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International - Costa Rica (north west) 4/23/26-5/3/26

Updated: 9 hours ago


Sample Itinerary:

Day 1 - Fly to Costa Rica

Pick up rental car

Drive to La Carolina Lodge, Santo Domingo (2 hr)

Have dinner at lodge (served 6-7:45 pm)


Day 2 - La Carolina Lodge and Area

Relaxing Option:

6 am - Sleep in OR Bird Watching near main lodge

715 am - Milk Cows and Farm Tour (715-830 am)

8:30 am - Breakfast

Relax or Horseback riding

12:30 pm - Lunch (1230-230 pm)

Bird or Garden Tour

Fishing at pool or lake

Dinner (6-745pm)

*ask for breakfast to go in the morning


Adventure Option:

7 am - Breakfast

8 am - Drive to Rio Celeste, Tenorio Volcano NP (20 min)

9-11 am - Hike Rio Celeste Trail (1-2 hr)

11-1130 am - Drive to lunch

1130-1230 pm - Lunch at Villa Celeste de Katira, Rio Celeste Adventura

1230-3pm - Tubing Rio Celeste River (1 1/2 hr)

3-330 pm - Drive back to La Carolina

*ask for dinner to go or dinner for later at La Carolina Lodge

4 pm - Drive to Tapir Valley Nature Reserve (30 min)

4:45 pm - Night Tapir Tour (5-8 pm)

8 pm - Drive back to La Carolina Lodge (30 min)

*ask for breakfast to go in the morning


Day 3 - Adventure Day - La Fortuna

4 am - Wake up

445-645 am - Drive to Maquique Adventures, La Fortuna (watch for speed bumps)

7-11 am - Canyoneering

11-1130 am - Snacks and change into river clothes

1130-12 pm - Drive to Balsa River

12-1:30 pm - Rafting

1:30-2pm - Drive to restaurant

2-3pm - Catered lunch with Maquique Adventures

3-345 pm - Drive to Mirador del Silencio, Arenal Volcano NP

4-5pm - Hike the trails at Mirador del Silencio (Sendero Las Cruses trail)

*Arenal Volcano NP closes at 5pm

5-7pm - Drive to La Carolina Lodge

7:15 pm - Dinner


Day 4 - Rainforest Day - Monte Verde NP

7 am - Breakfast

*ask for lunch to go

8 am - Drive to Monte Verde NP, Centro de Visitantes Harriet Powell - Visitors Center (2 1/2 hr)

11 am - Guided or Self Guided Hike (2 hr)

1:15 pm - Drive to Selvatura Adventure Park (30 min)

2 pm - Selvatura Zip Lines (2 1/2 hr)

5 pm - Drive to La Carolina Lodge (2 1/2 hr)

7:15 pm - Dinner

*ask for breakfast to go in the morning


Day 5 - Water Day - Palo Verde NP and Coco Beach

6 am - Drive to Palo Verde NP ( 1 1/2 hr)

8-12:30 pm - Palo Verde NP Boat Tour with lunch (3 1/2 hr)

1230-1:15pm - Drive to Coco Beach (40 min)

OR

7am - Drive to Llanos del Cortes Waterfall, Palo Verde NP

8 am - Play in the waterfall and nearby cenote with picnic lunch

12:15-1:15 pm - Drive to Coco Beach (1 hr)


1:30-6pm - Catamaran sunset boat and snorkle tour

Dinner in town

Check into Villa Quetzal or equivalent


Day 6 - Beach Day

Relaxing Option:

7 am - Breakfast

7:45 am - Drive to Cocoa and Coffee Tour, Seven Sense Tours, Coco Beach (15 min)

8-10 am - Cocoa and Coffee Tour

Lunch

Hang out at beach

Dinner

Shopping


Adventure Option:

6 am - Drive to Scuba Diving, Pacific Coast Dive Center, Playa Flamigo (30 min)

6:45-11:45 am - Scuba Diving - snacks provided

12 pm - Lunch

1 pm - Drive to Tamarindo Beach ( 1 1/2 hr)

3 pm - Surf lessons (2 hr)

5:30 pm - Shopping and dinner

8 pm - Drive home


Day 7 - Beach Day - Coco Beach

7:30 am - Breakfast

8:30 am - Drive to Coco Beach (20 min)

9 am - Sailing and lunch (4 hr)

1:30 pm - Shopping/Beach

3 pm - Drive to Conchal Beach (1 hr)

4-5:30 pm - Horseback Riding Conchal Beach (1 1/2 hr)

