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Costa Rica Holidays: Arenal Volcano + Rincon De La Vieja + Tamarindo + Catalinas Islands

Costa Rica Adventure: Arenal + Rincon + Tamarindo Beach
RRE12S

12 NIGHTS

FROM $3,228

Per person sharing

Flights quoted separately

Costa Rica Holidays Arenal Volcano Rincon De La Vieja Catalinas Islands

This adventurous Costa Rica holiday combines the ziplines, hanging bridges, rainforests & hot springs of Arenal Volcano with the waterfall hikes, river tubing & white water rafting found in the dramatic landscapes of volcanic Rincon de la Vieja. Afterwards relax on beautiful Tamarindo beach on the Pacific Coast, with easy access to snorkelling & diving around the Catalinas Islands.

▲

• Cost Rica Holidays	• La Fortuna	• Arenal Volcano	• Hanging Bridges & Hot Springs
• Skytram & Ziplines	• Rincon de la Vieja	• Waterfall Hikes	• White Water Rafting
• Tamarindo	• Catalinas Islands

▲

• Cost Rica Holidays	• La Fortuna	• Arenal Volcano
• Hanging Bridges & Hot Springs	• Skytram & Ziplines	• Rincon de la Vieja
• Waterfall Hikes	• White Water Rafting	• Tamarindo
• Catalinas Islands

Day 1

You will be met at San Jose Airport and transferred to your hotel. Check in and relax in the beautiful Central Valley, surrounded by the Talamanca Mountains to the south and the volcanoes of Poas, Irazu and Turrialba.

Check in to your hotel conveniently situated near the airport.

Day 2

Today transfer 4-hours by shared shuttle from San Jose, travelling through beautiful Costa Rican mountain scenery towards the Arenal Volcano - one of the most active in Central America, with a perfect cone that on a clear day is visible from almost anywhere in the area.

After driving through the mountains on narrow roads, your route crosses a large cattle and agricultural area, where chocolate is grown. Cacao was very important in the ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations and today it is enjoyed throughout the world.

After checking in to your hotel in La Fortuna you will be transferred to Ecotermales Hot Springs, where you can relax surrounded by rainforest and enjoy an included dinner.

Note: Your driver will only speak Spanish. When travelling by shuttle, your luggage is restricted to one suitcase and one item of hand luggage. We suggest water shoes for the hot springs.

Days 3 To 4

At leisure to explore more of the magnificent surroundings of La Fortuna and Arenal National Park, with its many natural hot springs (pay any entrance fees locally).

Optional activities include waterfall hikes, a visit to Arenal Observatory to walk its trails and photograph wildlife, river tubing, mountain biking, zip-lining, horse riding or a gentle cruise down the Penas Blanca River. If you are adventurous, you can try waterfall canyoning or white water rafting down the Rio Balsa (grade 2 & 3 rapids) or Rio Toro (grade 3 & 4 rapids).

Day tours are available to the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, the rainforests of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, the turquoise waters of the Rio Celeste, or across the border into Nicaragua to view the Penas Blancas Massif.

In the evening you can enjoy an optional guided night trail in search of nocturnal wildlife.

Day 5

Today transfer 5-hours by shared shuttle from La Fortuna, travelling through the beautiful landscapes of northwestern Costa Rica to Rincon de la Vieja.

Situated in the scenic Guanacaste Mountain Range, this active cinder volcano rises 6,286 ft (1,916 m) above sea level and is surrounded by nearly 35,000 acres of national park. With volcanic steam vents, bubbling mud pots, hot springs and 32 rivers and streams, this is a fascinating region of geothermal activity.

Note: Your driver will only speak Spanish. When travelling by shuttle, your luggage is restricted to one suitcase and one item of hand luggage.

Day 6

Today enjoy the thrill of Waterfall Canyoning in Rincon de Vieja National Park.

After a safety briefing and instructions on how to rappell from professional guides, you will be assisted in putting on your helmet, harness and gear. Then enjoy 2.5-hours of adrenalin adventure, as you rappell down a stunning waterfall and experience a Tarzan pendulum swing. There will be a safety line controlled by a guide at the top of each rappel to stop you from falling if you let go of your rope, and another guide at the bottom controlling the main rappel line.

End with a swim in the pool at the bottom of the waterfall, before changing into dry clothes. A typical Costa Rican lunch is included, with fresh juice, coffee and biscuits.

Note: Wear quick drying and comfortable clothing, lightweight shorts and waterproof jacket. For footwear use trainers, slip-resistant water shoes with good grip, or hiking boots that can get soaked (flip-flops are not allowed). Also bring sunglasses, sunscreen, insects repellent, water bottle, GoPro or waterproof camera, towel and change of clothes.

This activity is not suitable for pregnant women, anyone with back problems, recent surgery. medical or heart problems.

Day 7

At leisure to enjoy walking or hiking along one of the many trails found in Rincon de la Vieja National Park - which means 'Old Woman's Corner'.

Optional activities include horse riding, mountain biking, abseiling, canyoning and tree top canopy tours in this spectacular scenery. Afterwards enjoy relaxing in one of the thermal hot springs.

Day 8

Today transfer 2.5-hours by shared shuttle to the small town of Tamarindo, located on the northwest coast of the beautiful Nicoya Peninsula.

Check into your hotel in this great surfing centre on the Pacific, with its lovely sandy beaches.

Note: Your driver will only speak Spanish. When travelling by shuttle, your luggage is restricted to one suitcase and one item of hand luggage.

Days 9 To 10

At leisure to enjoy the splendid beaches of Tamarindo.

Many optional activities are on offer in this beach town - including sailing, tree-top ziplining, horse riding, golf, river tubing and sunset cruises. Surfing lessons are also available, as well as snorkelling and diving off the Catalinas Islands.

The mangrove-lined estuary of Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge protects animals such as howler monkeys and crocodiles and nearby Playa Grande beach, forming part of Las Baulas National Park, is a major nesting site for huge leatherback turtles.

Day 11

Rise early today and transfer 35-minutes to Playa Flamingo for a morning of snorkelling in the warm clear waters around the Catalinas Islands - a sprinkling of 20 rocky islands in the Gulf of Papagayo.

Enter the water for two 40-minute sessions, following the rock formations and looking for angelfish, butterfly fish, various pufferfish, starfish, white-tipped reef sharks and schools of jacks and grunts.

The 'Cat' Islands are famous for their concentration of giant manta rays, some with wingspans up to 20 feet (6 m). The best time of year to see mantas is from November to May, when they are most common and visibility is at its best, with their numbers peaking between January and March.

From September to March you may also see humpback whales from the boat on your way to or from the islands. All equipment and snacks are included, but be aware that there can be strong currents.

Note: Ask your hotel for a boxed breakfast. Minimum 4 pax on the day.

Day 12

Today transfer 5-hours from Tamarindo travelling through the lovely scenery of central Costa Rica to San Jose.

Check into your hotel in a location convenient for the airport.

Note: Your driver will only speak Spanish.

Day 13

Transfer to San Jose Airport for your flight home.

Note: Your driver will only speak Spanish.

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