DAY 1: ARRIVE IN SAN JOSE

You will be met on your arrival at San Jose Airport and transferred to our hotel. Later in the evening, we meet our guide for dinner and orientation meeting. 
Overnight in San Jose.

 

DAY 2: TO TORTUGUERO N.P. VIA BRAULIO CARRILLO N.P.

Early morning, depart San Jose for the Caribbean coast. Enroute, we drive through Braulio Carrillo National Park, enjoying wonderful views of the rainforest. Upon arrival in Cano Blanco or La Pavona (depending on weather conditions) we transfer to our boat for a 1 1/2 hour boat journey through the beautiful canals to get to Tortuguero, always keeping an eye out for wildlife.

 

Three species of monkeys (spider, howler and white- faced), three-toed sloths and river otters are frequently seen along the natural inland waterways and canals. Caiman, iguanas, river turtles, basilisk lizards and poison dart Dendrobates frogs inhabit the area. 320 species of birds including all 6 species of king fishers, 3 species of toucans, 8 species of parrots and other neo-tropical species such as the slaty-tailed trogon, white-collared manakin, purple-throated ruitcrow and white-fronted nunbird all inhabit the area. We will have the opportunity to observe them during our ride through the creeks of Tortuguero National Park over the next few days. 

 

After lunch, we will explore the village of Tortuguero to learn about the history of the village, visit the park headquarters and walk past colorful Afro-Caribbean homes. 
Dinner and overnight in Tortuguero.

 

DAY 3: WILDLIFE OF TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK

Today we travel by boat to explore the canals of Tortuguero and Cano Harold (Harold’s Canal) in Tortuguero National Park. During our visit to Cano Harold, we

have the opportunity to see bare-throated tiger herons, snowy egrets, boat billed herons and other species which are known to nest here.

 

We also visit the Atlantic Green Sea Turtle Museum founded by the Caribbean Conservation Corporation. The late Dr. Archie Carr began to study and tag the thousands of Atlantic green sea turtles that every year from June through October come to Tortuguero Beach to lay their eggs. Originally intended to protect a major nesting beach of the Atlantic green sea turtle, Tortuguero National Park now protects 51,870 acres, one of the last large areas of tropical rainforest in Central America.
Dinner and overnight in Tortuguero.

 

DAY 4: CANALS OF TORTUGUERO, TO SARAPIQUI

After breakfast, we depart via the stunning wildlife rich canals of Tortuguero to Cano Blanco or La Pavona (depending on weather conditions) where we transfer to our vehicle and continue to Sarapiqui.
Dinner and overnight in Sarapiqui.

 

DAY 5: SARAPIQUI RAFTING ADVENTURE AND PINEAPPLE TOUR

This morning, enjoy an exciting river rafting adventure (Class III - Rafting is optional). Make sure you keep an eye out for birds and wildlife while enjoying your adrenaline rush.

After lunch, we will visit a certified organic pineapple farm. Considered to be one of the pioneers in organic production, we will learn about the cultivation of pineapples in harmony with nature.

Return to the hotel in the late afternoon where you have some time to relax before dinner. 
Dinner and overnight in Sarapiqui.

 

DAY 6: TO ARENAL VOLCANO, HANGING BRIDGES AND HOT SPRINGS

After breakfast, we make our way to Arenal, driving by many large cattle farms, as well as yuca, plantain and papaya plantations.

 

Enjoy an afternoon hike in the Arenal Hanging Bridges with your guide. This project sits within a 250-hectare (618 acre) reserve of fully recovered secondary rainforest. A visit to Arenal Hanging Bridges consists of traversing 16 bridges (8 hanging) from 5 to 100 meters long that cross the rainforest and a 3 km circuit of interpretive trails.

 

Early evening, we enjoy the warm and soothing natural hot springs, due to the region’s geothermal activity, with dinner to follow.

Dinner and overnight in Arenal.

 

DAY 7: WATERFALL WALK AND CHOCOLATE TOUR

In the morning, we visit La Fortuna Waterfall and hike down stairs to where the water plummets 200 ft (65 m) into an emerald pool. If you're feeling adventurous, you can swim in the chilly water.

