Central and South America

Costa Rica | Rainforests, Rivers, Hot Springs, Chocolate, Coffee, and Arenal Volcano

A Family & Friends Adventure
Duration:
9 Days
Interests:
Natural History
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Strawberry poison dart frog
Arenal Hanging Bridges
Arenal Volcano
Butterflies
Spider monkeys
Keel-billed Toucan
Cacao pods at Tirimbina Biological Reserve
Chocolate tour at Tirimbina Reserve
Rainforest nature hike
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About this trip

Despite its relatively small size, Costa Rica is full of treasures. Experience firsthand a cross-section of the nature, culture, and adventure activities that make this country so special. Begin your exploration in the Caribbean lowlands, where you can spot tropical birds and wildlife in primary and secondary rainforest, then continue to the iconic Arenal Volcano, where rivers, waterfalls, and thermal hot springs abound. Along the way, learn about the country’s culture and history and enjoy thrilling adventure activities.

Highlights

  • Learn about traditional methods of chocolate-making as well as the cultural history of this important crop.
  • Take guided hikes in the private reserve at Selva Verde Lodge, which protects 300 acres of virgin rainforest, and watch for wildlife like monkeys, toucans, and frogs.
  • Take a relaxing river boat ride or embark on a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure on the Río Sarapiquí.
  • Traverse a system of suspension bridges amid rainforest canopy in the shadow of Arenal Volcano.
  • Visit an organic, shade-grown coffee farm to see how birds and animals can benefit from sustainable farming practices.

 

 

What makes us different

Rich content

All of our programs include experiences that are enriching and engaging to facilitate a genuine connection between our travelers and their destinations

Custom-tailored Trips

At Holbrook Travel we can customize any itinerary to meet the needs and goals of your group.

Wildlife up-close

Enjoy up-close observation of the behaviors and interactions of wildlife in their native habitats

Service anytime

Enjoy worry-free travel — our emergency line is monitored 24/7/365 so we can assist you if any problems arise while you’re traveling with us

Support local communities

We work with local guides and organizations so your trip includes authentic cultural experiences while supporting the economy of the region

Flight arrangements

We’re a full service travel provider and are happy to assist with making your flight arrangements if desired

AND MORE!

