Costa Rica: A World of Nature

featuring Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano & Manuel Antonio National Park

From thrilling water journeys to ethereal jungle expeditions, discover what pura vida means to you when you explore the essence of Costa Rica. Encounter an emerald wonderland, where trees climb high and animals roam free. Immerse yourself in nature when you spend 2 nights at a remote resort in San Carlos and 3 nights in the region of Arenal National Park. Sample fresh cacao during a visit to a local plantation. Give back to preservation efforts at a sea turtle research station in Tortuguero National Park. Embark on a crocodile safari in the jungle and a bird-watching cruise in the rainforest. Stand suspended over the rainforest floor as you journey across a network of hanging bridges. Hike the lava fields of Arenal Volcano or soar over jungle canopies on a zip line. It’s time to experience a world of nature.

Stay: 12 Days/ 11 Nights

Meals: 23 Meals / 11 Breakfasts / 4 Lunches / 8 Dinners

Tour Activity Level: You’re an on-the-go traveler. You don’t want to miss a thing, so walking and standing for longer periods of time (1-2 hours) isn’t a big deal. You can navigate hills and uneven ground, climb into various modes of transportation (tuk-tuk, cable car, zodiac, etc.), and could possibly anticipate changes in elevation. You can expect some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure.

Price: From $2199 Jun 13 - 24th, 2021

*Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy, tour inclusions and available options may vary based on departure date.
Please select a date below for more details.

Dates: Begin in June 2021 until Oct 2021 (Nov & Dec 2021 are sold Out)

Many dates still available for 2022 & 2023.

Day 1: San Jose, Costa Rica - Tour Begins

Pura vida. In English, it translates to “the simple life.” But pura vida is so much more: it’s an attitude; a celebration of life in the moment. It’s time to experience what pura vida means to you. You’re on your way to explore a place that’s unlike anywhere else in the world, where pura vida is an unofficial motto and a way of life. Welcome to the emerald of Central America: Costa Rica.

Day 2: San Jose - Tortuguero National Park

Seemingly endless mountain horizons. Complex evergreen forests. These are the wonders of Tortuguero National Park*. Travel by boat to your hotel before heading further down the rivers and canals to the world’s first sea turtle research station. Have time to explore Tortuguero town with your Tour Manager. Get away from it all and relax at your lodge for the next two nights, set in the middle of the jungle. From the morning calls of the monkeys to the gentle chatter of the birds, listen to the active sounds of the rainforest around you.

Day 3: Tortuguero National Park

Begin the day on an excursion to spot the elusive green macaw and other unique winged creatures that flock to Tortuguero. Embark on a nature cruise, getting a glimpse into the life of jaguars, manatees, ocelots, and more. Enjoy the flavors of the island with a cooking class at a local home. Sample your work while learning about the history of the island. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy your Tortuguero resort.

Day 4: Tortuguero National Park - Sarapiqui - San Carlos

Take a boat back to the mainland and make your way towards Sarapiquí and Tirimbina Rainforest Center. Spend time at a cacao plantation and see the process of converting the seed from bean to bar, tasting for yourself why cacao is called “the food of the gods.” Later, arrive at your secluded nature resort, nestled on the edge of the San Carlos River. Stroll the butterfly and botanical gardens lined with fruit trees, including lemon, soursop, guava, mango and tangerine.

Day 5: San Carlos

Explore the beauty of your surroundings on a Peñas Blancas River Safari. Paddle and float down the river on a peaceful adventure, taking in the sights and sounds of the rainforest as your naturalist guide describes the intricacies of the wildlife around you. Visit the finca of a local family and try specialty snacks such as banana bread, gourmet Costa Rican coffee and more. End your day with a guided walk through a private, primary forest reserve for a look at the various flora and fauna.

Day 6: San Carlos - Hanging Bridges - Arenal

Today, suspended over the rainforest floor, relish a bird's-eye view of the jungle on a guided tour of Arenal’s famous hanging bridges. High above the jungle canopies, marvel at a cloud forest taking shape around you. Settle into your resort where you’ll be surrounded by striking views of Arenal’s famous volcano for the next 3 nights.

Day 7: Arenal

Today, it’s your choice! Since Costa Rica is the birthplace of zip lining, glide over the canopies on a mind-blowing rip through the jungle -OR- make your way across lava fields for an up-close-and-personal look at the volcano on a moderate hike along the trails formed by lava during the 1968 eruption. The afternoon is yours. Perhaps you’ll discover the town of La Fortuna or relax in the hotel’s naturally heated pools. Also consider an optional excursion to a family-owned finca with an included farm to table lunch.

Day 8: Arenal

In the shadow of Arenal Volcano, the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps you will opt to immerse yourself in wildlife as you float along a river on the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge cruise, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, opt for an exhilarating white water rafting experience**. Or simply hang back at the resort, choose a spa service, explore the grounds, and soak in one of Arenal’s famous hot springs.

Day 9: Arenal Volcano - Coffee Plantation - Playa Herradura

This morning, wake up and smell the coffee at a local farm that produces some of Costa Rica’s well-known beans. Take a tour with local plantation workers and have a chance to discuss what life is like for these coffee farmers. In the afternoon, head to Playa Herradura and settle into your resort for the next 2 nights. As the day draws to a close, watch the sun set over the Pacific alongside birds in every color of the rainbow.

Day 10: Playa Herradura - Manuel Antonio National Park - Playa Herradura

Welcome to Manuel Antonio National Park, home to verdant rainforests and white sand beaches. In this natural wonderland, traverse the trails where the wild things are, or go for a swim in the turquoise waters as wildlife rummages in the canopies.

Day 11: Playa Herradura - Tarcoles - San Jose

See wild crocodiles among the mangroves of Tarcoles’ Rio Grande. On this exhilarating jungle crocodile safari, you’ll boat beneath the towering jungle, looking along the river banks for a glimpse of these incredible creatures. Then say goodbye to the coast and hello to San Jose. Toast to the pura vida of Costa Rica tonight over a farewell dinner.

Day 12: San Jose - Tour Ends

Bid Costa Rica farewell as your tour comes to an end today.