Our El Santuario & Kiwanda Maji Farm tour is a magical day! There are so many places of majestic beauty in Costa Rica, but we would be hard pressed to name one that tops the experience of visiting El Santuario Waterfall. “El Santuario” means “Cathedral,” and many report feeling reverence and awe standing in the cave where wind and water coalesce to ignite all of your senses. 

 

Your private chauffeur and bilingual naturalist guide will arrive at your lodgings at 6:00 a.m. in a spacious, comfortable vehicle. We will stop for breakfast about an hour into our day at a buffet style restaurant serving typical Costa Rican cuisine and pastries as well as fresh fruits and coffee. Next we will travel for just under 2 hours, during which your guide will point out sites of interest and share local history and wildlife facts. Our destination is El Santuario (Cathedral) Waterfall, located on the northern slopes of the famous Rincon de la Vieja volcano. One of six active volcanoes in Costa Rica, it most recently erupted in June, 2021. Upon arrival, a 20-minute walk will take us to the cave that is home to one of Costa Rica’s most beloved waterfalls, and until recently, one of its best-kept secrets. The water’s astounding turquoise color comes from sunlight which refracts off the volcanic minerals suspended in the water. Wading and swimming are possible during much of the year. 

 

After a cooling dip and epic photo op, we will drive about 10 minutes to Kiwanda Maji, a fully operational farm committed to sustainability, located on a lake that also has bright blue mineral enhanced waters. While at this lush rainforest farm you can kayak on the lake, explore the grounds and greet the animals who live there, or order an appetizer or cocktail to be enjoyed on the lakeside deck. 

 

Finally we will proceed to a small local “soda” for a late lunch. “Sodas” are typically small, open-air restaurants that serve only traditional Costa Rican food. Our lunch will be served family style at Soda Santa Fe by Doña Rosa and her daughter. The authentic flavors of Guanacaste and superb hospitality will round out our day, and we will arrive back at your lodgings between 4 and 5pm.

 

Who is this tour for?

The El Santuario Tour is ideal for nature enthusiasts and those interested in getting off the beaten path to discover some true Costa Rican gems. Appropriate for people of moderate physical abilities. Degree of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. Trail walking and wooden stairs leading down to waterfall.

 

Your day includes:

• Door-to-door spacious and comfortable transportation with your private chauffeur and bilingual naturalist guide on board. Your day begins early with a 6:00am pick-up. Don’t worry - it will be worth it! Note: you should already have your bathing suit on in preparation for our time at the waterfall.

• An hour-long to our breakfast stop  at a buffet style restaurant, serving typical Costa Rican cuisine and pastries as well as fresh fruits and coffee.

• A two-hour scenic drive with local history and wildlife information shared by your naturalist guide.

• El Santuario (Cathedral) Waterfall on the Northern slopes of Rincon de la Vieja volcano. A 20-minute walk to the cave housing this magical waterfall with swimming/wading and breathtaking photo opportunities.

• A visit to Kiwanda Maji, a sustainable farm located on a turquoise lake, with kayaking, exploring, and lakeside relaxation all on tap. 

• A late lunch at Soda Santa Fe, where traditional Costa Rican food will be served family style.

• A safe return to your lodgings between 4 and 5pm.

 

Included in your tour: Private certified guide and driver, breakfast, lunch, entrance fees, all activities mentioned above, bottled water

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Not included: Tips, souvenirs

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What to bring: Good walking shoes, water shoes if desired, bathing suit and towel and change of clothes, sunscreen, hats, bug repellent, cameras, binoculars, snacks (especially if traveling with children), motion sickness medication if needed (our Costa Rican roads can be bumpy). Bottled water provided, but feel free to bring your own beverages if preferred. 

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The Best in Costa Rica Private Tours!