Wild Southern

The Wild Southern will bring you off the beaten track to pristine jungle and beaches: from the lush land of Turrialba, the beautiful home of the Quetzal and the Bribri indigenous community to the untouched rainforest and crystal clear ocean at Corcovado National Park! And why not add Arenal volcano and Monteverde Cloud Forest as well? 

Duration: 
11 days/10 nights - with optional extension: 19 days/18 nights
Country: 
Type: 

Highlights

  • Turrialba
  • San Gerardo de Dota
  • Salitre & Bribri indigenous community
  • Drake Bay - Corcovado
  • Monteverde (optional extension)
  • Arenal (optional extension)
  • Samara or Puerto Viejo Beach (optional extension)

The Wild Southern itinerary offers the chance to get away from the crowds and discover some of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica. You can personalize your tour by adding the activities you like: create your own unique adventure!

 

Itinerary

The Wild Southern will bring you, off the beaten track, to less visited and less accessible areas of Costa Rica. For this reason we include a rental car for the first 6 days of this tour. On day 7 you will take a boat to Drake Bay/Corcovado and a representative of the car rental company will pick up the car which you leave at the dock before taking the boat. For people who like to see it all, like ourselves, we have an optional extension of 8 days so you also have the opportunity to visit the more touristic “must-see’s” of this amazingly diverse country.

DAY 1 - WELCOME TO COSTA RICA

San José

Our driver will be waiting for you at the airport to welcome to our country and drive to your hotel, located in the capital, very close to parks and museums.

PRIVATE TRANSFER AIRPORT - HOTEL

LODGING IN SAN JOSE & BREAKFAST INCLUDED

Optional activity

The local bar tour : Let our local guide take you to the cantina’s where the Chepe’s go themselves and enjoy some drinks with your new local friends. In every bar 1 drink or shot is included in the price. You can also enjoy a “Boca” or Gallo”, a typical tapa, at one of the bars. 

Accommodation

Standard option: Hotel La Rosa del Paseo

Discover a true treasure,  located in the heart of the Costa Rican capital, build in 1910. First, the home of the wealthy coffee farmers, now 80 years later, restored and remodeled, preserving its historical splendor, transformed into a modern-day family hotel.

Superior option: Hotel Presidente

Imagine experiencing San Jose like a local: strolling the downtown avenues, relaxing in the parks and feeling the vigorous energy and buzz provided by the edgy new boutiques, bars and restaurants opening just about every day.  At Hotel Presidente, this dream becomes reality.

DAY 2 - TO TURRIALBA

Turrialba

We definitely want you to experience it: An area on the verge of the Caribbean tropics, so rich and fertile that it’s the land for both coffee and sugar cane, as well as macadamia nuts and the oh-so-local pejibaye. This is the place where captain Morgan (yes, the pirate!) was defeated and forced back into the Caribbean Sea. This incredibly lush land is also home to the largest indigenous archeological site in the country and an active volcano that is often overlooked. This is not the typical tourist spot, but it is definitely the perfect setting to experience the rich natural and cultural transition between the Central Valley and the Caribbean jungle. 

CAR RENTAL, LDW & GPS INCLUDED 
LODGING & BREAKFAST INCLUDED 

Distance San José – Turrialba: 85 km 
Duration: 2 hours approx.

Accommodation

Standard option: Turrialtico Lodge

Turrialtico Lodge is built with beautiful rustic wood. The hotel balcony offers panoramic views of the Turrialba valley, the Turrialba Volcano and the Talamanca mountain range. It is surrounded by gorgeous tropical gardens that nest a wide variety of birds, making Turrialtico an excellent spot for birdwatching.

Superior option: Casa Turire

Casa Turire is a beautiful house that brings back memories of the farms during colonial times. This beautiful place is bordered by La Angostura Lake with the imposing presence of Turrialba mountains, which offer you an amazing landscape.

DAY 3 - TURRIALBA - OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Turrialba

In Turrialba, you can explore sustainable agricultural plantations and learn about the groundbreaking scientific discoveries sprouting from one of the leading rainforest research centers. You can discover the secrets of Costa Rica’s main pre-Columbian indigenous city and quench your thirst for adventure by partaking in a variety of activities along the Pacuare river. Top it all off with breathtaking views of the Turrialba volcano, once dormant, now sporting a proud plume of smoke and ashes that can be seen from every corner of this region, a sight not to miss!!!

