An expedition between Costa Rica and Nicaragua!

Welcome to Costa Rica!

Your driver will be waiting for you at Juan Santamaria International Airport in Alajuela, near San José, at an elevation of 1,150 meters in the heart of the Central Valley, to take you to your hotel.

Overnight stay at a charming hotel located near downtown San José 

You’ll start your day bypicking up your rental car.

Drive from San José to Sarapiquí.

Depart for Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, whose forests are home to tapirs, sloths, coatis, and various species of monkeys.

Approximate travel time: 2 hours.

Banana Cultural Tour

The banana cultural tour begins at a private farm located in Llano Grande, Sarapiquí.

The goal is to spend a day rich in culture, knowledge, and wonderful experiences.

You’ll learn about the history of Sarapiquí and the railroad to understand how and why the country began with banana plantations, coffee plantations, and the railroad. This tour will give you the opportunity to discover Costa Rican culture and immerse yourself in the daily life of a local family.

Approximate duration: 2 hours.

Overnight stay at a charming lodge in Sarapiquí

A floating safari on the Sarapiquí River!

The best safari on a wide river surrounded by a jungle of incredible beauty!

Enjoy a total immersion in the rainforest as you float down the Sarapiquí River, flanked by major nature reserves renowned for their great biodiversity. Exotic amphibians, tropical birds, otters, fish, sloths, iguanas, and incredible flora will make this trip a unique experience.

You’ll drift peacefully down the river in an inflatable boat so you don’t miss a thing in the natural world around you.

Once the trip is over, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious traditional Costa Rican meal on the terrace, overlooking the river.

Approximate duration: 4 hours, including 2.5 hours of boating.

Then, you’ll drive from Sarapiqui to Arenal.

You’ll continue on toward the La Fortuna region and the majestic Arenal Volcano (1,650 meters), with its perfectly conical shape.

Approximate travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes.

IntimateHotSprings

At the end of the day, you’ll enjoy a relaxing moment at ahot springs resort in an intimate setting.

The hot waters come directly fromthe hot springs of the Arenal Volcanoand never come into contact with the magma.

Approximate duration: 1 to 3 hours.

Overnight stay at a charming glamping hotel in the Arenal region

A Walk Across the Suspension Bridges!

You’ll enjoy a roughly 3-kilometer trail through the primary forest and across about fifteen suspension bridges high above the canopy, offering breathtaking views of the tropical vegetation and Arenal Volcano!

Approximate duration: 2-hour walk.

Visit to a coffee plantation

Visit a coffee plantation to learn all about Costa Rica’s “black gold,” from seed to cup!

The tour includes an explanation of the entire production process (from seed to harvest and delivery of the beans to the processor). Take this opportunity to discover the traditions associated with coffee… and to enjoy a delicious cup of Costa Rican coffee at the end of the tour!

You’ll also learn all the secrets of cacao and participate in the various stages of the process, from seed to drink; you’ll be able to taste and enjoy this wonderful fruit.

Before finishing your tour, you’ll stop at the Trapiche, where you’ll learn about the origins of sugarcane and have the chance to extract delicious, sweet cane juice using traditional methods.

Approximate duration: 2.5 hours.

Overnight stay at a charming glamping hotel in the Arenal region

From Arenal to Tenorio!

Departure for the Miravalles (2,028 meters above sea level) and Tenorio(1,916 meters above sea level) volcanoes.

Approximate travel time: 2 hours.

Then, visit Tenorio National Park!

You’ll explore one of the country’s most beautiful trails, winding through the jungle, past waterfalls, and natural hot springs.

You’ll have the opportunity to discover the Rio Celeste, renowned for its surreal turquoise-blue color (which intensifies as light reflects off the water) due to the minerals in its waters, which contrast with the intense green of the tropical vegetation.

Stretching 36 km, the Rio Celeste originates at the confluence of two rivers, flows through volcanic hot springs and sulfur springs, and eventually forms a magnificent waterfall.

Approximate duration: 2 hours 30 minutes.

Overnight stay at an ecotourism lodge in the Tenorio region!

Heading to northern Costa Rica!

In the morning ,you can explore the various trails around your lodge and their stunning cacao farm.

Drive from Tenorio to Rincón de la Vieja.

Depart for the province of Guanacaste, home of the Sabaneros—those proud and colorful cowboys.

Approximate travel time: 3 hours.

Overnight stay at an intimate lodge in the Rincon de la Vieja region

Tour of Rincón de la Vieja National Park!

Today you’ll explore one of the three sectors of Rincón de la Vieja NationalPark: the Las Pailas sector, known for itsvolcanic activity and lunar-like landscape.

