Costa Rica Experience

Day 1: Arrive San José, Costa Rica

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Costa Rica. On arrival in the capital city of San Jose, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.  Your day is at your leisure, Costa Rican coffee is some of the best in the world,  if you have time we suggest to sample the local brew at a local cafe. Meet your leader at 6pm, then head out with your group to dine like a local, sampling local specialties at a welcome meal. Meals included: Dinner

Day 2: San José to Tortuguero

Travel northwest today to the Caribbean lowlands to the port of La Pavona, where you transfer by boat to Tortuguero National Park where roads are replaced by canals. Tour the town of Tortuguero to learn about Miskito, the Miskito-Zambo and Afro-Caribbean people. Your rustic lodge is in the heart of the wilderness and is ideally placed to explore freshwater lagoon and spotting wildlife such as Jaguars and Turtles.  The months of July-October is the season turtles lay their eggs, during these months you can book an optional evening turtle tour (additional expense). Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Tortuguero National Park

After waking to the sound of birds, take a boat tour along the canals for the chance to see up to 13 of Costa Rica’s most endangered mammals such as Manatees, Ocelots and Jaguars as well as hundreds of bird species. Tortuguero is also the largest green turtle nesting ground in the western hemisphere, there are also the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle, Loggerheads, and Giant Leatherback Turtles that nest here at different times of the year. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Tortuguero to La Fortuna / Arenal

Travel by boat to La Pavona and drive to La Fortuna, known for its hot springs and Arenal Volcano. Your hotel is surrounded by luxuriant jungle with volcano views. Spend some time poolside, listening to the birds, before enjoying dinner at the fantastic restaurant featuring creative local cuisine. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: La Fortuna

Explore the Arenal Volcano on a hike, learning about the history of the volcano, forest formation , general volcanology.  On this hike you will see plants, wildlife, magnificent rock formations and a magnificent view of Lake Arenal. If you are lucky you may see Capuchin Monkeys, Great Curassows, Toucans, colourful parrots and more. Enjoy a tasty lunch of traditional local dishes hosted by a local family, while learning how to make tortillas by hand. Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 6: La Fortuna to Monteverde

Depart La Fortuna and enjoy a scenic drive to Monteverde, with views of the Arenal volcano and wildlife along the way. Monteverde is renowned for its spectacular cloud forests and rich biodiversity. Here you will visit a family business famous for two of Costa Rica’s most famous products – coffee and chocolate. Learn about the entire process, from the seed to a delicious cup of coffee or a chocolate bar including tasting! This afternoon, you can join an optional canopy zip lining tour and zoom through the jungle (additional expense). Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest from above, traversing suspension bridges through the canopy. Hiking through the clouds along the network of suspension bridges provides a unique perspective of this ecological wonderland, looking for some of the 400+ species of birds found here, including one of the rarest birds in the world, the Resplendent Quetzal. This afternoon, visit the Montverde Cloud Forest Reserve, 3,500 hectares of land that holds 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity, famous for its conservation and scientific research. Explore the different ecosystems housing hundreds of mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, insects, arachnids and marvel at the mosses, vines and trees of the Cloud Forest. Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8: Monteverde to Rio Celeste

Drive to Tenorio Volcano National Park to visit Rio Celeste, a river where two water sources collid and the water takes on a distinctive sky blue colour. Spend the afternoon exploring the brilliant falls and streams, keep an eye out for Tapirs, Monkeys, Anteaters and other animals in the jungle canopy. Stay in a cosy casita (bungalow) surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature, a highlight of your trip. Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 9: Rio Celeste

Today is free for you to choose an optional activity (additional expense) such as a guided tubing excursion, guided rafting tour, safari cruise or you can relax at your hotel to take advantage of the activities included in your stay such as yoga classes, walks along the Río Celeste River and El Tapir Preserve trails, games room and guest lounge. Meals included: Breakfast

Day 10: Rio Celeste to Tamarindo

Travel to the Guanacaste region to Tamarindo Beach, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and one of the area’s most beautiful and diverse marine ecosystems. On the way visit Matambu, the only indigenous territory of the Chorotegan peoples. Their legacy in the use of clay ovens, dances, handicrafts with colourful ceramics and other traditions are still around today. Visit a local artisan at his pottery workshop to learn about the ancient art of pottery. Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 11: Tamarindo

Today is at your leisure.  You may choose an optional excursion (additional Expense) such as a surfing lesson or a mangrove tour looking for Capuchin monkeys who live in the trees.  Alternatively enjoy the beautiful coastline where towering green trees provide solace from the sun and a refreshing cocktail made with guaro, Costa Rica’s traditional sugar cane liquor, is never far away. This evening, enjoy a sunset sailing trip followed by a delicious farewell dinner. Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 12: Depart Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Your Costa Rica trip finishes today after breakfast.  Note: Your international flights are not included, contact us for the latest fares to travel between Canada and Costa Rica.