current sales and turismo taxes
Footnotes
This fun filled adventure also includes breakfast daily!