Wake to crisp Andean air and church bells drifting over the rooftops. After an easy breakfast, set out with your guide for a softly paced exploration of Quito’s Historic Center—a UNESCO-listed tapestry of plazas, Baroque churches and balconied streets. We keep walking segments short and mostly level with frequent café and photo pauses to respect the altitude (~2,850 m / 9,350 ft). Later, travel north to the equatorial line for the classic “Middle of the World” (Mitad del Mundo) stop and the hands-on Intiñán Museum.

Today’s Highlights: UNESCO Historic Quito at an easy pace • Classic equator photo at Mitad del Mundo • Interactive Intiñán Museum • Private car, relaxed timing, altitude-aware guiding.

Fly this morning from Quito (UIO) to the Galápagos Islands (Baltra or San Cristóbal, as ticketed). At check-in, your guide assists with the mandatory Transit Control Card (TCT) and biosecurity screening. On landing, meet the ship team, transfer by panga (Zodiac) to your expedition vessel and settle into your cabin. After a safety briefing and lunch, set out for your first guided landing—lava-smoothed trails dotted with marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies on the headlands and Galápagos sea lions dozing along the beach. As dusk falls, toast the crossing with the crew and watch frigatebirds stitch the sky.

Today’s Highlights: Quito → Galápagos flight • embark your expedition ship • first panga ride • wet/dry landing with sea lions, boobies & marine iguanas • sunset on deck.

Wake to an ocean the color of ink-blue glass and the long silhouette of Isabela, the archipelago’s largest island, stitched together by five great volcanoes. Today pairs a gentle walk over raw lava and mangrove edges with a calm-water snorkel among reef fish and softly cruising sea turtles. Expect marine iguanas warming on black rock, Galápagos penguins flicking past like monochrome torpedoes, and blue-footed boobies on low ledges. Your naturalist keeps timing flexible to follow wildlife and seas.

Today’s Highlights: Tintoreras lava loop • calm snorkel with turtles & sea lions • possible penguin sightings • optional tortoise center • sunset sail past Isabela’s volcanic skyline.

Sail overnight across the Bolvíar Channel to wild, still-forming Fernandina—the youngest and most pristine of the Galápagos. Land on Punta Espinoza for an otherworldly morning among jet-black lava flows, marine iguanas stacked like living sculptures, and the rare flightless cormorant drying stubby wings on tide-wet rocks. Waters here are cool and rich with upwellings; snorkelling often brings close views of green sea turtles and iguanas grazing algae under the surface.

Today’s Highlights: Punta Espinoza lava fields • dense marine iguana colonies • rare flightless cormorant • cool-water snorkel with turtles & iguana grazers • open-deck wildlife watching between islands.

Dawn finds you near rugged Santiago Island, a showcase of lava flows, tide pools and shorelines busy with Galápagos fur seals, marine iguanas and hunting herons. After a gentle morning excursion (site and order vary by vessel), return to the ship for an early lunch and disembarkation for your flight to mainland Quito or Guayaquil.

Today’s Highlights: Santiago Island shoreline life • tide-pools or lava fields • optional snorkel (included on most vessels; otherwise extra cost) • smooth disembark • flight to mainland Ecuador.

After breakfast, transfer to Quito Mariscal Sucre (UIO) for your flight to San José, Costa Rica (SJO). Typical routings are 1-stop via a regional hub. On landing, meet our representative in arrivals for a seamless private transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure—breathe the Central Valley air, settle in, and keep the pace mellow.

Today’s Highlights: UIO → SJO flight • private meet-and-greet • smooth hotel transfer • easy evening to reset in San José.

Depart after breakfast by private transfer across banana country toward the river dock at La Pavona. The landscape shifts from misty highlands to lowland rainforest—canals, palms and broad-leaf jungle. At the dock, staff tag your luggage with waterproof covers and you board a covered boat transfer for a scenic glide along Tortuguero’s canals: herons on snags, iguanas sunning, and the occasional caiman in the shallows.

