*EXPIRED* Journeys Rediscovered - Culinary Journey of Costa Rica
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Culinary Immersion Tour Unique to Journeys Rediscovered
Culinary Journey of Costa Rica
Small Group Tour of no more than 8 people
San Jose – Tortuguero Area – Arenal Volcano Area – Guanacaste Region – Nicoya Blue Zone – Playa Hermosa
12 days/11 nights
- 2 nights accommodation in San Jose – Finca Rosa Blanca Hotel
- 2 nights accommodation in Tortuguero Area – Mawamba Lodge
- 3 nights accommodation in Arenal Volcano Area – Amor Arenal Rainforest Lodge
- 1 night accommodation in Nicoya - Rancho Humo Estancia
- 3 nights accommodation in Playa Hermosa - Bosque del Mar
- Breakfast daily at hotels
- Many lunches and dinners included at specially selected restaurants and culinary experiences
- All private transfers
- All Activities included as per itinerary
- Entrance fees
- Sightseeing and private touring with a local English speaking guide
Contact Journeys Rediscovered for pricing to suit your preferred departure dates as a private itinerary or to REGISTER your spot on our 2022 or 2023 Small Group Journeys (no more the 8 passengers).
Boutique accommodation twin share. Single Supplements available.
More Information
Contact Journeys Rediscovered for pricing to suit your preferred departure dates as a private itinerary or to REGISTER your spot on our 2022 or 2023 Small Group Journeys (no more than 8 passengers).
Boutique accommodation twin share. Single Supplements available.
Day 1 – San Jose: Upon arrival to Juan Santamaria International Airport, a representative of Costa Rican Trails will welcome the group and accompany them to the hotel. This transfer takes about 30 minutes. San José is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica. Located in the mid-west of the Central Valley, San José is the seat of national government, the focal point of political and economic activity, and the major transportation hub of this Central American nation.
Check in and welcome cocktail at Finca Rosa Blanca Hotel. Upon arrival and after the check in at the hotel, you will have the opportunity to experience a coffee tour in the hotel’s property. Take a short nature walk through Finca Rosa Blanca’s organic sustainable coffee plantation and witness the entire process of plant development, cultivation, harvest and roasting. Understand the ecology behind shade-grown coffee production and appreciate the symbiotic relationships among the flora and fauna.
In Finca Rosa Blanca’s beneficio (production facility) and roasting house, you’ll see first-hand the long journey of coffee berries: washed, sorted, dried, roasted, and then onto your kitchen table. Learn how the experts evaluate and rate gourmet coffee by participating in a coffee “cupping” session with our knowledgeable guides. Bags of our freshly roasted shade-grown organic coffee are available for purchase after the tour. This coffee tour takes about 2.5 hours.
Welcome dinner is included in the hotel. Stay at Finca Rosa Blanca and experience authentic Costa Rica; combine luxury accommodations, a sustainable forested coffee plantation, and cuisine that creatively honours the culinary traditions of the coffee highlands. Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation Resort is a graceful countryside mansion set on a hilltop in Costa Rica ́s Central Valley. Their staff encourage and support environmental consciousness and proactive sustainable practices.
The culture, environment and economy of the local community is fragile, requiring a sustained commitment to ensure that together they have a lasting positive impact and minimal footprint. The hotel also provides meaningful support to the community, providing income, education, positive cultural exchanges and financial incentive to protect the natural environment while offering you a quality experience. The property features internet access, library, laundry service, dining room, ionized swimming pool, Jacuzzi and 10 acres of private property.
Meals included – Dinner
Day 2 – San Jose: Today you will enjoy a guided morning city tour to the main points of interest in the city of San Jose. The tour begins at Central Market and spending time driving through both business and residential areas of the city, visiting the Cathedral, the Supreme Court of Justice, Bella Vista Fortress (Home to National Museum) and National Theatre.
Gold Museum: The gold object collection of the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum reflects the worldview, social structure, and metalsmithing skills of the pre-Columbian civilizations that inhabited the territory now known as Costa Rica from 500 BC to 1500 AD. The exhibition highlights the technology, use and purpose of the objects displayed, these communities’ relation to nature and their daily life practices.
