Slow Travel
You haven't lived unless you've had at least one road trip in a tropical country. Costa Rica is home to the most picturesque scenery and vibrant culture. Go beyond typical tourism by renting a car and hitting the road to explore the many sights of Costa Rica.
Below we give you some Costa Rican road trip suggestions.
San José to La Fortuna (3 hours)
If you're arriving in San José and taking a trip to La Fortuna, you'll find that the drive is smooth and easy despite its curvy road. This trip ensures views of the beautiful national parks and stunning exotic wildlife.
The Arenal Volcano is a popular tourist attraction. It is one of the world's top active volcanoes and erupts once a day. Getting a glimpse of red-hot lava and columns of ash is an invaluable experience.
After a long day of taking in the country's beauty, rest at the Arenal Observatory Lodge or grab a bite at the Lava Lounge Bar and Grill.
Monteverde to Playa Grande (4 hours)
Although the journey from Monteverde to Playa Grande is bumpy and steep, with roads being riddled with potholes.
Gorgeous beaches and visits from the majestic sea turtles are a sweet treat to many. Playa Grande is home to the Leatherback Sea Turtles. They lay eggs and build nests between October and March, and between April and September, the eggs hatch, and thousands of baby turtles hobble their way into the ocean.
To witness this beautiful scene and get up close and personal with these sea creatures, arrange a tour at Las Balulas National Park. Stay at the charming Hotel Las Tortugas, where you can take in views of the sunset from your room.
Tamarindo to Santa Teresa (3.5 hours)
While the drive from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa is not the smoothest, you are rewarded with breathtaking landscapes.
Take a break from sightseeing and stop at one of the sopas (small restaurants) and indulge in authentic Costa Rican cuisine, from empanadas to patacones (deep-fried, flattened plantains).
Additionally, Santa Teresa is the perfect destination for both relaxation and leisure. Its idyllic white-sand beaches are great for laying down a mat doing yoga or grabbing a surfboard and catching a wave.
Continue your relaxation at the laid-back Hotel Tropico Latino, where you can enjoy a full-service spa.
If you're ready to experience these unique road trips for yourself, contact us today so we can get your travel experience started.
Happy traveling!
Escorted tours, Beach and Rainforest excursions, and once in a lifetime experiences
Escorted Tour
The whole family will be amazed by the beauty and fun-filled adventure Costa Rica has to offer. Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys hiding in the trees, frolick on sandy beaches and zip line through the rainforest.
Lodging
Overview With a stay at Nayara Tented Camp in La Fortuna, you'll be within a 15-minute drive of Arenal Volcano National Park and La Fortuna Waterfall. This 4-star hotel is 7.1 mi (11.4 km) from Lake Arenal and 7.2 mi (11.5 km) from Arenal Volcano.
Make yourself at home in one of the 21 individually decorated guestrooms.
Amenities Relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy massages. If you're looking for recreational opportunities, you'll find an outdoor pool, a sauna, and a fitness center.
Dining Enjoy a meal at the restaurant, or stay in and take advantage of the hotel's room service (during limited hours). Relax with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge or the poolside bar. A complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast is served daily from 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM.
Lodging
Dreaming of an incredible holiday in an idyllic hotel in the Gulf of Papagayo?
The Occidental Papagayo – Adults Only***** (5-star) hotel (belonging to the Barceló Hotel Group and formerly the Occidental Grand Papagayo) is a fantastic adults-only experience in the Gulf of Papagayo: the wildest nature is in harmony with the most luxurious facilities and services on the stunning west coast of Costa Rica.
Since the beginning of the century, the Gulf of Papagayo has been considered the jewel of the Pacific, and this resort has blended in perfectly with the lush, natural surroundings. Guests can enjoy both the comfort of the All Inclusive program and the exotic fauna in the vicinity.
The hotel features spacious and bright rooms, designed with everything necessary for the enjoyment of guests in an adults-only environment.
To make the most of the setting in Guanacaste and Culebra Bay, there’s nothing better than activities such as cycling, guided tours, kayaking and much more. You may also opt for the most reinvigorating relaxation and enjoy the fantastic pool and relax in its beautiful outdoor gardens.
The hotel has excellent restaurants, which include 2 international à la carte restaurants and one buffet-style restaurant with international cuisine, as well as a snack bar and lobby bar with fantastic views.
The peace of mind of an All Inclusive programme, as well as exclusive Premium Level services in an adults-only setting, combine for the perfect romantic holiday in the heart of a Costa Rican paradise.
Whether you want to affirm your relationship, get married, or spend your honeymoon here, the Occidental Papagayo – Adults Only resort is designed to offer the best services and privacy.
Overview
After a morning of adventure in the clouds, make your way over to the award-winning North Fields Plantation, a specialty coffee and cacao farm located a approximately 15-minutes from your resort.
As one of Costa Rica's biggest exports, coffee plays a big role in Costa Rica's economy—and its culture, too. Today you will learn about artisanal Costa Rican coffee from bean to cup complete with harvesting, roasting, and grinding on this tour of a family-owned coffee farm near Arenal Volcano.
