Diamante Falls
La Vida Pura
Costa Rica has always been a nature-lover’s paradise. Residents, known as “Ticos”, are eager to share their beautiful home with all visitors. Volcano-heated hot springs, cloud forests, white sandy beaches, lush river valleys and wildlife including monkeys, sloths, an abundance of bird species, dolphins and whales to name a few, have long enticed adventurers to experience “La Vida Pura”
Travelers will have an array of experiences. Costa Rica hailed as an adventure traveler’s haven, is the ideal playground for singles, couples and those looking for adventure and romance!
Trip Highlights
This trip is designed for those who like to travel a bit off-the-beaten-track. Accommodations are high-end, eco-friendly and have many options to enjoy nature whether you like your travel active or more relaxed. There are many group activities and times to choose to relax or take in some more activities. You can choose more adrenaline filled ones such as rappelling or jet skiing or some calmer ones such as artisan fishing. We’ve selected some of the best destinations Costa Rica has to offer. Not only will you enjoy your trip, but your adding to Costa Rica’s vibrant economy and meeting locals along the way.
Blending the exhilaration of camping with the rich comforts and services of a beach hotel, Isla Chiquita was created to offer travelers and adventure seekers a deep connection to the land, ocean, cuisine and down-to-earth lifestyle of The Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica. Costa Ricans call it “glamping”, an intense back-to-nature getaway. This is a truly special place, where visitors not only enjoy unforgettable activities and adventures but depart feeling transformed by their experience in one of our 15 premium tents.
As a tropical inlet backed by rainforest, Quepos, the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park, is a small booming harbor town famous for being one of the best places in the world for big-game sport fishing as well as the gateway to Manuel Antonio. With a variety of outdoor adventure and nightlife, the village center composes six blocks of restaurants, bars, hotels, art galleries, and gift shops, all resting beside the main beach and sport fishing fleet.
With 4 destinations on your journey the adventure is beautifully split up with an organic garden tour serving as the first big stop just an hour from base camp. The Cave acts as the second stop for those who may want less of a challenging hike while the rest of the group can head to the largest pool above the cave first. The Cave acts as your home base, as well as your playground and relaxation station, located behind the most powerful waterfall on the tour. Next go to the 600 foot fall located below the cave where you will enjoy to most spectacular lookout. The trail while steep is professionally maintained with steps most of the way and takes you directly through the cloud forest with amazing wildlife and a mystical atmosphere that cannot be put into words. In all, the trail covers over 3 kilometers (1.6 mi) and approximately 800 meters of elevation literally taking you through and above the clouds.
Diamante Falls is a series of 10 waterfalls which cascade down the mountain, ending in the spectacular 600 foot Diamante Falls, the tallest waterfall in Costa Rica. Standing on the top of the falls, guests can take in the breathtaking views that stretch all the way to the Pacific coast and beyond. The other waterfalls above provide beautiful opportunities for swimming in magnificent natural pools, cliff jumping, and relaxing to the tranquil sounds of the water.
Manuel Antonio National Park has impressive landscapes and several coves with many white sand beaches and lush foliage amidst great mountains and forests that reach the beaches. Additionally, it is located in the tropical forest.
Known for its excellent climate and scenic beauty, it is visited by large number of national and international tourists. There are numerous trails and 4 beaches
Although Manuel Antonio National Park is Costa Rica’s smallest national park, the diversity of wildlife it’s unequaled with 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds. Inside lives the brown-throated three-toed sloth and Hoffmann’s two-toed sloth, the mantled howler monkey, Central American squirrel monkey, and white-headed capuchin monkey, the black spiny-tailed iguana, green iguana, common basilisk, white-nosed coati and many snake and bat species, to name a few. There are also dolphins as well as the occasional migrating whale, bin the fall months.
Scuba diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking provide opportunities to experience the tropical wildlife that enriches Manuel Antonio.
Itinerary
Duration: 10 days with
Countries: Costa Rica
Experiences: touring, island beaches
Ages: All ages
Trip Description
Day 1 : Arrive San Jose, Costa Rica
Upon arrival in San José, Costa Rica, guests will check in and settle at the Barceló San José Palacio. In the evening, a welcome gathering and trip briefing will be held at the hotel to kick off the adventure.
