Heart of Costa Rica

Upon arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport, a private transfer will bring you to your hotel. If you’ve arrived with time to spare, take the opportunity to explore nearby attractions. The central plaza is a great place to people-watch and enjoy spontaneous street performances—everything from mimes and magicians to traditional marimba bands and artisan markets.

In the evening, meet your fellow travellers for a welcome meeting where you’ll go over the details of the adventure ahead.

Costa Rica’s lush greenery is due in part to its frequent rain showers—so expect the occasional downpour and dress accordingly! This unique climate is what makes the country’s diverse ecosystems so spectacular.

Accommodation: Hotel Radisson San Jose (or similar)

Our day begins with a scenic drive through the Costa Rican countryside, followed by a motorized canoe ride through a network of winding canals surrounded by dense rainforest. Along the way, enjoy a traditional Costa Rican breakfast and keep your eyes open for exotic birds, monkeys, and other wildlife.

Arriving in Tortuguero, we’ll check into our remote eco-lodge nestled between the tropical forest and the Caribbean Sea. During your downtime, take a dip in the pool, walk along the beach, or simply relax to the sounds of the jungle.

Later, join a guided boat tour through Tortuguero’s rich ecosystem, followed by a visit to the Sea Turtle Conservancy—one of the world’s oldest sea turtle protection programs. Learn about turtle nesting, conservation efforts, and the organization’s inspiring work. If the center happens to be closed, we’ll instead visit the Caño Palma Biological Station for a hands-on experience, including turtle tracking insights and an optional beach cleanup.

Accommodation: Turtle Beach Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

We begin the day with a guided boat tour through the canals of Tortuguero National Park. As we cruise along the blackwater waterways, your guide will help spot a variety of wildlife, from capuchin monkeys swinging in the treetops to herons wading in the shallows. With luck, you might even spot a sloth lounging in the branches or a caiman sunning itself on the riverbank.

Afterward, stretch your legs on a gentle guided jungle walk along the trails near the lodge. Your naturalist guide will point out interesting plants, insects, and amphibians—revealing the small yet essential pieces of this diverse ecosystem. Depending on the weather, this walk covers around 1.5 km and offers plenty of opportunities to learn more about the rainforest’s hidden wonders.

In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to unwind. Soak up the tranquility at the lodge, lounge by the pool, enjoy a stroll along the beach, or opt for a peaceful kayaking excursion through the canals. Whether you spend it in motion or in stillness, this is your time to savor the beauty of the Costa Rican jungle.

Accommodation: Turtle Beach Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Start the day with a boat ride out of Tortuguero, giving you a final look at the peaceful waterways and lush rainforest. From there, we’ll travel by private vehicle through the heart of Costa Rica, watching the scenery shift from coastal jungle to mountain valleys.

En route, enjoy a special visit to Mi Cafecito, a coffee cooperative in the community of San Miguel de Sarapiquí. This initiative helps over 200 local farmers and their families while promoting sustainable practices. Walk through the shade-grown coffee fields, learn about the entire production process—from bean to brew—and then enjoy a fresh, aromatic cup paired with a delicious Costa Rican lunch.

Afterward, we continue our drive to La Fortuna. Upon arrival, check in to our hotel and take some time to relax. Whether you’re unwinding by the pool, enjoying jungle views, or catching a glimpse of Arenal Volcano’s impressive silhouette, this is the perfect place to recharge before tomorrow’s adventures.

Accommodation: Hotel Monte Real (Breakfast and Lunch)

Today is yours to enjoy as you wish. Choose from a wide range of optional activities available in the La Fortuna area. Take a soak in one of the region’s natural hot springs, hike to the beautiful La Fortuna Waterfall, or join a guided nature walk through Arenal Volcano National Park. For those seeking more adrenaline, zip-lining, canyoning, and white-water rafting are also popular options.

As the day winds down, we’ll visit the home of Doña Mara and her welcoming family for a hands-on tortilla-making experience. Learn to grind corn, shape the masa into perfect rounds, and cook them over a traditional wood-burning stove. As your tortillas puff up, enjoy fresh fruit juice and heartfelt conversation with your hosts about local life and culinary traditions. Then, dig into a delicious casado—a classic Costa Rican plate featuring black beans, plantains, and your handmade tortillas.

Accommodation: Hotel Monte Real (Breakfast and Dinner)

Spend the full day exploring La Fortuna at your own pace. You might choose to paddle across the calm waters of Lake Arenal with views of the volcano as your backdrop, or venture into the Arenal Volcano National Park for a guided hike through lava fields and rainforest trails.

For nature lovers, a boat tour through the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge offers a chance to spot monkeys, caimans, and tropical birds in one of the world’s most important wetland areas. Or, if rest and wellness are calling, head to one of La Fortuna’s naturally heated outdoor spas to unwind in mineral-rich thermal waters.

Feeling adventurous? Optional activities like whitewater rafting, canyoneering, or zip-lining are also available. However you spend your day, your Tour Leader is happy to help with suggestions and arrangements to make the most of your time.

Accommodation: Hotel Monte Real (Breakfast)

Our journey begins with a boat ride across Lake Arenal, offering stunning views of the volcano and surrounding rainforest. We’ll then continue by private vehicle up winding mountain roads to reach Monteverde—a charming, eco-focused town perched along the continental divide.

