Day 01 –  Depart USA / Arrive San Jose

(D) Arrival in San Jose.  Our guide will meet escort us during the transfer to the hotel. Overnight at Ramada Herradura Hotel. 

 

Day 02 – La Paz Waterfall Gardens, La Fortuna
(B,D) We depart after an early breakfast to La Fortuna, the closest village from the Arenal Volcano, visiting on the way La Paz Waterfall Gardens.  With five amazing waterfalls and nine viewing platforms, you are sure to receive an up close and personal view of the falls and the spectacular La Paz River.  Waterfall Gardens is also home to the largest Butterfly Observatory in the world.  Watch the butterflies soar freely in their natural habitat.  The walk involves 3 1/2 kilometers of safe, paved trails. This location boasts a marvellous view of the Poás Volcano. Following this visit continue to La Fortuna, with free time to walk around the town and visit the uniquet shops and stores. Mid afternoon we will visit the Arenal Volcano National Park, one of the most active volcanoes in the Western Hemisphere. Its perfect-formed cone and constant eruptions of lava impress visitors from all over the world. The tour begins with a walk (a physically moderate walk effort required) and depending upon which side of the volcano the lava is flowing, we will go either to Los Tucanes, El Mirador, or El Silencio trail.  We will have the opportunity to observe a great variety of plants, wildlife, and magnificent lava rock formations, as well as the Arenal Lake.  By late afternoon we will visit Eco Termales to enjoy a dip in Arenal’s volcanically-heated hot springs. At Eco Termales you will find natural mineral pools of varying temperatures and depths all in a beautiful tropical garden. We continue on to our lodging for the evening. Overnight at Arenal Springs Hotel.

 

Day 03 – Monteverde
(B,D) Departure after breakfast to Monteverde by bus and boat crossing. We will be picked up at 8:30 a.m. from the hotel lobby and taken to Arenal Lake, the largest in the country, where we will board a boat at the Tapón pier which will take us to the west side of the lake, to the Río Chiquito Pier.  Our boat ride will last about 30 minutes and weather permitting, we will be able to enjoy great views of Arenal Volcano as well as beautiful views of the forest and small Isletas located along the lake. Next, we visit Monteverde, meaning Green Mountain, nestled high in Tilarán mountain range. Here the land is still productive for farmers but, with large patches of forest untouched. In the afternoon we will visit one of  Monteverde’s Cooperative’s coffee plantations, where visitors are shown the process and taken to the roasting company to taste the final product. We will begin with a short walk through the coffee plantation enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding forest as well as the San Luis Valley and if weather permits, the Gulf of Nicoya. Our guide will inform the group about the area’s history and explain the delicate process of growing coffee, from planting to picking, as well as drying and roasting. The tour will end with a coffee tasting, during which we will be able to compare different roasting techniques. Overnight at El Establo Hotel.

 

Day 04 – Monteverde
(B,L,D) After an early breakfast we will visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, which is home to over 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, 120 species of amphibians and reptiles, 2,500 species of plants as well as tens of thousands of insect species. It is one of the few areas in Central America where the legendary resplendent quetzal finds protection. The reserve features a very good network of trails that gives us the chance to take routes of different length. After a walk through the trails reserve, we will return to the hotel before midday and enjoy the rest of the day for leisure. Overnight at El Establo Hotel.

 

Day 05 – Tárcoles, Manuel Antonio

(B,D) We depart Monteverde to the Pacific Coastal Region of Manuel Antonio and the town of Quepos, visiting on the way the school of Tárcoles, a tiny village located close to Carara National Park, where our tour will be welcomed by the school children. We will have the opportunity to share with the children and deliver a gift for the school.  This experience will provide us with a great example of how rural schools work in Costa Rica, in the sense that there are many “small” schools where the parents of the children come from predominantly farming backgrounds.   

Following this activity we will continue towards Manuel Antonio.  In addition to the large variety of activities available, Manuel Antonio is undoubtedly one of the most luxuriant locations in Costa Rica. The climate is warm all year round. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to rest. Overnight at El Parador Hotel.

 

Day 06 – Manuel Antonio National Park

(B,D) Today you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park, deservedly one of the most popular national parks in Costa Rica.  Our 2 ½ hour walk will provide us with the opportunity to view sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and a variety of insects and birds.  Afterwards, we will have free time to enjoy one of Manuel Antonio’s beautiful beaches, or choose to hike on one of Manuel Antonio’s various trails to see la Playa Escondida (the hidden beach), la Cáscada (the waterfall), or el Mirador which offers a brilliant view of the national park. Rest of day at leisure. Overnight at El Parador Hotel.    

 

Day 07 – Return to San Jose

(B,D) Departure after breakfast to San Jose, visiting on the way the town of Sarchí, where we will have time to shop local craftsmanship and souvenirs. This picturesque village is the cradle of wood crafting and decorating in Costa Rica, specifically known for its production of colorful ox-carts. Conclude your tour with a visit el Centro in San José, home to a long line of street vendors which offers an exciting opportunity for some last minute shopping. Overnight at Ramada Herradura Hotel. 

 

Day 08 – Homeward Flight

(B) After breakfast, we’ll be transferred to the International airport for our flight back to the United States.