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 Hike through lush rainforests, encounter countless exotic creatures such as sloths, toucans, and strawberry frogs, discover majestic volcanoes in thrilling national parks, take a dip in hot thermal springs, and daydream under the Latin American sun on a heavenly beach. Costa Rica is a stunning natural spectacle just waiting to be explored. Pura vida: it’s a greeting, a lifestyle, and a reply. It’s also the motto of the laid-back “Ticos”, the courteous inhabitants of this country, and will soon also become your very own motto as we explore tropical Costa Rica.
On this round trip, you’ll discover the many facets of Costa Rica. In addition, you’ll have plenty of time to relax in pristine nature between the Pacific and the rainforest with the spectacular silhouette of the Arenal Volcano on the horizon, and of
course with a permanent smile on your face – another typical “Tico” characteristic.
The queer culture in Costa Rica is thriving and has been for quite some time with several establishments located across the country geared at attracting members of the gay community, especially in urban hotspots such as San Jose and Manuel Antonio.
• Tortugero and Arenal Volcano National Parks
• Rincón de la Vieja
• Hiking tour on an active volcano
• Swimming and relaxing on a Pacific beach
Day 1
Welcome to the gay adventure of a lifetime! After your arrival in San José (flights not included in this tour), you’ll transfer to the hotel where you’ll receive a warm welcome from your guide and finally get to meet the other guys.
Accommodation: Delta Hotels by Marriott San Jose Aurola, San Jose
Day 2
Rise and shine! After an authentic Tico breakfast consisting of gallo pinto with rice, beans, and scrambled eggs, you’ll hop on the bus and head for the Caribbean. On the way, you’ll pass Braulio Carrillo National Park with its lush rainforest, gurgling rivers, and stunning waterfalls. Your journey continues past extensive banana plantations on the way to La Pavona. From there, you’ll Continue by boat to Tortuguero National Park, home to the majestic green sea turtle. Your habitat for the next two days will be a rustic lodge surrounded by the relaxing sounds of nature. In the afternoon, you’ll explore the quaint village of Tortuguero and then have time to enjoy the pool and spa. Your first adventure-packed day comes to a close.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Evergreen Lodge, Tortuguero
Day 3
If you’re up for exploring the jungle, a boat tour departs at dawn to explore the wonders of the national park (additional fee, payable on site). Make sure to charge your phone/camera – you’ll see capuchin monkeys and spider monkeys climb overhead as well as crocodiles and terrapins lurking on the riverbank. Back at the lodge, a tasty breakfast awaits you. In the morning, you’ll explore the area around the lodge and in the afternoon, you’ll embark on another boat trip through the winding canals of the national park.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Evergreen Lodge, Tortuguero
Day 4
Today, you’ll return to civilisation by boat and then continue by bus through the Caribbean lowlands to the amazingly biodiverse city of Sarapiquí. On the way, you’ll stop at a pineapple plantation and learn all kinds of interesting facts about the delicious “king of fruits” on an expansive finca. After arriving at our next tropical lodge, you can sit back, relax, and listen to the exciting sounds of the rainforest around you.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Sarapiquis Rainforest Lodge, Sarapiquí
Day 5
The time has come to set off on the gay adventure you’ve been waiting for – your first rainforest hike! Keep your eyes peeled for colourful birds, iguanas, sloths, and more! The rainforest is a treasure trove for hobby photographers looking to take epic photos to show friends and family back home. Later on in the Tirimbina Nature Reserve, you’ll learn all about Costa Rica’s "brown gold" – cocoa. You’ll hear interesting facts about the prized beans and how they are processed. Of course, you’ll also get a chance to sample some real organic rainforest chocolate. Delectable! With the taste of chocolate in your mouth, you’ll bid "farewell" to the rainforest – the Arenal Volcano is awaiting your arrival. Once we get there, you’ll have the chance to take a dip in the relaxing hot thermal springs. Gay holidays don’t get any better than this!
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Arenal Paraíso Resort & Thermo Mineral Hot Springs, La Fortuna
Day 6
Lace up your hiking boots! It’s time to head off to the one-of-a-kind lava fields of the Arenal Volcano National Park (2 hours, leisurely walk). On your hike, you’ll be serenaded by tropical birds and will marvel at the lush orchids and other jungle plants that thrive on the fertile volcanic soil. Be on the lookout for the colourful beaks of the toucans in the treetops! It’s a sight you certainly don’t want to miss. In the afternoon, you’ll learn more about the park’s diverse flora and fauna at the very informative Butterfly Conservatory where colourful butterflies and a variety of different frogs are waiting to be discovered.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Arenal Paraíso Resort & Thermo Mineral Hot Springs, La Fortuna
Day 7
Off to Rincón de la Vieja! There you’ll have the chance to relax to your heart’s content. Why not take a dip in the hot water pools on the banks of the Rio Colorado or get a spa treatment in the hotel’s very own spa (additional fees apply)? If you prefer something more active, you should definitely take a hike to the Cangreja Waterfall (additional fee, payable on site). Simply mesmerising!
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Rinconcito Lodge, Rincón de la Vieja
Day 8
Get ready for an unforgettable time at Rincón de la Vieja National Park! The main attraction here is the volcano bearing the same name, which is famous for its constant activity in the form of sulphurous thermal springs, steaming fumaroles, and bubbling mud holes. Definitely a fascinating experience! Furthermore, because the national park has different climate zones, it has a unique flora and fauna, which you’ll discover first hand. To round off the experience, your guide will take you on a hike through the national park (ca. 2 hours). Another day of gay adventure comes to a close.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Rinconcito Lodge, Rincón de la Vieja
Day 9
The Pacific Ocean is so close you can almost hear it! Today you’ll head south on the Interamericana, a segment of the Pan-American Highway, to Puntarenas. On the way, you’ll cool off at the beautiful Llanos de Cortes Waterfall before reaching the national park and the beaches of Manuel Antonio – the ultimate beachside paradise.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Parador Nature Resort & Spa, Manuel Antonio
Day 10
In Manuel Antonio National Park, you’ll encounter other inhabitants of Costa Rica, namely iguanas and kapok trees, for example. This place really is straight out of a Caribbean dream: the turquoise blue water lapping against the white sandy beaches. Close your eyes and take in the peaceful sounds of nature on your amazing gay holiday… In the evening, you’ll have a farewell dinner at the hotel with the other guys and talk about all the adventures you’ve had.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Parador Nature Resort & Spa, Manuel Antonio
Day 11
The time has come to say "adios" to paradise. Around noon, you’ll head back to the Central Valley and continue to the San José airport. You’ll then board your flight home (flights not included).
Meals Included: Breakfast
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