After this city tour, you will continue to Al Mercat Restaurant where you will enjoy a gastronomic experience. After lunch, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Rest of the afternoon at leisure. Dinner included in your hotel.
Meals included – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 – San Jose/ Tortuguero Area: Today the trip begins with a ground transfer of approximately 3 hours to the site where they will board the boat that will take them to Tortuguero. During the trip you will be able to observe the spectacular Braulio Carrillo National Park passing through the route 32 on direction to Limon province. This route crosses this National Park. Be aware to observe the waterfalls no the ways and spectacular views.
08:30 hrs approximately: Stop on route in Guápiles to enjoy a delicious breakfast. After breakfast, continue with your private transportation to La Pavona Dock where you will take a boat to Tortuguero (shared with other travellers) – 1:30 hour approx. Arrive and check in at Mawamba Lodge. Once you arrive to the lodge, a delicious lunch will be waiting for you. In the afternoon, as part of the experience, you will explore the village with a local and also will experience the Cacao Culture and learn all about the Cacao production, usage and culture with real locals.
The town of Tortuguero is a small community located on one of the islands or islets between the sea and the Tortuguero lagoons. In reality, it consists of a street where there are no cars and where people move on foot or by bicycle. There are some bars, restaurants and souvenir shops, but this charming Caribbean town is worth visiting to discover the rhythm of life and the culture and customs of the area.
In this visit, you will also enjoy a Cacao & Chocolate Experience. This tour begins with a visit to the orchard (right next to the lecture room – almost no walking), to see the cocoa trees, its flowers, and fruits. We will review the tree natural history and its cultural importance for Tortuguero and Costa Rica.At the end, you will be able to taste the cocoa fruit, roasting the beans, separating the shell, grinding the beans on the table stone in the indigenous way, and enjoying the indigenous and colonial chocolate drink. After this, you will be transferred back by boat to your hotel.
At night you will have a private dinner included in “La Katonga” (floating dining room). This unique experience will allow you to enjoy dinner while sailing through the calm waters of the Tortuguero canals and redeemed of the highest nature listening to the symphony of the forest. This boat-restaurant has bathrooms and a bar.
Overnight at MAWAMBA LODGE, located between the Tortuguero canals and the Caribbean ocean, Mawamba is a tropical Jungle Lodge, in a relaxed Caribbean setting that will allow you to discover the natural beauty that Tortuguero has to offer. It has an outdoor pool, hot tub, 24-hour reception, tropical gardens and direct access to the beach.
Meals included – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 – Tortuguero National Park: In the morning, you will have the opportunity to visit the canals of the Tortuguero National Park. Tortuguero National Park is the main tourist destination in Costa Rica, for its biodiversity. Located in the northern Caribbean, it is a vast wetland of primary forests bathed by a wild sea, which reminds us of the beginning of the world. Tortuguero is the most important nesting site for the green turtle (Chelonia Mydas) and is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world.
The National Park is home to 405 species of birds, 52 species of freshwater fish, 160 species of mammals and thousands of tropical plants and trees among its 3 types of forests: humid tropical, humid premontane and tropical montane. Lunch at the lodge. Rest of the afternoon at leisure. In the evening, you will experience a Caribbean Cooking Class. Dinner included in the Lodge as part of the cookery class.
Meals included – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 – Tortuguero/ Arenal Volcano Area: After breakfast, boat transfer back to La Pavona pier. Once you arrive to the pier, you will continue to Guapiles area, you will continue to La Fortuna de San Carlos where the impressive Arenal Volcano is located.
On the way to Arenal, you will stop in Sarapiqui area to visit the hearts of palm organic plantation and having lunch preparing with very creative dishes on base hearts of palm in a very local restaurant. Heart of palm tour: this tour includes a guided walk on safe trails, through an active palm heart plantation, where our visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the entire process of origin and handling of this product. This tour takes about 1 hour. At the end of this activity, you will have a unique gastronomic experience by having a delicious lunch with palm-based products.