CAR RENTAL, LDW & GPS INCLUDED 
LODGING & BREAKFAST INCLUDED 

Optional activities:

  1. Tropical plantations mountain bike ride:
    You will bike along tropical plantations of one of the top rainforest research centers in the world. During this tour you discover the secrets of sustainable agriculture. All sorts of tropical delicacies are being cultivated here: cacao, sugar cane, bananas, macadamia nuts, pineapple, mango among others. (duration: approx.. 3 hours).
  2. Guayabo Archeological Monument:
    Tucked away in the shadows of the Turrialba Volcano, lies the mythical lost city and National Indigenous Monument: Guayabo. It is Costa Rica’s most important archeological site and our expert-guided tour provides an opportunity to explore the remains of what was believed to be a bustling 10 000 people city which vanished mysteriously right before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadores in the 16th century. (duration: approx. 3 hours)
  3. Pacuare River Rafting:
    Discover the lush rain forest while rafting down the world famous Pacuare River. Rapids are class III to IV. Not only will this day be an exciting adventure, you will also have the chance to admire the lush forest from a different angle. (full day, lunch included).
    On the raft you will be accompanied by an experienced guide. First you receive the equipment and get a briefing for your security. There will also be guides in kayaks who will take pictures and help you out if you would happen to fall into the water.
  4. Canyoning & Canopy:
    Feel the adrenaline while you descend cliffs and waterfalls in this this small but lush canyon. The canyoning tour begins with an introduction by the guide, who will explain all about the equipment and help you familiarize with it. The tour starts at the first waterfall where  the guide will give a speech on safety. And then you are off on a 2-3 hour adventure: rappelling down 4 waterfalls, zip lining down 4 canopy cables, and walking across a 132 foot hanging bridge. Minimum age is 7 years.
  5. Pejibaye River floating:
    This is a perfect family river rafting experience. Pejibaye has class I-III rapids, which means: not too hard and easier/calmer than the Pacuare River. There are more and longer quiet parts where your guide will encourage you to jump out of the raft and go for a little swim. Minimum age is 7 years old.

DAY 4 - TO SAN GERARDO DE DOTA CLOUD FOREST

San Gerardo de Dota

Nestled in the Savegre River Valley, tourism hasn't quite hit this quaint settlement yet which provides quick access to the recently named Los Quetzales National Park. The name says it all: bird lovers come from all over to observe the elusive Quetzal bird which lives here year-round. 

Nature enthusiasts will marvel at the plethora of hummingbird and woodpeckers, whose buzzing and hard labor fills the forest air.

CAR RENTAL, LDW & GPS INCLUDED 
LODGING & BREAKFAST INCLUDED 

Distance Turrialba – San Gerardo de Dota: 114 km 
Duration: 3 hours approx.

Standard option: Sueños del Bosque

Visitors will be delighted by what Sueños del Bosque offers.  Several lakes and ponds surround the property.  Enjoy the comfortable cabins and have a taste of authentic Costa Rican food and drinks prepared from products available in the area such as apples, plums, and peaches.  

Superior option: Trogón Lodge

Trogón Lodge is inspired by the song of the Resplendent Quetzal in its magical fly, the surrounding collage of green trees and mountains, the serenity of the Cloud Forest, and the sounds of the Savegre River. 

DAY 5 - SAN GERARDO DE DOTA - OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

San Gerardo de Dota 

This place is magical, please make sure you enjoy this day walking in the cloud forest and watching the colorful Quetzal.

