Itinerary
The trip is 6 days/7 nights (plus two travel days to/from Costa Rica) and all-inclusive in cost for the land portion.
From the Volcano and Rainforests …
DAY 1: Travel day to San Jose international airport, Costa Rica. You will be meet at the airport by a Vajra Sol representative. The first night is spent in a charming hotel in the outskirts of San Jose.
DAY 2: Departing after breakfast, we enjoy a scenic three hour drive through rolling hills passing coffee plantations and quaint farming towns. As we come into view of the Arenal Volcano we continue along the lake to arrive at Rancho Margot Lodge, our accommodations for the next two nights. This idyllic lodge one of the first working ranches in Costa Rica to pursue being fully self-sufficient and sustainable. It is set in a lush and tropical landscape on 400 acres of a rainforest and mountain reserve and borders the famous Children’s Eternal Forest. We stay in spacious bungalows each with its own terrace and hammock and awe-inspiring views of the rainforest and lake.
Soon after our arrival we receive a tour of the property to learn about its many self-sustainable activities to maintain the ranch and environmental conservation projects. In the afternoon we enjoy our first yoga session on a deck overlooking a pristine mountain river.
DAY 3: Today we being by venturing out from the ranch on horseback for about an hour through the rainforest reserve. These well-cared for horses are gentle and no previous riding experience is necessary. We then change gears and go by foot hiking along an adventurous trail teeming with lush exotic flora. The surprise at the end of the trail after a short “river hike” is a magnificent waterfall. Take an invigorating swim in the natural pools! Because we are on a private reserve this is an exceptional tour and you will feel like you just experienced a truly authentic adventure in a wild tropical wonderland.
In the late afternoon to stretch our worked muscles we enjoy a complementing yoga session followed by a soak in the naturally heated pools on the property while taking in the scenes of the majestic surrounding rainforest. A real treat that will leave you saying, “ahhhhhh….”.
DAY 4: We travel by road to our next destination on the stunning Central Pacific Coast. We stop en route about half way (2.5 hours) to take a ride on a rainforest canopy tour or also called a “zipline”. Fasten into a harness, clip onto a cable and zip between a series of platforms high in the trees. A thrilling way to view the rainforest right from its treetops. After enjoying a typical Costa Rican lunch, we continue down the coast arriving in the late afternoon at the laid-back beach town of Uvita.
For the next three nights we stay at La Cusinga Ecolodge situated on a hilltop with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. With its warm and welcoming ambiance the lodge has unquestionably been included on TripAdvisor.com’s Traveler’s Choice list of “10 top eco-friendly accommodations in the world” for it’s commitment to sustainable tourism and without compromising on guest comfort and enjoyment. The wooden bungalows are spacious and cooled by the tropical breeze, the restaurant serves fresh organic food from their own garden and the property is just a few minutes walk from a beautiful secluded beach.
DAY 5: Following a morning yoga session and some free time, we get together for a late afternoon sea kayak outing along the scenic coastline of the Ballena Marine National Park. The park was created in 1990 to protect the almost 10,000 acres of coal reef, beaches and exuberant flora and fauna that inhabit the area. We explore unusual caves before we stop off at an uninhabited beach to relax, swim or for the more adventurous, surf the waves in a sea kayak. Previous paddling experience is not required; your guide will provide the basic and easy to learn instructions before we set off in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean (average temps are 80-85 degrees F).
DAY 6: Following a morning yoga session, today is an open day to relax, receive a massage, enjoy the beach, visit the nearby town of Dominical for some shopping, take a surf lesson, or participate in another tour at your leisure.
DAY 7: We have our final yoga session this morning while taking in the scent and feel of a tropical breeze as we close in svasana. Afterward is open for you to take in some leisure time, hang out at the beach, receive a massage or visit the nearby town of Dominical. In the afternoon we return back to San Jose by road, an approximately 3.5-hour drive, where we have our farewell dinner and spend the last night.
DAY 8: Departure from San Jose to your home destination. This is a travel day and no activities are scheduled.
Accommodations
The accommodations include the idyllic Rancho Margot Lodge and the beach side Cusinga Lodge. The first and last nights are spent at a B&B in the outskirts of San Jose. Each location has its own charming characteristics and an intimate and nature-oriented ambiance. Please visit the respective websites for more information about the properties and their amenities.
Meals
All meals are included in the package starting with breakfast on day two and ending with breakfast on day eight. Breakfasts and dinners will be at the hotels and lunch is during our daily excursion either picnic style or at a local restaurant. The hotels where we stay are particularly known for their delectable, fresh and healthy cuisine. Vegetarian meals are available and we will do our best to accommodate other special dietary needs.
Trip Guide & Yoga Instructor
A Vajra Sol Guide accompanies the group throughout the trip. Along with adventure guides who join us for the daily tours and activities they ensure a smoothly run and fulfilling vacation.
Pilar Salazar was born and raised in Costa Rica. She has a great passion for traveling and exploring which has taken her throughout the United States, Europe and the Middle East. After graduating from university with a business degree, she worked in the travel industry for several years specializing in adventure and eco-tourism.
Pilar has been practicing yoga since 1999 and her foundation is based in the Ashtanga Yoga method. Over the last few years she has incorporated into her practice and teaching the universal principals of Anusara yoga. She furthers her studies with fervor, continually learning from a diversity of gifted teachers. Pilar has a dynamic, uplifting and invigorating teaching style, with her main intention focusing on living healthily and in the present moment. Throughout her classes she weaves the elements of fluid breath, graceful movement, and light-hearted pura vida fun.
Weather in December
This time of year is the beginning of the summer season in Costa Rica. It is typically sunny with blue skies and temperatures are high-70sF to mid-80sF during the days near Arenal, mid-high 80sF at the beach and low-high 70sF in the evenings. As Costa Rica is in the tropics there is always possibility of rain showers in the afternoons after which it typical clears up leaving the landscape vibrantly green.
Photo gallery
To view images of our Arenal & Pacific Trip, we invite you to visit our
online gallery.
Package Cost (US$) per person
| Room Type |
Single Rate |
Double Rate |
Rancho Margot Lodge (2 nights) - spacious bungalow with one queen bed or two queen beds, private bathroom, large terrace with rainforest view.
Cusinga Lodge (3 nights) - spacious bungalow with one queen and one single bed or two queen beds, private bathroom, ocean view.
B&B in Escazu (2 nights) - one queen or two single beds with private bathroom. |
$1,950 |
$1,725 |
Cost includes:
Seven nights accommodation -
Airport transfers on first & last date of trip
All breakfasts, lunches & dinners Domestic transportation per itinerary Daily yoga session Adventure activities/tours per itinerary Bilingual guides Vajra Sol T-shirt
Cost does not include:
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If you will be joining the trip on your own and would like to share a room for the double rate please let us know and, although we cannot guarantee a roommate, we will try to match you with another friendly traveler.
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No refunds are provided for arriving late or departing a trip early, for activities or meals in which one does not participate.
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Rates are subject to change until a reservation is confirmed.
Ready to sign up or have a few questions?
To receive the full details of this retreat by email, to make a reservation or if you would like to ask us a few questions please visit our Reservation Request page.
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