Today’s Highlights: Private road → La Pavona • scenic canal boat to Tortuguero • Full Board lodge hospitality • gentle village stroll under Caribbean breezes.

Wake before first light to the rainforest’s soft crescendo—howler monkeys rolling like distant thunder and oriole blackbirds threading the dark with song. Glide out on mirror-still canals by skiff with a naturalist guide, scanning reedbeds and mangrove roots for sloths, caiman, river turtles, kingfishers, and the flash of jacanas hopping lily pads. As dusk returns, slip back onto the water for golden-hour silhouettes and nightfall activity along the banks.

Today’s Highlights: Dawn & dusk canal safaris • sloths, caiman, kingfishers • easy lodge activities • unhurried Full Board comfort between outings.

After breakfast, board the covered lodge boat back along Tortuguero’s mirror canals to La Pavona. Keep your camera out—herons on snags, iguanas basking and kingfishers arrowing past often book-end the journey. Meet your driver at the dock and settle into a scenic private transfer across Caribbean lowlands toward the fertile plains of La Fortuna, where the perfect cone of Arenal Volcano rises over rainforest and ranchland.

Arrive at your hotel and check in to a volcano-view room—broad windows, bird-rich gardens and the silhouette of Arenal framing the horizon. Unpack, breathe, and let the pace drop. Late afternoon, your driver whisks you to Paradise Hot Springs for a sundowner soak: terraced thermal pools, gentle waterfalls and a tranquil adults-friendly ambience as the sky turns apricot behind the cone.

Today’s Highlights: Scenic canal boat exit • smooth private transfer to Arenal • volcano-view room check-in • restorative Paradise Hot Springs sundowner.

Wake to birds in the gardens and the silhouette of Arenal Volcano. After breakfast, meet your naturalist guide for an unhurried Sloth & Wildlife Walk on flat, well-kept trails near La Fortuna. Binoculars up—your spotter scans cecropia trees for two- and three-toed sloths, points out toucan arcs and motmot tail-wags, and listens for howler monkeys rolling from the canopy. Trails are shaded, pace is gentle, and there are frequent pauses for photos and field notes.

Return to the hotel for a light lunch and a mid-day pause—pool, spa, or a shaded hammock with a book while the warm hours pass.

Today’s highlights: Close-up sloth sightings on easy trails • relaxed cacao & coffee origin tasting • shaded pacing with time to swim, spa or simply enjoy the volcano view.

Wake to the soft silhouette of Arenal Volcano and a leisurely morning in La Fortuna. Today is purposefully unhurried: choose a serene safari river float, soak in naturally heated hot springs, or greet the forest at dawn on a gentle birdwatching wander (all optional at extra cost). However you spend it, expect warm hospitality, verdant rainforest backdrops, and a chorus of toucans and tree frogs punctuating the day.

Option 1 — Peñas Blancas Safari Float (easy, dry boat) (optional at extra cost)

Drift along the Peñas Blancas River in a stable inflatable raft (no white water) with a naturalist guiding the way. Paddle strokes are optional; your boatman does the work while you scan the banks for howler monkeys, sloths, iguanas, river turtles, kingfishers and herons. Typical duration 2–3 hours on the water plus transfers. Morning departures offer cooler air and livelier wildlife; late afternoons bring golden light and birds heading to roost. Suitable for most mobility levels that can step into a low raft.

Option 2 — Hot Springs Spa Session (soak & restore) (optional at extra cost)

Surrender to Arenal’s famed thermal pools, naturally warmed by volcanic energy. Float between pools of varying temperatures, pause beneath a gentle waterfall, or book a volcanic mud wrap or neck-and-shoulder massage. Evening entries are atmospheric with lanterns and mist swirling above the water. Bring a dark swimsuit, quick-dry cover-up and slip-resistant sandals. Private lockers and towel hire are usually available on site.

