Costa Rica Rainforest Holiday: Dec 23 – 30, 2024

Upon arrival into San Jose, meet your driver for transfer approximately 20 minutes to the Alajuela area in the Central Valley. Arrive at Hotel Buena Vista for overnight. Buena Vista is a boutique hotel perched in the scenic hills near San José, offering stunning views of the Central Valley. With a solar-heated pool, a fantastic restaurant, and easy access to the airport, it serves as an ideal spot to start or end a Costa Rica journey.

Today, you’ll take a ground transfer of approximately 3 hours to reach the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Check in at Monteverde Lodge, one of the area’s most beloved and unique hotels. The lodge features stylish, comfortable rooms, an international fusion restaurant and bar, serene gardens filled with local flora, and a private reserve home to exotic birds, peaceful sloths, and delicate orchids. The hotel concierge is available to assist with restaurant reservations, taxi services, and tour arrangements.

Embark on a thrilling journey aboard the TreeTram cableway, ascending to one of Monteverde’s highest points at 5,700 feet above sea level to begin your exploration of the cloud forest. Then, get ready for one of Costa Rica’s most exhilarating canopy adventures! Soar through the treetops on seven ziplines, ranging from 460 to 2,460 feet in length, covering a total of 1.9 miles. You’ll also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating cloud forest by traversing a 1.7-mile trail network that includes six hanging bridges, ranging from 157 to 774 feet long and reaching heights of up to 164 feet. *Height and weight restrictions apply. Please inquire for details before booking. Overnight at Monteverde Lodge.

After a short transfer to El Tigre Reserve near Monteverde, visitors explore lush primary forest on intermediate to advanced trails featuring rivers, gravel paths, and stunning waterfalls ranging from 15 to 30 meters high. Wildlife sightings may include monkeys, birds, and reptiles. Weather permitting, views of Arenal, Tenorio, and other volcanoes are visible from a scenic viewpoint. The tour concludes with riverside snacks and a return via horseback ride, 4x4 truck, or a 3km uphill hike. Overnight at Monteverde Lodge.

Enjoy a free day to explore Monteverde Cloud Forest. Talk with a Costa Rica Expert about adding on additional tours or book a spa treatment! Overnight Monteverde Lodge.

This morning, meet your driver for a ground transfer of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to Puntarenas. Upon arrival, board a private boat for a one-hour ride to Isla Chiquita. Nestled in the Gulf of Nicoya, this eco-glamping resort offers a secluded getaway in a less-touristed part of the Nicoya Peninsula. Adventurous guests can enjoy complimentary kayaks and paddleboards to explore the island’s tranquil waters. Take a stroll along the on-site Symbiosis Nature Trail to discover the island’s unique ecology. For an additional cost, guided tours to nearby Curu Biological Reserve, Tortuga Island, and other hidden gems in the Nicoya Gulf are available. The seaside Tía Nora restaurant serves a delicious blend of Costa Rican and international cuisine, with plenty of vegetarian and family-friendly options. *Please note: Most suites at Isla Chiquita are cooled by ocean and island breezes rather than A/C.

This evening, embark on the Nightscapes Bioluminescence and Marine Life Tour, an enchanting nighttime boat adventure in search of the area’s nocturnal marvels. Discover shimmering rock formations and observe nocturnal wildlife as you cruise along the waters. Experience the magic of bioluminescence*, a natural phenomenon that makes the water sparkle with light. Overnight at Isla Chiquita. *Please note: visibility and intensity of bioluminescence may be influenced by ambient light, moon phases, wind, and sea currents.

Tortuga Island is renowned for its stunning white sand beaches and crystal-clear blue waters, making it one of the most beautiful islands south of the Nicoya Peninsula. Just a short 30-minute boat ride from Isla Chiquita, the island offers breathtaking views, snorkeling, and optional paid activities such as hiking, kayaking, and banana boat rides. During your visit, you'll have access to an exclusive area with premium amenities. Overnight at Isla Chiquita.

Explore the Symbiosis Nature Trail on foot or grab a kayaking and head out on the water. Book additional tours and experience with the resort concierge at check-in! Options include guided kayaking excursions, local fishing, a visit to the Curu Biological Reserve, and more! Overnight Isla Chiquita.

This morning, take a private boat transfer about 1 hour back to Puntarenas. There, you will meet your driver for transfer by ground approximately 2 hours to the international airport in San Jose for your afternoon or evening departure.