During your is 3-hour, interactive tour will open the secrets and wonders of two of mankind’s favorite foods: coffee & chocolate! A guided hike through the property is followed by a hands-on chocolate making session! You’ll get to crack open the cocoa fruit, hand grind, and add your favorite extra ingredients. Each step is explained and the entire tour is peppered with fun historical tidbits.
Perfect for kids and every adult’s inner child!
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Itinerary
- Artisan coffee experience in La Fortuna
- Learn about artisanal coffee production from crop to cup
- Coffee, chocolate, and sugar can tastings included
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Inclusions
- Chocolate preparation and tasting
- Sugar cane tasting
- Water to drink
- Professional guide
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Entry/Admission - North Fields Coffee Tour
Exclusions
- Gratuities
- Does not include transportation from The Springs Resort & Spa
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Wildlife Tour
Proyecto Asis Wildlife Rescue Center is well worth the visit, even if you only have a short time in the region. During your visit, you will receive a brief introduction about Proyecto Asis from one of our trained naturalists. Then you will have the opportunity to explore the reserve with your guide to get to know each animal and their story. You will learn about why animal conservation is important, how it should be done, and what impact you are making while enjoying yourself with our friendly guides who will engage you and help you to think about conservation in a new way. You will go home with a greater knowledge of the local wildlife and have some amazing pictures to show your friends and family.
Recommended for all ages. Especially great for families with younger children.
Duration: up to 2 hours.
Schedule: Monday to Saturday.
8:30 am & 1:00 pm
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Experience Arenal´s only wild frog sanctuary at night, when colorful tree frogs and other rain forest wildlife are most active and most easily observed. At least 28 frog species have made their home the ponds of Arenal Oasis. The Rojas Bonilla family carefully maintains native plants of Arenal, to create needed frog habitat in this private wildlife reserve of fresh spring water fed ponds; within a rain forest refuge connecting the rain forests of the Arenal Volcano and El Rio Burio.
The night tour continues past the frog ponds along flat trails immersed in the noisy night rain forest. The guide will point out animals hiding from you.
Support, enjoy and learn about the only wild frog sanctuary in the Arenal Volcano Area.
Tours led by trained naturalist along flat rain forest trails start at 5:45 pm at Arenal Oasis.
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Go with the pioneer company who started the sloth tour in the country. Our certified naturalist Guides, are experts at locating wildlife and extremely knowledgeable in their field. Arenal area is well known for its very diverse wildlife, including the two different sloth species living in Costa Rica . During this tour our main goal is to find as many sloths as possible and you have 100% guaranteed to see sloths in the wild.
On the search for these beautiful animals our knowledgeable guide will drive you around la Fortuna's beautiful spotting areas for more wildlife . Toucans, Red Blue Jeans Poison Dart Frogs, hummingbirds, iguanas and monkeys are among the animals that we might encounter.
Overview
As night begins to settle on Arenal, embark on a privately guided twilight tour of Costa Rice's unique natural beauty.
Meet a local Costa Rica family and gain insight into the region's ecology and culture. Immerse yourself in an intriguing and engaging night experience, during which mother nature's elusive treasures reveal themselves in the form of diverse wildlife.
Take a walk through a special ecosystem, listening to the symphony of sounds that surround you. Your naturalist guide will help you spot amphibians, reptiles, mammals, insects, and arachnids during this 1-mile walk.
After your guided exploration, savor a delicious local snack and a cup of legendary Costa Rican coffee or tea served by your friendly hosts.
Perfect for nature lovers, this adventure will take you into the stunning landscape in the countryside and forests of Tocori.
After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide in the lobby of the hotel and get ready to learn about Costa Rica’s exotic plants, rare wildlife, history and culture as you ride through the tropical jungle and the private ecological reserve at Tocori, located just a short ride away from Manuel Antonio.
You will be riding on well-trained Costa Rican horses, which are steady on their feet, responsive and perfectly adjusted for tropical climate. Your experienced equestrian guide will give you all the instructions and equipment needed for the horse-riding part of the tour and take care of you from the beginning to the end.
Take in the lush scenery with streams and diverse flora and fauna and the sounds of the wildlife around you while your horse guides you towards one of the highlights of our tour: the picturesque Tocori Waterfall where you can relax and even dip into the pristine waters. Enjoy the snacks and drinking water provided in this secluded and undisturbed area, sheltered by trees. When you are ready for lunch we ride back to the ranch where you will enjoy a typical home cooked Costa Rican meal surrounded by wondrous nature.
Important Notes:
- Riding time takes at least 1 hour.
- Wearing long pants while horseback riding is highly recommended.
- Children 5 years old and younger are not allowed.
Recommendations: ride at least for 1 hour. Comfortable clothes, long pants while horseback riding, bathing suit, insect repellent, sunscreen, camera, hat, towel and extra change of clothes.
Included: transportation, bilingual guides and naturalists, all equipment, lunch or light dinner, snacks and refreshments.
Duration: 04:00 Hours