See all the reasons why you should travel with Holbrook

What makes us different

Daily Itinerary

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Santo Domingo
Day 1
Upon arrival at the San Jose International Airport, after clearing customs and collecting your luggage, you will be met and transferred to Hotel Bougainvillea. The hotel is located on ten acres in the suburbs of San Jose; the beautiful botanical gardens, tropically enhanced swimming pool and gym, comfortable and well-appointed rooms, delicious meals, a fine collection of art, rocks and minerals, and one of the most excellent gift shops in Costa Rica, all combine to make your stay here a delight.
Bougainvillea
Sarapiqui Valley
Day 2
Following a delicious buffet breakfast and check-out, you will meet your bilingual driver in the lobby for your transfer to the Sarapiqui Valley and Selva Verde Lodge. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch and then check-in to your Sarapiqui Room. You will have the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to explore your new surroundings. This evening, meet the lodge's naturalist guide for a guided night hike to discover the nocturnal fauna on the trails near the Sarapiqui rooms and the river.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Selva Verde Lodge
Day 3
Your day starts with breakfast, which is served from 7-9 am; you will meet your guide at 8:45 am for a hike in Selva Verde Reserve, home to 300 acres of virgin rainforest. This is a slow walk on uneven terrain, with some steps that can be a bit steep, but of moderate difficulty. Some people are more comfortable with hiking poles/walking sticks. Return in time for lunch. This afternoon, choose between a river boat ride on the calm portion of Rio Sarapiqui, or White Water River Rafting - Class II-III - on the waters that are foaming further upstream! This evening, enjoy dinner at Las Terrazas, the wonderful open air restaurant at the lodge that specializes in delicious Italian fare, including some of the most delicious oven baked pizza you have ever tasted! Cost is on own, as you will be choosing your selection from a menu. Bar service is also offered. If you would rather have Costa Rican fare, it is offered in the dining room, and included in your tour cost.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Selva Verde Lodge
Day 4
This morning you can choose between a guided hike at La Selva Biological Station, or a Chocolate Tour at Tirimbina Reserve, with transfers included. La Selva offers a fine guided tour on an extremely large tract of rainforest, while the chocolate tour at Tirimbina offers an extremely informative hands-on demonstration of not only the history of the creation of chocolate, but also the process of its creation utilizing rural instruments. You will be returned to the lodge in time for lunch, with the remainder of your day at leisure. There are self-guided trails on the property, as well as activities that can be added to your itinerary if you so choose. Again, this evening, you can choose from Las Terrazas (at your own cost), or Costa Rican included in your tour cost.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Selva Verde Lodge
Arenal
Day 5
Today you will depart Sarapiqui Valley and travel to Arenal National Park. After breakfast, check-out and meet your driver at 10:00 am in the lobby, then proceed with your transfer to La Fortuna, where you will enjoy a traditional lunch at Finca Educativa Don Juan, followed by an interactive introduction to local crops. You will then continue on to the wonderful Arenal Observatory Lodge, which is located between the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. No other hotel in the area has this position; 1.7 miles from the south side of the volcano. The incredible views are stunning, whether it from you room, the restaurant, or poolside. It is set on a ridge amid tall pine trees and luxuriant rainforest, and is the only hotel that is located inside the Arenal Volcano National Park. Your Smithsonian room is very spacious and feature huge picture windows which frame the majestic Arenal Volcano and the beautiful rainforest and gardens. You will have the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.
Breakfast-Lunch- included
Arenal Observatory
Day 6
This morning, meet your guide/drive in the lobby who will take you to Arenal Hanging Bridges, which is a reserve that abounds with wonderful trails, suspension bridges, and outstanding natural areas. Following your walkabout, you will be returned to the lodge to enjoy the rest of your day at lodge, and perhaps take in some of the amenities that they offer, including their spa treatments. There are 7 miles of well-maintained trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking that wind through the Arenal Volcano hotel's 870-acre (352-hectare) property, through primary and secondary rainforest, past waterfalls and across verdant pastures. Plenty of wildlife lives in the area, including three kinds of monkeys, anteaters, coatis, raccoons, deer, and more than 500 species of birds - making Arenal Observatory Lodge a preferred destination for bird watching in Costa Rica. Their gardens and landscaping are extravagantly designed with colorful flowering plants, shrubs, and trees chosen to attract wildlife, such as jewel-toned hummingbirds, brilliant butterflies, and exotic birds. Enjoy the sightings as you relax by the beautifully designed pool and Jacuzzi, and/or take in a spa treatment to unwind after you morning hikes.
Breakfast- included
Arenal Observatory
Day 7
There are complimentary activities that you may wish to join the lodge's free guided walk along their property trails with their naturalist guide. The walk departs from the lobby every morning at 8:30 a.m., and lasts approximately 2.5 hours. You will cross hanging bridges, enjoy the lush tropical gardens, and experience both primary and secondary rainforest. The guide will stop along the way to point out wildlife and tell you about the plants and trees of the tropical rainforest that you are seeing. Your destination is the beautiful jungle waterfall of the Danta River. The walking tour finishes by their cattle pastures, where a comfortable, open-air "Jungle Bus" will bring you back to the hotel. Possible wildlife sightings include many of the 500+ species of birds in the forest, howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, spider monkeys, coatis, anteaters, sloths, green iguanas, snakes and insects. This afternoon, you will meet your driver in the lobby for a transfer to Titoku Hot Springs, where we have planned your stay for their 1-3pm timeframe. They offer 8 different hot springs; every pool has a different temperature and a different size (from 6 to 20 people depending on the pool). Titokú also offers a bar, dressing rooms, and lockers for your convenience. After you time at the springs, you will be transferred back to the lodge with remainder of your day and last evening in Arenal at leisure.
Breakfast- included
Arenal Observatory
Santo Domingo
Day 8
This morning you will be travel back to Santo Domingo and Hotel Bougainvillea. En route, enjoy a wonderful lunch (cost on own) and guided coffee tour at Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation Resort. On property is 30 acres of high quality Arabica coffee plants within an aesthetically delightful landscape. The plantation is shaded by a forest which is the home to over 130 species of birds. The tour will walk you through many of the more than 5,000 native trees that they have planted, with the help of the environmental protection agency (MINAET) and local school children. These indigenous trees produce shade and nitrogen for their organic coffee, and have created biological corridors for the birds and animals of the area. The coffee is planted following the natural topography of the farm to avoid erosion and water waste and is protected by living fences planted with native shrubs and trees. They are a certified organic coffee farm and thus they do not use agro-chemicals, pesticides, herbicides or fungicides, but instead apply to the rich compost from their vermiculture (worm beds) and from the composting of organic refuse from their hotel. They apply only natural remedies for fungus and pests. Their coffee is certified organic by the BCS OKO Garantie, an international organic agriculture certification, and is certified sustainable by Rainforest Alliance and ICAFE, the Costa Rica National Institute for Coffee. After your time at Finca Rosa Blanca, you will proceed to Hotel Bougainvillea.
Breakfast- included
Bougainvillea
Departure
Day 9
This morning you will be transferred to the San Jose International Airport for your flight(s) home. Please be aware, when arranging your air schedule, that there is a required 3 hour prior to departure check-in. The hotel is approximately 30 minutes from the airport, unless it is during rush hours, so it is suggested that you arrange afternoon departures. Welcome home!
Breakfast- included