CAR RENTAL, LDW & GPS INCLUDED 
LODGING & BREAKFAST INCLUDED 

Optional activities

  1. Quetzal Quest
    San Gerardo de Dota is home to a large population of one of the most beautiful birds in the Americas, the Resplendent Quetzal. From the Trogoniade family and a sacred bird to the ancient indigenous cultures, the Quetzal resides here all year round. The climate and good amount of food ( Aguacatillo tree) provide a great habitat for these birds.
    Join our local guide for coffee, before departing at 6.00 AM on a quest to find Quetzals. Our guide will try to spot them for you. With its metallic green plumage, crimson breast and bell, its incredible steamer-like feathers, watching a male Quetzal in its magical flight, is a unique, breathtaking experience.
    Return to the lodge at 08.00 AM for breakfast. Difficulty: mild. Make sure to bring a good jacket, raingear, walking/comfortable shoes, camera and binoculars.
  2. Cerro La Muerte Hike
    A 6 hours ‘hike for the experienced hiker and the adventurous! We will drive up from the lodge to the peak of the mountain in the area of Cerro de la Muerte and will be dropped off there. The hike will go downhill for 10,5 kilometers (6,5 miles). Along the way, enjoy observing plant and bird species. Participants are required to be in excellent physical conditions and have hiking experience. Please bring good hiking/trail shoes, light jacket/windbreaker, hat, sunblock, walking stick, binoculars and camera. There will also be a Reserve fee to pay on the spot, not included in the tour price.
  3. Paramo Forest Walk
    The “Paramo” is a unique highland area that develops in altitudes higher than 3 000 meters above sea level ( 9840 feet approx.); an ecosystem that develops on the summits with its unique fauna an flora. We will take you to an altitude of 3 300 meters (10 800 feet) to discover, with your tour guide, the variety of birds and plants that reside here. We will drive up to the summit where the tour will develop.
    Difficulty: Intermediate good physical conditions required. Be aware of altitude sickness.

DAY 6 - TO SALITRE INDIGENOUS TERRITORY

Salitre Indigenous territory

After breakfast, you’ll return to the road. 

Bribripá Kaneblo, is an indigenous Bribri community with a great wish to illustrate its cultural values to those who visit them. Proud to demonstrate who they are, they will teach you about the Bribri worldview, the use of medicinal plants and the process of milling corn, as well as some of their sacred rituals. They are located in the Salitre indigenous territory in Buenos Aires - an area of great beauty with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and rivers.

CAR RENTAL, LDW & GPS INCLUDED 
BRIBRIPA U PAKO, LUNCH INCLUDED - NON optional activity
BRIBRIPA KANEBLO RURAL LODGE, DINNER & BREAKFAST INCLUDED

Distance San Gerardo de Dota – Salitre, Buenos Aires: 128 km 
Duration: 2 ½ hours approx.

DAY 7 - TO DRAKE BAY

Drake Bay

Drive southern to Sierpe dock, where you will meet with the car rental representative to return the car. Then, take a 45 minutes ride on a small boat to Drake Bay. 

CAR RENTAL RETURN 
BOAT SIERPE – DRAKE 
LODGING AND BREAKFAST INCLUDED IN STANDARD OPTION - LODGING AND ALL MEALS INCLUDED IN SUPERIOR OPTION

Distance Salitre, Buenos Aires - Serpe: 83 km 
Duration: 1 ½ hour approx.

Accomodation

Standard option

Cabinas Manolo Drake Bay has a pretty setting surrounded by tropical gardens. Its rooms come with porches and garden or mountain views. Each room at the Cabinas Manolo Drake Bay has simple décor and a private bathroom. All rooms feature a fan, mosquito net and free Wi-Fi. There is a hammock on the porch. The Manolo Drake’s modern restaurant serves a range of international cuisine and typical local dishes.

Superior option

Tranquilo Lodge is an ocean front eco-lodge nestled in the jungle, on the Southern Pacific coastline of Costa Rica. Located on the Osa Peninsula, the hotel is perfectly situated near Drake Bay and the Corcovado National Rainforest, being one of the most remote and untouched places in the world.    

DAY 8 & DAY 9 - DRAKE BAY - OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Drake Bay

During your stay at Drake Bay, you will be surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the ocean and the tropical sounds of the jungle. Embrace adventure and take in nature with the surrounding pristine beaches, crystal clear ocean and river waters, miles upon miles of untouched rainforest, and the most amazing underwater habitats that Costa Rica has to offer. 