Option 3 — Easy Birding Walk (dawn or late afternoon) (optional at extra cost)

Join a gentle-paced, naturalist-led stroll at local hotspots such as Bogarin Trail, Danaus Ecocenter, or level sections near the Místico Hanging Bridges. Expect close views of keel-billed toucans, rufous-tailed hummingbirds, motmots, tanagers and the occasional three-toed sloth. Paths are well maintained; typical walking is 1.5–2 hours with frequent shade stops. Opt for dawn for peak birdsong; late afternoon is cooler as the sun sinks behind the volcano.

Practical Tips for Today

What to wear: Light, breathable layers; quick-dry shorts or trousers; a brimmed hat. For birding, muted colours help you blend in. For hot springs, bring a dark swimsuit and a compact microfibre towel if you prefer your own.

Footwear: Closed-toe trainers or light hiking shoes for walks; strap-on sandals with grip for springs and boat ramps.

Essentials: Lightweight rain jacket, small daypack, reusable water bottle, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, and a dry bag or zip seal for your phone and documents.

Wildlife Spotter’s Notes

Monkeys: Howlers move in family groups — listen for their deep, rolling calls at first light; capuchins favour fruiting trees along river bends.

Birds: Watch fence posts and open perches for toucans and kiskadees; scan river edges for green herons and anhingas.

Reptiles & amphibians: Basilisk lizards sun on logs; red-eyed tree frogs appear near lights after dusk. Guides carry optics; bring binoculars if you have them (8x or 10x).

Heads-up & Optional Extras

Weather: Arenal has quick tropical showers year-round; activities run rain or shine. Your guide will adjust for conditions to keep paths safe and views rewarding.

Pre-booking: River floats, spa entries and guided birding are optional at extra cost and are best reserved in advance in peak months (Dec–Apr; Jul–Aug) to secure preferred time slots and private guides.

Ethics: Keep a respectful distance from wildlife, stay on marked paths, and avoid flash for nocturnal species.

Lumle Wow Moment (suggested): Time your hot springs visit for twilight. As dusk settles and the forest chorus swells, float beneath steam and stars with the dark cone of Arenal Volcano rising above the treeline — a quietly magical end to a gentle day.

Trade the lava slopes of Arenal for the cool mist of the Monteverde Cloud Forest on today’s scenic lake–mountain transfer. A boat glides across Lake Arenal with wide-open views of the volcano’s cone, followed by a steady climb on country roads into emerald highlands quilted with dairy farms and epiphyte-draped forest. Settle into your lodge, breathe the crisp air, and—time permitting—drop by a delightful hummingbird garden (optional at extra cost) to watch iridescent wings blur like living jewels.

Morning — Lake Arenal boat crossing & rural ascent (easy pace)

After check-out, a short drive brings you to the lakeshore for the classic “boat–jeep–boat” style transfer (modern vans, not actual jeeps). The calm crossing (30–45 minutes) delivers panoramic views and frequent birdlife—herons, anhingas, and kingfishers—before you disembark to continue by road. Expect a 1.5–2.5 hour countryside drive with a few short, photogenic stops as you gain elevation toward Santa Elena / Monteverde.

Afternoon — Check-in & optional Hummingbird Garden visit (optional at extra cost)

On arrival, enjoy a relaxed lunch and unpack before heading to a nearby hummingbird gallery/garden (typically adjacent to the reserve entrances). Feeders and flowering borders draw species like violet sabrewing, green-crowned brilliant, stripe-tailed and coppery-headed emeralds. Platforms offer barrier-free viewing with benches—perfect for photography without long walks. Visits are flexible (30–60 minutes) and suit all mobility levels.

