Journey through the lush countryside of the Central Valley to the fertile region world-renowned for its coffee. A tour of the Doka Coffee Estate highlights the history and cultivation of coffee and its importance to the Costa Rican economy. This afternoon, arrive in the Guanacaste region, known for its breathtaking beauty and fine sandy beaches. Here, rest and relaxation go hand-in-hand with mesmerizing ocean views and lush tropical greenery. Settle in for a relaxing 2-night stay at your resort.

  Breakfast & Dinner    High  28  Low  18     Esplendor Tamarindo

Day 3. Guanacaste

Fun in the sun is in store for you as you enjoy this paradise. Explore the nearby town and beaches, take an optional cruise, or simply relax by the pool or beach and take advantage of the amenities offered at your lovely resort.

  Breakfast     High  28  Low  18     Esplendor Tamarindo

Day 4. Guanacaste – Monteverde

You won’t believe your eyes as you travel into the secluded Monteverde Cloud Forest, where trees grow to heights of 100 feet! Upon arrival in Monteverde, take a nature walk through this spectacular ecosystem and encounter many incredible species of flora and fauna up-close. This forest is the home of the world’s largest population of the endangered quetzal, celebrated for its gorgeous jewel-toned plumage. Keep your eyes peeled and you may be lucky enough to spot this elusive bird!

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  19  Low  16     El Establo

Begin your day at a cloud forest reserve in the heart of Monteverde. Venture into an enchanting, colourful world as you explore one of the world’s largest butterfly gardens with more than 30 species of tropical butterflies. Next, be dazzled in a nearby gallery containing more than 100 beautiful hummingbirds. Embark on a guided walking tour above the forest floor on a leisurely paced “Hanging Bridges” tour and get a different perspective on the cloud forest’s unique ecosystem, its mammals, birds, plants and flora. If you are feeling adventurous you may take an optional canopy zip-line tour. This evening, meet a local who will discuss fascinating facts regarding the migratory birds that flock to Costa Rica every year.

  Breakfast & Dinner    High 19  Low  16     l Establo

Day 6. Monteverde – Lake Arenal Cruise – Arenal

Discover the importance of conservation in Costa Rica during a visit to a tree nursery and learn about Monteverde’s reforestation efforts of indigenous trees. Traverse through the beautiful mountainous landscapes of Monteverde to Arenal, where breathtaking views of the volcano await you. Be surrounded by tranquillity on a delightful cruise on Lake Arenal, the largest and most important lake in Costa Rica. Later, check in for a 2-night stay at a typical lodge overlooking the majestic Arenal Volcano which has been generating lava for the past 30 years. Before dinner, enjoy a cooking demonstration and learn how native, exotic vegetables and plants contribute to the unique flavours of Costa Rican cuisine.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  27  Low  17     Arenal Springs Resort

Day 7. Arenal – Cano Negro – Arenal

Of all Costa Rica’s nature preserves, the remote 20,000 acres of Cano Negro are home to the largest viewable selection of indigenous wildlife. Embark on a Cano Negro guided riverboat trip in a panga (covered canoe), stopping along the way to observe and photograph the wildlife that surround you which may include crocodiles, river otters, sloths, river turtles, exotic birds and rare butterflies — all known to live in the area. The Arenal Volcano area is also known as the land of spas and hot springs. Later in the day you will have an opportunity to attain a state of complete relaxation with an optional visit to one of the finest spas in the region.

  Breakfast     High  27 Low  17     Arenal Springs Resort

Day 8. Arenal – Zarcero – Grecia – National Theatre – San Jose

Discover the charming town of Zarcero and visit its well-known whimsical topiary garden. Continue to the small, picturesque town of Grecia to see the unusual metal church constructed of brick-red metal panes; walk the beautifully landscaped central park; or shop at the traditional local market. Later, visit San Jose’s colourful Plaza de Cultura and the National Theatre, a magnificent building of post-Baroque splendour. This evening enjoy a wonderful farewell dinner.

  Breakfast & Dinner     High  25  Low  16     Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel

Day 9. San Jose – Tour Ends

Today you depart for home with fabulous memories of your adventure in Costa Rica.

  Breakfast

Begin the day surrounded by dormant volcanos and crater lakes as you journey through Braulio Carrillo National Park en route to the Caribbean lowlands. Along the way, take in the mountain vistas and Caribbean-style villages. Later, discover the natural wonders of the rainforest of Tortuguero National Park as you cruise the rivers and canals with your guide. Enjoy a 2-night stay at your eco-lodge surrounded by the beauty of a tropical forest and an array of wildlife. Learn more about your surroundings with a visit to the world’s first Green Turtle Research Station. Discover how to protect the turtle’s nesting habitat and eggs. Join your fellow travellers this evening for a welcome reception followed by dinner.