Dinner


Day 8 - Fly Home



Directions:

Rio Celeste Trailhead (National Park ticket office)

Rio Celeste Adventura (Tubing, Zipline, restaurant)

Centro de Visitantes Harriet Powell, (Monte Verde NP Visitors Center)

Coco Beach (Bar El Ancla)

Seven Sense Tours/Simbiosis Bistro, Coco Beach (Coco and Coffee Tour)

Pacific Coast Dive Center (Scuba Diving, Playa Flamingo)


Housing:

La Carolina Lodge (Jungle) - We chose this location because of the immersive jungle experience. You can use it as a home base because it has plenty to do on site for older or younger travelers, while more adventurous travelers can do day trips nearby.

  • Pros - lots to do on the property; all meals are included and you can ask for meals to be prepared in advance for day trips; many different lodges for small or large groups; electricity with US outlets; drinkable hot water; showers; laundry free on site and done for you; hot tubs; incredibly friendly staff who spoke English

  • Cons - prefer payment in cash or small venmo amounts - don't like credit card payments which was very annoying; was a 2 hr drive one way to La Fortuna and Monte Verde NP for day trips

  • Tips - wear earplugs at night - jungle is loud (birds are loud 4-530 am). Main hot tub is shared. Open fruit buffet all day.

  • Contact - Catharina Harwell, Property Manager 1-843-330-4178 (whatsapp)


Villa Quetzal, Playa Hermosa (Beach) - This property or similar was wonderful as it could sleep 12 with shared beds with a large common area and infinity pool.

  • Pros - beautiful views; pool; very clean; free washer/dryer with soap; 3 showers; 2 car garage; balcony; large TV upstairs; full kitchen with utensils and dishes; microwave; fridge/freezer

  • Cons - water is limited so all 12 people can't take showers at the same time - we ran out of water due to a local water shortage and couldn't flush toilets for 1/2 day; take garbage out at the end of your stay

  • Contact - Angelica Gonzalez, Zindis Property Manager 506-8615-0542  (whatsapp)


Car Rental:

Alamo, National, Hertz

Can rent online prior

Checkout - watch for upsaleing (this is what we got with Alamo)

  • Third party collision insurance (protects against others hitting you) - $12/day with $250-5000 they pay after $93. No deductible policy $32/day

  • Additional Driver - $5/day additional driver

  • Airport tax - included in cost around $40

  • Gas - have them top off after

  • Security deposit $520, refundable

  • Will need drivers license and passport

  • Free shuttle to airport, building has bathrooms

Return - easy pull in


Groceries:

  • Walmart - It is incredibly expensive

  • Auto Mercado, Mega Super, Fresh, Perimercado and Maxi Pali - local grocery stores

  • Prices were about the same as the US and sometimes more

  • Did take credit/debit cards and US cash

  • Tips


Activities: (Our personal rating - ***** epic and must do! to * can totally miss)

La Carolina Lodge

  • Milking Cows/Farm Tour - *****

    • Free. Starts at 7:15 am at the Main Lodge led by the main farm hand.

    • About a 1 mile total walk on uneven dirt trails. Great activity for kids and adults. The Farm Tour takes you around the pigs, chickens and cows used to supply meat for the restaurant as well as a small sampling of the plants used as well. The animals are treated humanely and conditions are clean. We even saw Blue Jean Poisen Dart Frogs on the trail.

    • Gear - They have mandatory rubber boots to wear at the stable.

  • Horseback Riding - ****

    • $25 (cash or venmo). Starts from 9:30-4 pm daily - schedule with receptionist

    • Ages 8 yrs+ - 1 1/2 hr ride through the farm land and on dirt roads around the property. Fantastic if you have riden before as the horses just walk around and are not just following each other. Can be indimidating for first timers so let your guide know so he can keep you close. Helmets mandatory for youth.

    • Ages <8 yrs - Can do a short walk through the lodge area with an adult.

    • Gear - closed toed shoes, pants

  • Bird Tour - ***

    • Ask for pricing at info@lacarolinalodge.com. 1/2 day or full day trips

    • They use local birding experts who will take you on walks around the property to see seasonal birds such as tucans, oropendulas and other fun birds!

    • Gear - Wear the rubber boots provided in the stable due to snakes and critters in the grass.

  • Fishing/Swimming Hole - ***

    • Free. Get bait from the kitchen and poles are down by the river. Great for kids.

    • There is also a nearby lake with a boat if you want to spend more time.