Day 2: Journey to La Fortuna & Hot Springs Retreat
After breakfast at the hotel, the group will depart for La Fortuna on a scenic three-hour drive. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch in town before unwinding for the afternoon at the renowned Tabacón hot springs. Dinner will be served at Tabacón, followed by check-in at Rancho Margot for an overnight stay.
Day 3: Explore or Unwind – Your Choice
Today is designed as a flexible day to explore, relax, or both. Start with breakfast, followed by an optional 2-hour guided morning hike through a mix of rainforest and cloud forest, where you’ll encounter a wide variety of flora and fauna, from tropical birds to exotic insects. The rest of the day is yours to shape. Choose from included activities like a 1-hour yoga class (offered at 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.), a guided ranch tour, or a Lake Arenal kayak tour. For an additional fee, you can opt for a 2-hour horseback riding adventure ($55) or a magical 1-hour guided night hike through the rainforest ($25) to experience the jungle after dark. (pricing may vary)
Day 4: From Mountains to the Sea – Off to Isla Chiquita
Begin the day with breakfast before setting out on a picturesque three-hour drive to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Enjoy lunch by the water, then board a scenic 1.5-hour ferry to Paquera. You’ll arrive at Isla Chiquita in the late afternoon, where you’ll settle in for two nights of luxurious “glamping.” Dinner is served à la carte, followed by an unforgettable bioluminescent kayaking tour to experience the island’s glowing waters. Overnight at Isla Chiquita.
Day 5: Island Adventures in the Gulf of Nicoya
Wake up to the sounds of the sea and enjoy breakfast before setting off on a guided tour to Isla Tortuga, where you’ll snorkel in crystal-clear waters and enjoy lunch on the beach. Upon returning to Isla Chiquita, the rest of the day is yours to explore or relax. Optional activities include paddle boarding, kayaking, sport or artisan fishing, bird watching, a sunset cruise, or a hiking expedition through the nearby Curu Bioreserve. End the day with a delicious à la carte dinner and another restful night on Isla Chiquita.
Day 6: Coastal Journey to Quepos
After breakfast and check-out, begin the day with a scenic 1.5-hour ferry ride back to Puntarenas. Enjoy lunch before continuing the journey with a three-hour drive along the stunning coastline to Quepos, arriving in the late afternoon. Once checked in at the San Bada Hotel, you’ll have time to explore the beach, dine locally, or experience the lively nightlife and vibrant seaside culture of Quepos. Dinner will be provided.
Day 7: Hiking into the Heart of the Jungle – Diamante Waterfall Adventure
Start the day with breakfast before departing for Las Tumbas Village, the base of your Diamante Waterfall adventure. From there, embark on a 3 km (1.8 mi) guided hike to the garden, where you’ll taste seasonal fruits and learn about tropical medicinal and edible plants. After lunch, continue hiking to the lower Diamante Falls and take a refreshing dip in a natural pool. Return to the cave around 3:00 p.m. for tea time, followed by dinner at 6:30 and optional evening activities in this unique jungle setting.
Day 8: Waterfall Pools & Beachside Leisure
Begin the day with breakfast before hiking to the upper pools of Diamante Waterfall, where you can enjoy swimming and optional cliff-jumping in this breathtaking natural setting. Afterward, hike back to Casa de Piedra to pack up and return to Las Tumbas Village. From there, head back to Quepos for lunch. The afternoon is free for you to unwind—visit the stunning Manuel Antonio Beach, explore the charming town, or relax by the hotel pool. Enjoy dinner and spend the night at the San Bada Hotel in Quepos.
Day 9: Nature, Beach & the Journey Back to San José
Enjoy breakfast before heading out for a guided walk through the lush rainforest of Manuel Antonio National Park. After spotting wildlife and tropical plants, spend some time relaxing on the park’s beautiful beach. Walk back to the hotel for lunch, then begin the return trip to San José—a scenic drive of about 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on traffic. Cap off the adventure with a farewell dinner and overnight stay at the Barceló San José Palacio.
Day 10: Departure Day
Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before departing from San José, taking with you unforgettable memories of your Costa Rican adventure.
Please remember that this is a guide only and we typically customize each safari trip.
Please contact us if you have any questions!
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Accommodations
All activities specified
Transportation with our own local guide
Transport for emergencies is available at all times
Breakfast & Lunches
Local Guide
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Airfare to and from Costa Rica
Dinners unless specified
Activities listed as optional
Gratuities
Visa
