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Call us: (910) 742-5324
Welcome to “Pura Vida Costa Rica,” a specially curated, women-only tour that invites you to embrace the vibrant spirit and natural beauty of Costa Rica. Imagine stepping off the plane in San Jose, the bustling heart of this Central American paradise, where your journey of discovery and sisterhood begins. From the moment you arrive, you’re not just a traveler: you are part of a close-knit group of adventurous women, ready to explore and bond over shared experiences. Our first evening in San Jose sets the tone for the trip – laid-back, inviting, and full of anticipation for the wonders that await.
As we venture from the lively city streets to the verdant depths of Tortuguero National Park, each day unfolds with new marvels. Wake up to the symphony of rainforest life, from chattering monkeys to the colorful plumage of tropical birds. Our journey takes us through a labyrinth of waterways, offering close encounters with Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife, including jaguars, manatees, and the elusive green macaw. The trip is not just about wildlife; it’s an immersion into the rich Costa Rican culture. We’ll delve into local traditions, learning about sea turtle conservation and even trying our hand at making traditional coconut candy. Picture yourself unwinding in eco-friendly lodges nestled in the heart of the jungle, where nature’s tranquility envelops you.
Our adventure continues with serene boat rides, visits to cacao plantations where the secrets of chocolate unfold, and peaceful safaris along the Peñas Blancas River. Each activity is thoughtfully chosen to highlight the best of Costa Rica’s natural landscapes and cultural heritage. Whether it’s marveling at the majestic Arenal Volcano, exploring hanging bridges high above the rainforest canopy, or relaxing on pristine beaches, this journey promises a blend of excitement, relaxation, and meaningful connections. So come, join us on this exclusive escapade through Costa Rica, where every moment is about celebrating the joy of travel, the beauty of nature, and the enduring bonds of sisterhood. Pura Vida!
Welcome to Costa Rica, the emerald of Central America! Upon arrival at the San Jose airport, your driver will transport you to our hotel (check-in time is at 3:00 pm). This evening, meet your fellow Sisters in the hotel lobby for an optional, informal get-together at your own expense. No meals are included today.
Hotel: Doubletree Cariari Hotel, San Jose
Today, we’ll be traveling to Tortuguero National Park. We’ll travel by boat to our hotel before heading further down the rivers and canals to the world’s first sea turtle research station. Later, we’ll have time to explore Tortuguero town with our Tour Director. Later, we’ll get away from it all and relax at our lodge set in the middle of the jungle, our home for the next two nights. From the morning calls of the monkeys to the gentle chatter of the birds, listen to the active sounds of the rainforest around you. (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
Hotel: Evergreen Lodge, Tortuguero
We’ll begin our day on an excursion to search for the elusive green macaw and other unique winged creatures that flock to Tortuguero. Then, we’ll embark on a nature cruise, getting a glimpse into the life of jaguars, manatees, ocelots, and more. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy with your Sisters at our Tortuguero resort. Tonight, a local will teach us all about his village and its previous history as a coconut plantation. Watch as he demonstrates how they use coconuts before trying your hand at making a local favorite: coconut candy. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Hotel: Evergreen Lodge, Tortuguero
This morning, we’ll take a boat back to the mainland and make our way towards Sarapiquí and Tirimbina Rainforest Center. Today, we will visit a cacao plantation at the Tirimbina Rainforest Center — an ecotourism destination that is vigilant of environmental, social, and economic impact. You’ll learn the process of sustainably converting seed from bean to bar and taste for yourself why it’s called “the food of the gods.” Later, we’ll arrive at your secluded nature resort, nestled on the edge of the San Carlos River. Enjoy a stroll of the botanical garden lined with fruit trees, including lemon, soursop, guava, mango and tangerine. (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
Hotel: Tilajari Hotel Resort, San Carlos