Optional gentle add-ons (time & energy permitting)

Short Cloud-Forest Taster Walk: A level, easy trail (60–90 minutes) in secondary forest for a first feel of Monteverde’s swirling mists, mossy trunks and bromeliad-laden branches. Ideal before a fuller exploration tomorrow. (optional at extra cost if guided)

Hanging Bridge Lookout (easy section): Sample a couple of bridges near the trailhead for canopy perspectives without committing to a long loop. Handrails and firm decking make this suitable for most travellers comfortable with gentle gradients. (optional at extra cost)

Coffee & Chocolate Tasting: Learn how highland beans and cacao transform into Costa Rica’s favourite flavours. Short, sit-down tastings can be arranged with minimal walking. (optional at extra cost)

Practical Tips for Today

Layers, layers, layers: Monteverde is cooler (often 14–22 °C) with mist and breeze. Pack a light fleece, windproof shell and quick-dry trousers.

Footwear: Closed-toe trainers or light hiking shoes with grip; paths can be damp. A spare pair of socks is a small luxury after the lake crossing.

Motion comfort: The ascent includes some curvy, occasionally bumpy sections—anti-nausea bands or tablets help if you’re motion-sensitive. Keep water handy and sit near the front for a steadier ride.

Wildlife Spotter’s Notes

Hummingbirds: Expect rapid-fire visits every few seconds; be patient and keep your camera pre-focused. Avoid standing too close to feeders to reduce stress on birds.

Cloud-forest regulars: Listen for bellbird clinks in season; mixed flocks may include tanagers, warblers and woodcreepers. With luck, a guide may locate the elusive resplendent quetzal (best chances early morning).

Etiquette: No flash for birds; keep to paths; use whisper voices. A compact pair of 8x or 10x binoculars elevates every sighting.

Heads-up & Optional Extras

Weather shifts fast: Sun can flip to misty drizzle in minutes—carry a packable rain jacket and a dry bag for electronics.

Book ahead (peak months): Hummingbird gardens seldom cap entries, but guided bridge walks and night walks do fill up in Dec–Apr and Jul–Aug—both are optional at extra cost. We can secure gentle, small-group or private slots on request.

Altitude & pace: Although Monteverde isn’t high-altitude by Andean standards, the cooler air and gentle inclines favour a slow, steady pace. Sip water often and take bench breaks—there’s always something to watch.

Lumle Wow Moment (suggested): Arrive at the hummingbird garden in the soft glow of late afternoon. As mist threads through the canopy, a violet sabrewing hovers within arm’s length—amethyst and cobalt catching the light—while the forest hums around you. It’s the pure magic of Monteverde, distilled to a heartbeat.

Wake to the hush of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, where mist drifts through moss-laden branches and orchids bead with silver droplets. Today’s pace is unhurried and immersive: a naturalist-guided cloud-forest walk on firm, level trails followed by a carefully chosen section of gentle hanging bridges for serene canopy views. Expect cool air, birdsong, and a living tapestry of bromeliads, ferns and epiphytes that turn every step into a discovery.

Morning — Guided cloud-forest walk (easy, frequent stops)

Set out with a dedicated Monteverde naturalist on a level, well-maintained loop chosen for comfort and wildlife opportunities. Your guide tunes your ear to bellbird “chimes,” helps you spot hummingbirds at flower clusters, and explains how cloud condensation feeds this unique ecosystem. With luck, you may glimpse a resplendent quetzal in fruiting avocado trees. Expect 1.5–2 hours at a relaxed pace with benches for rest and interpretation.

Late Morning — Gentle hanging bridges (short section, stable deck)

After a warm drink, continue to a curated set of hanging bridges close to the entrance. We focus on the flattest, shortest spans with handrails and solid decking for a calm experience. From mid-canopy you’ll watch bromeliads catch mist, see moss gardens up close, and scan for tanagers and motmots using edge perches. Those who prefer to stay on terra firma can enjoy nearby lookouts and a comfortable café.

Practical Tips for Today

Dress for cool mist: Typical temperatures are 14–22 °C. Pack a light fleece, breathable base layer and a packable rain shell. Cotton feels cold when damp—opt for quick-dry fabrics.