MANOLO CABINS, STANDARD ROOM, BREAKFAST INCLUDED

or

TRANQUILO LODGE, DELUXE VILLA & ALL MEALS INCLUDED 

Optional activities

  1. Snorkling at Isla del Caño &
  2. Diving at Isla del caño:
    This is hands down one of the most beautiful ways to experience Costa Rica. Because of the island’s corals and diversity of marine life, Isla del Caño is considered one of the best diving areas in Costa Rica.
    The visibility here is excellent. It varies from site to site but averages 50 feet plus. Water temperatures are normally over 25 degrees Celsius (in the 80’s Fahrenheit) with thermoclines at various depths. Glide through the water with a giant manta Ray or sea turtle, or observe huge schools of barracuda, jacks and rays that frequent the area. If you are lucky you may even witness an awe-inspiring whale shark. Humpback whales frequent the area from July to October, and also dolphins are a common sight.
    Duration: 5-6 hours.
    What to bring: swimsuit, sunscreen, hiking shoes (optional)
    What is included? Scuba equipment (mask and tube), guide, dive master, two dives each, boat ride.
    Please note that boat landings can be wet due to the fact that there are no docks so you need to get off in the ocean. Also there are no toilets on the island. You are in unspoiled nature. Be sure to pack things in a water resistant bag. Depending on the weather conditions the Ocean can be calm but it can also be less calm.
  3. Corcovado National Park
    National Geographic has called Corcovado National Park “one of the most biologically intense places on earth in terms of biodiversity”, as it hosts 13 different types of ecosystems in such close proximity supporting an abundance of stunning wildlife. The 105 000 acre park is widely considered the “crown jewel” in Costa Rica’s extensive system of national parks and biological reserves. It also contains one of the few remaining coastal, virgin, lowland rain forests in existence.
    There are 2 ranger stations from which you can start your visit:
    1. Sirena Ranger Station – Corcovado NP:
      La Sirena is the most important, and also most secluded, ranger station. From Drake Bay it takes about 1,5 hours by boot to get there. During a walk in this area you will discover how powerful nature can be when she is not stopped by human beings. Look for magical plants and mysterious animals together with an experienced guide.
    2. San pedrillo Ranger Station – Corcovado NP:
      From Drake Bay it is only 45 minutes by boat to get to San Pedrillo Ranger Station. This station is mainly known for its botanical observations. An experienced guide will take you along trails in the primary forest and will try to spot wildlife for you. You have the chance to make some great pictures. At noon you can have a pick nick at the ranger station. After lunch, take a refreshing dip by a waterfall in the rain forest.

    This tour will take about 6 to 7 hours. Included are: entrance fees, professional guide, scenic boat ride along the Osa coast, picknick lunch.
    The boat landings can be wet due to the fact that there are no docks, you need to get off the boat in the water. Please bring swimming gear, water shoes, and a water resistant bag with good walking shoes, light trousers, long-sleeved shirt, hat, light rain gear, extra drinking water, binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellent, and of course: your camera.
    !!! Access to the park is limited, so we highly advise booking these tours as early as possible to ensure availability.

  4. Night walk with Lady Bug:
    Discover the fascinating nocturnal world of the rainforest. You, and your knowledgeable guide, the “Bug Lady” will look for the creatures that come out at night. Explore the fascinating world of tropical insects and arachnids during this exciting tour.
    In Costa Rica it turns dark very suddenly, and around 6.00 PM already,  as if somebody turns off the switch. So this tour starts already at 7.30 PM and lasts until about 10.15 PM. Please wear closed and easy shoes ( no sandals!).
    You will be surprised about the fact that there will be no mosquitos during this hike. It is best to take your spray, just in case but it is unlikely that you would meet any mosquitos on your way.
  5. Horse-riding at the beach:
    Horseback riding is a great way to explore the Drake Bay area by an extensive trail system that runs along pristine beaches and into the primary jungle where you will get to explore beautiful waterfalls, cross rivers and see a variety of wildlife.
    No experience needed. Duration : 3 hours

DAY 10 - BACK TO SAN JOSE

San José

Today you take the boat back to Sierpe and a flight back to San José (50 minutes). Your driver will be waiting for you to take you to the hotel.

