Our expert team has meticulously crafted a journey through Costa Rica that will exceed even your wildest expectations
Get ready to explore the diverse ecosystems, encounter exotic flora and fauna, and actively participate in conservation projects that contribute to the sustainability of this remarkable country. Our commitment to responsible travel ensures that your journey leaves a positive impact on both the environment and local communities.
At Oyster Worldwide, we believe that the best adventures are the ones that stir your soul. That’s why we’ve handpicked a selection of activities that promise to awaken your senses and leave you with unforgettable memories. So come, let us guide you on a journey where every moment is filled with the pure joy of Pura Vida.
Who is this tour for?
- Couples/Friends
- Families
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Chachagua Rainforest Hotel
Welcome to Pura Vida Land! Your adventure begins as soon as you touch down. Prepare for an unforgettable journey as you’re whisked away to your first destination.
Sit back and relax as a private transfer takes you directly from the airport to the enchanting Chachagua Rainforest Hotel (approximately 2 and a half hours away). Nestled between the Children’s Eternal Rainforest and the Arenal Volcano National Park, this hidden gem offers the perfect starting point for your Costa Rican escapade.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking views. Take a dip in the hot springs, unwind in the chlorine-free pool, and indulge in the restaurant’s gourmet, rainforest-inspired menu—all just steps away from your room.
Accommodation: Chachagua Rainforest Hotel
Day 2: Arenal Hanging Bridges Adventure
Today marks the beginning of your thrilling Sky Hike adventure, ascending high into the captivating forests surrounding the iconic Arenal volcano. Rise and shine with an early breakfast, followed by a convenient shuttle pickup from your accommodation.
Prepare to be awe-struck as you embark on this immersive nature hike, traversing hanging metal bridges suspended at impressive heights. Walk alongside the towering canopy of lush trees, where some have gracefully draped their woody lianas over the bridges, creating a mesmerizing sight. Don’t forget your binoculars – this is your opportunity to spot exotic birds and playful howler monkeys at eye level!
Accompanied by a knowledgeable bilingual nature guide, you’ll learn fascinating insights about the native plants and animal species inhabiting this rich ecosystem. The Sky Walk promises an unforgettable experience, offering the exhilarating sensation of walking among the clouds while gazing upon the majestic treetops.
Costa Rica’s rainforests are renowned for their complexity, and this excursion provides a unique observational perspective for nature enthusiasts. It’s not just tourism; it’s an immersive journey into the heart of these extraordinary ecosystems, promising an unforgettable adventure for all.
Accommodation: Chachagua Rainforest Hotel
Day 3: ASIS Wildlife Sanctuary and Rescue Centre
After indulging in a delicious early breakfast, your adventure begins with a swift private transfer (approximately 20 minutes) to Proyecto Asis. This extraordinary initiative is dedicated to making a profound impact on both the rescued animals and the individuals who visit or volunteer with them.
Today, you’ll take part on a Wildlife Regular Tour combined with a unique short-term volunteering experience. Led by one of our passionate naturalist guides, you’ll embark on an educational journey focused on conservation and the vital role wildlife plays in our environment. Prepare to be enthralled as you explore the reserve, learning about each animal’s individual story and the critical importance of conservation efforts.
Following the tour, it’s time for hands-on volunteering! You’ll gain insight into the significance of proper nutrition in animal welfare as you assist in preparing the animals’ diets. Enrichment activities play a crucial role in enhancing their well-being, allowing them to engage in species-typical behaviors and maintain their overall health. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and help create enrichment toys, providing the animals with a stimulating daily routine tailored to their individual needs.
While only our trained staff are permitted to directly feed the animals as per the guidelines from the Ministry of Environment, you’ll have the opportunity to observe this process from a safe distance. This enriching experience is suitable for all ages and is particularly well-suited for families with young children, offering an educational and memorable day immersed in wildlife conservation.
Accommodation: Chachagua Rainforest Hotel
4: Transfer to Finca la Amistad Cacao Lodge & Chocolate Discovery Tour
Prepare for another extraordinary leg of your journey with a private transfer (approximately 2 and a half hours), promising to elevate your senses and create indelible memories.
