Colorful Costa Rica

Day 1: USA to San José

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Radisson Hotel

Your unforgettable adventure to Costa Rica begins as you depart Miami today. Later today, arrive in San José where you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner this evening.

Day 2: San José to Tortuguero

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Laguna Lodge

Early this morning depart from San José Central Valley to the Tortuguero area. On the way, you will pass through the Braulio Carrillo National Park, a sanctuary for flora and fauna alike. From the comfort of the bus you may see open pasture lands and small farming towns. You may also notice a change in the climate as you travel and the temperatures become warmer.

 After breakfast on the way, travel deeper into Costa Rica’s Caribbean side where boats wait to transfer you to your lodge. A two-hour boat ride will take you through the canals sheltered in the jungle of the rain forest. From the boat, you will be able to admire the unique flora and fauna of this area and you’ll also have the opportunity to see different bird species.

Upon arrival, there will be a short briefing of the lodge and the activities included during your stay followed by lunch.

 This afternoon, visit the village of Tortuguero where you will learn the lifestyle of local residents and the significant conservation efforts that some NGOs have developed to protect the sea turtles that come to spawn each year along the 22 miles of protected coastline.

Day 3: Tortuguero

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, explore Tortuguero, an exciting destination for ecotourism lovers. During the day you can explore the secondary canals of this paradise where you can see different species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Here, much of the National Park extends along unspoiled beaches that serve as a refuge for sea turtle nesting and hatching, with hatching typically taking place between July and September. After your tour, return to the lodge for a delicious breakfast with the balance of the day at your leisure.

Day 4: Tortuguero to Arenal

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Tilajari Resort

This morning, continue your adventure with a boat transfer back to the disembarking point. From here, you’ll travel to the Guapiles area where you’ll enjoy lunch. Continue towards the northern lowlands enjoying the beautiful scenery which includes amazing views of the mountains and one of the major sources of revenue in the area: the agriculture. Stop along the way at a local pineapple plantation where you can learn more about the local agriculture and enjoy an opportunity to taste the delicious fruit. Afterwards, continue to Muellle de San Carlos where you’ll check-in at your hotel.

Day 5: Arenal

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, visit the Arenal Volcano area! Known worldwide for its near perfect cone shape, Arenal volcano has become a must-see when visiting Costa Rica. Its volcanic activity and its surrounding natural beauty make this a very exciting hiking tour.

Ever since the 1500’s, locals considered Arenal to be a mountain. However, everything changed on the morning of July 29, 1968 when this supposed mountain suddenly erupted. The eruptions continued non-stop for several days covering the surrounding area with lava, rocks and ash and affecting three towns. From this eruption onward, Arenal volcano has been quite active, often spewing rocks, lava, ash and smoke. After lunch (on your own) you’ll enjoy some time to wander La Fortuna, a town where you can do some shopping.

Day 6: Arenal to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: El Establo Mountain Hotel

After breakfast at your hotel, begin your journey to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Monteverde is famous for a reason – its cloud forests are brimming with plants and animals, its zip lines and suspension bridges are the longest and most exciting in the country, and its coffee is tasty, local and cheap. Each of these diversions, as well as countless other activities, can be enjoyed through a number of exciting tours. Some tours combine several of these activities into one action-packed, fun-filled day.

This afternoon is at leisure to explore the area.

Day 7: Curicancha Cloud Forest Reserve

Meals: Breakfast

Visit the Curicancha Private Reserve today after breakfast. In 1970, the Lowther family purchased the property of Hubert and Mildred Mendenhall and named it Curi-Cancha, the name derived from “Golden Enclosure” in Inca. At the time, the property was approximately half pasture and half virgin rain forest. In the ensuing forty-five years, the Lowthers allowed the majority of the pastured areas to be reclaimed by the forest.

 Curi-Cancha is a birdwatcher’s paradise. The Resplendent Quetzal, Three-Wattled Bellbird, Blue-Crowned Motmot, Orange-bellied Trogon, and many others are frequently seen. Indeed, over 200 species of birds have been observed making their home in Curi-Cancha. Frequently sighted mammals include armadillo, coati, agouti, kinkajou, ocelot, two-toed sloth, and three species of monkey: the mantled howler, white-faced capuchin, and spider monkey. Guests are welcome to explore on their own or explore with a local naturalist guide who can find and identify local birds and traverse the trails with you. The balance of the day is at your leisure.

Day 8: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve to San José

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: . Radisson Hotel

After breakfast today, depart for San José. On the way, visit the Sarchi Oxcart Factory in the town of Sarchi where you can enjoy lunch (on your own). Afterwards, continue to San José where you might consider a visit to the National Theater, the Gold Museum, and other interesting attractions. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner

Day 9: San José to USA

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast this morning, transfer to the San José International Airport for your return flight to the USA. Arrive home filled with memories from your Costa Rican adventure!