Costa Rica

DISCOVER THE NATURAL TREASURES OF COSTA RICA

This program can be modified to suit your group's needs.

For more information about this program and pricing, please email us at [email protected] or call us during our business hours (weekdays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST) at (800) 950-0747.

DAY 1

Arrival in Costa Rica – Arenal – Paradise Hot Springs: (Dinner) Our driver will be waiting for you outside the terminal to take you to Arenal, located in the northern region of Alajuela province, near the border with Nicaragua. This region boasts beautiful and diverse landscapes. Refreshed by abundant tropical rains, this land remains lush and verdant almost all year round. Rivers, hot springs, and lakes emerge from the depths of the earth, while the National Park and its wildlife loom in the distance. At the end of the day, you will spend a few hours enjoying the Paradise Hot Springs and have dinner right there. You will spend the night at the Hotel Montaña de Fuego – Superior Rooms. NOTE: Estimated travel time: 2.5 hours.

DAY 2

Arenal – Canopy Tour – Iguanas – Caño Negro: (Breakfast, Dinner) The tour begins with an exhilarating ride—gliding at 30 km/h over the tropical treetops—before concluding with a fun-filled 30-meter rappel down a rock face. Nine different zip lines spanning 13 platforms await you! During the tour, you will spot monkeys, birds, butterflies, and frogs. After the tour, we will head toward the northern part of the country, passing through Muelle de San Carlos—popularly known as the "Iguana Bridge" due to the large number of these reptiles that can be observed at this spot. We then continue to the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge; as one of the few protected wetlands in the region, it is a prime location for observing migratory birds. You will also encounter a wide variety of reptiles and have the opportunity to fully appreciate the majestic flora and fauna that inhabit the area—including a great abundance of birds, reptiles, and mammals found within the refuge. Reptiles such as the "Jesus Christ lizard" (lagarto guajipal) are very common and can be easily spotted. You will spend the night at the Hotel Montaña de Fuego – Superior Rooms.

DAY 3

Day 3 – Arenal – Hanging Bridges – Crocodiles – Manuel Antonio: (Breakfast, Dinner) The tour begins with a 3 km hike through the tropical rainforest. You will cross 15 bridges, ranging from 5 to 100 meters in length and reaching heights of up to 60 meters. Enjoy spectacular views of birds, reptiles, mammals, and insects. Afterward, you will head toward the Pacific coast, home to Manuel Antonio. This is one of the most lush regions in Costa Rica, featuring spectacular white and gray sand beaches surrounded by dense forests and green hills. In route, the crocodile adventure takes place on the Tárcoles River—one of the four rivers flowing into the Nicoya Peninsula—and home to one of the world's largest crocodile populations, with individuals reaching up to 15 feet in length. Additionally, over 50 different bird species can be observed from the boat, including the exotic Scarlet Macaw and a wide variety of migratory and resident waterfowl. Iguanas and Jesus Christ lizards are also very common. A guide will provide expert commentary regarding the crocodiles. The boat navigates along the Guacalillo Estuary, an amazing mangrove ecosystem that harbors four different species of mangrove trees. You will spend the night at Hotel San Bada – Standard Rooms. NOTE: Estimated travel time: 5 hours.

DAY 4

Day 4 – Manuel Antonio – National Park – Catamaran: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Today, enjoy the spectacular natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere that draws hundreds of tourists to Manuel Antonio National Park. The Park preserves not only beautiful beaches but also the unique geological formation known as Punta Cathedral, in addition to several mangrove areas, offshore islands, and tropical rainforest. The Park features four distinct beaches, each with its own unique characteristics. You will follow a professional guide through one of Costa Rica’s most famous national parks—a sanctuary home to numerous species of butterflies, monkeys, raccoons, coatis, agoutis, two-toed sloths, snakes, orchids, and more. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a catamaran adventure departing from the port of Quepos. The vessel will head toward the horizon, cruising through turquoise waters along the spectacular and picturesque coastline of Manuel Antonio National Park. Soon you will be in open waters, on the lookout for dolphins and—depending on the season—enjoying the migration of humpback whales, sea turtles, and manta rays. You will soon be captivated by the spectacle of dolphins frolicking in the boat's wake, or the inimitable sound of a whale's song. As you cruise along the park's coastline, mysterious islands, towering cliffs, and unique rock formations will appear close enough to reach out and touch. These serve as nesting sites and home to numerous species of seabirds, including pelicans, boobies, and ibises. After touring the coast, the boat will anchor in a sheltered cove within pristine Biesanz Bay for snorkeling. You will spend the night at Hotel San Bada (Standard Rooms).

