Exploring Costa Rica: Cloud Forest to the Caribbean

Day 1 : Home/San José

Fly to the airport in San José, Costa Rica, transfer to your hotel. Meet your naturalist guide and enjoy a welcome dinner. (D)

Day 2 : San José/Tarcoles River/Monteverde

Search for American crocodiles on the Tárcoles River before venturing to the nearby Bat Jungle exhibit. We’ll check into a family-owned retreat with expansive grounds and picturesque views of the cloud forest. (B,L,D)

Day 3 : Monteverde

Begin the day at a butterfly farm where we’ll have the opportunity to see dozens of local species. After lunch, we’ll tour the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and search for monkeys, hummingbirds and possibly the rare resplendent quetzal. (B,L,D)

Day 4 : Monteverde/Arenal

After breakfast, drive to Lake Arenal and cross in small boats for a fresh perspective on the volcano. On the lake’s far side, check into an elegant hotel surrounded by gardens and pastures with grazing animals and views of the smoldering Arenal Volcano. (B,L,D)

Day 5 : Arenal Volcano

Walk the Arenal Hanging Bridges strung more than two miles through the rain forest canopy. Later, relax in the naturally heated thermal pools at your hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 6 : Arenal/Tortuguero

A charter flight will bring us to Tortuguero, a spectacular lowland forest on Costa Rica’s northeast coast. Tour the wildlife-rich canals of Tortuguero National Park in small, guided boats. Later, check into a rustic lodge at the water’s edge for dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 7 : Tortuguero

Set out by boat to explore more of Tortuguero National Park’s canals. You can choose guided boats or go by kayak for a more personal exploration. In the early afternoon, you’ll have free time to enjoy the lodge’s amenities such as the pool or optional spa treatments before visiting the Sea Turtle Conservancy. There you’ll learn about the history of the region and important conservation work taking place on Tortuguero’s beaches. Later, stroll through the car-less village to see small shops before dining at Miss Junies, a restaurant with a rich heritage and Afro-Caribbean flair. (B,L,D)

Day 8 : Tortuguero/San José

Today, continue to explore the Tortuguero National Park canals by boat or kayak to spot monkeys, caiman and myriad bird species. Enjoy a visit to the Sea Turtle Conservancy to learn the area’s history and go for a stroll through the carless village. Then, partake in a workshop on preparing chocolate at Sibu Chocolatier. Both days end with a delicious dinner prepared at the lodge, including a farewell dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 9 : San José/Home

Transfer to the San José airport for flights home. (B)