Costa Rica Holiday Nature Package

(Central America)

The warm sun, higher temperatures, sandy white beaches and lots of cheer...

is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday and bring in the new year!

Costa Rica is a primarily Catholic nation, and Costa Rican citizens observe Christmas with great excitement. Christmas in Costa Rica is a festive time with a celebration of the season, plenty of lights and music, and most of all family togetherness. Christmas trees are a huge part of Christmas in this country as fragrant cypress trees with ornaments and lights can be seen in homes everywhere. Sometimes the dried branches of coffee shrubs are used instead, or an evergreen branch if available. Costa Rica is home to a variety of colorful flowers which can also be seen displayed among the homes during the holiday season. As with many Catholic nations, nativity scenes with figurines of Mary, Joseph, the wise men and the animals of the manger are a standard Costa Rica Christmas decoration, called “Portals”. Offerings such as fruits and little toys are placed in front of the nativity scene. The baby Jesus figurine is placed in the nativity the night before Christmas, when he brings presents to the children of the household in lieu of Santa Claus. The Costa Rica Christmas season doesn’t end until the sixth of January, when the three wise men are said to have greeted baby Jesus. The meals around this festive season are as central as they are for the Costa Ricans. Families are together with plenty of food, pastries and celebration during this special time of year. What an amazing way to spend the holiday!

Sample Itinerary (12 Day Tour)

San José, Sarapiquí, Arenal,

Monteverde and Manual Antonio

(B,L,D=Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 1:

Flights to San Jose Costa Rica

Overnight in San José. (D). Country Inn and Suites

Day 2:

Transfer from San José to Sarapiqui. In the morning we will visit the famous Poas Volcano. Poás is one of Costa Rica´s most active volcanoes and one of its most frequently visited. The view as you look down into upon the crater lake is simply captivating!

Overnight in Sarapiqui. (B,L,D). Selva Verde Lodge

Day 3:

In the morning, we will take a hike in the jungle that surrounds Selva Verde Lodge. Here we will witness birds of all colors and hear their amazing sounds. We will be dazzled by the numerous species of rainforest frogs and be entertained by the howler monkeys. Our afternoon will be free to sit by the tranquil Sarapiqui River or enjoy a refreshing swim in pool.

Overnight in Sarapaqui. (B,L,D). Selva Verde Lodge

Day 4:

Your morning will be free to enjoy the lovely grounds that surround Selva Verde Lodge and in the afternoon we will transfer from Sarapiqui to Arenal.

Overnight in Arenal. (B,L,D). La Pradera

Day 5:

An early morning hike is planned for La Fortuna Waterfall. This beautiful waterfall emerges from the dense jungle greenery before plummeting some 200 feet (65 m) into an emerald pool below. Costa Rica is famed for its use with alternative energy sources-one of which is geothermal power. You will be sent into paradise with your afternoon visit to one of Costa Rica’s expansive hot springs facility. This facility gets its energy from the famous Arenal Volcano which has an unavoidable presence while in this part of the country. If relaxation is on your “to do” list while on this getaway vacation, this is the perfect place for you!

Overnight in Arenal. (B,L,D). La Pradera

Day 6:

In the morning we will be traveling from Arenal to Monteverde. Monteverde is a place like no other! Due to its high altitude (4,662 ft), Monteverde receives a significant amount of precipitation and is therefore home to the “cloud forests.” Here you are sure to see some of the most unique species on Earth. Aside from a glimpse of such unique biodiversity, you can also see numerous coffee plantations and friendly locals. The town of Santa Elena is a small, quaint town located in the Monteverde area. It is filled with tasty restaurants and folksy artisan shops. There is something for everyone here!

Overnight in Monteverde. (B,L,D). Montaña Monteverde

Day 7:

In the morning we will visit Selvatura Park. Here we will have the opportunity to hike over amazing suspension bridges to discover a unique ecosystem of Costa Rica. The Cloud Forest Canopy is a special ecosystem making up a mere 2% of the rainforest yet holds a great number of unique flora and fauna. To add to this canopy adventure, prepare for a breath taking experience amidst the tree tops high in the jungle! The Zip Line Tour is a much anticipated activity in Costa Rica. With its 14 platforms and Tarzan jump, this activity will prove to be exhilarating. Following a morning packed with excitement, we will spend some time winding down with an afternoon visit to the town of Santa Elena.

Overnight in Monteverde. (B,L,D). Montaña Monteverde

Day 8:

There will be a morning transfer to yet another unique area in Costa Rica and that’s the Pacific Coast. Prepare to me mesmerized by the beauty that await you!

Overnight in Manuel Antonio. (B,LD). Villas Lirio

Day 9:

Today will be action packed! There will a morning visit to Manuel Antonio National Park. This park is the second most visited national park of the country. Beaches with white sand, abundant wild life and beautiful landscape are just part of the countless reasons for being a tourist “hot spot.” Be prepared to encounter a variety of wildlife while in the park. The capuchin monkey will be sure to entertain you while the two and three sloth will appear in and out of the tree tops. The habitats throughout the park are like no other. Your sightings of the wildlife here at Manual Antonio will leave you with lots to talk about in future years!

Overnight in Manuel Antonio. (B,L,D). Villas Lirio

Day 10:

Free day. Take a trip to the beach, relax by the pool, or enjoy a spa treatment…the choice is yours!

In the afternoon, we will enjoy the Pacific Ocean aboard a catamaran. Our tour will start in the town of Quepos and we will spend several hours enjoying the Pacific…food, music, snorkeling, dolphins swimming alongside our boat, and a breath taking view of the sun setting behind the ocean. You will be sure to make long lasting memories this day!

Overnight in Manuel Antonio. (B,L,D). Villas Lirio

Day 11:

The morning will be free to take in the last sights of the Pacific Ocean and then we will transfer in the afternoon back to San José. Some stops will be made along the way to take in the culture of Costa Rica.

Overnight in San José. (B,L,D). Country Inn and Suites

Day 12:

San José to International airport. (B)

Good bye, Costa Rica!

Land Price: $2615

Unbeatable Price!

*Flight Not Included

(Book your flight early to avoid high seasonal costs!)