Day 1: San Jose, Costa Rica - Tour Begins

Journey to Costa Rica and discover the fascinating tropical ecosystems of Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano and Manuel Antonio National Park. Embark on many exclusive explorations of the country’s natural gems. Take time for independent personal discovery.

Day 2: San Jose - Tortuguero National Park

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. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

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. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 4: Tortuguero National Park - Sarapiquí - Arenal Volcano

Embark on a leisurely boat ride to the mainland as you travel to the fascinating Sarapiquí region. Afterwards, join a local expert at La Tirimbina Biological Reserve where you will discover the history and continuing importance of cacao to Central America’s economy. Observe the process of producing chocolate from the cacao bean and sample the delicious finished product. Next, continue to your resort featuring panoramic views of Arenal Volcano. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 5: Arenal Volcano

This morning, the choice is yours. You may embark on one of the most thrilling zip lining experiences in Costa Rica while admiring the views and wildlife of the Arenal rainforest. Or, perhaps you would enjoy a moderate hike through the trails of Arenal Volcano National Park where you will traverse the former lava fields and enjoy spectacular views of the volcano. This afternoon is at leisure to explore the lush surroundings of your rainforest resort, perhaps indulge in an optional spa treatment, or simply relax in the luxurious soothing waters of one of the region’s famous hot springs. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 6: Arenal Volcano - Villa Blanca Cloud Forest

This morning you may choose to take an optional river safari or hanging bridges tour: float down the mellow Peñas Blancas River while taking in the stunning scenery or experience the rainforest from up above as you walk among the treetops on a guided tour of Arenal’s hanging bridges…either way, keep an eye out for wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, iguanas and tropical birds. Later, travel south to the Villa Blanca Cloud Forest. Settle in for a 2-night stay in a mountain nature reserve resort, originally owned by the former president of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Carazo Odio. Nestled on 75 acres of gentle rolling hills, set in the Los Angeles Private Biological Reserve and surrounded by lush botanical gardens, you are sure to become one with nature while exploring one of the world’s most precious and complex jungle ecosystems – the cloud forest. This evening, enjoy an incredible dinner overlooking the cloud forest. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 7: Villa Blanca Cloud Forest - San Ramón - Villa Blanca Cloud Forest

Wake early for the opportunity to go in search of the wide variety of bird species found in Costa Rica. It is home to one-tenth of the various species found in the world. This afternoon we visit a coffee farm. Discover this coffee plantation and the natural growing methods used to make some of the best coffee in the world. Continue to the city of San Ramón – referred to as the “City of Presidents & Poets” – for a tour. Then, settle back into your resort and enjoy the amazing views from your individual casitas. Tonight, partake in a tree adoption ceremony. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 8: Villa Blanca Cloud Forest - Tarcoles - Manuel Antonio National Park

Traverse the lush varied landscape of Costa Rica to the Pacific Coast. Make a stop for a jungle crocodile safari and bird watching excursion. Hop aboard your safari boat to explore the quiet Rio Grande of Tarcoles. See the awesome mangrove ecosystem and search for these magnificent ancient reptiles in one of the world’s largest crocodile populations in the wild. View waterfowl, iguanas, and over fifty varieties of birds native to the region, including the very rare scarlet macaw. Later we continue our journey to the world-famous Manuel Antonio National Park. Check into your hotel located just outside the park. Soak up the sweeping views and take in the sunset overlooking the park and the Pacific Ocean before dining this evening. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 9: Manuel Antonio Nat'l. Park - Santa Juana - Manuel Antonio Nat'l. Park

Wake up to a cool breeze and spectacular views early this morning. Journey outside the park and ascend a nearby mountain to Santa Juana Rural Mountain Nature Reserve. Experience a different side of this country when joining an expert guide who will introduce you to the local culture and ecosystem. Step back in time at an authentic sugar mill still powered by oxen. Take a hike to a breathtaking waterfall and go for a swim in its pristine waters. Then enjoy a traditional “campesino” country-style farmer’s lunch while taking in the expansive panoramic views of Manuel Antonio National Park below. Return to your hotel. The afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of your surroundings. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

Day 10: Manuel Antonio National Park - San Jose

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; or take a swim in the inviting blue waters of its beaches. Say goodbye to the coast as you continue on to San Jose. Enjoy a wonderful farewell dinner where we’ll toast to the natural richness that is Costa Rica. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 11: San Jose - Tour Ends

Your tour comes to a close today. Today breakfast will be included.