Costa Rica 2023
Our hotels
Day 1-6 (Nov. 3-8): Parador Resort & Spa
9RWJ+WM8 • Manuel Antonio Norte • Puntarenas Province • hotelparador.com
Nestled within 12 acres of tropical rainforest and sitting high above the coastline overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Parador Resort & Spa boasts spectacular views along with first-class amenities.
Only minutes away from Manuel Antonio National Park, white sand beaches and hiking trails, the Parador is a little slice of paradise that invites you to explore and relax to your heart’s content.
Hotel Amenities
- 5 pools (one features a swim-up bar)
- 7 restaurants & bars ranging from sushi and Mediterranean delicacies to local dishes
- spa with a wide variety of massages, treatments, steam room and yoga classes
- fitness center
- entertainment options (incl. mini golf, tennis courts, lush green spaces)
- self-service laundry + concierge laundry
- convenience store
- small currency exchange (no ATM), USD accepted
Room Amenities
- TV, wifi
- mini-fridge, coffee maker
- hair dryer, iron/ironing board
Day 6-8 (Nov. 8-10): Marriott Hacienda Belen
700 Meters West From Bridgestone/Firestone • Heredia Province • marriott.com
Located in Costa Rica’s capital San Jose, the Marriott Hacienda Belen is a true city resort. Let the beautiful mixture of classic Costa Rican Hacienda living with a modern touch inspire you to relax, or take advantage of the location and explore San Jose.
Whether you unwind at the Hacienda with a round of golf or a spa treatment, or you opt for adventures in vibrant San Jose and shop for souvenirs, the Hacienda Belen will surely make it a memorable stay!
Hotel Amenities
- outdoor pool and jacuzzis
- 4 restaurants & bars
- day spa with a wide variety of treatments, outdoor jacuzzis overlooking resort’s coffee plantation
- fitness center
- driving range
- salon, convenience store, gift shop
- laundry service
- currency exchange
Room Amenities
- TV, wifi
- mini-fridge, coffee maker
- hair dryer, iron/ironing board
Our itinerary
Tip: There are 2 beaches nearby:
- Biesanz Beach on the resort grounds (check hotel map #19, accessed via the path right outside the main building, see #18). The trail may be slippery when wet, so wear appropriate footwear. You can request for a hotel golf cart to drop you off at #18, and arrange pick-up via WhatsApp when ready.
- Manuel Antonio public beach and shops. The Parador offers a free shuttle for guests to Manuel Antonio. You can reserve a spot on the shuttle bus at the front desk.
- Shuttle schedule:
- Departures: 8:10 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 2:10 p.m., 5:15 p.m.
- Return from Aguas Azules: 8:25 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 2:20 p.m., 4:10 p.m., 5:20 p.m.
- Return from Rotonda: 8:35 a.m., 9:25 a.m., 11:25 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:35 p.m., 4:20 p.m., 5:25 p.m.
- Shuttle schedule:
Day 1: Friday, Nov 3
________
Arrivals:
Arriving guests will be greeted by iE USA staff and gather to board mini-coaches to head to the Parador in Manuel Antonio, which is roughly 3 hours from the airport. The buses will make a stop halfway. Once at the hotel, you will check into your room.
Arrivals before 1 p.m.:
You will have time to relax ahead of dinner at 7 p.m., which will be hosted at 2 of the resort’s restaurants (check your personal itinerary for restaurant info).
Arrivals after 1 p.m.:
You will receive a dinner box upon check-in.
Day 2: Saturday, Nov 4
________
6-10 a.m.: Breakfast
Breakfast at hotel (La Galería restaurant)
6 a.m.-3 p.m.: Free time/time for excursions
If you have booked one of the additional excursions, please see times below:
- 8 a.m. -2 p.m.: Tico village bike tour to waterfalls
- 8:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m.: Horseback riding
- 8 a.m.-1 p.m.: Catamaran boat tour
3-3:30 p.m.: Meet with your RD (check with RD for location)
3:30-5 p.m.: Get to know the Parador (check with RD for loation)
6-7 p.m.: Cocktail hour (Orange Salon with Terraza)
7 p.m.: Welcome dinner (Orange Salon)
Day 3: Sunday, Nov 5
________
6-10 a.m.: Breakfast
Breakfast at hotel (La Galería restaurant)
9 a.m.-noon: Staff meeting for all staff and LCs (free time for guests)
noon-1 p.m.: Working lunch (all guests are invited to join)
1-4:30 p.m.: Free time/time for excursions
4:30-7 p.m.: Restaurant dinner at the Marina (transfer via bus)
Day 4: Monday, Nov 6
________
6-10 a.m.: Breakfast
Breakfast at hotel (La Galería restaurant)
6 a.m.-7 p.m.: free time/time for excursions
- 6-8 a.m.: Parador Jungle Trails
- 7:40-10:40 a.m.: Canopy zipline (Group 1)
- 9 a.m.-1 p.m.: Manuel Antonio National Park tour
- 6-8 p.m.: “Mysteries of the Night” hike
7 p.m.: Hotel dinner (Orange Salon)
Day 5: Tuesday, Nov 7
________
6-10 a.m.: Breakfast
Breakfast at hotel (La Galería restaurant)
6 a.m.-7 p.m.: free time/time for excursions
- 6:50-9:30 a.m.: Mangrove kayaking
- 6:50-9:30 a.m.: Damas boat tour
- 7:40-10:40 a.m.: Canopy zipline (Group 2)
7 p.m.: Hotel dinner (Orange Salon)
Day 6: Wednesday, Nov 8
________
6-10 a.m.: Breakfast
Breakfast at hotel (La Galería restaurant)
10 a.m.: Check-out
10:30 a.m.: Transfer to San Jose
2-3 p.m.: Casual boxed lunch and check-in at Marriott Hacienda Belen
5:30-7 p.m.: Optional activity with RD
7 p.m.: Hotel dinner (Alcazar on the 3rd floor)
Day 7: Thursday, Nov 9
________
6-11 a.m.: Breakfast
Breakfast at hotel (Hacienda Kitchen)
6 a.m.-7 p.m.: Free time/excursions
- 10-12:30 a.m. coffee tour
- 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. San Jose city tour and shopping
7 p.m.: Farcwell dinner (Foyer of the Alcazar on the 3rd floor)
Day 8: Friday, Nov 10
________
6-11 a.m.: Breakfast
Breakfast at hotel (Hacienda Kitchen)
9:30 a.m.: Group 1 Transfer to airport (flights departing before 1 p.m.)