After you leave your luggage, you will meet our guide who will take you to have lunch in a cozy restaurant before you start walking in San José. Let him show you our capital like a friend would show you. From public libraries that were torn down and became corky parking lots, to hidden pieces of the Berlin Wall as well as kitsch canteens nestled in the local market.

BOAT DRAKE BAY – SIERPE

FLIGHT TO SAN JOSE

PRIVATE TRANSFER AIRPORT – HOTEL

WALKING CITY TOUR WITH A LOCAL GUIDE & LUNCH INCLUDED

LODGING & BREAKFAST INCLUDED

Accomodation

On day 10 you have the same accommodation options in San José as on day 1.

DAY 11 - END OF TOUR - OR - OPTIONAL EXTENSION

End of tour OR optional extension

All good things come to an end. In case you have chosen our Wid Southern tour of 11 days, without optional extension, our driver will take you to the airport.

PRIVATE TRANSFER HOTEL - AIRPORT

But...why stop now? We offer a great optional extension, which will take you by shuttle van from San José to beautiful Monteverde and Arenal Volcano. To top it all off you will enjoy a few days at the beach in Samara or in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Please read on to find out more about this optional extension.

Monteverde

Welcome to the mysteriously hypnotizing cloud forest of Monteverde. This is the perfect setting for zip-lining and exploring the tree canopy via hanging bridges.

Monteverde is a breath-taking rainbow–covered valley in the clouds, on clear days offering spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and Arenal Volcano.

SHUTTLE TRANSFER SAN JOSE - MONTEVERDE
LODGING, BREAKFAST INCLUDED

Distance San José - Monteverde: 138 km
Duration: 3 hours approx.

Accommodation

Standard option: Cabinas Los Pinos, standard cabina *breakfast included at Stella’s Restaurant*

Cabanas Los Pinos’ individual cabins are surrounded by pine trees and beautifully landscaped gardens. Every cabin is tastefully furnished with a living and dining area, full kitchen, electronic safe and private parking area. Indeed, these cabins have everything one would need to stay in Monteverde for a week, a month, or a year. Separate bedrooms are equipped with large and comfortable beds, while private bathrooms are fitted with hot water showers. Breakfast is not served at the cabin but it is included at Stella’s Restaurant, which is less than a 1 km walk.

Superior option: Cloud Forest Lodge, standard room

Cloud Forest Lodge accommodations are designed to create a balance between nature and comfort. The spacious bungalow-style bedrooms are simple and basic to provide a real mountain lodge experience. They are however, very cozy, comfortable and warm to enhance the natural feel of home. All rooms have a front porch for quiet relaxation, read your favorite book peacefully or take a quiet walk through the butterfly gardens. Outside the rooms they have carefully preserved gardens with local native plant life, animal life, birds and butterflies that interact directly with the guests.

DAY 12 - MONTEVERDE - OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES - EXTENSION

