Day 1. Pickup at the airport and transfer to the Best Western Irazú Hotel where we will spend the first night. At the indicated time, the all-terrain (4x4) vehicle to use to travel around Costa Rica will be delivered.
Day 2. After breakfast, the adventure continues toward one of the prettiest unexplored beaches in Costa Rica, Punta Uvita Beach, located inside the Marino Ballena National Park, which was created just to protect the humpback or yubartas whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) that can be seen from approximately the middle of the month of August until April. After a trip of more than 9,000 kilometers (5,580 miles) from Antarctica, these huge mammals reach the south to procreate and to mate. It would be very unusual to be able to see these humpbacks in any other part of the planet in their natural environment so close to a tropical forest in peaceful, safe waters. It is impossible to remain undaunted when an animal weighing more than 40 tons leaps out of the water and you see the way it slaps its tremendous tail against the water, which can be heard miles away or when you hear the whales sing, which is done exclusively by the males and has to do with courtship.
After a 3-hour trip, going through Perez Zeledon and Dominical, we continue south on the same highway some 18 kilometers (11 miles) until crossing the bridge over the Uvita River. You take the first street to the right some 800 meters (½ mile) until reaching the Canto de Ballenas (Whale Song) Hotel, located just 700 meters (less than ½ mile) from the beach. During the following two days you will stay in this hotel belonging to a local coop called CoopeUvita. Lodging at the Canto de Ballenas (Whale Song) Lodge.
Day 3. After breakfast, you can enjoy all the options this place offers. The boat trips to watch whales or dolphins or snorkeling are much sought after by visitors. In addition you can take boat excursions for a full day to Drake Bay, Corcovado, and Caño Island, rent a kayak, take horseback trip through the nearby forests, bird watch, take walks, or venture on a canopy tour at the nearby biological reserves. Or you can simply enjoy exploring the wonderful beaches at the Marino Ballena National Park. Lodging at the Canto de Ballenas (Whale Song) Lodge.
Day 4. Breakfast. Whenever you want, you can begin your trip toward the national park and the beautiful beaches at Manuel Antonio The route is north, passing through Dominical and Savegre until you reach the port of Quepos. The Villa Teca Hotel is barely 10 minutes away. The afternoon is free to visit the national park, take a walk, enjoy the white-sand beaches and the smooth waves or enjoy the pool at the hotel. Lodging at Villa Teca Hotel.
Day 5. Breakfast. To take advantage of the day, we recommend that you leave early, going north, passing through small towns such as Parrita and Jaco Beach, following the coast to Puntarenas where you take the Interamerican Highway until you reach the town of Cañas. Here you take a turn-off that leads to Arenal Volcano. Along the way, you will have impressive views of Arenal Lake and once you are getting close to the area you can see the volcano in the distance. The La Catarata ecotourism lodge is located between the hot spring pools at Tabacon and the town of La Fortuna. When you see the sign, take a right turn onto the gravel road for 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) until you reach the lodge on the right. Once at the lodge, you can visit the butterfly farm and see how the caterpillars are born, the orchid garden, the medicinal plant garden, and the cute “tepezcuintle” agoutis (agouti paca). Enjoy the warm welcome from your local hosts and the delicious dishes served in the restaurant.
Day 6. Breakfast. A free day to explore the area and take educational tours, such as the La Fortuna Forest Reserve, the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, Arenal Lake, and hot springs, among other attractions. Lodging at the La Catarata Lodge.
Day 7. Breakfast. Whenever you want you can begin the trip back to the capital city, with a choice of two routes to the Central Valley. Both routes offer panoramic scenery and the alternative of stopping in small towns where you can interact with the locals. Lodging at the Best Western Irazú Hotel.
Day 8. Breakfast. At the agreed upon time, the rental car is returned and you are taken to the international airport.