10:30 a.m.: Group 2 Transfer to airport (flights departing between 1-2:30 p.m.)
11:30 a.m.: Group 3 Transfer to airport (flights departing after 2:30 p.m.)
EXCURSIONS
Walks and hikes
Get your feet wet…
A different way to explore Costa Rica
Explore San Jose
FAQ’s & Helpful info
What do I need to prepare ahead of the trip?
- Bring the correct travel documents. U.S. citizens and permanent residents do not need a visa to visit Costa Rica but please review your airline’s website for any travel requirements.
- Review the recommended packing list (will be sent to you a couple of weeks ahead of departure).
- Exchange currency.
- Get travel insurance (optional).
- Download WhatsApp and get a temporary international data plan for the duration of the stay.
What will the weather be like?
In November, the average temperatures in most regions range from the mid-70s to low 80s°F. Coastal areas along the Pacific (like the Manuel Antonio area) may see temperatures from the high 80s to low 90°Fs.
Since November is the tail end of the rainy season, rain may occur. While it might be heavy at times, it is not as extensive as the months prior.
What is the dress code? What clothing items are recommended?
With average temperatures ranging from mid-70s to low 90s in coastal regions like Manuel Antonio and quickly changing weather (including heavy rain), we recommend layers.
Please bring comfortable walking shoes. Costa Rica has beautiful terrain for you to explore with ground that may be wet at times.
Most of our meals are in a relaxed, casual setting. Some of the restaurants are in a nicer location, so feel free to bring a set of “nice clothes” to wear for dinner those evenings. Semi-formal or formal attire is not needed.
If you would like to go golfing, please note the following dress code: shirt with collar (e.g. polo shirt), pants or shorts for men, skirts for women, closed shoes suitable for golf. Not permitted: shirts without collars or sleeves, blue jeans, bathing suits, sandals, shorts for exercise or sweatshirts.
Do I need to bring Costa Rican Colón (CRC) currency?
Credit cards are widely accepted but you might not be able to use them everywhere. Be aware of fees for using your credit card abroad. Many places also accept US dollars. It is recommended to bring smaller bills ($20 and lower ammounts). We suggest exchanging an appropriate amount based on what you would typically spend when on vacation. Note that currency exchange will also be available at both resorts.
What meals are included?
Hotel breakfasts as well as all dinners listed on our itinerary are included.
The mini bar in your room is a private expense paid by the individual room occupants on check-out.
Are there special rules about smoking?
Please note that smoking in enclosed public places and near entrances and exits is prohibited in Costa Rica. Smoking must be done outside as long as it does not impact others.
Who will I share a room with?
If you are a solo traveler, you will receive an email with information about who you will be sharing a hotel room with.
Will I receive details about meeting times, locations, etc. ahead of time?
Yes, the itinerary will include most of those details. Our travel guide also knows the itinerary well and will be able to answer questions, or provide guidance.
How does transportation work during the trip?
Transportation to and from all activities on our itinerary will be provided. If you book one of the excursions we list, transportation is also included.
If you opt for free time and do not want to use the provided transportation, please arrange your own transportation as needed. Uber is available in larger cities like San Jose.
What should I know about Costa Rica?
Here are a few things to know about Costa Rica:
1. Wildlife is everywhere. It is not uncommen to see a sloth trying to cross the road or monkeys sitting above your head when you are at a restaurant. It is best to observe and not engage.
2. Tipping is optional. While it is not expected, it certainly is appreciated and many restaurants will include an automatic 10% tip in your final bill.
3. Costa Rica is eco-concious. Residents are passionate about protecting the country’s incredible natural resources.
4. It gets dark by 6 p.m. every day since Costa Rica is only 8-12 degrees from the equator.
5. The weather can change in an instant. Be sure to layer. Raincoats will be provided in Costa Rica.
6. Tap water is safe to drink in most places.
7. Set your clock to Tico time. Things may take longer than expected, for example getting to a location or eating at a restaurant. Take your time and enjoy!