Monkeys Jungles and Volcanoes

Day 1 ARRIVE SAN JOSE

Pura vida, bienvenidos a Costa Rica. You're going to have more fun than a barrel of monkeys and spot more than a barrel of wildlife on this incredible adventure. A local host will greet you at the airport and arrange your transfer to the hotel. Relax by the pool before meeting your Travel Director and fellow explorers at 6 p.m. for a Kick-off Party. Kick-Off Party Hotel InterContinental Costa Rica

Day 2 SAN JOSE – BRAULIO CARRILLO NATIONAL PARK – TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK (2 NIGHTS)

Rise with the roosters and head east through Braulio Carrillo National Park towards the Caribbean Sea. Board a river boat, gliding through canals, lagoons and lowland rainforest teeming with wildlife. You'll be amazed at how many kinds of animals live here—six species of sea turtles, monkeys, caimans, tons of exotic bird species plus rare and endangered ocelots, river otters and manatees. The afternoon is yours—hang out by the pool or on the beach, or head to Tortuguero Village to meet the local students (when school is in session). Join a Local Specialist from the Sea Turtle Conservancy Foundation to learn about the incredible turtles that nest in Tortuguero. Enjoy a buffet dinner at the resort's open-air restaurant along the Tortuguero lagoon. Full Breakfast Hotel Laguna Lodge Tortuguero

Day 3 TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

There's nothing like the wake-up call of a troop of howler monkeys to start your day. Set off with your captain and guide to explore the lush canals and waterways of Tortuguero National Park. You may want to start a tally of all the types of wildlife you'll see. Look out for sloths, green iguanas, caiman, crocodiles and colourful toucans. Of course, you'll spot tons of monkeys—agile howler and spider monkeys and white-faced capuchins swinging through the dense rainforest canopy. This afternoon, you can venture back out on the canals to add to your wildlife tally or relax back at the lodge—the choice is yours. If you're visiting during nesting season (Jul-Sep), join an optional night walk with a naturalist guide to witness some of the world's largest turtles laying their eggs, amazing. A buffet dinner is served at your hotel this evening. Full Breakfast

Day 4 TORTUGUERO – SARAPIQUI – ARENAL NATIONAL PARK (2 NIGHTS)

Bid adios to the monkeys for now as you boat back to the mainland and travel to Horquetas. Here you'll visit a local Tico family palm plantation to gain a Cultural Insight, all about and taste an exotic vegetable, something you've probably never tried—the delicate heart of palm. Continue travelling to quaint Sarapiqui where you'll visit a wildlife centre for amphibians and reptiles run by a family of biologists rescue and rehabilitate animals that can no longer live in the wild. Full Breakfast Hotel Arenal Paraiso Resort and Spa

Day 5 ARENAL SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

Rise and shine as the forest and volcano are calling. Start the day with a guided trek around the quiet side of the volcano at Arenal National Park. Walk through the old lava rocks and learn about the powerful forces behind the volcano's past eruptions. Then head to the Arenal Hanging Bridges where you can walk eye-level within the lush canopy, observe the monkeys, sloths and chattering birds up close, and look out to see the rumbling, steaming Arenal Volcano. Later, relax in the thermal springs or take a swim at the pool back at the hotel. End the day with a delicious dinner with your travelling companions. Full Breakfast

Day 6 ARENAL NATIONAL PARK – MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK (2 NIGHTS)

Get ready to have a blast. Imagine yourself soaring high above the jungle floor as you fly along ziplines through the treetops, eye-to-eye with the lush foliage and exotic rainforest creatures. Ziplining through the canopy is sure to be among the most amazing adventures of your lifetime. Later, head south to Manuel Antonio National Park, renowned for its warm blue waters, sparkling white-sand beaches and abundant exotic wildlife. This evening, join the gang for a pizza night. Full Breakfast Hotel Parador Resort and Spa

Day 7 MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

Walking deep into the National Park with your guide, you'll definitely check off a few more creatures on your wildlife list—at last count, there were 109 different animals and 184 species of birds living here. Listen to the whooping bark of howler monkeys and the chattering of mischievous squirrels and white-faced monkeys. Then, it's time to hit the beach. Laze in the warm Pacific or at the resort's pool, or choose one of many incredible optional activities. Will it be a catamaran cruise (available Jan-Apr) to snorkel (and maybe even see dolphins, parrotfish and sea turtles), a surf lesson, mangrove kayak tour, horseback ride or whitewater rafting. This evening, join your fellow explorers to celebrate new friendships and awesome experiences with a Farewell at the hotel. Full Breakfast Farewell

Day 8 MANUEL ANTONIO – DEPART SAN JOSE

Travel back to San Jose's Juan Santamaria International Airport for your flight or extend your stay at the Parador Resort and Spa in Manuel Antonio.  Full Breakfast