Day 1:Welcome to Costa Rica!Receive a warm Go Visit Costa Rica welcome at the Juan Santamaria airport, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. First, though, we’ll get you to your hotel in San Jose, where you’ll unwind and relax before a string of busy and exciting days.
Overnight at the Crowne Plaza San Jose Corobici Hotel. 
The beautiful Rafiki Safari LodgeEat a hearty Costa Rican breakfast, and get ready to start your adventures without delay. First, you’ll hop on the bus (Itinerary A) or your rented SUV from Adobe Rent a Car (Itinerary B) and travel to the town of Quepos, located on the Central Pacific coast. If you are taking the bus option, you’ll hop off the bus on onto a 4x4 vehicle to finish the trip to the Rafiki Safari Lodge or simply continue on in your rented SUV to Rafiki Safari Lodge. Nestled on 842 acres of pristine jungle, the lodge is a great place to be, and a great place to take lunch. After filling up, you’ll be free to explore this astounding area and get some rest. If you’re up for an excursion, you can go horseback riding on the lodge property, or shoot down the pool’s large waterslide. Just be sure to wrap it up in time for dinner at the lodge.
Dinner and overnight at the Rafiki Safari lodge.
River Rafting on the Rio Savegre next to Rafiki Safari LodgeGet ready for an early departure by filling up on a hearty Costa Rican breakfast. After your morning meal, you’ll take a 4x4 ride into the wild Costa Rican tropical jungle. Keep your eyes open wide and be ready to take in all the breathtaking scenery of the areas next to the Savegre River. Your journey will begin at a small village called “El Silencio,” which captivates visitors with its flora and fauna, and with its decorative African Palms while they are on route up the mountain to their rafting start point.
Upon reaching the departure point at the edge of the river, the expert Rafiki rafting team will instruct you about the safety precautions and general information regarding your amazing river rafting trip. After the safety session, the adventure begins. The Savegre River provides Class II, III and IV rapids that are manageable in sturdy rafts that accommodate 2 to 6 people comfortably. All of the equipment used is top of the line and chosen with your safety in mind. While on your rafting trip your boats can spin around rocks, surf waves, and squeeze through the narrow spaces in between the boulders. Your day will be filled with fun and adrenaline. Lunch will be served just off the river next to the forest. During the trip, there is time for relaxation while visiting a beautiful waterfall. You will return to the lodge by about 4:00 pm.
Dinner and overnight at the Rafiki Safari Lodge.
Shade by the near perfect swimming pool at Cristal Ballena ResortFill up on great food during breakfast, and then head to the southern part of the country. The drive to Marino Ballena National Park (Whale National Park) is two hours, but you’ll be so amazing by the beautiful coastal scenery that it will seem like a 10 minute ride. One you arrive at your destination, you’ll have the afternoon free for nature walks and swims at the hotel.
Overnight at the Cristal Ballena Resort & Spa.
Humpback whale breaching at Marino Ballena National ParkIt’s time to visit Marino Ballena National Park in Uvita! Eat a great breakfast, then meet in the lobby of the hotel and head to the pier, where you’ll board a boat that will get you in a prime spot for viewing some of the most beautiful living things on Earth: dolphins and whales! The presence of both of these huge, calm creatures at the same time will make this the most unique tour you ever take, and one of the most memorable experiences of your life. (Please note that the dates to see the migrating Humpback whales are in the months of November to March, migrating south, and July to September, migrating north). Once the tour is complete, you’ll head back to your hotel for a free afternoon and evening.
Overnight at Cristal Ballena Resort & Spa.
Pacific Spotted Dolphin jumping on the way to Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge in the Golfo DulceStart your day with a breakfast built for champions, then head even further south in Costa Rica to Golfito or Puerto Jimenez depending on your itinerary, both close to the Panamanian border.
Itinerary A: You will get picked up with a private transfer to the port at Puerto Jimenez.
Itinerary B: You will drive yourself, with very good directions, to the port at Puerto Jimenez.
Once at the port, you’ll board a boat that will take you over Golfo Dulce during its half hour trip. Once you reach the Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge's private pier, you’ll be treated to one of the areas in Costa Rica that has benefited the most from conservation efforts. Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is the door to one of the most beautiful natural places in Costa Rica, a zone formerly inhabited by the Guaymis indigenous. A mixture of natural colors, dominated by the profound green of the jungle and the bluest color of the Pacific Ocean, will delight your senses. It is now home to a great diversity of birds and mammals; among these the Jaguar. The mangroves along the Esquinas River are a must-see; consider canoeing among the mangroves in the area. There are also many opportunities for onshore activities like fishing and snorkeling. Your afternoon will be free for you to enjoy an adventure of your choosing. You can decide if you want to rest, kayak at Golfo Dulce, visit the botanical garden, or walk along any of the self-guided trails at the lodge.
Lunch, dinner and overnight at Playa Nicuesa Rain Forest Lodge. 
The main lodge at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest LodgeYou will have 3 full days to enjoy at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge; including three delicious meals daily, and snacks and beverages (includes juice and coffee; does not include carbonated or alcoholic drinks). You’ll also be treated to boat pick up and drop off for arrival and departure, unlimited self-guided hiking on lodge trails, and use of snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing equipment.
Menu of included tours from which you may choose to do during your stay:
- Kayak Tour of Golfo Dulce
- Rio Esquinas Mangrove Jungle River Tour (kayak or motorboat)
- Rainforest/Waterfall Hiking in Piedras Blancas National Park
- Botanical Garden Tour
- Golfo Dulce Boat/Snorkeling Tour
- Golfo Dulce In-Shore Fishing Tour – 2 hour tour
Tours with extra cost:
- Pacific Ocean sport fishing, available at extra cost
- Rainforest Horseback Riding Tour, available at extra cost
Lodging and all meals at the Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge.
Farewell to a wonderful time at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge Eat up a hearty breakfast, then travel to Golfito or Puerto Jimenez to board your plane to San Jose. You’ll be welcomed at the airport by an Interbus representative, who will transfer you to your hotel in San Jose.
Itinerary B: Have your last delicious breakfast at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge then board the boat to go back to Puerto Jimenez where your car will be waiting for you for your adventure back up the coast to your next hotel Alma Del Pacifico at Playa Esterillos.
Itinerary A: Overnight at the Crown Plaza hotel in San Jose.
Itinerary B: Overnight at the Hotel Alma Del Pacifico in Esterillos Beach. 
Amazing view from oceanview room at Alma del Pacifico in Esterillos Este After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your plane back home. We hope you’ll come back to Costa Rica to visit us again!
Itinerary B: Full day at Hotel Alma Del Pacifico in Esterillos BeachItinerary B: After breakfast, free day to explore the area and enjoy the beach and the hotel facilities. Overnight at Hotel Alma del Pacifico.
Reflection at the very long beach of Esterillos Este, just south of Jaco (Itinerary B Only)
Esterillos Beach to San JoseBreakfast. Free morning to enjoy the beach and the hotel facilities. After noon departure to San Jose.
Overnight at the Crown Plaza Hotel Corobici.
Crowne Plaza San Jose Corobici Hotel (Itinerary B Only)
Farewell to Costa RicaAfter breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your plane back home. We hope you’ll come back to Costa Rica to visit us again!
