Central Coast Retreat - Trip Itinerary*
*This is a sample itinerary, subject to change at any time. Please email us with any questions or requests.
Day 1
Welcome to San Jose, Costa Rica! Once we pick you up at the airport, we’ll head to our hotel for the evening. We start out with a Meet and Greet cocktail hour where you can start to get to know each other and then it’s time for a presentation by your guides about the upcoming trip, safety tips and important information, and everyone’s goals and expectations for their time in Costa Rica!
DAY 2
Up and about early this morning as we head toward the famous cloud forest of Monteverde. We will drive through amazing high altitude rain forest on our way to our first stop for a hike through the biological reserve where you may see toucans, up to 5 species of felines, and the elusive Quetzal. It is considered to be one of the most outstanding protected areas in Central America. After our hike we will head to our first overland camp where we will set up our tents for a night of sleeping under the stars to the sounds of howler monkeys in the distance.
DAY 3
This morning we’ll be heading in to some more remote areas of Costa Rica, and this will be your first chance to get behind the wheel of your adventure rigs! We’ll show you the ropes as you tackle some simple, but gorgeous off-road driving through the Costa Rican rainforest to the first of our two secret waterfalls of the trip. A short hike will bring us to this gorgeous spot, where you can hop in for a dip in the bright blue water. We’ll have lunch here before heading to the shores of Lake Arenal and our second gorgeous overlander camp. Once we’re set up, we’ll travel over to the nearby Lake Arenal Brewery for some poolside brews and an early dinner as we watch the sunset over the lake.
DAY 4
Today we do a bit more driving as we make our way from the mountains and lakes of Costa Rica, to the beaches and jungles. Along the way watch out for toucans, monkeys, and crocodiles which can all be easily spotted along this route! At the end of this drive, we’ll arrive at the gorgeous luxury hotel where we will spend the next two nights. The 24-hour pool is the perfect place to cool off after a long day of driving as you take in the ocean views below. Tonight feel free to stay up a little later because tomorrow is your free day!
DAY 5
After running you all over Costa Rica for the first few days of your trip, now it’s your chance to relax. Grab a cocktail and a lounge chair by the pool, catch a ride down to the hotel’s private beach, visit the on-site spa for a little R&R or let us arrange a tour of nearby Manuel Antonio for you to see even more of Costa Rica’s wildlife. At the end of the day we’ll all meet back up for dinner and swap stories.
DAY 6
We’ll wave goodbye to our hotel as we head into the jungle. Here we’ll taste test some of the delicious exotic fruits and spices that Costa Rica has to offer. When we’ve had our fill we’ll head up to our favorite waterfalls in Costa Rica, the second of your secret stops! This hike will take you down to a beautiful waterfall pool, but only if you’re brave enough to channel your inner Lara Croft and cross a 350 foot rope bridge, 120’ above the water below! It’s worth it though when you reach the bottom and wade in to this amazing pool. At the end of the day, we’ll set up camp at a nearby eco-hotel for a quiet night before heading back to the beach!
DAY 7
This morning we’ll give you some free time for a morning yoga session, a walk around these beautiful grounds, or a dip in the nearby crystal blue river. Then we’ll head back toward the beach where we’ll have a quick lunch and then we’ll send you off on a beautiful kayak trip through the mangroves and out to the ocean where you’ll arrive at our beach camp all set up and waiting for you. Tonight we’ll have a beachside cook-out under the stars in this oasis of a camp!
DAY 8
We have a couple great options for activities today. Want to take an amazing (and sometimes harrowing) drive up the switchbacks to visit an amazing traditional market? Or maybe you want to visit the hippie beach town of Dominical and get some of the best coffee in Costa Rica while you wander through the beach-side vendors? Or, maybe you just want to lay around in a hammock at our beach-side camp and have a cocktail. The decision is yours.
DAY 9
On our last full day, we’ll head back up the coastline and towards the city life in San Jose. We will stay at a beautiful boutique hostel in Barrio Escalante - a great up and coming neighborhood with amazing food and bars. Before we head out for our last night together, we’re going to show you the amazing footage from your time in Costa Rica! Then it’s time to get out your dancing shoes because we’re taking you to some really fun spots in this neighborhood!
DAY 10
After breakfast at the hostel, we’ll start transports to the airport for everyone’s flights out. If you have a later flight, and you’re interested, we are happy to arrange a stop at the huge artisan market in San Jose!
***This trip is rated Moderate [3] and offers activities ranging from easy active (2) to vigorous (4). Our itinerary incorporates a variety of different activities including vehicle travel over potentially rough or muddy terrain, hiking, climbing and descending ladders for rooftop tents approximately 8’ off of the ground – possibly during inclement weather such as rain or wind, operating all-terrain vehicles over potentially rough terrain, crossing unstable rope bridges, swimming in pools near strong waterfalls, ocean swimming, ocean snorkeling, and sea kayaking. Hikes range from 2-6 miles in length (1 - 4 hours) and include potential elevation gains of up to 2500. Hikes may include steep uphill sections, uneven, unmaintained or muddy sections, sections on slick rock and in jungle areas where there may be venomous snakes or insects present along with other wildlife. Our vehicle travel will be on a mixture of paved, dirt and gravel roads, sometimes for long distances, on jungle-mountains with unmarked paths or steep cliffs and drop-offs. In the event a vehicle is stuck in sand or mud, participants must be able and prepared to assist with vehicle recovery efforts including digging, pushing and creative solution-finding. All participants should arrive in good physical condition, prepared for an active 10 days of exploration. Optional activities will range from easy active (2) to vigorous (4). These activities may include surfing, kayaking, yoga, night-time jungle walks, swimming, snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, boating, sport-fishing, city-walking, operation of all-terrain vehicles.
