Chasing Waterfalls will take you well off the beaten path and to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica! You'll start off by visiting a hidden treasure, Hotel Finca 360, in Venecia. This eco-chic boutique hotel is nestled next to Juan Castro Blanco National Park and Bajos del Toro, where some of the most beautiful, yet least visited waterfalls can be found. Then you're off to experience the captivating Rio Celeste Waterfalls and stay at the amazing Rio Celeste Hideaway. Next up is Costa Rica's most popular waterfall destination, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, where you'll stay at the luxurious Peace Lodge. This incredible getaway is ideal for a romantic vacation and you'll leave with some of the best Instagram-worthy pics you've ever seen!
Join us on an extraordinary adventure that will take you deep into the heart of Costa Rica's hidden waterfall wonders. "Chasing Waterfalls" is not just a vacation; it's an exploration of some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in this enchanting country.
Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica
Your journey begins with a warm welcome at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). Our dedicated Pacific Trade Winds representative will ensure your arrival is hassle-free with VIP Airport Greeting service. If you're arriving at a different airport, please contact us for details.
Hotel Finca 360 - Your Hidden Oasis in Venecia
Nestled in the scenic town of Venecia, Costa Rica, Hotel Finca 360 is a charming boutique hotel surrounded by lush jungles, majestic waterfalls, and stunning volcanoes. This off-the-beaten-path destination offers a true paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The hotel provides an immersive experience, with amenities such as a spa, a restaurant and bar featuring local cuisine, and a boutique showcasing artisan crafts. From its hillside location, guests can enjoy breathtaking views of Juan Castro National Park, towering volcanoes, verdant mountains, and the expansive San Carlos Valley. Within a short drive, the captivating Bajos del Toro region awaits with its remarkable volcanoes and natural wonders. The hotel's spacious rooms are beautifully decorated with tropical art and handmade decor by local artisans, offering serene accommodations with picturesque views and luxurious amenities. Whether you're a birdwatcher, nature lover, or yoga enthusiast, Hotel Finca 360 provides a hidden gem where you can escape to the tranquility and beauty of rural Costa Rica. During your stay at Hotel Finca 360, you'll enjoy a Deluxe room and delicious meals, including breakfast and dinner. Read more...
Day 2: Free Day to Explore Venecia
Today is your free day to explore the charming town of Venecia on your own. Venecia is an off-the-beaten-track gem, with numerous hidden waterfalls waiting to be discovered in nearby Bajos del Toro and Juan Castro Blanco National Park. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Costa Rica's best-kept secrets. Please note that free days are for self-guided exploration and do not include specific services.
Day 3: Rio Celeste Hideaway - Nature's Paradise
Your next destination is the luxurious Rio Celeste Hideaway, a eco-friendly resort nestled in the Costa Rican rainforest near Tenorio Volcano National Park and the mesmerizing Rio Celeste Waterfall. This resort offers spacious and beautifully appointed bungalows and suites, each with private terraces or balconies overlooking the lush rainforest. Guests can explore the nearby Rio Celeste, known for its vibrant turquoise color, and enjoy guided nature walks and birdwatching tours. The on-site restaurant serves delicious Costa Rican cuisine, and the spa offers a range of holistic treatments. Rio Celeste Hideaway provides a serene and secluded retreat for those seeking relaxation and immersion in nature. Hotel amenities include a swimming pool, jacuzzi, restaurant, bar, nature trails, tropical gardens, and internet. Please note that Rio Celeste Hideaway will be undergoing construction and maintenance from August 01 until November 30, 2023, as we strive to enhance your experience. During your stay at Rio Celeste Hideaway, you'll enjoy a Casita Deluxe Forest View room and scrumptious breakfast. Read more...
Day 4: Free Day at Rio Celeste
Today is another opportunity for you to explore Rio Celeste at your own pace. The Rio Celeste and Tenorio National Park area are a paradise for rainforest enthusiasts. Marvel at the captivating Rio Celeste Waterfall and its pools, or follow trails to natural hot springs where you can relax in harmony with nature. Please note that free days are for self-guided exploration and do not include specific services.
