Welcome to Costa Rica!

Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)  is located in Alajuela, in close proximity to the capital San José.  When you arrive at the airport, our driver will be waiting for you with a sign in his hand, and will take you to your first accommodation. If you arrive early in the morning and would like to do an early check-in,  we will be happy to arrange this for the corresponding additional charge of one night.  The regular check-in time starts at 14:00.

Note: The maximum waiting time is 2 hours after the scheduled arrival time. Drivers keep track of the arrival time and will pick you up at the airport even if there are delays, as long as it fits with their next transfers. In the case of slight delays, there may be an additional cost for exceeding the 2-hour waiting time, this extra must be paid directly to the driver. If the flight is diverted or the delay is more than one hour after the scheduled arrival time, the driver may not be able to wait and a new transfer may need to be paid for.

The vibrant heart of Costa Rica!

The lively capital San José is nestled in the Central Valley at an altitude of 1100 meters.  Is the cultural and financial center of the country with lots of shops and street stalls. In the city center, various places invite you to linger, such as the “Parque Morazan”, "el paseo de las Damas", "Parque España", "la Escuela Metálica", the Metropolitan Cathedral and of course, the "Plaza de la Cultura” in the center of the capital, with the historic National Theatre, a replica of the Vienna Opera. Whether in the Gold Museum, the Jade Museum or the National Museum, exciting testimonies and treasures of Costa Rica's history are displayed everywhere. On “Avenida Central”, you can shop and browse through countless shops.

In the eastside of the city, in the trendy “Barrio Escalante”, lies the culinary heart of San Jose. Try traditional or modern Costa Rican cuisine, vegan or international dishes — there's something for everyone here!

The city is easy to explore on foot during the day, and we recommend taxis for the evening hours.

Pick up your hire car today!

A member of staff from the car hire company will be waiting for you at the reception of your hotel and will take care of collecting your hire car with you.

Please note: A credit card is required for the deposit on the hire car! EC cards, checks or cash are not accepted.

Heading to La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano!

Travel time approx. 3 hours

The majestic Arenal Volcano is already waiting for you. You can see its impressive, cone-shaped form from far away, while you are getting closer. However, the giant often hides behind clouds, so you are lucky if you get to see it in its full beauty!
Around the volcano, there are many natural sights to discover: waterfalls, old lava flows, huge trees, and hot springs heated by volcanic veins.

How about a hike at the foot of the volcano, followed by pure relaxation in one of the thermal springs? There are activities for all ages: from peaceful quiet to exciting adventure, there is something for everyone.

Until 2010, the volcano was regularly active, with frequent smoke and glowing rocks. This active phase began with a major eruption in 1968, and continued with smaller eruptions until 2010. Since then, Arenal Volcano has been in a resting phase with very low activity – a normal process for active volcanoes.
The volcano and the town of La Fortuna are popular stops for many tourists, offering plenty of hotels, restaurants, shops, and a wide range of activities.

Sky Adventures Guided Hanging bridges Tour!

Included Activity

Discover the Sky Adventures hanging bridges and scenic nature walk with a Naturalist Guide. This 4 km route invites you to enjoy a peaceful walk through a lush ecosystem, where suspension bridges provide close-up perspectives of the forest canopy.

Immerse yourself in the heart of the tropical forest for an unforgettable nature experience crossing elevated hanging bridges for sweeping views above the treetops.  The Guide will explain everything about this beautiful forest while you continue along the well-maintained trails at ground level. The path features uneven sections and changes in elevation, adding an adventurous touch to this enriching forest journey.

Almost to the border with Nicaragua!

Travel time approx. 2 hours

The small off-the-beaten-path village is located on the Northern low lands of the country, only 12 km far from the Nicaraguan border.  It is well known for its abundand nature, ideal for photographers and birdwtchers.  You can find more than 350 different bird species in this zone. In particular, the green macaw has stablished a stable nesting site in this habitat.  The King Vulture is also easy to observe; it can often be seen perched in the trees, showcasting its magestic presence. The area is also home of crocodiles, monkeys, frogs, sloths and armadillos, just to mention a few.  It features important wetlands, rainforests, lagoons, and the San Carlos River, offering great canoeing and hiking opportunities.

Boca Tapada can be reached from Pital village on a gravel road, through papaya and pineapple plantations. The Río San Carlos with its wide riverbed and the surrounding rainforest areas offer a great jungle experience. Don't miss the opportunity to stop in the village of Boca Tapada on the Rio San Carlos and look out for the green iguanas in the trees.

