Indulgence in Costa Rica with Tortugero (Summer 2018)

Day 1: Arrive in San Jose.

Welcome to Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose, where upon arrival, you will be privately transferred to your hotel. Located in the central valley region, surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, San Jose is distinguished by Spanish colonial buildings, coffee plantations and warm friendly Ticos. This evening is free. Tomorrow you will begin early for your adventure to the coastal jungles of Tortuguero accessible only by boat or plane.

Day 2: Tortuguero by Boat.

An early start begins the journey to the jungle as you travel from San Jose to where the road gives way to the Caribbean coastal canal system. Breakfast will be served before boarding your boat as you continue to travel toward Tortuguero. Along the way, keep your eyes open to spot monkeys, iguanas, toucans and many other bird species. Arrive to your jungle accommodation, complete with all the creature comforts of home and the only hotel with air-conditioning in Tortuguero. Be warmly welcomed with a beverage, orientation of the facility and lunch. This afternoon, visit Tortuguero Village and the Caribbean Conservation Company. Learn about the afro-Caribbean culture and the preservation philosophy of Tortuguero. This evening, enjoy dinner in the Ara Macaw Restaurant paying tribute to Caribbean fusion cuisine. (Full Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 3: Tortuguero Canals.

Rise with the Howler monkeys and depart the dock for a special trip into Tortugero National Park by boat. This protected wilderness area is famous for being the nesting grounds for sea turtles and endangered green turtles (seasonal). Brackish and fresh water creeks and lagoons are the perfect places to spot spectacled caimans and river turtles. Return to the hotel and relax or perhaps take part in one of the many options available. Make some time for a spa treatment, read a book by the pool or add to your bird count while roaming the exuberant gardens. Return to the canal in the afternoon to see the difference of wildlife as the day progresses towards sunset. This evening, why not try to spot some nocturnal creatures with an evening walk with your guide?(Full Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 4: Return to San Jose by plane.

In the morning, gain an new perspective of the jungle landscape. Depart by small aircraft alongside the beach of Toruguero and head off toward the Barva and Irazu volcanoes on the way to San Jose. Watch below as the canals and jungles give way to mountains and finally the urban city life from where your journey began. Transfer to your hotel, relax and refresh. This evening join your fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner as your Costa Rica adventure continues. (Full Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)

Day 5: Central Valley and Bajos del Toro.

Head to the outskirts of the Central Valley for some delicious coffee with the Arrieta family, as they share their way of life on their coffee plantation. Continue to Sarchí, for lunch among beautiful tropical plants and flowers at Else Kientzler Botanical Garden. After lunch, travel to the Bajos del Toro Cloud Forest for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. Experience the charming and remote El Silencio Lodge while dining with wine in this unique setting in the clouds. (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner with Wine)

Day 6: Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna.

Start your day with a mystic cloud forest hike. Walk through the cloud forest trails and hidden paths that embrace nature’s elements. Next, plant a living legacy in a carbon-offsetting cloud forest, helping to bring the vibrantly coloured quetzal bird to the region. Head to La Fortuna before arriving at your hotel just outside the Arenal Volcano National Park. After some time to relax, savour Costa Rican cuisine alongside the active volcano. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)

Day 7: Arenal Volcano National Park.

Rise early this morning to meet with a volcanologist from the National University of Costa Rica’s Volcanological and Seismological Observatory. Learn of their research in the area and how the area has been transformed by volcanic activity. Later, join your Travelling Concierge for an adventure. Choose from zipping through the canopy treetops, enjoying a skywalk on a series of suspension bridges, joining a naturalist guide on an aerial gondola, or perhaps river-rafting on the controlled rapids of Piedras Negras River? Spend the rest of the day at leisure at the Tabacon Thermal pools and perhaps choose to dine here. (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 8: Lake Arenal and Guanacaste.

Bid farewell to the mountains and continue your journey around Lake Arenal - the largest lake in Costa Rica. Descend to the Guanacaste plains and the resort beach destinations that the region is famous for. Enjoy lunch at Hacienda La Pacifica, a local favourite, before heading to your beachside resort. (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch)

Day 9: Guaitil and Palo Verde National Park.

Visit artisans using local clays and the same tools and techniques of their indigenous ancestors in Guaitil to create the region's famous pottery. Then, enjoy a cultural tasting of homemade rosquillas (a type of empanada). Later, meander along the Tempisque River on-board open-air boats in the Palo Verde National Park – a birding and wildlife paradise. Spend the afternoon at your resort. In the evening, toast to your Costa Rican journey at a Farewell Celebration Dinner with wine while enjoying an exclusive marimba show. (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner with Wine)

Day 10: Depart Guanacaste.

Enjoy breakfast before your transfer to Liberia International Airport to connect with your onward flights. Alternatively, extend your holiday with additional nights at the hotel. (Buffet Breakfast)