Monteverde

LODGING, BREAKFAST INCLUDED

Optional activities

  1. Hanging bridges & Sloth habitat
    Take a calm walk through the canopy and soak up the beauty of this unique cloud forest. The challenge is to spot a sloth climbing by slowly! They hang out in the trees.
  2. ​Zipline, Superman & Tarzan Swing
    Yes, you will scream, and yes, you will think twice before doing it, but once it is over, you will all want to go again. Monteverde is the absolute perfect spot to go ziplining. You will start off with about 10 smaller ziplines so you really get the hang of it before facing the Superman zipline. This is a zipline with a length of 1500 metres! You go in true Superman style, meaning: on your belly, head first. Once you have recovered from flying over the valley, you can swing through the forest in Tarzan style!
  3. Meet the Quakers of Monteverde
    In 1949, after serving time for refusing to fight in the Korean War, four pacifist Quakers from Alabama sought a country where they could embrace their peaceful beliefs and continue to cultivate their dairy farms. Costa Rica had abolished its army in 1948 and had underdeveloped mountainsides that were perfect for their trade. So, in 1950 several Quakers picked up their belongings and moved to Monteverde where they began to farm and live in peace.  These families, along with some of the area’s locals, have established the most eco-minded community in the country. On this exclusive tour, you will get to meet the families of the original Quakers and you will hear their story first hand.
  4. ​Monteverde Reserve Guided Walk
    Discover the tropical rainforest with our experienced guide. This will give you great opportunities to spot mammals, birds and plants, which you would probably not even notice without the presence of our guide. Easy walk of about 3 hours, moderate hills, entrance included.
  5. ​Doña Hermidia Farm
    Hermidia is a very friendly Costa Rican lady with a good sense of humor. She opens the doors of her property and shows how she lives of almost nothing else but what she grows herself. In her backyard you will find: plantains, yuca, papaya, pineapples,  heart of palm and others. At the end she cooks a Costa Rican dish with the things she has picked up in the garden during the tour. You can enjoy tasting the dish in her living room, a regular day at the farm!
  6. ​Finca Life, coffee tour
    Learn all about coffee harvesting and its history related to the development of Monteverde and Costa Rica. This is a sustainable farm which grows organic coffee. In order to do so, they need other trees, plants and animals. And of course you will also get to enjoy a coffee tasting. Entrance included.

DAY 13 - TO ARENAL - OPTIONAL EXTENSION

Arenal

Drive to La Fortuna near Arenal Volcano. La Fortuna (which means The Great Fortune) is home not only to one of the most exciting volcanoes in Costa Rica (Arenal), but to some of the most beautiful waterfalls, hot springs and indigenous communities.

REGULAR LAKE CROSSING MONTEVERDE – ARENAL // CAR-BOAT-CAR
LODGING, BREAKFAST INCLUDED

Distance Monteverde - Arenal: 137 km
Duration: 3 ½ hours approx.

Accommodation

Standard option: Nepenthe B&B, standard room

A boutique hotel in the mountains of Northwestern Costa Rica. Situated a half-hour from the lively town of La Fortuna they offer a private and tranquil atmosphere with spectacular views of Arenal volcano and lake Arenal.
We are pretty sure you will experience, in the serenity of Nepenthe, a respite from everyday worries and concerns.  Whether relaxing in or by the spring-fed pool, lounging in a hammock or watching the beautiful views of Arenal Lake, Arenal Volcano and the jungle and wildlife from the rocking chairs.

Superior option: Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge

Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge caters to visitors who seek a welcoming, warm and personalized vacation experience in a family style setting. This is an authentic back to nature property that allows guests to witness the diverse Costa Rican flora and fauna in its natural form. Owned and managed by the Rojas Bonilla family, the old fashioned, rustic and charming Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge is an eco-friendly Lodge with friendly service and sustainable tourism. The lodge is predominantly an ecological farm that has been devoted and has adhered to strict practices in sustainable development along with conservation policies for many years.

DAY 14 - ARENAL - OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES - EXTENSION

Arenal

We recommend you take advantage of this place as you can do many activities to explore the local flora and fauna, relax and get to know the local people.

LODGING, BREAKFAST INCLUDED

Optional activities:

  1. EcoTermales Hot Springs
    Whatever you choose to do in Arenal, your visit will not be complete without spending a little time resting and relaxing in some of the best eco-thermal hot springs in the world.  Lunch or dinner included.
  2. La Fortuna Waterfall Hike
    Enjoy the magnificent nature an do not forget your swimming gear as you will be able to swim at the waterfall. The distance is only 3 kilometers but we do suggest that you wear comfortable shoes: the terrain is not completely flat and there are some stairs. Also, the high humidity and temperatures can make the walk harder than you would expect.
    What to bring?  sun tan lotion, mosquito spray, towel, flip flops, water.
    Please note that there are no dressing rooms or services in nature.
  3. Visit Maleku Indigenous Community
    Don Alfredo is a Maleku who loves to show you the regular life of this specific indigenous community.  A the beautiful Maleku Rancho he will share his stories and traditions with you. There will also be a small ceremony and the opportunity to enjoy a typical Maleku snack. It is important to understand that all places in the surroundings, like the volcano, the waterfall and the forest are sacred places to the Maleku and so they should be treated with respect.
  4. Guided walk National Park around Arenal Lake
    There are different trails that you can take. You can choose to do them all or just a few. The total length is only 5 kilometers but you should take into account the heat, humidity and the fact that some paths could be slippery. The trails are flat with moderate hills. (see picture)
  5. Kayak on Lake Arenal
    Admire the beautiful scenery and views of the Arenal Volcano while kayaking on the lake.
  6. Cook a typical Costa Rican dish
    Learn to cook a typical dish which you can eat yourself afterwards, so: pay attention! 

