A land of volcanoes

DETAILED PROGRAMME

Day 1: San Jose

Arrival at the international airport near San José and make your way to your hotel. (Overnight in San José)

Day 2: Irazu Volcano

Morning departure to  Irazú Volcano National Park (1 hour, depending on the hotel location) We cross the central valley to begin the ascending, winding road through its fertile slopes to the craters of the volcano. Here we can walk across the calder at more than 11,000 feet (3400 meters) above sea level.  Along this walk which  is accessible for everybody, we pause to admire the three craters, their varying shapes, and depths. Depending on the season you may have the chance to observe the green water lagoon of the main crater. Bring a jacket, it’s cool up here. Then we descend down to Cartago, visit of the Basilica of Los Angles,  Cartago, and a local restaurant. After lunch we’ll head back  to San José (45 min)for a visit to the  Central Market,  and Central Avenue, experiencing urban life amidst its shops. Return to the hotel (30 min)

Day 3: Poas Volcano (40 min)

Visit of the Poas Volcano National Park and its main crater. We’ll then go down for a tour of the Doka Coffee Plantation. Following lunch at Doka, we will visit a local butterfly garden. Departure to La Fortuna (2.5h) and dinner. (Overnight at La Fortuna)

Day 4: Arenal Volcano

This is a full day of adventure. We will visit Arenal Volcano National Park (30 min) Our stops take place around the volcano since climbing it is strictly prohibited. This parkl offers a superb walk between the volcano and Lake Arenal: between the forest and an old lava flow. Here geological attractions are combined with wildlife observation (3.5h hike). La Fortuna Waterfall is a spectacular waterfall in the middle of the jungle. To appreciate it in all its splendor we descend the 400 steps which lead to it since it flows into a terrestrial fault (around 1.5h) There’s an optional night tour and then dinner. (Overnight at La Fortuna)

Day 5: Río Celeste (1.5 h)

We’ll leave La Fortuna fairly early, heading north to Rio Céleste. Here we visit the Volcan Tenorio National Park. A three hour hike throuth an exuberant jungle and along the river of turquoise waters leads to the ‘Teñideros’: a meeting place between the crystalline waters that flow from the forest and the creek from which escape the chemical elements that give the water its sky-blue color. Departure to the hotel at the foot of the ‘Ricon de la Vieja’. (2.5h)

Day 6: Ricon de la Vieja

After breakfast we depart for Rincon de la Vieja National Park (30 min),  discovering there the geological phenomena of this majestic park. During a hike of about three hours, we will fine ourselves enveloped  in the middle of a forest of strangler ficus, marveling at the mini-volcano, the lagoons of boiling mud and the crevices from which the sulfur vapors escape. Then it’s an afternoon of relaxation in the thermal spa baths of the hotel.

Day 7: Playa Potrero (1.5 h)

Departure for your seaside stay on the edge of the Pacific Ocean in Playa Potrero. We’ll take a leisurely drive through the northern grasslands and grazing fields of the Province of Guanacaste, known for its ranches to our coastal hotel in Potrero Beach.

Day 8: Beach Day 

This will be a relaxing day after all the traveling and hikes. We can stay in Potrero or adventure to other area beaches and attractions, according to your desires.

Day 9: Airport Transfer Day

Liberia International (1 hr) or San Jose International (5 h) A chance to organize journals and photos of your lava hot adventures in Costa Rica.

Note: this circuit can be extended by one night in San José to visit the Turrialba Volcano and one more night in ‘Ricon de la Vieja’ to trek the Miravalles Volcano.