Nestled at the base of the awe-inspiring Tenorio Volcano National Park and in close proximity to the breathtaking Rio Celeste River, Finca la Amistad Cacao Lodge awaits your arrival. Here, you’ll immerse yourself in the captivating world of a Costa Rican cacao farm, where every moment is an opportunity to connect with nature and wildlife.
Upon settling into your accommodation, get ready to roll up your sleeves and tantalize your taste buds with the “from seedling to chocolate bar” tour. Delve into the fascinating journey of cocoa production, from seedling to dried cocoa beans, on one of Costa Rica’s most sustainable cacao farms. But the adventure doesn’t end there – you’ll have the unique opportunity to craft your own delectable chocolate right here on the farm.
Get ready to indulge your senses, satisfy your curiosity, and create unforgettable memories at Finca la Amistad Cacao Lodge.
Accommodation: Finca la Amistad Cacao Lodge
Day 5: Exploring Rio Celeste National Park
Experience the magic of Costa Rica’s Volcan Tenorio National Park with an early morning adventure following a delicious breakfast. A private transfer awaits to whisk you away to this enchanting destination.
Legend has it that the celestial Rio Celeste, aptly named for its heavenly light blue hue, was painted by none other than God himself. Today, you’ll have the privilege of witnessing this natural wonder firsthand. Accompanied by a knowledgeable naturalist guide, your journey begins at the entrance of Tenorio National Park, where you’ll venture into the lush Humid Forest ecosystem.
As you trek through this verdant paradise, keep your eyes peeled for a plethora of wildlife species and vibrant flora. Along the way, you’ll be greeted by the mesmerizing sight of the Rio Celeste waterfall, cascading dramatically into a basin of breathtakingly vivid blue.
Continuing your exploration, you’ll follow the river upstream to ‘Los Teñidores’, where the convergence of crystal-clear streams results in the river’s ethereal coloration. Your guide will lead you through jungle trails to a volcanic field, where bursts of hot volcano smoke punctuate the landscape, adding a thrilling dimension to your hike.
Please note: While the Rio Celeste’s coloration may temporarily fade during periods of heavy rainfall, a few hours of calm weather typically restore its vibrant hue. With this in mind, the Rio Celeste can be enjoyed year-round, offering a mesmerizing experience regardless of the season. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty and witness the wonders of Volcan Tenorio National Park firsthand.
Accommodation: Finca la Amistad Cacao Lodge
Day 6: Journey to Monteverde & Twilight Adventure
Prepare for viewing unforgettable scenery as you set off on a private transfer to Monteverde, a charming town nestled in the Pacific highlands, approximately two and a half hours away.
Santa Elena, serving as the gateway to the breathtaking Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, welcomes you with its quaint wooden houses and alpine climate. This unique setting, characterized by a mix of warm drizzle and warm sunshine, has earned Monteverde the title of the most famous cloud forest in the world.
Your stay at Valle Escondido Nature Reserve Hotel & Farm is set to elevate your Monteverde experience. Situated within a private natural reserve and boasting a farm-to-table restaurant and permaculture farm, it offers a complete and sustainable retreat.
As the sun begins to set, get ready for a captivating adventure that unveils the mystical beauty of the cloud forest after dark. Guided by an expert naturalist, you’ll venture into the forest illuminated by the soft glow of flashlights, revealing a hidden world teeming with nocturnal life.
Listen closely as the forest comes alive with the rhythmic chorus of tree frogs and the haunting calls of night birds. Keep your eyes peeled for elusive creatures like sloths, armadillos, and kinkajous, while marvelling at the intricate world of insects, reptiles, and butterflies that thrive in the darkness. This mesmerizing night tour promises to be a highlight of your Monteverde experience, offering a captivating glimpse into the wonders of the cloud forest under the cloak of night.
Accommodation: Valle Escondido Nature Reserve Hotel & Farm
Day 7: Monteverde Cloud Forest Exploration & Permaculture Insight
Today promises to be an exhilarating exploration of the Monteverde Cloud Forest with a private custom-guided nature hike tailored to your preferences. With the Monteverde Reserve, Santa Elena Reserve, and Curicancha Reserve all within reach, your expert nature guide will pick you up from your hotel and whisk you away to the reserve of your choice.