At the heart of this park stands the massive Rincón de la Vieja volcano. Spectacularly beautiful and dotted with nine craters, it is the source of the geothermal activity you’ll see during your hikes in this sector.

Here you’ll encounter capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, and spider monkeys, as well as anteaters, sloths, and more than 300 species of birds.

The park, established in 1973, is home to a very high concentration of orchids, including the local flower, the “Guaria morada” (Guarianthe Skinneri).

Note: The national park is closed on Mondays.

Second night at an intimate lodge in the Rincon de la Vieja region

Welcome to Nicaragua!

Drive north from Rincón de la Vieja to reach the Peñas Blancas border crossing.

This is your first glimpse of the country; then, pick up your rental car on the Nicaraguan side of the border to begin your drive to the small beach town of San Juan del Sur on the Pacific Ocean.

Note 1: Please have $13 USD per person in cash ready to pay the entry fee.

Approximate driving time: 45 minutes.

Afternoon at leisure to relax in the small fishing town of San Juan del Sur.

From there, you can explore the pristine beaches of the Pacific coast, sample local dishes at restaurants ideally located right on the water, and end your day watching the sunset over the magnificent bay of San Juan del Sur.

Suggested activities—please contact us:

– San Juan del Sur Beach

– Explore the unspoiled beaches of the north: Playa Marsella, Maderas, and Majagual

– Explore the unspoiled beaches of the south: Playa Hermosa, Yankee, and Coco

– Turtle nesting on the beaches of Ostional (July through January)

– Punta La Flor Wildlife Reserve

– Zip-lining

– Surf lessons

– Yoga classes, massage

– Kayaking or sailing

– Scuba diving or snorkeling

– Horseback riding on the beach

– Buggy tour

– Tree-top adventure course

Overnight stay at a hotel in San Juan del Sur with an ocean view 

Second Free Day in San Juan del Sur

Suggested Activities—please contact us:

– San Juan del Sur Beach

– Explore the unspoiled beaches of the north: Playa Marsella, Maderas, and Majagual

– Explore the unspoiled beaches of the south: Playa Hermosa, Yankee, and Coco

– Punta La Flor Wildlife Reserve

– Surf lessons

– Yoga classes

– Massage

– Horseback riding on the beach

– Buggy tour

– Tree-top adventure / Canopy tour / Zip-line

– Nighttime hike through a tropical forest

– Sailing trip off the coast (afternoon + sunset)

– Boat trip for fishing or snorkeling

– Dolphin and whale watching

Second night at a hotel in San Juan del Sur with an ocean view 

Off to Ometepe Island and its majestic volcanoes!

You’ll depart this morning from San Juan del Sur and head to the port of San Jorge, located in the municipality of Rivas.

Board the ferry bound for Ometepe Island, the largest island in a freshwater lake. You’ll be able to see its two majestic volcanoes, Concepción and Maderas.

Then you’ll continue by road across the island to your hotel.

Approximate travel time: 1 hour by car, followed by a 1-hour-and-15-minute ferry ride.

In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to go kayaking on the Rio Istian.

You’ll set out in a kayak with your guide on the Rio Istian, a unique ecosystem located between the island’s two volcanoes.

You’ll begin your boat tour on Nicaragua’s largest lake to view the various properties lining the shore.

Then, you’ll hop into your kayak to approach the isthmus and enter a small waterway with lush vegetation. In this mangrove forest, you’ll be able to spot various birds, caimans, and monkeys.

On the way back, you’ll be surrounded by the two majestic volcanoes and enjoy a panoramic view of the lake.

Approximate duration: 3 hours.

Overnight stay at a charming lodge on Ometepe Island with a view of the lake

Hike to the Maderas Volcano Lookout!

Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll set out up the slopes of the Maderas Volcano toward a lookout point that offers one of the most beautiful views on the island.

You’ll pass through various types of vegetation, from the beige hues of the dry plain dotted with black volcanic rocks to the lush green of the banana plantations on the higher ground. Along the way, you’ll come across oxen and horses, as well as local residents who farm this very fertile land.

Once you reach the viewpoint, if the weather is clear, you’ll have the chance to take in the spectacular view of Ometepe Island’s figure-8 shape and a breathtaking vista of the Concepcion volcano’s cone, which lies directly across from it.

You’ll head back down via the hiking trails, then return to the hotel.

Approximate duration: 4-hour round-trip hike—600m elevation gain—difficulty: moderate

Relaxation at Ojo de Agua

You’ll then relax in the natural waters of Ojo de Agua. An underground river originating from the Maderas Volcano emerges into two pools. There’s nothing like a good swim and a cocktail to cool off in this heat!