Nearby La Carolina Lodge

  • Puma Refuge (Centro de Rescate Las Pumas) - ***

    • $17 for foreign adults and $11 for children (4-12), students, and seniors

    • Hours - 8 am- 4pm

    • A zoo with lots of cages. Can be kind of depressing, but great if you want to see local wildlife including pumas, monkeys, and birds. It is a refuge, so they are local animals who have needed protection and it's good to support a local refuge.

  • Rio Celeste Waterfall - ****

    Beautiful waterfall but MUST book online in advance with passport numbers

    • $12 USD for non-resident adults and $5 USD for children (ages 2-12). Book online HERE. Create a log in on the left side SINAC website. Select "Buy" and then "Online Reservation" on the left side bar. Select - Parque Nacional Volcán Tenorio, "Make Reservation". NOTE - the website is VERY annoying and if you have difficulty you can have reception at La Carolina Lodge set up the reservations for you if you are on site and it is more than the same day.

    • Hours - 2 hr spots for reservation from 8 am-2pm

    • Parking - $10. Go into the National Park office to show a screen shot of your tickets and start the trail at the back door.

    • Hike to waterfalls is 1.2 mile one way with dirt trail, elevation and some stairs. Took about 40 min one way. Don't recommend the extra 2 mile total side trail across the powder blue river with several bridges unless you have time to kill. Seemed underwhelming after the waterfall. Bathrooms at the trailhead with running water.

  • Rio Celeste River Tubing - *****

    Tubing with helmets and guides, and a stop with a rope swing!

    • $50 cash or card. Reserve online.

    • Hours - 2 hr tour. 8 am-5pm

    • 14 km past Rio Celeste hike along road

    • Gear provided - helmet, life jacket, tube and 2-3 guides per group (This was amazing as they kept the group going and prevented us from getting stuck or trapped as can happen with tubing); bring - clothes to get wet - long sleeve shirt was VERY nice to prevent scratching from the tube, water shoes with a back strap.

  • Rio Celeste Adventura Ziplining - ***

    Chill 7 zip lines through low canopy. Perfect for youth or a first time zipliner. If you have done it before, you will want something bigger like Selvatura Zipline Adventures.

    • $50 cash or card. Reserve online.

    • Hours - 1 hr tour. 8 am - 5pm

    • Gear - bring closed toed shoes, long shorts, t shirt (can get chaffing or burns with tank tops, small fanny patch for camera)

  • Tapir Valley Nature Reserve - ***** (Night Tour)

    • $95. Book online

    • 5:30-8:30 pm Night Tour - other daytime tours available

    • We saw tons of frogs, toads and even a fur de lance snake. There were 3 guide groups communicating with walkie talkies trying to find the tapirs. We were able to see 2 large males right off the trail. Trail is dirt and uneven and may require quick walking at times. Snacks provided. Bathrooms at trailhead.

    • Gear provided - rubber boots for hiking. Bring water bottle, rain jacket


La Fortuna Area

  • Maquique Adventures (Canyoneering/Rafting Combo) - *****

    • $177 adult, $167 youth (combo); $105 Zipline only; $78 Rafting only - reserve online

    • 5 yrs + canyoneering ; 6 yrs + rafting

    • 7 am - 3 pm combo

    • Lunch is late at 2 pm (bring snacks for the bus ride); can tip guides at lunch

    • Canyoneering -

      • 5 rappels, 2 ziplines. 2 waterfall rappels.

      • Hiking through wet small streams with small 5 ft optional jump into a pool. Hand lines for hiking, pullies for rappellling with top and bottom belays and new gear made us feel very safe. Tons of great experienced guides the whole trip. They take great photos that are included. Snack provided after. Shuttle to rafting site provided. Bathrooms and changing rooms at canyoneering site. Will get wet.

      • Gear provided - helmet, zipline harness. Wear - water shoes with covered toes and back strap, long shorts, t shirt (can get rope burns from tank top).

    • Rafting -

      • 30+ class 2-3 rapids in the Balsa River. First half full of adrenaline and non stop rapids. Second half more chill with sloth and other wildlife spotting.

      • Snacks on the bank near the end. Fantastic for 8 yrs +.

      • Gear provided - helmet, life jacket; Wear - swimming suit, water shoes with covered toes and back strap

  • Arenal Volcano Hiking (Mirador del Silencio Trails)

    • $10 pay onsite with card

    • Hours - 8 am- 5 pm - start around 2:30 pm latest to do multiple trails

    • Hiking the 2.2 mile loop offers beaitiful views of the volcano and surrounding valley, as well as short trails through twooded areas. Steep section with stairs and uneven terrain at the end of the trail before returning. There are several other wonderful trails for exploring as well. We spotted a Coati as well.

