Costa Rica Unique
Seasonal Information
A world of exclusivity and uniqueness is waiting for you in our boutique journey to the land of Pura Vida! A selection of unique properties nestled in away from ordinary destinations will let you see Costa Rica from the most personal point and explore a land of friendly people where the magic of Osa Peninsula, amazing views of the Central Valley and the sandy beaches of Guanacaste will walk you into a world of unique adventures.
- Golfo Dulce
- Whale & Dolphin Watching
- Manuel Antonio National Park
- Central Valley Coffee Plantations
- Arenal Volcano
- Nicoya Peninsula
Feel nature in your hands at the magical Golfo Dulce (Sweet Gulf); the dolphins that enjoy the gulf waters might surprise you. This is a special destination for nature lovers and for those who want to enjoy a moment of peace. The area provides nature, rainforest and a joint learning experience. The only access to the property is by boat, which provides an isolated, but relaxing environment. Then, continue to Manuel Antonio, a paradise that mixes lovely white sand beaches with jungle and a rainforest full of wildlife. Manuel Antonio National Park has a charming combination of lush tropical forest and beautiful beaches with clear waters. Enjoy the Central Valley mountains in the Naranjo region. In the area, you will find extended coffee plantations and a great view of the central valley.
Visit the mighty Arenal Volcano and enjoy the facilities at Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort with its hot springs, and several pools that flow across the Tabacon River which are heated directly from the volcanic veins of the Arenal Volcano.
Toward the end of your driving adventure, you will travel to the Nicoya Peninsula region where you will have some beach days. The landscapes of the Nicoya Region offer picture-perfect views, whether from the crests of majestic, jungle-covered mountains, to the endless running streams and the tranquil beaches. A remote region ideal to just appreciate the laid-back lifestyle in a relatively peaceful area, with gorgeous beaches.
After your arrival at the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), a representative will meet and greet you and provide you with all the necessary documentation that you will need during your vacation, including a day-by-day itinerary and the main contacts information and phone numbers. Then, you will be transferred to your hotel in San Jose, which is approximately 30 minutes away by car, where you will be staying for one night.
In the morning, private transportation will take you to Juan Santamaria airport where you will take a local flight to the South Pacific area of Costa Rica, specifically to the area of Puerto Jimenez. Upon your landing, the hotel staff will be waiting for you to board the boat that will take you to the hotel, crossing Golfo Dulce (Sweet Gulf) on a journey of about 45 minutes to reach the property.
During the trip on the boat, the dolphins that enjoy the gulf waters might surprise you, as well as the natural paradise that surrounds Piedras Blancas National Park. The Gavilan restaurant serves gourmet fusion dishes made with fresh ingredients from the organic hotel farm. The meals are a la carte and are included in the room rate.
During the next 2 days, you will enjoy time in the middle of the jungle. Just sit back and relax, or take excursions (extra cost) to further explore the various attractions of this wonderful region. Please take note that the use of snorkelling and kayaking equipment is included and available at the property, as well as the use of internal trails of the hotel. All these activities are carried out on your own.
The area offers different attractions such as the blue-green waters of Golfo Dulce, the biodiversity of Piedras Blancas National Park, lush virgin beaches and the Osa Peninsula. The property is surrounded by tropical gardens, but also by rainforest. You can enjoy watching many species of birds (including toucans and scarlet macaws), monkeys and great wildlife scenery.
Today we will go back through Golfo Dulce, by boat, to the small port of Golfito, where you will receive your car rental and continue your trip to the Costa Rican Central Pacific, specifically the area of Manuel Antonio.
During the drive, you can enjoy the wonderful views of the Pacific beaches, passing near Marino Ballena National Park, where if the season and conditions allow, you could observe whales and dolphins jumping in the sea.
Later on, you will arrive in Manuel Antonio, a paradise that mixes lovely white sandy beaches with jungle and a rainforest full of wildlife. The vast variety of activities to do and places to visit in the area definitely adds value to your experience. This tropical place is one of the main attractions in Costa Rica, and one of the icons of ecotourism in the country.
The next day, you can visit the Manuel Antonio National Park (closed on Mondays). A charming combination of lush tropical forest and beautiful beaches with clear waters and considered one of the best beaches in Central America. The national park has been recognised by Forbes Magazine as one of the twelve most beautiful national parks in the world. Inside the park, there is a wide variety of vegetation, lagoons, mangroves, 109 species of mammals and 184 bird species. You can see several species of wildlife, reptiles and monkeys including the three-toed sloth. You can also just sit back at your leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities or explore the area on your own.
Continue your driving experience as you make your way into the Central Valley and its volcanic range, specifically to the Outskirts hills of the Naranjo. In this area, you will find Chayote lodge, which will be your home for the final two nights.
A quaint place to settle, relax, and remember the experiences of your trip. Whilst in Naranjo explore on your own the surrounding areas such as the countryside, nearby cloud forests and the coffee-producing region with numerous coffee plantations during your stay.
At mid-morning, continue towards the northern lowlands. This route offers the experience to pass through different towns such as Zarcero, San Carlos and Florencia. Along the way, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery with amazing views of the mountains known for their agriculture, one of the major sources of revenue in the area. Depending on the season, you will be able to observe the crops of pineapple, bananas and sugar cane being grown in this region. When you arrive at La Fortuna Village in the late afternoon, the mighty Arenal Volcano will welcome you with its impressive perfect conic shape.