DAY 5

Day 5 – Monkey Tour – Villa Vanilla: (Breakfast, Dinner) The Monkey Tour is a truly exotic experience that adventurers of all ages and activity levels can enjoy. Our boat tour is safe and perfect for families with young children who wish to experience—firsthand—an interaction with white-faced capuchin monkeys. The tour takes place within a swampy mangrove forest located near Damas Island on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The mangrove is filled with tall trees, flowers, and tropical plants—most notably, the tangled thicket of exposed tree roots that line the edge of the brackish water. The adventure intensifies when the guide begins to mimic the calls of the Costa Rican monkeys. Families of monkeys look down at your boat from high up in the trees. When the boat comes to a stop, the natural curiosity of the white-faced capuchin monkeys is piqued. Afterward, we continue on to Villa Vanilla. From the moment you enter the estate and pass by the drying shed, you are greeted by the rich scent of vanilla. Once we begin our tour of the extensive plantation, the blossoms of this orchid-family spice once again delight us with that rich and stimulating fragrance. The "Queen of Flavor"—vanilla (*Vanilla planifolia*)—is the pod of a highly fragrant orchid that can be used either as a whole pod or as an extract. The vanilla plant features climbing stems that can reach heights of over 20 meters. There are more than 50 distinct varieties of vanilla. You will spend the night at Hotel San Bada – Standard Rooms.

DAY 6

Manuel Antonio – San José City Tour – San José: (Breakfast, Dinner) Today, you will return to the Central Valley, where the city of San José is located. You will enjoy a city tour of San José, an experience that immerses you in rich Costa Rican culture and history through visits to the city's museums and historical sites. The tour begins with an orientation and a scenic drive through the beautiful Sabana Park. Next, we will take a walking tour of the historic National Theater. Completed in 1897, the theater is a masterpiece of art and architecture. Afterward, we will visit one of Costa Rica’s many unique museums. We will then continue on to the University of Costa Rica, the Supreme Court, and various other sites of interest. A brief stop will be made at a lovely arts and crafts shopping area, giving you time to browse the local shops before returning to your hotel—an opportunity to pick up some souvenirs for those waiting for you back home. Overnight stay at the Wyndham Herradura Hotel – Standard Rooms. NOTE: Estimated travel time: 3.5 hours.

DAY 7

Irazú Volcano: (Breakfast, Dinner) After breakfast, you will head up to the Irazú Volcano. During the journey, you will observe various crops typical of the region—such as potatoes, onions, garlic, and beets—as well as cattle farms, all while enjoying incomparable views of the Central Valley. This majestic volcano is the highest in the country, reaching an altitude of 3,432 meters (11,000 feet) above sea level. Between 1963 and 1965, it experienced a series of gas and ash eruptions that reached and affected the entire national territory; to this day, it remains the most memorable eruptive event in the country's history. At the summit, we will discover the fascinating native vegetation characteristic of the area, known as *paramo* forest. Overnight stay at the Wyndham Herradura Hotel – Standard Rooms.

DAY 8

San José – Airport: (Breakfast) Based on your flight itinerary, your departure for the airport is scheduled for today. NOTE: Please keep in mind that for international flights, you must arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure. Estimated travel time: 30 minutes.

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