Footwear: Closed-toe trainers or light hiking shoes with good tread; trails can be slick. A spare pair of socks is a small luxury after a misty morning.

Essentials: Compact umbrella, reusable water bottle, light gloves for cooler days, and binoculars (8x–10x). Keep cameras in a dry bag between sightings.

Wildlife Spotter’s Notes

Birdlife: Listen for the metallic “clink” of the Three-wattled Bellbird (seasonal). Scan fruiting trees for quetzal pairs; watch mid-canopy edges for emerald toucanets and mixed flocks of tanagers.

Microworld: Ask your guide to reveal miniature orchids, leaf “skeletonising” insects, and the water-holding cups of bromeliads—tiny aquatic worlds that shelter larvae and frogs.

Heads-up & Optional Extras

Weather changes quickly: Sunshine can switch to fog and drizzle in minutes. Guides adapt routes for visibility and footing; railings may feel damp—use slow, steady steps on bridges.

Night Walk (highly recommended): After dusk, a gentle night walk reveals sleeping birds, bioluminescent fungi, and red-eyed tree frogs. This is optional at extra cost; we book small-group or private departures to keep it quiet and safe.

Mobility & pace: Bridge sections can be skipped. Those who prefer ground-level paths can remain with the guide on wide, even trails and meet the group at viewpoints.

Practical Add-ons (easy, short duration)

Hummingbird Gallery (re-visit): A 30–45-minute stop for close, steady views—ideal for photography without long walks.

Butterfly Garden or Orchid House: Short, indoor/outdoor exhibits with benches and level pathways; perfect if mist thickens. These are optional at extra cost.

Lumle Wow Moment (suggested): Pause midway along a gentle bridge as cloud breathes through the canopy. For a few suspended seconds the forest falls quiet—then a violet sabrewing flashes by like a shard of cobalt light. Monteverde distilled: cool air, emerald depth, and a hush you can feel.

Descend from the cloud-kissed highlands to the golden shores of Guanacaste’s Pacific Coast. Today is a gentle transition day: a scenic drive from Monteverde through cattle country and sugar fields to the calm bay of Playa Potrero, where cinnamon sands, warm water and low-key village vibes set the tone. Check in, breathe the ocean air, and let the afternoon dissolve toward a glowing Pacific sunset.

Morning — Monteverde → Playa Potrero (approx. 3.5–4.5 hrs)

After an easy start, depart the highlands on a paved-and-graded route, trading mist forest for blue skies and dry tropical woodland. Expect broad Guanacaste panoramas, sabanero (cowboy) country scenes and roadside stands selling chilled coconuts. Your driver will schedule brief comfort stops before reaching the coast and the tranquil curve of Potrero Bay.

Afternoon — Check-in & coastal unwinding

Settle into your beach hotel and slip into an unhurried rhythm. Stroll the sand at low tide, paddle along the shore, or relax by the pool with distant views toward Isla Plata and the Flamingo Marina. If you fancy a short outing, neighbouring beaches—Playa Penca, Playa Prieta, and the car-free town of Las Catalinas—are a few minutes away by vehicle or golf cart.

Evening — Sunset at leisure

Potrero is all about simple pleasures: bare feet in warm sand, pelicans skimming the surf, and a sky that shifts through apricot and magenta. Find a quiet patch of beach or a casual beachfront bar and watch the sun drop behind the Pacific. It’s a soft landing into coastal life—exactly as planned.

Practical Tips for Today

What to wear: Start in light layers for Monteverde’s cool; switch to airy beachwear on arrival (sun hat, UV shirt, quick-dry shorts).

Footwear: Comfortable travel shoes for the drive; pack sandals with good grip for hot pavements and beach entries.

Essentials: Reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottle, lightweight cover-up, insect repellent for dusk, and a dry bag for phones/cameras near sand and spray.

