Moderate pace with leisurely intermittent walks up to 2 hours on a variety of terrain, including cobblestones and moderate hills. Must be able to climb at least two flights of stairs, negotiate steps without railings and tolerate periods of standing during guided tours. Some days may include 3–5 km of walking over the course of the day.
We fly to San José and transfer to our hotel for a 3-night stay.
We start off with a tour of San José that includes the commercial district, Metropolitan Cathedral, National Theatre, and the university campus. Then, we’ll learn all about the country’s #1 export—coffee! We will experience an entertaining multimedia tour and taste Costa Rica’s finest blends. Lunch is included. This evening is our Welcome Dinner.
Today’s tour takes us to a volcano that has the largest active crater in the world. Poás volcano is a bubbling, steaming example of the geothermal forces that formed Costa Rica. When the mist and clouds part, you’ll see the green lake at the bottom, smoke and steam rising from fumaroles, and maybe even a geyser that can shoot over 800 feet in the air! We will then visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens which features five famous waterfalls and the largest animal sanctuary in Costa Rica. Lush tropical Rainforest, flowing white rivers, waterfalls, birds, butterflies, monkeys, frogs and more!
We transfer by coach to Arenal. En route we will visit the town of Sarchí, a traditional craft centre where we can see artisans at work on their trademark colourful oxcarts. The local church is one of the prettiest in the country.
This morning we will experience the rainforest from a unique perspective: on the Sky Tram, travelling up the mountain in an open-air gondola to an observation platform to enjoy the view. Then we embark on our Sky Walk, a spectacular combination of suspension bridges and rainforest paths. In the afternoon, we can relax in the Ecotermales thermal mineral pools, with dinner included.
A day at leisure to spend time in the town of La Fortuna, or to enjoy the hotel facilities.
Today we head out to the countryside for a leisurely cruise on the Frio River to observe local wildlife. You may see howler monkeys, sloths, caimans, river otters and a variety of birds. Our guide will be wildlife spotting for us: be sure to bring your binoculars and camera. Lunch is included.
We proceed to the coast for a 7-night stay at our all-inclusive resort.
A day at leisure to enjoy the sun and sand, or join an optional tour offered by the hotel.
Today we visit Palo Verde National Park, home to mangroves, swamps, swamp forests, marshes and saltwater and freshwater lagoons. We will take a boat tour on the Tempisque River to enjoy the fabulous array of wild birds, howler monkeys (yes, they do howl!), green iguanas, crocodiles, and more.
Today we will have a unique hands-on cultural experience, where we’ll learn fascinating local history and make traditional clay pots in the ancient Chorotega tradition. We will sample the flavours of their ancestral cuisine with an authentic “Blue Zone” lunch accompanied by live traditional music.
Day at leisure to enjoy the sunshine and resort facilities.
This afternoon we embark on the ultimate experience: a catamaran tour along Costa Rica’s Golden Coast. This adventure offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement, with an opportunity to snorkel and see incredible marine life. Enjoy cocktails and delectable snacks as we view the Guanacaste’s stunning scenery.
At leisure to enjoy the beach, resort facilities, or one of many optional tours offered by the hotel. Tonight we will have our Farewell Dinner.
Transfer to San José airport for our flight home.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (90 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
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