  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner      High  31 Low  22     Evergreen Lodge

Day 3. Tortuguero National Park

Set out on an early morning bird-watching excursion* that explores the variety of local species and migratory birds that flock to this area. Find yourself surrounded by wildlife as you embark on a nature cruise through the national park – keep an eye out for howler monkeys, sloths, toucans and caimans, as well as exotic flora. Tortuguero National Park, a study in rainforest, freshwater and marine biology, protects over 350 species of birds and mammals. Savour time to explore and seek out green macaws; 57 species of amphibians; 111 species of reptiles; and 60 mammal species, including 13 of Costa Rica’s endangered animals including jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters and manatees.

  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner    High  31  Low  22     Evergreen Lodge

Day 4. Tortuguero National Park – Sarapiquí – Tenorio Volcano

Embark on a leisurely boat ride to the mainland as you travel to the fascinating Sarapiquí region. Afterwards, the choice is yours: visit a cacao plantation to discover the history and continuing importance of cacao to Central America’s economy or stop at a pineapple plantation to learn about the different varieties of this exotic fruit. Observe the production process and sample the delicious finished product. Next, continue to your resort, tucked away in the rainforest at the foot of the Tenorio Volcano.

  Breakfast     High  27 Low  17     Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel

This morning, take an exhilarating river rafting adventure on the Tenorio and Corobici rivers where you’ll experience breathtaking views. Later, meet some Tico artisans as you discover the world of the craft-brewing culture in Costa Rica on the shores of Lake Arenal.

  Breakfast & Dinner    High  27  Low  17     Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel

Day 6. Tenorio Volcano – Maleku Indigenous Village – Tenorio Volcano

This morning, set out on a cultural adventure in a Maleku indigenous village. Interact with one of the last indigenous tribes of this region and learn about how they live. Sit down for lunch with these local people before heading back to your resort. This afternoon, enjoy some free time or perhaps take an optional hike out to the spectacular light blue waters of the Rio Celeste waterfalls.

  Breakfast & Lunch     High  27 Low  17     Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel

Day 7. Tenorio Volcano – Manuel Antonio National Park

Travel the beautiful chequered landscape of Costa Rica to the Pacific Coast, arriving at the world-famous Manuel Antonio National Park. After soaking up the sweeping views and stopping at a seaside village, experience the spice of life at the Villa Vanilla organic spice farm. Learn about bio-dynamic vanilla production and other spices. Later, take in the sunset from your hotel overlooking Manuel Antonio National Park and the Pacific Ocean.

  Breakfast & Dinner       Si Como No Resort Spa Wildlife Refuge

Day 8. Manuel Antonio National Park

Travel just minutes down the road to explore spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its pristine beaches and primary forest. Spend the morning leisurely walking the forest trails in search of native inhabitants like the three-toed sloth, agoutis, squirrel monkeys and iguanas. Take a swim in the inviting blue waters of its beaches. Relax for the remainder of the day by the pool and absorb the natural beauty of your surroundings. If you’re looking for an adventure, perhaps you’ll choose an optional zip-line tour in the afternoon or an optional night-time nature reserve walk.

  Breakfast        Si Como No Resort Spa Wildlife Refuge

Day 9. Manuel Antonio National Park – Villa Blanca Cloud Forest – San Ramón

Say goodbye to the coast and travel north to the Villa Blanca Cloud Forest, originally owned by the former president of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Carazo Odio. En route, meet a local family at their coffee farm. Discover this organic coffee plantation and the natural growing methods used to make some of the best coffee in the world. Continue to the city of San Ramon – referred to as “The City of Presidents & Poets” – for a tour. Then, settle into your hotel set in the Los Angeles Private Biological Reserve, and enjoy the amazing view from your individual casitas.

  Breakfast      Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel Nature Reserve

Day 10. Villa Blanca Cloud Forest

Wake up to a cool breeze and spectacular views. Prepare to try your hand at organic farming. Local guides will take you on an immersive nature reserve tour: explore sustainable agriculture, farming techniques, and greenhouse cultivation. Get a taste of what they grow during a lunch created with ingredients grown on the farm. The afternoon is yours to relax and take in the natural beauty that surrounds you. Tonight, partake in a tree adoption ceremony followed by an incredible farewell dinner overlooking the cloud forest, where we’ll toast the natural richness that is Costa Rica.

  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner      Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel Nature Reserve

Day 11. Villa Blanca Cloud Forest – Tour Ends

Your tour comes to a close today.