Notes when traveling with Car Rental:

The last petrol station and the last small supermarket are in Pital If staying at Maquenque Lodge: Please be at the Maquenque Lodge car park before nightfall so that you can cross the river by boat in daylight.

By motorboat across the San Carlos River!

Included Activity

Today’s boat excursion follows the calm waters of the San Carlos River. As you glide along, your guide will keep an eye out for basilisks skimming across the surface, along with several species of herons, toucans, and colorful kingfishers. Iguanas can often be seen sunning themselves in the riverside trees, while the deep calls of howler monkeys echo through the canopy, marking their territory high above. Overhead, scarlet macaws may pass by, and with a bit of luck, you might even spot the elusive great green macaw soaring along the river.

• Duration: approx. 2.5 hours
• Tour in regular basis sharing with other clients

Reggae, dream beaches and Caribbean feeling! 

Travel time approx. 4.45 hours 

Puerto Viejo de Limón is located in the south-east of the country, directly on the Atlantic coast. The small town is located directly by the sea and is mainly inhabited by Costa Ricans of Afro-American origin. The culture is strongly characterized by Jamaican and African influences, and for this reason is called “the little Jamaica”.  They even speak their own language called “Patuá” - a mixture of English and Spanish.

Overall, Puerto Viejo de Limón, is very laid-back village with easy going people. There are many different restaurants, bars and souvenir stalls, as well as stores where you can browse at your leisure. Music can be heard everywhere, and people are in a cheerful mood. Surfers, sun-seekers and cyclists characterize the cityscape. The hotels are combined with exotic nature, and most of them are bungalow style or “petit deluxe”.  You will not find big hotel chains in this area.  All the accommodations have their own charm and are surrounded by lush gardens and colorful flowers.  Some hotels are on the beach line, but the majority are few steps from the beach (in the woods), and some others are on the hillside.

Cocles beach is the favorite surf spot with strong waves. “Playa Chiquita” is particularly suitable for swimming, here you will find areas with waves as well as small natural pools that are shielded from the waves by an offshore reef. To the north of Puerto Viejo, you will find black volcanic sandy beaches which make the landscape very different and wild.  In addition, if you go more south, you will find Manzanillo, another nice “very natural beach” with lots of palms and forest just next to the sand.

Swimming, snorkeling or biking along the Atlantic coast!

Days at leisure!

There’s so much to explore around Puerto Viejo de Limón—starting, of course, with the stunning beaches. Whether you're into white sandy shores lined with palm trees, black volcanic sand, or golden beaches with perfect waves for surfing, there is something here for everyone. The best times to head to the beach are early in the morning or late afternoon, when the sun is less intense. Thanks to Costa Rica’s strict coastal conservation laws, buildings must maintain a minimum distance of 150 meters from the high tide line. This means most beaches are beautifully preserved and surrounded only by nature, making them peaceful and perfect for unwinding.

Active travelers can go for optional hikes in Cahuita or Manzanillo National Parks or rent a bike to explore the coast at their own pace.  Snorkeling enthusiasts can take a boat trip to the coral reef of Cahuita National Park to marvel at the underwater world, and dolphin-watching tours near the border with Panama offer another unforgettable experience.  And for  the ones that are looking for culture, you can live indigenous experiences as a day trip.

Cahuita National Park is half an hour by car from Puerto Viejo.  It offers a hiking trail along the coast, where you can easily hike for between 2 and 6 hours. The trail leads past secluded, white dream beaches.  In some parts of the beach, you will find strong waves and currents, and in other areas, calm and crystal waters to swim. Thanks to the offshore coral reef, you can wonderfully explore the colorful underwater world on a snorkeling tour. During the trail walk you can find sloths, howler monkeys, raccoons, parrots, various falcon species and sometimes snakes are often spotted during migrations. The capuchin monkeys are already used to park visitors and like to be photographed.

Important: Please do not feed the animals.  You must be careful because they are good food thieves!

Back to the Pulsating Heart of Costa Rica!

Travel time: approx. 4.30 hours

Unfortunately, your vacation is slowly coming to an end.

In the evening, you will return your rental car at your hotel in the Central Valley and spend your final night there before your journey leads you home or onwards. 

The Central Valley is home to the majority of Costa Rica’s population.  You can take the advantage of the city to buy your last souvenirs before your departure.

Note: If the rental car representative does not arrive at the agreed time at the hotel, you can leave the key and GPS/phone at the hotel reception.

Adiós, Costa Rica!

Today, it’s time to say goodbye to the tropical paradise of Costa Rica. A transfer service will pick you up from your hotel based on your flight time and take you to the airport. With wonderful memories of your journey in your luggage, you’ll board your flight home.

We wish you a safe and pleasant flight!