Explore the beauty of our surroundings today on a Peñas Blancas River Safari. Paddle and float down the river on a peaceful adventure, taking in the sights and sounds of the rainforest as our naturalist guide describes the intricacies of the wildlife around us. We’ll visit the finca of a local family and try specialty snacks such as banana bread, gourmet Costa Rican coffee and more. Later, we’ll end our day with a guided walk through a private, primary forest reserve for a look at the various flora and fauna. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Hotel: Tilajari Hotel Resort, San Carlos
Today, suspended over the rainforest floor, relish a bird’s-eye view of the jungle on a guided tour of Arenal’s famous hanging bridges. High above the jungle canopies, marvel at a cloud forest taking shape around you. We’ll settle into our resort where we’ll be surrounded by striking views of Arenal’s famous volcano for the next 3 nights. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Hotel: Hotel Lomas del Vocan, La Fortuna
Today, it’s your choice! Since Costa Rica is the birthplace of zip lining, glide over the canopies on a mind-blowing rip through the jungle – OR- make your way across lava fields for an up-close-and- personal look at the volcano on a moderate hike along the trails formed by lava during the 1968 eruption. The afternoon is yours to spend as you please with your Sisters. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Hotel: Hotel Lomas del Volcan, La Fortuna
In the shadow of Arenal Volcano, the day is yours to enjoy at leisure with your Sisters. Perhaps, if you’re feeling adventurous, you’ll opt for our exhilarating white water rafting experience. Or, simply hang back at the resort, explore the grounds, and soak in the views. (Breakfast)
Hotel: Hotel Lomas del Volcan, La Fortuna
This morning, wake up and smell the coffee at a local farm that produces some of Costa Rica’s well-known beans. We’ll take a tour with local plantation workers and have a chance to discuss what life is like for these coffee farmers. In the afternoon, we’ll head to Playa Herradura and settle into our resort for the next 2 nights. As the day draws to a close, watch the sun set over the Pacific alongside birds in every color of the rainbow. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Hotel: Los Suenos Marriott Costa Rica, Playa Herraduras
Welcome to Manuel Antonio National Park, home to verdant rainforests and white sand beaches. In this natural wonderland, traverse the trails where the wild things are, or go for a swim in the turquoise waters as wildlife rummages in the canopies. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Hotel: Los Suenos Marriott Costa Rica, Playa Herraduras
Today, we’ll see wild crocodiles among the mangroves of Tárcoles’ Rio Grande. On this exhilarating jungle crocodile safari, we’ll boat beneath the towering jungle, looking along the riverbanks for a glimpse of these incredible creatures. Then say goodbye to the coast and hello to San Jose. Toast to the pura vida of Costa Rica tonight at our Farewell Dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
Hotel: Doubletree Cariari Hotel, San Jose
Sadly, our adventure comes to an end today. Your driver will transport you back to the San Jose airport for your flights home. (Breakfast)
Embark on a fun-filled white water rafting adventure that is great for all levels of rafters. The half-day adventure on the Rio Balsa or Sarapiqui River provides plenty of action and thrills, but with milder white-water rapids, Class II-III. Our river guide will pick us up at our hotel and join us on a short drive to the “put-in” spot where the fun begins. We’ll receive a thorough briefing and explanation of the safety equipment and procedures. Once everyone has had time to practice and review the commands and “high-fives” we’ll embark on our journey down the rapids. Get wet and wild as you navigate rapids on our 2-hour adventure tour down the beautiful and tropical river. Drink in the majestic foliage of the rainforest as you watch for monkeys, sloths, and toucans while you raft. You will come to understand the meaning of Costa Rica’s favorite saying, “Pura Vida!” and the best Class II-III white water rafting in the region! Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours. Transportation is included.
PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION CAREFULLY
This is a consistently robust itinerary that is likely to be filled with a combination of long, active days, several early hotel departures and some long journeys by coach. There may be limited time for rest and rejuvenation as you explore these amazing destinations. There may be multiple flights and travel by non-traditional means such as safari vehicles, rickshaws/pedicabs, etc. Guests should have reasonable health and mobility and be capable of walking 1-2 miles over time over potentially difficult terrain which may include hills. Guests should be comfortable with standing for longer periods of time with no difficulty.