Accommodations here are simple yet cozy, often nestled outside the town to take full advantage of the surrounding natural beauty. While rooms may not include A/C due to the cooler, humid climate, you’ll enjoy fresh air, misty mornings, and the sounds of nature all around. Be prepared for some dampness—it’s part of the cloud forest experience!

Spend the afternoon settling in or exploring the small town of Monteverde, which offers local shops, cafes, and a laid-back vibe. Taxis are available if you’d like to head into town from your lodge (approximately $10 USD each way).

In the evening, you have the option to join a guided Cloud Forest Night Walk—a unique opportunity to explore the forest after dark. With the help of a naturalist guide, discover the nighttime world of insects, amphibians, birds, and mammals that come alive under the cover of night. Every walk is different, depending on the weather, the forest, and your luck!

Accommodation: El Establo Hotel (Breakfast)

This morning, we set out on a guided nature walk through the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. A peaceful and biodiverse area, the reserve offers a network of trails winding through thick vegetation draped in moss and vines. Along the way, your guide will point out native flora and fauna, from delicate orchids to chattering monkeys. Listen for the haunting call of the bellbird and, if luck is on your side, catch a glimpse of the resplendent quetzal—a bird held sacred by the Maya and Aztec civilizations.

After the hike, the rest of the day is yours. Choose to unwind at the lodge or experience Monteverde’s adventurous side with an optional zip-lining excursion—glide from platform to platform through the misty treetops for an unforgettable adrenaline rush.

Another enriching option is a visit to the CASEM Women’s Artisan Cooperative, an initiative supporting local women through handicrafts and entrepreneurship. Browse handmade goods, learn about the artisans’ work, and even enjoy a delicious local meal at the cooperative’s café.

Accommodation: El Establo Hotel (Breakfast)

This morning, we visit the Monteverde Institute, a hub for environmental research, education, and conservation. During a special lecture, a local researcher will share highlights from National Geographic-supported projects, including wildlife studies and innovative reforestation techniques. You’ll also learn how their ongoing efforts are helping regenerate degraded forest and protect biodiversity.

After the talk, roll up your sleeves and contribute to the project firsthand. Depending on the needs of the day, you might help care for young seedlings in the nursery, plant trees in the research plot, or collect important data that supports long-term conservation goals. It’s a rewarding opportunity to give back to the cloud forest while connecting with its deeper story.

This afternoon is yours to enjoy. You might choose to visit the Monteverde Butterfly Gardens, take a peaceful walk through forest trails, or return to the treetops for more zip-lining. Whether you explore or relax, you’ll end the day knowing you’ve left a positive mark on the land you’ve come to love.

Accommodation: El Establo Hotel (Breakfast and Lunch)

Our journey begins with a scenic drive from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio, offering views of lush landscapes as we approach the coast. Upon arrival, check into your hotel perched along the cliffside, overlooking the spectacular coastline and jungle canopy.

Manuel Antonio’s white-sand beaches and warm Pacific waters are the perfect way to relax at the end of your adventure. If you choose to explore, don’t miss the unique natural sand formation shaped like a whale’s tail, which emerges at low tide along the beach—an ideal spot for a memorable stroll.

Hotels in this area are set along the cliff road rather than directly on the beach, but the vibrant town center, markets, National Park, and restaurants are all within easy reach by frequent and safe public buses or short taxi rides.

Enjoy your first evening by the sea and get ready for more coastal discoveries tomorrow.

Accommodation: Hotel Villas Lirio (Breakfast)

Prepare for a full day of adventure in Manuel Antonio National Park. With your local guide, you’ll explore about 3 km of easy hiking trails that wind through lush rainforest filled with monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and colorful birds. Along the way, stop at rocky outcrops that offer breathtaking views of the sparkling Pacific Ocean and nearby islands.

The park features four beautiful white-sand beaches separated by rocky tidal pools—perfect spots for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing in the sun. Don’t forget your sunscreen, snacks, and beach shoes to make the most of your day. After your guided walk and beach time, you’ll have the afternoon free to unwind or explore the vibrant village.

Accommodation: Hotel Villas Lirio (Breakfast)

Manuel Antonio offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. You might opt to explore the shaded jungle trails of Manuel Antonio National Park, spotting sloths, monkeys, and armadillos while enjoying panoramic ocean views. Remember to pack sunscreen, a snack, and comfortable shoes.

If water activities call, consider a snorkeling excursion to nearby reefs where you can swim alongside tropical fish and explore volcanic rock formations. Rentals for masks and fins are also available at Playa Espadilla, just north of the park entrance.

For a different perspective, kayak through coastal mangroves or paddle out in the open sea, keeping an eye out for dolphins and whales. Surf lessons are another popular option for catching waves and learning new skills.

No matter what you choose, take your time to enjoy the vibrant surroundings and laid-back vibe of this beautiful seaside town.

Accommodation: Hotel Villas Lirio (Breakfast)

Travel by private vehicle from Manuel Antonio to San José, enjoying the changing landscapes along the way. The drive takes approximately five hours, giving you time to relax and reflect on your Costa Rican adventure.

This evening, gather with the group for a farewell dinner at a popular local spot (details provided by your Tour Leader). It’s the perfect chance to savor authentic Costa Rican cuisine and soak up the city’s vibrant atmosphere one last time.

Accommodation: Hotel Radisson San Jose (Breakfast)