 

Afterwards, we visit a small plantation to explore the secrets and wonders of one of mankind’s favorite foods: chocolate.
Overnight in Arenal.

 

DAY 8: TO MONTEVERDE

After breakfast, we set out for a leisurely bus ride towards Monteverde. Notice the dramatic change in scenery from lake Arenal, all the way up to green mountain. Monteverde is a peaceful community made up of dairy farmers, naturalists and tourism service providers who have joined together to create a model for sustainable development and protection of the environment that is well-known throughout the world.

Founded in 1954 by a group of Quakers searching for a peaceful place to live, is the home of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, the Children’s Eternal Rainforest, and the Santa Elena Reserve.

During our time in Monteverde, we will enjoy a scenic night tour. 
Dinner and overnight in Monteverde.

 

DAY 9: MONTEVERDE, ZIPLINING AND SANTA ELENA CLOUD FOREST RESERVE

This morning, we enjoy a thrilling zipline circuit through 9 cables, of lengths between 1200 ft and 2310 ft and heights of 60ft to 480ft. Cables stretch from mountain to mountain, crossing canyons, going into the forests, and even sometimes in between clouds (ziplining is optional).

 

After lunch we continue to Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, managed by the local community of Santa Elena. At an elevation ranging from 1,440 to 1,660 meters (4,725 to 5,450 feet) above sea level, the forest is perpetually cloaked in a delicate veil of mist. Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is a stunning example of cloud forest ecosystems, featuring dense vegetation and a wide variety of flora.​
Dinner and overnight in Monteverde.

 

DAY 10: RINCON DE LA VIEJA, VOLCANO HIKE

Today we will have a long and exciting journey from Monteverde all the way to Guanacaste province. The continental divide has created a dry forest on one side of Rincon de la Vieja National Park and lush rainforest on the other. We will have the opportunity to hike around the base of Rincon de la Vieja volcano and see the little bubbling acidic lagoons and mud piles.

Dinner and overnight in Liberia (Guanacaste).

 

DAY 11: HORSEBACK RIDING, WATERFALLS AND RIVER SWIM

Today after breakfast we will drive for about 40 minutes to meet our horses. We will enjoy an easy horseback ride to the river where we can take a dip in the clear pristine waters of the Chorreras cascade. Be sure to bring along your swimsuit. This is a perfect setting to enjoy a restful, yet exciting day, and cool off in the refreshing waters. (Traveling by horseback is optional)

Dinner and overnight in Liberia (Guanacaste).

 

DAY 12: TO CENTRAL PACIFIC, CROCODILE SAFARI

After breakfast, we travel to the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica. Along the way, we make a stop at a crocodile safari on Tarcoles River. The Tarcoles area isn’t just a great place to see the formidable American Crocodile, it is also a great place to see many species of birds and fish. 

Dinner and overnight in Playa Hermosa.

 

DAY 13: MANUEL ANTONIO N. P.

Today we will have a guided tour of Manuel Antonio with its impressive landscapes and many coves with white sand beaches amidst great mountains and tropical forests. Despite being Costa Rica's smallest national park, its biodiversity is impressive. You can see sloths, mantled howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, white-headed capuchin monkeys, iguanas, common basilisk, 184 bird species (including toucans, woodpeckers, potoos, motmots, tanagers, turkey vultures, parakeets and hawks). It is also possible to see dolphins as well as the occasional migrating whale.
Dinner and overnight Playa Hermosa.

 

DAY 14: TO SAN JOSE, COFFEE TOUR

Today we return to the capital of San Jose where will have time to reflect on our adventure during our farewell dinner this evening.

 

Along the way, we visit to Doka Estate, the oldest humid coffee processing plant declared an Architectural Heritage for Humanity, that works with hydraulic power. We learn about the vital role coffee has played in forging democracy in Costa Rica, as well as cultivating a national identity. The introduction of coffee provided a product suitable for export along with bananas. Today, both remain two of the most important crops in Costa Rica. The coffee tour is packed with tips and tricks that will help make your next cup of coffee your best and learn how to properly store coffee. Of course, there is always the opportunity for great birding anywhere in Costa Rica. 
Farewell dinner and overnight in San Jose.

 

DAY 15: DEPART SAN JOSE

Transfer to San Jose International airport for your homeward flight.