Day 1
Arrive in San Jose
Bienvenidos a Costa Rica! On arrival at the airport, a local host will meet with you and arrange your transfer to the hotel for check-in. Take some time to relax around the pool or wander around the city before meeting with your Travel Director and fellow adventurers this evening for some fiesta fun at a kick-off party.
Dinner included.
Overnight: Sheraton San Jose
Day 2
San Jose – Tortuguero National Park
It’s an early morning start today as you enjoy a buffet breakfast before heading east through Braulio Carrillo National Park towards the Caribbean Sea. Here, you’ll board a river boat which will glide through peaceful canals, pristine lagoons and exotic lowland rainforest teeming with wildlife; you’ll be amazed at how many types of animals live here – six sea turtle species, mischievous monkeys, tons of exotic bird species in addition to the rare and endangered ocelots, river otters and manatees.
The afternoon is yours to hang out by the pool or on the beach, or head to Tortuguero Village. Join a Local Specialist from the Sea Turtle Conservancy Foundation to learn about the turtles that nest here. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a buffet dinner at the resort’s open-air restaurant by the lagoon.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Overnight: Laguna Lodge Tortuguero
Day 3
Tortuguero Sightseeing
Wake up to the morning call of howler monkeys to start your day; after breakfast, set off on a cruise through the park’s canals with your guide and captain. Look out for sloths, green iguanas, caiman, crocodiles and colourful toucans. You’ll spot tons of monkeys swinging through the rainforest vines, including howler and spider monkeys, and white-faced capuchins.
In the afternoon, you can venture out on the canals again to spot for any wildlife you may have missed, or you can relax back at the lodge. If you’re visiting during nesting season (July-September), choose to join an optional night walk with a naturalist guide to witness some of the world’s largest turtles laying their eggs. Enjoy a buffet dinner in the evening.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Overnight: Laguna Lodge Tortuguero
Day 4
Tortuguero – Horquetas – Sarapiqui – Arenal National Park
Say goodbye to the monkeys for now as you head back to mainland via boat, and travel to Horquetas where you’ll dive into culture and visit a local family’s palm plantation to learn about how they grow this exotic vegetable; You’ll taste the heart of the palm before continuing to the quaint Sarapiqui. Here, you’ll visit the Snake Garden Wildlife Centre, which rehabilitates animals who can no longer live in the wild.
You’ll also meet with Leo, a local resident leading authority of the leaf cutter ants in Costa Rica, to learn about their daily life, where they bring the pieces of leaves and how they service their queen. This evening, you’ll enjoy a pizza party in an open-air kitchen where you can create and make your own pizza.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Overnight: Arenal Paraiso Resort & Spa
Day 5
Arenal National Park Sightseeing
Start your 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 volcanos past eruptions. Then, you’ll head to Arenal Hanging Bridges where you will walk at eye-level beside a lush rainforest, giving you the chance to observe monkeys, sloths and birds up close, with views of the towering volcano. Later on, relax in the thermal springs or take a swim in the hotel’s pool.
Breakfast and Dinner included.
Overnight: Arenal Paraiso Resort & Spa
Day 6
Arenal National Park – Manuel Antonio
Today starts with an adrenaline-fueled activity: soaring high above the jungle floor as you zip line through the treetops, eye-to-eye with the lush foliage and exotic rainforest creatures *(waiver required). Later on, you’ll head south to Manuel Antonio, famous for its azure tropical waters, stunning beaches and abundance of exotic wildlife.
Breakfast included.
Overnight: Parador Resort & Spa
Day 7
Manuel Antonio National Park Sightseeing
As you walk deep into the national park with your guide, you’ll witness a few more sightings of yet-to-be-checked-off wildlife; at last count, there were 109 different animals and 184 species of bird living here. Listen to the loud bark of howler monkeys and the chattering of mischievous white faced-monkeys and squirrels.
Afterwards, you’ll head to the beach. Laze around on the sun-kissed, soft sand, take a swim in the warm, tropical sea or choose to enjoy an optional catamaran cruise* with snorkelling in a secluded bay, where you may have the opportunity to see dolphins, parrotfish, starfish and sea turtles (available late November to Mid-April). You’ll also sail by islands, cliffs and rock formations as your naturalist guide provides commentary, spotting out bird nesting grounds and marine life. This evening, you’ll join your fellow explorers to celebrate new friendships over a farewell dinner at the hotel.
Breakfast and dinner included.
Overnight: Parador Resort & Spa
Day 8
Manuel Antonio National Park – Depart San Jose
Travel back to San Jose’s Juan Santamaria International Airport for your flight, or you may consider extending your stay at the Sheraton San Jose.
Breakfast included.