Beach & Wildlife Notes

Sea conditions: Potrero’s bay is typically calm, ideal for gentle swims. Always check for posted flags and ask locals about currents before entering.

Wildlife: Watch for frigatebirds, brown pelicans and occasional rays near shore. Avoid handling shells with live occupants; observe tidepool creatures without moving them.

Heads-up & Optional Experiences

Hydration & heat: Coastal afternoons can be hot; sip water regularly and seek shade between 12:00–15:00.

Short coastal sampler (easy): A relaxed visit to Las Catalinas for a car-free promenade and sea views, or a gentle catamaran sunset cruise to small coves (optional at extra cost).

Local flavour: Try a seaside cevichería for ultra-fresh catch-of-the-day; sunset is prime time.

Lumle Wow Moment (suggested): Walk the beach just before sunset and pause where the bay curves north. As the light softens, the water turns to liquid bronze and pelicans silhouette against the horizon—Playa Potrero at its most peaceful.

Ease into a blissfully unhurried coastal rhythm on Playa Potrero. Today is yours to savour—linger by the pool, wander the cinnamon sands, or select a gentle wildlife-focused estuary boat outing or a relaxed catamaran cruise with snorkelling and secluded-bay time (both optional at extra cost). Expect warm seas, easy walking, and big skies that melt into a painterly Pacific sunset.

Option 1 — Estuary Wildlife Boat (easy, shaded, no walking) (optional at extra cost)

Glide through calm mangrove channels on a quiet, canopy-shaded boat as your naturalist points out herons, ibises, kingfishers, basking iguanas, crabs and—if tides align—resting crocodiles on muddy banks. The ride is smooth and seated throughout, perfect for travellers who prefer a gentle pace and zero hiking. Typical duration: 2–3 hours including hotel transfers.

Option 2 — Catamaran Cruise (afternoon & sunset) (optional at extra cost)

Board a stable sailing catamaran for a smooth coastal run to sheltered coves. There’s time to snorkel over rocky reefs (conditions permitting), spot sea turtles and rays from the bow, or simply recline on deck with a cool drink. Return under gold-and-rose skies as the sun drops behind offshore islets—classic Pacific magic. Typical duration: ~4 hours door-to-door.

Practical Tips for Today

Packing list: Lightweight UV shirt, wide-brim hat, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, quick-dry swimwear, and a compact dry bag for phones/cameras. A light long-sleeve layer helps for late-afternoon breezes on the boat.

Footwear: Slip-on sandals for the beach/pier; deck-friendly soles on the catamaran; none required on the estuary boat.

Hydration & shade: Keep sipping water and seek shade during midday heat (12:00–15:00). A light sarong or cover-up makes a handy sun shield.

Wildlife & Sea Notes

Estuary etiquette: Keep voices low, avoid standing suddenly, and do not feed wildlife. Binoculars (8x–10x) greatly enhance sightings of waders and raptors.

On the water: Snorkelling is condition-dependent; your crew will advise for safety and visibility. If you prefer to stay dry, enjoy fish-spotting from the bow or a shaded seat with coastal views.

Heads-up & Optional Extras

Tides & timing: Estuary wildlife varies with tide and time of day; morning and late afternoon are often most active. The catamaran’s sunset slot is the most photogenic and popular—early booking recommended in peak months. Both experiences are optional at extra cost.

Accessibility: The estuary boat involves one low step to board with crew assistance. Catamarans require a short pier or beach tender transfer; crew support is available—please advise in advance for the gentlest boarding option.

Lumle Wow Moment (suggested): As the catamaran idles in a quiet bay, slip into the sea for a gentle float—face up to the sky as frigatebirds wheel overhead. Back on deck, the coastline glows bronze and the breeze smells faintly of salt and guava. A toast to Guanacaste’s easy grace.

