Back Roads of Costa Rica

Monteverde & the Nicoya Peninsula

Explore off the beaten path, discovering the back roads and secluded hideouts of beautiful Costa Rica. Start in Monteverde, located 4 hours northwest of San Jose. Costa Rica’s best-known reserve is one of the richest cloud forests in the continent with at least 200 species of birds, many species of mammals and an estimated 3,000 species of plants. Journey the trails of a private reserve, try one of the zip line canopy tours of the area and experience a taste of Costa Rican lifestyle and hospitality in Monteverde. After a busy time in misty Monteverde, continue your trip to the driest region of the country, the Nicoya Peninsula, and unwind with the cooling breezes of the Pacific Coast at the hotel of your choice. This lesser-known beach region is home to secluded surf spots and idyllic landscapes, and offers a perfectly relaxing end to this one-of-a-kind vacation.

Day 1 - Arrive in Monteverde

Upon arrival at San Jose Airport, meet your driver for a private transfer to Monteverde, or pick up your rental car. After checking into your hotel, the remainder of the day is at your leisure.

(Accommodations; Monteverde)

Day 2 - Monteverde

After breakfast, meet your guide for a day full of Adventure! First, start with the Sky Walk guided tour, which combines trails and suspension bridges with lengths of even 984 feet and heights above the canopy of Monteverde cloud forest. The tour gives you the opportunity to enjoy the flora and fauna of the area and it last about 2.5 hours.

At the Sky Tram glide through the canopy to observe the cloud forest biodiversity, the Arenal, Tenorio, Miravalles, and Orosi volcanoes, the Nicoya Gulf, and the Guanacaste plain if the weather allows it. After this tour, we’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, you’ll have the exhilarating experience of zip lining. The Sky Trek system of zip lines, ranges from mountain to mountain and has a distance of 2.5 miles of linear cable. The tour gives you the opportunity to fly through a cable and have a unique experience of adventure and adrenaline at speeds up to 40 miles per hour with distances ranging up to 2500 feet and heights of 524 feet with 5 observation towers. On the last cable of the Sky Trek, as an optional alternative to finishing the tour route, you can try the “Vertigo Drop”; it is a leap of 25 meters!

(Breakfast, Lunch & Accommodations, Monteverde)

Exhilaration....

Day 3 - Monteverde

Today you’ll have the opportunity to experience a taste of Costa Rican lifestyle and hospitality with a Shared Trapiche Cultural Tour. This 3-hour tour is an informative, interesting and fun way to learn the traditional methods of growing and processing sugar cane, coffee, bananas and other crops. Join in with the owners of this local farm and pick coffee during harvesting time, run the coffee sorting machine, make your own candy out of the sugar cane. End your tour with a freshly made cup of the renowned Costa Rican coffee and other treats, proudly served by the owners. An unforgettable hands-on experience! Have the afternoon free, or add on an additional tour to the cloud forest reserve.

(Breakfast & Accommodations, Monteverde)

Learn about sugar cane processing....

Day 4 - Monteverde to Nicoya Peninsula

After breakfast, meet your driver for a private transfer (or drive your rental car) to the Nicoya Peninsula; home to some of the most isolated and beautiful beaches, legendary surf, and waterfalls. This rugged peninsula is becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations, especially for those seeking a relaxing getaway. After checking into your hotel, take a stroll along the beach or explore on your own.

(Breakfast, Monteverde; Accommodations, Nicoya Peninsula)

Isolated beautiful beaches...

Day 5 - Nicoya Peninsula

Today is at your leisure with a wealth of activities to tempt you. For beach lovers, Nicoya is home to some of the most immaculate and spectacular beaches in Costa Rica including Santa Teresa, Malpais, and Montezuma. In addition, you’ll find indulgent spas to relax and revitalize yourself. If you’re interested in more active water sports, many surfers consider this peninsula the best surfing in the world. Take advantage of various tours including kayak, ATV and hiking tours to the Montezuma waterfalls, or take a surfing lessons on the Santa Teresa Beach. In the evening, you won’t have far to go to find fresh seafood. In addition you’ll find fine dining establishments throughout the peninsula offering a variety of cuisine including Asian-fusion, Italian, and French.

(Breakfast & Accommodations, Nicoya Peninsula)

So much adventure to be found....

Day 6 - Nicoya Peninsula

Another day to explore this alluring region, and you’ll quickly discover why eco-tourism is popular here. Tourists and locals alike flock to the Nicoya Peninsula to explore caves, spot wild birds and visit the fantastic Cabo Blanco Reserve. Situated along the southern coast near Montezuma, the Cabo Blanco Reserve is an example of this country’s commitment to conservation. You can wander through immense rain forests viewing (and hearing) howler and capuchin monkeys, coatis (similar to a raccoon), and even anteaters, plus dozens of different bird species. Scattered along the peninsula, you’ll also find turtle nesting beaches* depending on the time of the year. The five species include the black sea turtle, leatherback, hawkbill, loggerhead, and the Olive Ridley.

*Note: Most turtle nesting sites in Costa Rica require visits through authorized access points with a guide to protect the turtles. If you choose to visit a turtle nesting site, please follow your guide’s instructions and keep interaction to a minimum.

(Breakfast & Accommodations, Nicoya Peninsula)

These turtles are amazing...

Day 7 - Depart Nicoya Peninsula

After breakfast, time to say good-bye to your Costa Rican experience. You’ll have a private transfer or return your rental car to the Liberia airport and onward to your next destination!

(Breakfast, Nicoya Peninsula)