Naturally Costa Rica

Sample Tour Itinerary (Subject to change)

Day 1: Arrive San José, Costa Rica

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Costa Rica.  On arrival to San José Airport you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of your day is at your leisure in the San Jose until you meet your group tonight.

San José is home to history and culture, outstanding architecture, friendly locals and bustling nightlife.  The capital is a bustling city in the middle of the country that is surrounded by mountains, volcanoes and untouched cloud forests.  This is also the cultural center of Costa Rica with lively markets, historic neighbourhoods and theatres, many art galleries, museums and parks.

Day 2: San José to La Fortuna

This morning travel to La Fortuna – a small leafy town that is the gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park. Learn the secret tips on how to cook traditional Costa Rican tortillas with a local woman who will help you prepare dishes with ingredients from her garden. You will your tortillas the traditional way by using the wood-fired stove and then sit down to a lunch of Costa Rican favourites to get to know the family. Enjoy a free afternoon when you may choose to visit the nearby hot springs that are fed by the thermal Tabacon River (additional cost).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: La Fortuna

Today is a free day or you to explore La Fortuna at your own pace. Some options in the area (additional expense) are visiting the national park to hike Arenal Volcano, take one of the trails leading to La Fortuna Waterfall or take a Cano Negro boat tour of a wetland system that is home to varied wildlife like sloths, monkeys, caimans and tropical birds.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4: La Fortuna to Monteverde

Travel to Monteverde today, taking a boat across Lake Arenal followed by a scenic drive. When you arrive, you’ll have a free afternoon to choose your own adventure (excursions additional expense). Get out and explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve on your own, or head to the nearby butterfly garden. Visit the suspension bridges for some leafy views over the area or take on a forest night walk, looking out for local wildlife
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5: Monteverde to Manuel Antonio

Hike in the spectacular Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve – host to more than 100 different species of mammals and 400 species of birds. Your leader will teach you about the fascinating biodiversity of the region and help spot wildlife. Look out for the quetzal with its quirky hairdo and listen for the sounds of howler monkeys or the unmistakable call of the three-wattled bellbird. The reserve also has nearly 500 unique species of orchids. In the afternoon,  drive to Manuel Antonio National Park.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6: Manuel Antonio

Take the day to experience the lush national park surrounding Manuel Antonio. Your park entrance fee is included and joining you will be a naturalist guide with all the insider knowledge that you need. Spend time discovering the park and learning about the beauty of the jungle, keeping an eye out for sloths and iguanas. Wander into the depths of the rainforest where your naturalist guide knows exactly where to find the weird and wonderful that call this place home!
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 7: Manuel Antonio to San Gerardo de Dota Valley

Leave Manuel Antonio and drive to a small indigenous community. The Terraba (or Teribe), are an Indigenous group with a rich cultural heritage. Located on approximately 34.7 sq mi (9000 ha) along the Terraba River, they have survived off the land for more than 500 years. The community consider themselves matriarchal and women are the teachers, responsible for passing information down through the generations. Learn how to paint your own wooden mask, before sharing a local home-cooked lunch with the villagers. This afternoon, travel by private vehicle to your mountain lodge on the edge of Quetzales National Park. Situated in the misty Talamanca Mountains, this remote cloud forest sanctuary serves as your restorative counterpoint to Costa Rica’s busier regions. This hidden valley offers genuine solitude and the chance to recharge surrounded by untouched wilderness.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch  & Dinner

Day 8: San Gerardo de Dota Valley

Join a local naturalist guide early this morning for a walk in the cloud forest adjacent to Quetzales National Park – if you’re lucky, you might just spot the resplendent quetzal (yes, this is its official name). This region is recognised as one of the best places to see this colourful bird in its natural habitat (a highland cloud forest). As you walk, look out for the quetzal as well as the hummingbirds, tapirs and sloths that call this area home. When you end up at waterfall, soak up the sounds of birdsong and running water.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 9: Manuel to San José

This morning visit a family-owned farm to learn how the coffee bean makes its way from cherry to cup. This includes the process from planting to harvesting, roasting and grinding to then prepare your own cup of coffee. Enjoy lunch with the family before driving back to San Jose where your leader will take you for a walk around this lively city.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 8: Depart San José, Costa Rica

After breakfast, your Costa Rica adventure comes to an end today, depart any time.

Meals included: Breakfast

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