Short 1-kilometer hikes are available on-site.

Suggestion: Watch the sunset over the lake!

We suggest heading to Punta Jesús María at the end of the day to admire the sunset over this nearly one-kilometer-long spit of land in the middle of the lake.

Note: Sunset is between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Second night in a charming lodge on Ometepe Island with a view of the lake

Heading to Granada, a stunning historic city!

After some free time on Ometepe Island, you’ll make your way to the port of Moyogalpa to take the ferry to San Jorge, in the municipality of Rivas. The journey continues to your hotel in Granada.

Approximate travel time: 1 hour by boat and 1.5 hours by car.

Explore Granada at your own pace.

We suggest exploring this colonial gem on foot or by horse-drawn carriage.

You can visit the Cathedral, the Church of La Merced, and then the Xalteva Church, around which the city of Granada was originally built. You can climb the tower of the Church of La Merced to get a bird’s-eye view of the city and see the lake from up there.

Then, we invite you to immerse yourself in the central market and its colorful stalls.

Before continuing your exploration, savor some tostones con queso in the central square, in the shade of the trees.

For enthusiasts, there’s a cigar factory in the city center offering guided tours and cigar-making workshops.

In the late afternoon, we recommend settling into La Calzada, the main street, to watch the pink hues of the evening sky and see the street come to life.

Overnight stay at a beautiful hotel in Granada

El Crater Marked Hiking Trail on Mombacho Volcano.

We invite you to explore the rainforest of Mombacho Volcano, which overlooks Granada.

It consists of four volcanic craters, the highest of which rises to 1,345 meters.

Meet at the entrance to Mombacho Volcano, where you’ll board a 4×4 truck to reach the easily accessible hiking trails that wind throughthe only rainforest on Central America’s Pacific coast.

Nearly 150 species of orchids, 50 types of mammals, and 120 species of butterflies have been recorded there.

You’ll also visit a museum chronicling the major volcanic events of this volcano.

Approximate duration: 1.5-hour hike on marked trails—moderate difficulty.

You’ll climb to an altitude of 1,000 meters, where the weather is cooler, so be sure to dress appropriately.

Set out to discover the secrets of artisanal chocolate-making.

Next, you’ll visit a community located on the slopes of the Mombacho volcano.

From cocoa beans to the chocolate we’re used to enjoying, you’ll learn about and witness every stage of the production process.

Approximate duration: 1-hour workshop—lunch in the community included.

Suggestion: Explore the Masaya Volcano at night!

(May 2024: currently closed due to recent landslides in the crater)

With its 54 km² and 20 km of trails through wilderness, Masaya Volcano National Park is a place that will give you a new perspective on what lies beneath the Earth’s crust.

With its five craters, Masaya—known as Popogatepe by the indigenous Nahuatl people — is the most accessible active volcano in the world.

The tour involves exploring the volcano at dusk to enjoy the sunset, the lava lake, and the local wildlife —including parrots and bats, among others. You’ll drive right up to the crater to take in the view.

Note: Open from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. It is recommended that you arrive as soon as it opens, as there is an average wait time of 30 minutes ($10 USD per person).

Second night at a beautiful hotel in Granada

Discover Las Isletas!

Spend half a day exploring the Las Isletas archipelago, a group of islands off the coast of Granada.

You’ll set out by boat to cruise among these islets, where Nicaraguans have now built their vacation homes.

There are nearly 400 basalt islands, and you’re sure to enjoy a stunning view of the majestic Mombacho Volcano as well as spot plenty of wildlife.

Approximate duration: two hours

Suggestion: Discover the Pueblos Blancos!

These small villages near Masaya are renowned for their handicrafts. From pottery to leather goods and hammocks, the vibrant colors of the local crafts will dazzle you!

Afternoon at leisure to enjoy Laguna de Apoyo, a former volcanic crater now filled with fresh water.

You can choose between a walk, a swim, or kayaking— or you can simply relax in this enchanting setting.

To access the beach, we recommend one of the following hotels:

– Apoyo Resort

– Paradiso Hostel

– Laguna Beach Club

– Casa Marimba

– San Siman

Note: Admission is approximately $7, payable on site.

Third night at a beautiful hotel in Granada

Last day in Granada, then on to Managua!

After taking some time to enjoy Nicaragua one last time, you’ll head to Managua International Airport.

The plan is to arrive at the airport three hours before your departure.

Approximate travel time: 1 hour

Return your rental car directly at the Managua airport.