DAY 15 - TO SAMARA BEACH OR PUERTO VIEJO LIMON - OPTIONAL EXTENSION

Relax at the beach

OPTION 1: SAMARA BEACH

The beautiful coastal hamlet of Samara is a paradise on the Nicoya Peninsula's western shore. Known as one of the prettiest and safest beaches in all of Costa Rica, Playa Samara radiates wonderful white sand in contrast to the aquamarine water.
Samara's laidback vibe allows for rest and relaxation, an almost universal characteristic of the Nicoya Peninsula. Its village offers a number of services: stores, restaurants, hotels, and a small selection of bars.

SHUTTLE TRANSFER TO SAMARA BEACH
LODGING AT SAMARA BEACH, BREAKFAST INCLUDED

Distance Arenal - Samara:  188 km 

Duration: 5 hours approx.

Accommmodation

Standard option: Hotel Giada

Hotel Giada, a small beach hotel located at a short walk from the beautiful Samara Beach, in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The Hotel offers comfortable and cozy rooms, Italian-Tico charm, amazing cuisine and a vast variety of tours and excursions to explore Samara surrounding beaches. 

Superior option: Leyenda Hotel,suite room 

Hotel Leyenda is located just 2 km from Playa Carrillo and just 10 minutes away from Samara. Bordered by palm trees with a rocky hill to appreciate a beautiful panoramic view. It has rich flora and fauna, leatherback and olive ridley sea turtles nest on its coast and during the months of November to April is visited by humpback and gray whales looking to mate. Awarded the "Blue Flag" which certifies the high environmental and safety standards 

 

OPTION 2: PUERTO VIEJO DE TALAMANCA

Puerto Viejo gives sense to the word “crossroads”. The place where everything and everyone meets to create a culturally rich, complex and unbelievably relaxed way of life. Amazing Caribbean beaches and world cuisine, and out of this world gourmet chocolate. It’s the place where the lush tropical jungle meets the sand and Afro-Caribbean people have paired with the local Indigenous communities and European immigrants to create a wonderfully cosmopolitan Caribbean town where you can experience a deep respect for nature, peace and calm.

Cue your best Bob Marley playlist and hop on a bicycle to go around the world along the beaches of this small yet cosmopolitan paradise within paradise.

SHUTTLE TRANSFER ARENAL - PUERTO VIEJO DE TALAMANCA

LODGING AT PUERTO VIEJO BEACH, BREAKFAST INCLUDED

Distance Arenal – Puerto Viejo:  310 km 
Duration: 6 hours approx.

Accomodation

Standard option: Cabinas Guarana

Cabinas Guarana is a small hotel full of charm. It is situated in one of the most quiet and central streets in Puerto Viejo, 200 m. from the beach. The hotel is safe and private and a lush, tropical garden refreshes the environment and view with all of its fantastic flowers and tones of green.
The reception is decorated by hand with stencils and mosaics for a cheerful effect and an alchemy of colours that turn luminous, here, in Guarana, on even the most rainy days.

Superior option: Namuwoki Lodge

Namuwoki Lodge has 13 bungalows, surrounded by lush nature. Each offers its own characteristic and capacity and essential keys to savor the nuances of Caribbean culture with a varied color and texture, 

 

DAY 16 & DAY 17 - RELAX AT THE BEACH - OPTIONAL EXTENSION

Playa Samara OR Puerto Viejo Beach

Relax at the beach!

LODGING AT SAMARA BEACH OR PUERTO VIEJO BEACH, BREAKFAST INCLUDED

DAY 18 - BACK TO SAN JOSE - OPTIONAL EXTENSION

San José

Today you will take the shuttle back to San José. You have the same accommodation options in San José as on day 1 of the Wild Southern itinerary.

