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A Week Long Itinerary to See Costa Rica Highlights

Home » Costa Rica » Long Stays in Costa Rica » A Week Long Itinerary to See Costa Rica Highlights
Posted by Your Guide on May 10, 2006 4:55 PM

Plan your trip so that you arrive in San Jose and have the afternoon to explore the city. Some main attractions here include the Museo de Oro Banco Central (or Gold Museum), the Teatro Nacional (or National Theater) and quaint souvenir shops and outdoor eateries. Spend the night at the Hotel Bougainvillea, which is situated on ten acres of gardens that are worth the time to stroll through. Get a good night’s rest because you will have an early departure on Day 2.

For Day 2, start out early on your 3.5 hour drive to the Arenal Volcano area – don’t fret the drive because the countryside will provide beautiful scenery along the way. When you arrive in the area, head straight for the Tabacon Hot Springs and Resort to take a rejuvenating dip in the healing springs to unwind after your travels. It is here that you will feel that you have arrived in a country that is definitely different from all others. The Hot Springs are comprised of several pools that each have their own swim-up bars and lounges. Combine a fruity drink with views of an active volcano, and you’ll realize this is a once in a lifetime experience. You could spend the afternoon hiking the trails through the rainforest along the Tabacon River and waterfalls for more beautiful scenery. It is best to take a tour of the Arenal Volcano in the evening. The darkening sky will show off the brilliant magma that is continuously spit out of Arenal. Spend the night here in the area. A couple of highly recommended hotels are the Tabacon Hot Springs Resort or Montana de Fuego. Plan to spend two nights here so your time here won’t be rushed.

Spend Day 3 exploring the beautiful area around Arenal on an adventure of a lifetime. Options include a canopy tour that take your through the treetops of the rain forest, canyoning, hiking La Fortuna waterfall or horseback riding. Be sure to schedule a massage or other spa treatment in the late afternoon at Iskandria Spa which is located in a private area of the Tabacon Hot Springs.

Start the morning of Day 4 traveling to the Central Pacific Coast and choose a hotel located on the beach, such as Hotel Club del Mar near the town of Jaco. The location is great because of the easy access to several sights and tours. Take the day to relax on the beach or try out some surfing lessons.

Consider a Jungle River Cruise on Day 5 of your vacation. This is an exciting and educational way to tour what Costa Rica is most famous for – its incredible ecosystem and dense rainforests. Board a flat-bottom river boat to get an up-close look at the large American crocodiles the area is famous for. Or, take a guided hike through the rain forest to see wildlife such as monkeys, lizards, macaws, sloths and thousands of plant species. Drive back to San Jose in the afternoon and rest in your hotel that evening. For a fantastic dinner, eat at Bakea – a restaurant housed in a converted home in the downtown area.

Spend Day 6 exploring the Poas Volcano and surrounding areas that are about one hour north of San Jose. Start at the summit of the volcano and work your way down, observing the two craters and an elfin forest along the way. Afterward, head to La Paz Waterfall Gardens to see five spectacular waterfalls, the hummingbird forest, an orchid garden and the world’s largest butterfly observatory.

Up for some white water rafting on Day 7? The Pacuare River is consistently recognized internationally as a top ten rafting river and a great way to end your trip if you have the time. There are tours for all rafting levels, so don’t shy away from this unforgettable, day-long experience. Return to San Jose after the trip and prepare for your flight home.



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