Day 1
Overview & Highlights
Explore the Pacuare River, on a rafting trip cruising scenic canyons where clear waterfalls plummet down into the rapidly coursing river.
Highlights:
• An exciting rafting trip on the wild and scenic Pacuare River.
• Hike the trails exploring Costa Rica´s main archeological site.
• A variety of plants, birds, and wildlife species due to differences in altitude and ecosystems.
• Try the “Turrialba” cheese produced on the high slopes of the volcano, coffee, peach palm, and macadamia nuts.
• Meet the local Afro-Caribbean and indigenous populations of the area.
Best travel dates:
Any time of the year (subject to weather conditions and river levels)
Welcome & transfer in SJO Airport to your hotel
On arrival at the San Jose International Airport (SJO), you will be meet & greet by our bilingual representative who will help you with your luggage and transfer you to the hotel.
Hotel Grano De Oro (2 nights)
In Costa Rica, the term “Grano de Oro” is used to refer to the coffee bean, their “Grain of Gold”. The founders of this boutique hotel fell in love with the idea that such a small fruit could be so valuable. The Hotel Grano de Oro opened its doors in December of 1991, with 21 guest rooms, a gift shop and a modest café. Quickly gaining recognition from local and international agencies for its unique personality and great service, the hotel became a landmark within the city.
A charming turn of the century guest room with a lush tropical, private patio – perfect for enjoying a cocktail or glass of wine at the end of the day. These rooms offer one queen bed with fine luxury linens as well as all the amenities needed to make your stay comfortable.
Day 2
San Jose walking tour
Today you will enjoy a Walking & Sightseeing Tour of the city with your guide. San José is full of interesting stories and rich history, you just need a good storyteller to unveil its charms for you.
On this tour, we will walk through the major historical landmarks such as the National Theater (1897) Correos de Costa Rica building (1917) experience the daily bustle of the Central Market, and the modern cool spots as well as share how locals enjoy their city.
Entrance fees to attractions are to be paid on-site.
Day 3
Pacuare Lodge (2 nights)
Located on an 840-acres private reserve in the heart of the Talamanca Mountains, every aspect of the lodge exists in symbiotic harmony with the natural surroundings.
Each naturally elegant structure is crafted from sustainably sourced woods and other eco-friendly materials. The eclectic and graceful designs capture both the breathtaking scenery as well as the cool breezes rolling off the river below and the rainforest canopy above.
Although breezes from the river and surrounding jungle keep each living area surprisingly fresh, rooms are equipped with highly efficient eco-fans. Each guestroom also comes with a pair of rubber boots for every member of your party. All of the buildings are within walking distance - be it your villa, the spa, or the main lodge. Nonetheless, complementary electric vehicles (golf carts) are available for getting around the property.
Day 5
Private transfer from put out Pacuare River to Casa Turire Hotel
After arriving on your rafts and getting changed at the facilities of Pacuare Lodge, your private driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel for a relaxing afternoon and evening.
Hotel Casa Turire (2 nights)
Casa Turire invites guests to enjoy the glamour and elegance of a colonial eco- boutique hotel.
The hotel is located only a few minutes outside of the rural town of Turrialba just minutes from the majestic Turrialba volcano as well as lush rainforest and pristine rivers found only in this unique area of Costa Rica.
A wide variety of experiences are offered, from relaxing around the pool area, hiking trails, horseback riding, or birdwatching in the gardens. Guests can visit the farm, which includes its own herb & vegetable garden, most of them used as ingredients in the restaurant.
Nestled in a small corner of the hotel the spa offers a variety of treatments as well as making use of the various herbs found in the garden.
Day 6
Guayabo National Monument
Costa Rica may not be famous for its archaeological history like Guatemala’s Tikal or the Incan ruins of Peru, but veiled in the shadow of the Turrialba Volcano - like a mythical “lost city” from a storybook - lies a mysterious ancient city that was home to over 10,000 people who seemed to have mysteriously vanished just before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century.
Guayabo National Monument, is Costa Rica’s most important archaeological site, it protects archaeological structures such as causeways, mounds, bridges, aqueducts catchment tanks, and others. It also protects high evergreen forest patches typical of montane rainforests. On the tour, a guide will walk you through the entire park while explaining the findings of the excavations and the history of the people that were living there.
Day 7
Private transfer Turrialba to San José (sightseeing at Cartago city)
Pick up at your hotel by your private driver for the transfer back to the San José area, on the way stop for sightseeing in the former capital of Costa Rica, Cartago.
Now, this provincial capital remains an important religious center. On August 2nd thousands of pilgrims walk here to celebrate the feast day of Our Lady of the Angels.
Hyatt Place San José (1 night)
Conveniently located in the tranquil neighborhood of Curridabat, Hyatt Place San Jose/Pinares is the perfect location for both business and leisure travelers, within close proximity to many local attractions.
With 120 roomy rooms divided up into separate living and sleeping areas, including the comfy Cozy Corner with sofa-sleeper, you’ll soon find that your space is the perfect spot to recharge.
At Momentum Pinares shopping plaza (where the hotel is located), you can find several dining options at the restaurants.
Day 8
Transfer hotel to SJO Airport
Pick up at the hotel by your private driver for the transfer back to SJO International Airport for your check-in process with your airline.
*Check-in: 2 hours before your flight departure time.
Adios Costa Rica!