    • Bathrooms - entrance

    • Gear - hiking clothing, backpack with water and snacks

  • El Choyin Hot springs **

    • $10 cash parking - pay the dude standing on the road side

    • At night bring a headlamp

    • Springs were just warm not hot

    • VERY BUSY

  • Relax Termalites Hot Springs

    • $8-10 pay onsite with card

    • Hours - 9 am-9 pm

  • Arenal Observatory ***

    • $22 pp with card at booth - day pass

    • Danta Waterfall hike - can get in the water. Park at the museum

    • Sunset at the Restaurant Balcony was wonderful. Saw howler monkeys and tuacons too

  • Night Frog Tour, Tifakara - ****

    • $34

    • 7:15 - 8:15 pm

    • Short hike around Tifakara resort with guide who shows you many varieties of frogs

Monte Verde NP Area

  • Monte Verde NP Guided Tours - ***** - take a shuttle into the park

    • $49 adult; $36 youth - Book online

    • Hours - 7:30 am - 1pm

    • 2 hr guided hikes along the Essence Trail. Slow pace and low mileage. The guides can find small gems of wildlife hiding throughout the trail and spot various bird wildlife.

  • Monte Verde NP Self Guided Tours - ***

    • $21 adult; $16 youth - Book online

    • Hours - 1-3 hr pre-selected trails; 8 am- 2pm

    • Hike at your own pace through the cloud forest

  • Selvatura Adventure Park (Ziplining - Canopy Tour) - *****

    This park has not just ziplining. If you have more time, check out the hanging bridges, sloth habitat, and butterfly gardens.

    • $80 adult; $56 youth

    • Hours - 8:30-2:30 pm - 2 1/2 hrs

    • 13 ziplines, including the last, long "superman" zipline (optional $13.50 extra). Tarzan swing from a 30 ft platform (optional). Photos extra cost.

    • Quetzal nest was located along one of the routes if you ask to see it


Palo Verde NP Area

  • Palo Verde River Boat Tour - *****

    • $69

    • Hours - 9, 11 am - 1 1/2 hr

    • We met our guide in town and followed him on a motorcycle to the Palo Verde NP boat launch site. Bathrooms at the launch location. Covered boat tour. Crocodiles, iguanas, white faced monkeys, and multiple birds. Bring water bottle. Can see scarlet macaws at the soccer field in town.

  • Llanos de Cortes Waterfall - *****

    • $9 adult; $5 youth cash or card

    • Hours - 8 am - 4 pm

    • Dirt road to parking lot with several tourist booths accepting cash. 5 min hike down a dirt trail to waterfall. You can swim near the falls in a large pool. Note - there were 2 men who offered to do a "private tour" to a nearby "cenote" about 5 min away. We checked it out and they were very nice and we just tipped them at the end with no concerns but do be aware they may not be "official". The cenote had cliff jumping and bats in a cavern. You are able to hike above the main waterfalls as well using a trail to the left facing the waterfall.

    • Bathrooms - at parking lot.


Cocoa Beach Area

  • Catamaran Tour - Marlin del Mar, Coco Beach - ****

    • $90 - online; up to $10 cash parking - pay random person standing in reflector jacket

    • 1:30 - 5:30 pm

    • Catamaran sails about an hour to a small cove for snorkling. Snorkling isn't amazing, but you will see fish and possibly a turtle. They give you a lifejacket and a floatie. After an hour or so of snorkling they prepare a lunch with unlimited drinks. It's a relaxed 2 hr sail back during sunset. This tour can be packed and crazy loud or chill and quiet depending on what other groups book it so be prepared for either scenerio. It can hold over 50 people. If the wind is good, they will haul up the sails on the way back. We loved hanging out on the front and watching the water - we saw dolphins and a sea snake.

    • Wear and bring - swimmingsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, towel, light shirt/shorts (can change at Bar El Ancla bathrooms)

    • Bathrooms - on the boat

  • Coffee/Cocoa Tour - *****

    • $40 - book online

    • 8, 1130 am - 2 hr long tour

    • Tour starts in little shop and then they show you the process of making chocolate and coffee. Samples along the way. Gift shop at the end had tons of fun gifts as well as a local restaurant.

  • Beach - ****

    • $5-10 parking - pay person in cash

    • Sandy beach with lots of shops nearby and little restaurants open until late. Starting place for Catamaran and Sailing tours at Bar El Ancla.


