Costa Rica: A World of Nature

Day 1: San Jose, Costa Rica ­ Tour Begins

Pura Vida. In English, it translates to “the simple life.” But Pura Vida is so much more: it’s an attitude; a celebration of life in the moment. It’s time to experience what Pura Vida means to you. You’re on your way to explore a place that’s unlike anywhere else in the world, where Pura Vida is an unofficial motto and a way of life.  Welcome to the emerald of Central America: Costa Rica

Day 2: San Jose ­ Tortuguero National Park

Seemingly endless mountain horizons. Complex evergreen forests. These are the wonders of Tortuguero National Park.* Travel by boat to your hotel before heading further down the rivers and canals to the world’s first sea turtle research station. Next, a local will teach you all about his village and its previous history as a coconut plantation.  Watch as he demonstrates how they use coconuts before trying your hand at making a local favourite: coconut candy.  Later, have time to explore Tortuguero town with your Tour Manager. Get away from it all and relax at your lodge for the next two nights, set in the middle of the jungle. From the morning calls of the monkeys to the gentle chatter of the birds, listen to the active sounds of the rainforest around you.

Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch

Day 3: Tortuguero National Park

Begin the day on an excursion to spot the elusive green macaw and other unique winged creatures that flock to Tortuguero. Embark on a nature cruise, getting a glimpse into the life of jaguars, manatees, ocelots, and more. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy your Tortuguero resort.

Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch

Day 4: Tortuguero National Park ­ Sarapiqui ­ San Carlos

Take a boat back to the mainland and make your way towards Sarapiquí and Tirimbina Rainforest Center. Spend time at a cacao plantation and see the process of converting the seed from bean to bar, tasting for yourself why cacao is called “the food of the gods.” Later, arrive at your secluded nature resort, nestled on the edge of the San Carlos River. Stroll the butterfly and botanical gardens lined with fruit trees, including lemon, soursop, guava, mango and tangerine.

Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch

Day 5: San Carlos

Explore the beauty of your surroundings on a Peñas Blancas River Safari. Paddle and float down the river on a peaceful adventure, taking in the sights and sounds of the rainforest as your naturalist guide describes the intricacies of the wildlife around you. Visit the Finca of a local family and try speciality snacks such as banana bread, gourmet Costa Rican coffee and more. End your day with a guided walk through a private, primary forest reserve for a look at the various flora and fauna.

Meals Included: Breakfast | Dinner

Day 6: San Carlos ­ Hanging Bridges ­ Arenal

Today, suspended over the rainforest floor, relish a bird's­eye view of the jungle on a guided tour of Arenal’s famous hanging bridges. High above the jungle canopies, marvel at a cloud forest taking shape around you. Settle into your resort where you’ll be surrounded by striking views of Arenal’s famous volcano for the next 3 nights.

Meals Included: Breakfast | Dinner

Day 7: Arenal

Today, it’s your choice! Since Costa Rica is the birthplace of zip lining, glide over the canopies on a mind­blowing rip through the jungle ­OR­ make your way across lava fields for a up­close­and­personal look at the volcano on a moderate hike along the trails formed by lava during the 1968 eruption. The afternoon is yours. Perhaps you’ll discover the town of La Fortuna or relax in the hotel’s naturally heated pools. Also, consider an optional excursion to a family­owned Finca with an included farm to table lunch.

Meals Included: Breakfast | Dinner

Day 8: Arenal

In the shadow of Arenal Volcano, the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps you will opt to immerse yourself in wildlife as you float along a river on the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge cruise, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, opt for an exhilarating white water rafting experience**. Or simply hang back at the resort, choose a spa service, explore the grounds, and soak in one of Arenal’s famous hot springs.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9: Arenal Volcano ­ Coffee Plantation ­ Playa Herradura

This morning, wake up and smell the coffee at a local farm that produces some of Costa Rica’s well­known beans. Take a tour with local plantation workers and have a chance to discuss what life is like for these coffee farmers. In the afternoon, head to Playa Herradura and settle into your resort for the next 2 nights. As the day draws to a close, watch the sunset over the Pacific alongside birds in every colour of the rainbow.

Meals Included: Breakfast | Dinner

Day 10: Playa Herradura ­ Tarcoles ­ Playa Herradura

See wild crocodiles among the mangroves of Tarcoles’ Rio Grande. On this exhilarating jungle crocodile safari, you’ll boat beneath the towering jungle, looking along the river banks for a glimpse of these incredible creatures. Return to your hotel for a free evening

Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch

Day 11: Playa Herradura ­ Manuel Antonio National Park ­ San Jose

Welcome to Manuel Antonio National Park, home to verdant rainforests and white sand beaches. In this natural wonderland, traverse the trails where the wild things are, or go for a swim in the turquoise waters as wildlife rummages in the canopies. Then say goodbye to the coast and hello to San Jose. Toast to the Pura Vida of Costa Rica tonight over a farewell dinner.

Meals Included: Breakfast | Dinner

Day 12: San Jose ­ Tour Ends

Bid Costa Rica farewell as your tour comes to an end today.