SHUTTLE TRANSFER SAMARA OR PUERTO VIEJO – SAN JOSE 
LODGING & BREAKFAST INCLUDED 

Distance Samara – San Jose:  234 km 
Duration: 4 hours approx.

Distance Puerto Viejo – San Jose:  217 km 
Duration: 5 hours approx.

DAY 19 - END OF OPTIONAL EXTENSION

San José

Today the Wild Southern tour with optional extension comes to an end. But surely you will leave with many unforgettable experiences and happy memories.

PRIVATE TRANSFER HOTEL - AIRPORT

 

Prices and options

Prices in Costa Rica vary according to the season in which you would like to travel and the places you would like to travel too. For example, high season for most of the country is from December until end of April but on the Caribbean side, September and October are high season months. If we leave out the Caribbean region, there are 3 seasons:

  • Low season from May to November
  • High season from December to April
  • Peak season during Christmas and New Years' holidays as well as during the holy week around Easter.

Aside from the season, the price of your personalized itinerary depends on the type of accommodations, activities and transportation you prefer. As we buy all services directly from our local partner in Costa Rica in USD, the exchange rate also can influence the total, depending on the currency you would like to pay in (EUR, CHF, CAD...).

These variables combined with the fact that we offer a custom-made itinerary for every client, is one of the reasons we have created an original tool to request a customized itinerary and price offer. It is called "the YŪGEN compass". It helps you to show us what your holiday should be like and at the same time provides you several images, inspiration and possibilities. There is also space to write down any question you may have or additional information you would like to give us. 

The YŪGEN compass

Use our compass to let us know what kind of holiday you would like and let us guide you in the right direction. Together we will create your custom-made itinerary which fits your style and wishes.

 

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Important information

Travel insurance

  • Considering the adventurous nature of most of our tours and destinations, we recommend to take out a travel insurance, covering for cancellation and curtailment, medical situations, baggage, emergency evacuation.
  • YŪGEN tours does not provide travel insurance

Medical Precautions

  • Check with your local immunization authority, travel clinic, public health facility or personal physician
  • Visit the WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION website for up to date information www.who.int
  • You will need HEPATITIS A vaccination when traveling to Latin America. We recommend consulting your doctor well before departure. If he / she recommends certain vaccinations, you may have to receive more than one injection spread over a number of weeks or even months. Moreover, the current guidelines can always change without prior notice and depend on the country your are traveling from.
  • If you are traveling from Panama or certain risk countries regarding Yellow Fever to Costa Rica, you may be asked at the border control to provide proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever.
  • A good anti-mosquito spray (with minimum 25% DEET) is a must. A mosquito net and long sleeves and trousers can also offer extra protection. Malaria, Dengue and the Zika virus, although not very represented, are present in some parts of the country, and in certain seasons. Consequently, it is advisable to protect yourself against this en to consult your doctor well before you travel.

Travel documentation

If you do not have the Belgian nationality, you must inquire at the embassy in your country. The following is valid for people with Belgian nationality:

  • An international passport, valid for at least 6 months after your return date.
  • A visa is not required if you stay in Costa Rica for less than 90 days.

Flights

  • Flights are not included in the price of the tour. You are free to choose your flight dates, route, price and airline company.
  • If you opt for flights with a stopover or transfer in the United States of America, please note that you must complete a VISA WAIVER. You can do this up to a minimum of 72 hours before arrival, and this on the website of ESTA. The permission is valid for 2 years and costs approximately 14 USD per person.
  • Before booking your flights, please contact YŪGEN tours first to check whether our local partners are not fully booked on the desired dates.
  • All our tours start in San José. It is therefore recommended that you fly to San José, more specifically to the Juan Santamaría international airport, located near Alajuela. We will ask you to sent us your flight details so we can arrange your transfer to the hotel in San José from the airport Juan Santamaría.
  • When you leave Costa Rica you have to pay the so-called departure tax, which is about 29 $ per person and must be paid in dollars or colones at the counter in the airport. 

Car Rental & Insurance

Download the car rental information.