Flamingo Beach Area

  • Scuba Diving, Pacific Coast Dive Center - *****

    • $225

    • 6:45 am - 12 pm (lunch on the boat)

    • This discovery dive is perfect if you haven't scuba dived in a bit or don't have your license yet. They fit you for a wet suit at the store, then you drive about 10 min to an outdoor pool where you are taught what to do if your regulator comes out and basic rescues which you have to pass off. Then, another 10 min drive to Flamingo Beach where you board a small boat that takes you to the main diving boat. It was about an hour to the Catalina Islands where we did 2 dives. The first dive, your dive master helps you learn how to decend and ascend safely and see some fish. The second dive he took photos (additional cost) and we were able to see sharks, eels, fish and a manta ray!! Our guide was Risky and he was amazing for beginners.

    • Note - you can also snorkle on the same trip if you have some who are not scuba divers. The boat tries to stay close, but may also have to pick up the scuba divers near by.

  • Beach

    • Free

    • Sandy, less busy, no shopping on the beach


Tamarindo Beach Area

  • Surfing, Iguana Surf ***

    • $58

    • 8 am, 10 am, 1 pm, 3pm - 1 1/2 hr lesson

    • Has a store front with lockers and a warm shower after. Can order photos (extra cost). Instructor spent alot of time on the beach teaching technique before we went into the water but then it was easier to get up.

    • Note - we also did another surf company that was just based on the beach with no additional services. They did a 2 hr lesson which our ladies also loved. We also liked the Tamarindo Surf Co but they don't have a good online site ($50 for 2 people 2 hrs).

  • Beach

    • $10 cash parking at the main beach

    • Sandy, port a potties, perfect for beginner surfing/body surfing/etc, great shopping about 10 min walk

  • Shopping

    • lots of variety, all close to the beach, walkable


Conchal Beach Area

  • Horseback Riding, Rigo Tours - ***

    • $65

    • 7am - 3:30 pm in 30 min time slots - 2 hr tour

    • Meet at Brasilito Beach and then you will ride down to Conchal Beach. The guide may take you further if you wish along trails behind the beach as well. We went at the last ride and had a sunset ride which was beautiful. Some of the horses have bits in their mouths so be kind and not pull hard.

    • Note - we told our guide we could ride and he just let us gallop along the beach which was a dream. Be careful as our horses liked to trot and gallop which would be scary for new riders. Let the guide know your experience and be honest about it. Also, our guide led from the back and we lost our way a few times and one of our members galloped down a trail that had a low branch and her saddle wasn't on tight and when she leaned over she slid off. As an experienced rider I would do a million times again, as a new rider, I would be honest about your skills and they can lead you.

    • Rigo - 506-8393-1693 (whatsapp)

    • WARNING - We did not book horseback riding with Monkey Farm Tours as they have a history of unethical practices.

  • Beach

    • $6-10 cash for parking. We parked HERE with no problems

    • 20 min walk south along sandy beach and over a dirt hill to get to the shell (Conchal) beach

    • You can rent easy-ups for $20/hr, snorkeling $15-20/hr (you negotiate with local person), and pineapple drinks $15

    • Footwear - shells get in your sandals but one of our gals cut her foot also with bare feet.


Other Travel Tips:

  • Customs - will need departure flight, address of first hotel and passport

  • Banks - we didn't exchange but just used debit/credit cards (some banks have small international fee) and US cash (just watch the exchange rate). You can exchange cash at BAC, Banco Nationale were our favorites, though lines can be long and ATMS not working

  • Driving - 60-90 kilometers on main roads.

  • Police - Didn't notice any highway patrol in our areas but had one police checkpoint where he just asked for our drivers license. Nice and willing to help.


Restaurants:

La Fortuna

  • Victorino

  • Nenes

  • Tiquicia - passion fruit, strawberry daquiri, chicken quesadilla, chips and guac were all good



La Carolina Lodge


Milking Cows and Farm Tour


Horseback Riding at La Carolina Lodge


Rio Celeste


Rio Celeste Tubing


Tapir Night Tour


Puma Refuge


Maquique Canyoneering


Maquique Rafting Balsa River


Arenal Volcano Hike


Frog Night Tour


Monte Verde Cloud Forest Hikes


Selvatura Ziplines


Llanos de Cortes Waterfall


Sunset Catamaran


Villa Quetzal


Cocoa and Coffee Tour


Scuba Diving


Surfing


Morning Sailing


Horseback Riding





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