After this visit, you will continue to Arenal Volcano Area. La Fortuna de San Carlos is the house of one of the most beautiful and iconic volcanoes in Costa Rica, the Arenal Volcano. This area is home of cloud forests, a lake world-famous for windsurfing and an incredibly diverse population of wildlife is just part of what you will find in this amazing area of Costa Rica. La Fortuna (the town is the volcano’s slopes) is beautifully landscaped downtown, providing public benches under shady trees and ablaze with flowers. La Fortuna's busy streets offer souvenir shops, tour desks, restaurants, and friendly locals.
Arrive to Arenal and check in at your hotel. By 5:30 pm, leave the hotel for a night walk in the jungle. On this tour, each visitor will have the opportunity to see the other side of the Forest and experience that side of nature that very few people know. This hike starts just before dark and its main themes are insects, reptiles and amphibians, as well as nocturnal mammals, fungi Phosphorescent and others. In addition, one of its main attractions is El Cantarrana where you will know the history of the amphibians like The Glass Frog, The Red Eyes Arboreal Frog, The Ternero Frog, The Frog Masked and others that undoubtedly are living jewels of the forest.
Dinner included in your hotel.
Overnight at AMOR ARENAL RAINFOREST LODGE, the resort sits atop the foothills of Arenal Volcano where the higher elevation makes for cooler temps and constant breezes that are sure to lure you outdoors. Admire a front-row view of the towering Arenal Volcano from your Casita deck and spa-plunge pool. Enjoy a panoramic view of the San Carlos Valley from your front porch. Right below the Casitas you’ll find paths to explore the surrounding jungle. Our trails are perfect for long walks through spectacular local flora and fauna. They offer exclusive access to the babbling streams of our canyon below. Post-hike, we invite guests to relax in our secluded thermal-spring pools hidden in the rainforest.
Meals included – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 – Arenal Volcano Area: Today, you will have the opportunity to do a hike in Arenal 1968 Volcano View and Lava Trails. Enjoy a walking on the 1968 trails. One of the best places in the area to observe and witness these lava fields. With two trails going through the rain forest and lava fields. The walk is through the lava trails and some forest sections of this wonderful place. Enjoy the opportunity to meet and learn about this wonder of nature. The length of this walk is approximately 1h30min. After the hike, you will have a picnic lunch in the volcano slopes.
Rest of the afternoon at leisure. Ancestral dinner - Meet an indigenous chef that will show you part of our ancestors’ gastronomy, food preparation, and rituals. Place to be defined.
Meals included – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 – Arenal Hanging Bridgers & Wildlife Rescue Centre: After breakfast enjoy the magnificent Arenal Volcano views while strolling comfortably through the beautiful Tropical Rain Forest at Mistico Park surrounded with lush nature and wildlife. After the hanging bridges, you can visit Sky Adventure Park where you can have the Sky Tram & Trek. This activity is optional.
Sky Tram & Trek - The Sky Tram gondolas rise smoothly through the Rain Forest, offering up endless views during their mountainous ascent. This tour is perfect for people who want to take a different approach on admiring nature, without much physical effort but still be on spot where natures exhibits all its magic. The Sky Tram travels up the mountains to arrive to a wide observation platform on the highest point of the reserve, where you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano, Lake, and the surrounding forests.
Sky Trek is a thrilling zipline circuit that is located in the magical forests of Costa Rica. Sky Trek zipline courses begin at the top of the mountains, you will ride and open-air gondola to this point while admiring the best views of the surrounding area and even more. From there on, you will start the zipline course down the mountain. Cables stretch from mountain to mountain, reaching incredible lengths and heights, crossing canyons, going into the forests, and even sometimes in between clouds.
In the afternoon, the group will visit Asis Project Wildlife Rescue Centre. In this place, the group will have a unique opportunity to not only be near the wild animals, but also help in their rehabilitation. You will help with their diet by preparing their food and feeding them. Dinner included at Don Rufino Restaurant, one of the most known and good restaurants of La Fortuna.
Meals included – Breakfast & Dinner
Day 8 – Arenal Volcano Area/ Guanacaste Region: Today you will be headed to Rancho Humo Estancia. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a healthy and refined lunch prepared with only local products. In the afternoon, you will have a local beer tasting and a short walk for the property. Rancho Humo has created its own craft beer in the heart of the Nicoya Peninsula, Guanacaste. You will have the opportunity to taste this high-quality beer that seeks to be savored and enjoyed intelligently.