Please call 800-451-7111 for your price.

 

What's Included
What's Not Included

Travel Info

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Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. and Canadian citizens must have a valid passport to enter Costa Rica. Passports must be valid for at least the duration of your stay. As this requirement is subject to change at any time without notice, we recommend at least 6 months' validity.

A visa is not re­quired for visits up to 30 days.

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Costa Rican Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality. 

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Costa Rica, unless you are traveling from an endemic yellow fever area within six weeks prior to entry.

Some physicians recommend that travelers get hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines before visiting Costa Rica.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

MALARIA

The CDC warns that travelers to Central America may be at risk for exposure to malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. Prevention is twofold: the use of anti-malarial drugs and the prevention of insect bites. If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription.

CHIKUNGUNYA

In June 2014, El Salvador reported locally transmitted cases of chikungunya in Central America. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with chikungunya and are spreading it to people. Local transmission of chikungunya is now being reported in other countries in Central America. CDC recommends that travelers to the Central America area protect themselves from mosquito bites.

Zika Virus

Locally transmitted cases of Zika virus have been reported in Costa Rica. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with Zika and are spreading it to people. The CDC recommends that travelers to Costa Rica protect themselves from mosquito bites. As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

Resources

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Suggested Packing List

To help you get ready for your expedition, below is a suggested packing list. You may find many of these items in our Gear Store, plus many clothing and accessory items.

CLOTHING

  • T-shirts and one long-sleeved shirt for sun and mosquito protection
  • Shorts for the field and in towns
  • Pants (lightweight cotton), for protection against mosquitoes
  • Lightweight jacket/poncho or sweater/sweatshirt
  • Underwear
  • Bathing suit
  • Socks
  • Shoes
  • Hat or sun visor
  • Waterproof gear -- coat, hat, shoes/boots

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Binoculars (expensive ones are not necessary) and lens cleaner
  • Camera and extra batteries
  • A pocket calculator or phone to assist with currency exchange
  • A small backpack for day walks
  • Photocopies of all documentation, passport, and tickets
  • Prescription drugs and a copy of the prescription
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Non-perishable snacks

In addition to your toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items include bandages, mosquito repellant, antihistamine, a pain-reliever, individually wrapped moist towlettes, anti-diarrhea medicine, anti-fungal cream, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.

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