The following day, you are at your leisure to explore the area. We highly recommend a visit to Arenal Volcano National Park (extra cost) which protects an active perfect cone volcano with constant moderate explosions accompanied by roars, gases and ash emissions that raise high in the air. The attraction of this volcano has helped to develop the area as a prime destination in the country; from being a small town of cattle and agricultural farms, it has now become one of the most visited areas with adventure activities, hot springs and water sports.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be making a long very scenic drive through the Guanacaste plains, heading to the remote area of the Nicoya Peninsula. The duration of the drive may vary according to the route and the exact beach location.
The Nicoya Peninsula is one of the outer regions of Costa Rica, although it provides a pristine region offering many diverse eco-systems. The terrain is bountiful, providing homes to an array of vegetation and some wildlife. The landscapes of the Nicoya Region offer picture-perfect views of the crests of majestic, jungle-covered mountains, endless running streams cascading over waterfalls and tranquil, sparsely populated beaches.
Spend the next 2 days at leisure to relax and enjoy the beach or exploring the surroundings areas.
Today, you will be travelling back to San Jose. Your journey will take you through the mountainous range and into the central valley, right in the heart of Costa Rica.
For the last night of the trip, you will be staying at your selected hotel in San Jose.
According to your international flight departure, you will return your car to the nearby hire return office and from here you will be transferred to the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) for your departure flight.
Dates are flexible so please make an enquiry and tell us a range of dates you are considering so we can check availability.
- Self-Driving Program
- Program available all year
- Minimum participants 2 Adults
- Flexible itinerary
- Minimum Age for Care Rental 25 Years
- Maximum weight on local flight of 40 pounds plus 10 pounds hand luggage
- Private transfer SJO Int’l Airport to the Hotel in San Jose
- One (1) night accommodation in San Jose
- Private transfer from the hotel in San Jose for Local Flight.
- Maximum Luggage of 40 Pounds per Person Plus 10 Poundas Handluggage
- Three (3) Night Package at selected hotel in Golfo Dulce
- Boat Transportation, Lodging and Meals
- Car rental Suzuki Vitara,
- Full cover insurance, free km, additional driver and GP
- Rental from Day 5 after stay in Golfo Dulcen until Day 14 departure day
- Two (2) nights’ accommodation at Manuel Anotnio area
- Two (2) nights’ accommodation at Naranjo area.
- Two (2) nights’ accommodation at Arenal Volcano area.
- Three (3) nights’ accommodation at Nosara area.
- One (1) night accommodation in San Jose.
- 14 breakfasts
- Sales taxes.
- Meals not listed in the itinerary.
- Tips or gratitude’s
- Deposit of the Car rental of $100 for the Car and $250 for the GPS
- Souvenirs
- Tours at the destinations that are not listed in the itinerary
- International flights
- Suitable for active people
- Family
- Birdwatchers
There is an ample selection of state-owned and privately held banks in San Jose, and throughout the country. The official currency of Costa Rica is the colon; however, US dollars are widely accepted. US dollars and traveller’s checks can be changed in banks and hotels. Most major credit cards are widely accepted, and cash advances can be obtained at banks around the country and in a variety of places throughout San Jose.
97% of the national territory has electrical service. The voltage in residential areas is 110B\V 60 HZ (the same as the United States and Canada) and is the standard in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica has a relatively modern telecommunication infrastructure and has the second highest Internet coverage in Latin America.
Most of the hotels offer WIFI without cost; Internet speed may vary from 1MB to 10 MB
Visitors can easily buy a SIM card for a smart phone and have internet access and a local number at a very reasonable price.
GMT/UTC -6. Costa Rica is in the Central time zone.
Costa Rican cuisine is relatively bland compared to other countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. However, eating and drinking in areas frequented by tourists is generally safe. Costa Rica’s concern for food safety also makes it an ideal location to sample the wide variety of tropical fruits that are available throughout the year. The prices could vary according to the destination and would be between $15 and $30.
Coffee of course! Refrescos or simply frescos are beverages made from fresh fruit (cas, guayaba/guava, sandia/watermelon, mora/blackberry, fresa/strawberry, piña/pineapple, papaya), sugar and either water or milk (depending on the fruit).
Horchata – A corn meal drink flavoured with cinnamon
Guaro – the national firewater drank by the shot! Café Rica – A locally made coffee liqueur
The Gallo pinto – traditionally served at breakfast, is a mixture of rice and beans with a little cilantro, onion, red pepper thrown in, do not forget to ask for the secret ingredient: Salsa Lizano
Casado, which means married, is the typical lunch in Costa Rica, containing rice and beans with meat, chicken or fish, always served with salad and fried plantain
Arreglados – Puff pastries filled with beef, chicken or cheese
Sopa negra – Black bean soup with a poached egg
Empanadas – Are usually made of a corn dough that can be filled with anything: chicken, beef, beans, pork, potatoes. You can find sweet versions.
Ceviche – Seafood marinated in a lemon, onion, sweet red pepper, garlic and coriander sauce
Potacones – A great snack found on the Caribbean coast. Fried plantains and usually served with refried beans and guacamole.
Flan – A cold caramel custard
Mazamorra – A pudding made from cornstarch
Taxes account for 13% of the purchase and are always included in the final price. In restaurants and hotels, taxes and services are included in the final price; however, if you were happy with the service and would like to leave a gratuity, it would be welcome.
