A customer called this morning asking about a return trip. This customer and his wife had just recently visited on one of our custom designs. They obviously liked it. Their first trip was off the beaten path of what most customers generally asked for. And they wanted something similar, but different.
That got me to thinking this morning that there might be more of you “off-the-beaten-path’ers” out there. Folks who want to zag while everyone else zigs. Could you be one of those? If so, the following of my off the beaten path Costa Rica vacations might be for you…
The Pura Flora and Fauna Design
For this itinerary you would want to book your flights in/out of San Jose (SJO).
Destination #1: Arenal Volcano
Day 1: As always we will be there with a big smile and sign bearing your name as you exit the airport. Assuming you have a midday arriving flight time, we will whisk you immediately from the airport over to the Arenal Volcano area. I am not going to mention any specific hotels in this post. There are plenty to choose from of the nice and comfortable 3-star variety. This itinerary is about what happens outside of the hotel, so accommodations really aren’t the focus here. You can visit our hotel pages to see many choices in some of the areas mentioned.
Day 2: Since this trip is about nature, I believe a trip to Caño Negro would be a great choice. This is a wetlands area and nature refuge. Tours generally consist of a boat cruise down the Rio Frio. You will see lots of migratory birds and some crocs or caimans resting on the banks. Of course, in the evening a visit to one of the area’s hot springs would be nice.
Destination #2: Sarapiqui
Day 3: Today we will head down the Atlantic Slope to Sarapiqui. You can stay at the La Selva Biological Station where they do important research in protecting the fragile tropical rain forest eco-system.
Day 4: The best idea I can think of is to take a guided tour with a naturalist guide from La Selva into the rain forest. You will see snakes. Also consider a visit to Tirimbina Reserve.
Destination #3: Turrialba
Day 5: Head over to Turrialba, a place I have blogged about frequently as being one of my favorites.
Day 6: There are lots of things to see in this place. Recommended would be the Turrialba Volcano, Guayabo National Monument and the beautiful Rio Pejibaye area.
Destination #4: San Gerardo de Dota
Day 7: You will head up into the mountains and once you reach the highest point on the Pan American Highway of the 11,000 foot Cerro de la Muerte you will venture down into the gorge cut by the Savegre River to the picturesque little town of San Gerardo de Dota. This place is known for being the best location to spot the elusive Resplendent Quetzal (one of the birds on my recent Costa Rica birds post).
Day 8: You will want to rise very early to have the best chance at spotting a Quetzal feeding in the aguacatillo trees. Later on take a hike to the waterfall, go for a horseback ride, go trout fishing and definitely have one of those for lunch.
Day 9: Back to San Jose for your last night, or flight out.
Click here to see tour map
I believe this itinerary makes a lot of sense for the hard-core nature enthusiast. I will start posting from time to time some off the beaten path alternative itineraries. Of course, we can set you up with this itinerary or any customized version of the same. That’s what we do!
Alot of the cool things to do mentioned in this post are covered in my eBook 100 Cool Things to do in Costa Rica. It’s free, so if you haven’t downloaded it, please be really cool and do so!
Post by CRG
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