Sink into Guanacaste’s Pacific ease. Today is pure restoration: a soothing spa ritual, an unrushed shore snorkel when the sea lies calm, and long, gentle intervals of beach time under palm shade. The curve of Playa Potrero is typically tranquil; neighbouring coves like Playa Penca and Playa Dantita beckon with clear shallows, soft sand and languid tides—perfect for a slow day done beautifully.

Morning — Spa unwind (choose your ritual)

Begin with a therapist-led relaxation massage, a cooling aloe & coconut body treatment, or a volcanic mud wrap inspired by Arenal’s minerals. Follow with quiet time by the pool or in a shaded garden nook—book mid-morning to avoid the warmest hours and to ease into the day’s leisurely tempo.

Late Morning — Gentle beach time (short strolls, easy swims)

Find a calm patch of shoreline for a paddle at the edge or a seated oceanside read. Pelicans skim the waterline; frigatebirds circle high. Keep walks brief and shady between 11:30–15:00; return for longer sandside strolls as the day softens.

Afternoon — Shore snorkel sampler (conditions permitting)

When the sea is glassy and clear, slip into protected corners near rocks for an easy snorkel from the beach. Expect sergeant majors, damselfish, wrasse, the odd puffer and, with luck, a sea turtle cruising by. Enter/exit where sand meets water, avoid surfy sections, and keep sessions to 20–30 minutes with long, floating breaks. Alternatively, choose a guided boat snorkel to sheltered coves—optional at extra cost with equipment included.

Practical Tips for Today

Sun-smart rhythm: Seek shade 12:00–15:00; aim beach walks for early morning and late afternoon. Wear a UV shirt, hat and sunglasses; reapply reef-safe sunscreen after each swim.

Water comfort: For snorkelling, use a flotation belt or noodle for effortless buoyancy and relaxation; keep fins soft and short for easy control near shore.

Bring: Dry bag, microfibre towel, refillable bottle, light cover-up, after-sun lotion, and a small first-aid pouch (plasters, antiseptic wipes).

Beach & Sea Notes

Entry & safety: Choose sand entries; avoid rocks if there’s any swell. Ask locals about currents; if unsure, stay waist-deep and keep to the bay’s calmest corner.

Marine etiquette: Do not touch coral or wildlife; stand only on sand. Keep a respectful distance from turtles and rays; no feeding fish.

Heads-up & Optional Extras

Spa bookings: Popular slots (10:00–12:00 and 16:00–18:00) fill quickly in peak months; reserve a day ahead. Couple’s suites and outdoor cabanas are optional at extra cost.

Short, easy add-ons: A sunset beach yoga session, stand-up paddle in calm water, or a gentle estuary drift for birdlife—all optional at extra cost and arranged locally.

Lumle Wow Moment (suggested): Time a final, slow shoreline wander for the golden hour. As the sea settles to molten copper, pelicans arrow past in formation and the first evening star pricks the sky—Potrero’s quiet kind of splendour.

Bid farewell to Guanacaste’s Pacific ease and travel back to the capital for optimal outbound flight options. Today focuses on a smooth, comfortable transfer from Playa Potrero across the Central Valley to San José with plenty of buffer time for rest, packing and a quiet evening before tomorrow’s departure from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).

Morning — Playa Potrero → San José (approx. 4.5–5.5 hrs, traffic-dependent)

Set out after breakfast for a scenic cross-country drive: golden pastures give way to coffee hillsides and mountain slopes as you approach the capital. Your professional driver schedules comfort stops along the way. Expect expressway stretches and occasional city traffic on approach—your private transfer keeps the pace relaxed and door-to-door.

Afternoon — Check-in & light urban stroll (optional)

After check-in, put your feet up or take a gentle, short walk in Barrio Amón or around the National Theatre precinct for a flavour of historic San José—Victorian facades, leafy plazas, and cafés perfect for a final Costa Rican brew. Keep distances short and surfaces even; taxis/rideshare are easy if you’d rather skip the walk.