En route to the reserve, your guide will regale you with fascinating facts about the natural environment, as well as the rich history and culture of Monteverde, founded in 1950 by 12 American Quaker families. Gain insightful perspectives before embarking on your 3-hour hike through the Cloud Forest.
Your private naturalist guide will cater the tour to your interests, providing detailed explanations of the intricate interactions between the diverse species of flora and fauna in this unique ecosystem. With specialized magnifying scopes, your guide will unveil the secrets of the forest, allowing you to witness nature’s wonders up close.
Monteverde boasts an astonishing 2,500 species of plants, including moss, bromeliads, and ferns, along with 420 varieties of orchids. Keep your eyes peeled for iconic wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, and over 400 bird species, including the endangered three-wattled bellbird and the resplendent quetzal.
After the tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in time for the afternoon, where you’ll participate in the accommodation Permaculture Tour. Explore Valle Escondido’s grounds and discover different working systems from a design approach, guided by an introduction to permaculture ethics and principles.
Immerse yourself in this unforgettable experience, filled with awe-inspiring encounters and educational insights that will leave a lasting impression for years to come.
Accommodation: Valle Escondido Nature Reserve Hotel & Farm
Day 8: Zip-Line Adventure in Monteverde Cloud Forest
Today, prepare for an exhilarating adventure as you’re picked up from your hotel to experience the wonders of the Monteverde Cloud Forest and its surroundings through one of Costa Rica’s most iconic activities – the Canopy Zip-Line or Sky Trek. This thrilling half-day excursion begins with a journey between the town of Santa Elena and the Santa Elena Reserve, accompanied by a bilingual nature guide providing insightful commentary on the local flora and fauna.
Your journey kicks off with a ride on the Sky Tram, an open-air gondola ascending into the heart of the Monteverde Cloud Forest to the highest observation point in the area – the Continental Divide. Take a moment to soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of the Nicoya Gulf, mountain ranges, and the lush Cloud Forest before your adrenaline-fueled canopy adventure begins.
Enjoy an exhilarating zip-line experience spanning 1.7 miles of cable, traversing towering trees, canyons, and treetops. Feel the rush as you zip from lofty platform to platform, immersing yourself in the stunning natural surroundings. While the speed may prevent wildlife sightings, the thrill of the ride is an unforgettable experience, making it one of the most thrilling zip lines in the country.
The Sky Trek stands out with its larger scale, featuring more zip lines and platforms for exploration. Rest assured, safety is paramount with the highest quality construction and secure materials, ensuring a safe and exhilarating adventure for all. So buckle up, hold on tight, and get ready for a ride that will leave you breathless and craving for more – an experience you’ll cherish for a lifetime!
Accommodation: Valle Escondido Nature Reserve Hotel & Farm
Day 9: Transfer to San Francisco Coyote
After a delightful breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to Monteverde! A private transfer awaits to whisk you away to San Francisco Coyote, where the next chapter of your journey with turtles begins! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic drive, approximately 3 hours in duration, as you anticipate the rewarding volunteering experience that awaits you.
What’s Included
Accommodation:
- Standard rooms included with options for upgrades available upon request. Contact us for more details.
Activities and Transfers:
- Private transfer from San Jose Airport to Chachagua Rainforest Hotel
- Arenal hanging bridges tour with transfer on day
- ASIS volunteer activity with transfer
- Transfer from Chachagua Rainforest to Finca la Amistad Lodge
- From Seeding to Bar Cacao tour
- Rio Celeste National Park tour with transfer
- Transfer from Finca la Amistad Cacao Lodge to Monteverde
- Monteverde Night Tour
- Monteverde Clouded Forest Private Tour with transfer
- Permaculture Tour
- Zipline in Monteverde with transfer
- Transfer from Monteverde to San Francisco Coyote
Meals Included in Your Package:
Arenal:
- Day 2: Breakfast
- Day 3: Breakfast
Tenorio:
- Day 4: Breakfast
- Day 5: Breakfast
Monteverde:
- Day 6: Breakfast
- Day 7: Breakfast
- Day 8: Breakfast
Arrive on a MONDAY prior to the week volunteering which starts on Tuesdays
PRICE 2024: £2199 per person
(Please note, there may be an additional pickup charge of £30, if your flight arrives later than 6pm on the first day)