Then, you can take a peaceful walk with your private guide through Rancho Humo’s property and get in touch with nature, it’s sound, people, their traditions, the farm, Puerto Humo Town and get the sense of life in a blue zone.
Special dinner will be served in Rancho Humo Restaurant.
Overnight at RANCHO HUMO ESTANCIA. With a privileged setting, nestled amidst endangered pristine tropical life zones such as wetlands, fragile dry forest, and mangroves at the riverside of the imposing Tempisque River, thisEco-boutique Hotel offers you the possibility to enjoy nature at its fullest, including one of the best bird-watching opportunities in the country. Guanacaste is the sunniest province of Costa Rica, so don’t miss our exceptional pool area, where you can plunge into a refreshing cold natural spring water pool or simply relax while sun tanning. Enjoy our extraordinary gardens carefully designed with native plants and species of colorful flowering trees. The charming 10 room boutique hotel has grown naturally from the owner’s original lovely Hacienda House, extending into new wings with ample comfortable rooms that are carefully designed and decorated to recall the surrounding nature sanctuary and also the cowboy traditions and authentic ranch lifestyle of a typical Guanacaste hacienda.
Meals included – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9 – Discovering the Nicoya Blue Zone: After breakfast, say goodbye to the hotel and take a ride to a little village at the North Nicoya. On the way, have a little stop to taste the famous “resbaladera” a Guanacaste typical drink (non-alcoholic). Continues to a little town than has grown thanks to the help of the hard work of its citizens and enjoy a scavenger hunt activity and find some principal elements for a longevity life, dance with a marimba music, learn the art of making tortillas, find the recipe of the Cuajada and enjoy a Blue Zone style. ou will also know about the famous “Vino de Coyol” (Coyol wine) - a top secret drink for the blue zoners. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant in Guanacaste.
After lunch, you will be transfer to the beach destination where you will enjoy the last days at leisure in one of the Costa Rica's loveliest North Pacific beaches, Playa Hermosa. Playa Hermosa is a quiet beach, very rarely congested almost all year, making it the ideal refuge for those who only want to devote themselves to leisure and enjoy the sun. With a warm water temperature and ideal climatic conditions all year round, Playa Hermosa is the perfect refuge with very convenient accommodations and restaurants Special Dinner included in the hotel’s restaurant.
Overnight at BOSQUE DEL MAR HOTEL, located in Playa Hermosa, only 30 minutes away from Liberia International Airport - LIR – or 4 hours from San José, the “Playa Hermosa Bosque del Mar” hotel is the perfect place to experience the wonders of a dream beach holiday in the sunny Guanacaste. The hotel is a perfect mix of gardens, ancestral trees, clear ocean, and a beautiful soft sand beach, that together make the great Costa Rica experience.
Meals included – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10 & 11– Playa Hermosa: These days will be at leisure to relax in the beach or enjoy the hotel’s facilities. Lunches and dinner are not included. In Playa Hermosa town there are a great number of restaurants. Clients can coordinate meals with their private guide.
Meals included – Breakfast
Day 12– Playa Hermosa/ San Jose: Breakfast included in the hotel. Today the group will leave the hotel and will be transferred to Juan Santamaria International Airport.
Meals included – Breakfast
Travel Dates
Valid for travel 01 Jan 2022 - until 31 Dec 2023.
Terms & Conditions
Contact Journeys Rediscovered to register for our 2022 or 2023 Small Group Journey (no more than 8 passengers.) Journeys Rediscovered Small Group - Culinary Journey of Costa Rica, will run with a minimum of 6 passengers.
Alternatively, contact Journeys Rediscovered for pricing to suit your preferred departure dates as a private itinerary, which is guaranteed with a minimum of one person.
Land-based itinerary is based per person on twin/double share basis (unless otherwise stated), single supplement is available, contact Journey Rediscovered for this surcharge.
International & domestic airfares are additional, please contact Journeys Rediscovered for international flight options and prices.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended and can be arranged for you for an additional cost.
For full pricing, terms and conditions, contact your MTA Travel Expert, Journeys Rediscovered on 0477002235 or journeysrediscovered@mtatravel.com.au
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