Practical Tips for Today

Timing & buffers: San José traffic can swell at rush hours (07:00–09:00 and 16:00–19:00). Building in generous buffers today makes tomorrow’s airport transfer calm and predictable.

Packing rhythm: Separate a carry-on essentials pouch (passports, medications, chargers, a change of clothes) before you fully close your main luggage.

Comfort en route: Keep a light layer handy (A/C can feel cool), plus water and snacks. Motion-sensitive travellers may prefer front seats for a steadier ride through valleys and city bends.

Documents & Airport Notes (SJO)

Check-in windows: Most long-haul flights recommend arriving 3 hours before departure; regional flights 2 hours. Keep your e-tickets and booking reference accessible on your phone and in print.

Liquids & batteries: Follow standard security rules for liquids (100 ml max, single clear bag) and keep power banks in carry-on only. Souvenir coffee grounds are fine in checked bags; declare fresh produce if applicable.

Heads-up & Optional Extras

Dinner reservations (optional at extra cost): Consider a relaxed final meal near your hotel to avoid cross-town travel. We can suggest calm, early-evening venues with easy access and minimal walking.

Souvenir stop: If time allows, a brief call at an artisan market or specialty coffee shop can be included during the transfer—simply let your driver know at the start of the journey.

Lumle Wow Moment (suggested): Step out at twilight onto a quiet plaza by the National Theatre. Street musicians tune up, café lights glow, and the Central Valley’s cool evening air feels like a soft exhale—a gentle, urbane finale to your Costa Rican journey.

Your Costa Rican journey draws to a graceful close. Depending on flight time, enjoy a slow morning in San José before your private transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) for your flight back home. Keep the pace unhurried today—good packing, early check-in and calm airport steps are the recipe for a smooth departure.

Morning — Gentle start & final pack

Savour a relaxed breakfast and a short stretch in the hotel garden or lobby lounge. Complete packing with a clear separation of carry-on essentials (passports, meds, chargers, valuables) and checked items. We recommend placing souvenirs and heavier coffee bags in checked luggage and keeping fragile pieces hand-carried and well padded.

Transfer — Hotel → SJO (typ. 30–60+ mins, traffic-dependent)

Your driver collects you with generous time cushions for city traffic. En route, enjoy the Central Valley scenery and, if needed, request a brief stop for an artisan last-minute purchase or to pick up extra snacks for the journey.

Documents & Airport Notes (SJO)

Check-in timing: Arrive 3 hours before international departures. Have e-tickets/booking refs handy (digital + paper backup).

Exit tax: Costa Rica’s departure tax is usually included in modern tickets; if your airline requires payment at the airport, follow the clear signage before check-in.

Security & liquids: Standard 100 ml liquid rule in a single clear bag; power banks and lithium batteries in carry-on only. Keep laptops/tablets accessible.

Baggage, Seating & Comfort

Baggage rules: Reconfirm weight & size allowances at check-in; place heavy items low in checked bags and use a strap or AirTag if you prefer extra peace of mind.

Seating: If not pre-assigned, request a quiet-zone or aisle seat at the counter. Assistance services are available on request—ask staff for the shortest-walk route to the gate.

Hydration & rest: Fill a reusable bottle after security, stretch lightly before boarding, and set watch/phone to UK time on pushback to smooth the time shift.

Heads-up & Optional Extras

Lounge access (optional at extra cost): If you have eligibility or pay-on-entry access, a lounge provides quieter seating and easier hydration before a long-haul flight.

Last sips & bites: Consider a final specialty coffee at the terminal and light, savoury snacks that travel well (nuts, crackers, dried fruit) to complement onboard service.

Lumle Farewell Moment (suggested): With boarding complete and cabin lights low, glance out across the Central Valley—city pearls scattered on dark hillsides. As the aircraft turns toward home, carry the hush of cloud forests, the warmth of the Pacific, and the green heart of Costa Rica with you.