Highlights
- Enjoy hot springs and wildlife hikes at Arenal Volcano National Park
- Spot exotic nocturnal wildlife on a nighttime jungle walk
- Hike along the sky-blue waters of the Río Celeste
- Embark on a wildlife safari down the Corobicí River
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Liberia -> Transfer to Arenal and Luxurious Hot Springs | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 2 | Exclusive Wildlife Hike Along the Sloth Trail | Arenal/La Fortuna |
| Day 3 | Private Transfer to Tenorio Volcano National Park - Nocturnal Nature Walk | Tenorio National Park |
| Day 4 | Exclusive Guided Hike Along the Río Celeste | Tenorio National Park |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Nosara - Exclusive Corobicí River Safari | Nosara |
| Day 6 | Private Kayak Tour of Boca Nosara Mangroves | Nosara |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Liberia - Departure |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Liberia -> Transfer to Arenal and Luxurious Hot Springs
Welcome to Liberia, the capital of Costa Rica's Guanacaste Province!
This region is known for its coastal peninsulas, tropical dry forest, and miles of coastline perfect for swimming and surfing. After arriving at Liberia Airport (LIR) your private driver will meet you and you'll transfer approximately three hours east to one of the most beautiful areas of the country: Arenal Volcano National Park. It's home to the iconic volcano of the same name, which towers 5,479 feet (1,670 meters) above Costa Rica's northern plains.
You'll likely arrive in Arenal tired from your long journey. Upon checking into your luxury junior suite, you can spend the remainder of the day relaxing and recharging in one of the natural hot springs located on the hotel property. For dinner, we recommend heading into La Fortuna, the main town. Here you can choose between over 100 restaurants serving everything from traditional Costa Rican fare to sushi.
Day 2: Exclusive Wildlife Hike Along the Sloth Trail
Today's Arenal adventure begins with an excursion to the "sloth trail." This is a two km nature trail that runs through 50 acres of tropical forest just a few minutes from La Fortuna. The trail is so named because the area is a haven for sloths (both two-toed and three-toed) who like to hang on the branches of the cecropia trees here and feed on their bright green leaves.
On this two-hour guided hike, you'll see a few of these slow-moving animals and maybe even spy a mother sloth and its baby. During the walk, your bilingual guide will also point out other animals common to this area like exotic birds and reptiles, including the famous red-eyed tree frog. At the end of the hike, you'll return to your luxury hotel where you can opt for more time soaking in natural hot springs.
Day 3: Private Transfer to Tenorio Volcano National Park - Nocturnal Nature Walk
Take one last morning to relax and enjoy Arenal and its luxurious hot springs. In the early afternoon, you'll travel by private car to the area around Tenorio Volcano National Park. This region is famous for its volcanoes, misty cloud forests, and jungle trails. The star of the show, however, is the Celeste River and its namesake waterfalls, whose ethereal, sky-blue waters are the result of volcanic mineral content and the sun's reflection.
Upon arrival in the Tenorio area, you'll check into your luxurious eco-lodge and get settled in. In the late afternoon, you'll embark on a nocturnal nature walk to discover some of the exotic animals that are just waking up as the sun goes down. Throughout the hike, your bilingual guide will point out various species of animals, including red-eyed tree frogs, vipers, tarantulas, and even armadillos.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Exclusive Guided Hike Along the Río Celeste
Today you'll venture into Tenorio for a moderate three-hour hike along the Río Celeste, one of the most stunning natural attractions in Costa Rica. The legend says that after God was done painting the sky, he washed his brushes in this river, which resulted in its famous electric-blue waters. There's nothing quite like it anywhere in the world.
The hike covers four miles (seven km) along the river through a rainforest ecosystem home to exotic animals like monkeys, sloths, peccaries, and anteaters. You'll even pass by the specific point where two streams merge and produce the reaction in the minerals that give the Celeste its exotic color. The hike culminates with a descent of 253 steps to reach the Catarata Río Celeste, a waterfall of such profound beauty you'll think you've found your own private Eden.
Day 5: Transfer to Nosara - Exclusive Corobicí River Safari
After breakfast, you'll travel by private car service on a scenic four-hour drive to the coastal village of Nosara. Located in Guanacaste Province, this is a region known for its tropical dry forest and beautiful beaches. To break up the trip, you'll stop en-route to enjoy lunch as well as a scenic rafting trip down the Corobicí River.
All in all, this is a two-hour, guided riverboat safari that's ideal for nature lovers. It's a great chance to spot exotic wildlife like monkeys and caimans as well as colorful birds like parrots, herons, and motmots. After the excursion, you'll arrive at your luxury eco-lodge in Nosara, where you'll overnight in a room featuring panoramic views of the rainforest.
Day 6: Private Kayak Tour of Boca Nosara Mangroves
The Río Nosara and the Río Montana are the two largest rivers in the Nosara region. These waterways converge and meet the ocean at the Boca Nosara river mouth, an area of great natural beauty. There are expansive mangrove forests here that are home to a wide variety of waterbirds including blue herons, anhingas, and roseate spoonbills. That's to say nothing of exotic animals like howler monkeys, iguanas, and even crocodiles.
You will spot many of these animals on a two-hour kayak tour of Boca Nosara. As you paddle along the waterways and mangrove tunnels, your bilingual guide and birding expert will point out the most exotic specimens in the area. The excursion ends at the river mouth, where you'll cap the adventure with a refreshing slice of watermelon and, should you choose, a cold beer.
Day 7: Transfer to Liberia - Departure
All good things must end. Today, after having amassed memories of Costa Rica that will last a lifetime, you will transfer approximately two hours to the international airport in Liberia where you will catch your flight home. Adios and pura vida!
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