Day 5: Celeste River and Tenorio National Park Hike
Prepare for a guided hiking adventure to witness one of Costa Rica's natural wonders—the brilliant blue waters of Rio Celeste. This exclusive hiking tour is available only to guests staying at Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel. It begins at the hotel's reception area, where your guide will lead you into Tenorio National Park. After a short uphill hike, you'll arrive at the breathtaking 300-foot Rio Celeste Waterfall, cascading into a turquoise pool. Descend 250 well-constructed steps with a handrail to reach an observation platform, perfect for capturing incredible photos. Following this, continue your hike along natural rainforest trails, pausing at several observation platforms. Your journey culminates at the convergence of two mineral-rich rivers, where their brown waters merge to create a brilliant blue river. Enjoy a provided fruit snack before heading back to the park entrance. This 4 to 5-hour moderate hiking tour includes a bilingual guide, park entrance fee, and a fruit snack. It is exclusively available to guests staying at Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel, eliminating the need for additional transportation. Please wear fully enclosed hiking shoes, long pants, and lightweight long-sleeve clothing. Don't forget bug repellent, bottled water, rain gear, a camera, and binoculars. Read more...
Day 6: Peace Lodge - A Mountain Retreat
Your journey continues to Peace Lodge, located in Vara Blanca, Costa Rica. This luxurious mountain retreat offers a perfect blend of tranquility and natural beauty. Nestled in the midst of lush rainforest and surrounded by cascading waterfalls, this eco-friendly lodge provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The lodge boasts beautifully appointed rooms and suites, each featuring unique touches like stone fireplaces, handcrafted furnishings, and private balconies or terraces with stunning views. Guests can indulge in a variety of amenities, including a spa with rejuvenating treatments, a charming butterfly observatory, and a refreshing pool overlooking the verdant landscape. The lodge also offers guided nature walks and hikes, allowing guests to explore the nearby cloud forest and discover its rich biodiversity. Dining at Peace Lodge is a culinary delight, with a restaurant that serves farm-to-table cuisine made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Whether seeking relaxation, adventure, or a romantic getaway, Peace Lodge provides an enchanting and immersive experience in the heart of Costa Rica's natural wonders. Hotel amenities include a pool, jacuzzi, restaurant, bar, waterfall gardens, hummingbird gallery, aviary, trout pond, serpentarium, jungle cat exhibit, and internet. During your stay at Peace Lodge, you'll enjoy an Artisan Guest Room, and meals will be on your own. Read more...
Day 7: Explore La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Today, you'll embark on a guided tour of La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a nature lover's paradise. As you follow trails through both cloudforest and rainforest environments, you'll encounter five cascading waterfalls with specially designed viewing platforms. Throughout the hike, visit nature pavilions and sanctuary habitats for a variety of wildlife, including jungle cats, birds, butterflies, monkeys, hummingbirds, sloths, snakes, and frogs, in addition to the orchid house. You'll also arrive at a 100-year-old farm reproduction where you'll learn about traditional Costa Rican life from a century ago. Here, you can enjoy ox-cart rides and even try your hand at milking a cow. La Paz Waterfall Gardens is an eco-friendly sanctuary actively participating in reforestation and wildlife reintroduction when possible. The tour includes entrance to the Gardens and a bilingual tour guide. This moderate hike involves climbing hundreds of stairs. Transportation is not included but can be arranged for an additional cost. Many travelers choose to add this tour to their transfer between Arenal and the Central Valley. The guided tour typically takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, depending on how long the group spends in each area. Please wear comfortable enclosed hiking shoes, bring a rain jacket, bug repellent, sunblock, binoculars, and a camera. Read more...
Day 8: Farewell and Departure
As your adventure comes to a close, we bid you farewell. Transportation will be provided back to San Jose International Airport, scheduled to arrive three hours prior to your departure flight.
¡Pura Vida! We hope your Costa Rica vacation and journey of discovery has been filled with unforgettable moments and a deep connection to Costa Rica's natural beauty.
This Costa Rica vacation is intended to be 100% customized to your needs. You may add or subtract days, hotels, tours, or even change transportation options. Please inquire for availability and pricing and let us know how we can customize this itinerary into your dream Costa Rica vacation! ¡Pura Vida!
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