San José, Tortuguero, Sarapiqui, Arenal & Guanacaste
Active pace with longer touring days. Expect intermittent walking at a moderate pace for 2–3 hours over a variety of terrain, including cobblestones, hills and uneven pavements. Must be able to negotiate stairs of varying heights, sometimes without handrails. Can tolerate periods of standing during guided tours and be able to climb in/out of various modes of transportation. Some days may include 5–7 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 begin with a tour of San José that includes viewing the commercial district, Metropolitan Cathedral, and National Theatre. We then visit the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, which offers a fascinating journey through history, ceramic artifacts and cultural insights. This evening is our Welcome Dinner.
Today’s tour takes us to Poás Volcano with the largest active crater in the world. 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 enjoy a local lunch, then, we’ll learn all about the country’s #1 export—coffee!
We start with a scenic drive through Braulio Carrillo National Park, with its lush rainforests and diverse wildlife. We board a boat to explore the tranquil canals, rivers, and lagoons that lead to the charming Pachira Lodge. We visit the village of Tortuguero and the Sea Turtle Conservancy Museum to learn about vital conservation efforts at one of the world’s most important sea turtle nesting sites.
We start with a boat tour at dawn, gliding through the serene canals of Tortuguero, as the rainforest awakens around us. We continue our adventure with a scenic boat transfer to La Quinta de Sarapiqui. Nestled in the heart of the rainforest, this eco-lodge offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by stunning gardens, a butterfly habitat, and vibrant frog species.
We transfer by coach to Arenal, staying in the town of La Fortuna, Spanish for “The Fortune”, and named due to its ample supply of tourist attractions and fertile lands. We will enjoy lunch en route before checking into our hotel.
Today we experience the magic of the rainforest traversing through the treetops on a series of hanging bridges. As we walk along these suspended pathways, we’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano and spot a variety of wildlife, reptiles and insects.
Here we’ll indulge in a culinary experience at El Rancho, where we’ll enjoy a wood-stove-cooked Casado, handmade tortillas and freshly brewed coffee by the river’s edge. Then, we dive into the world of chocolate, where we’ll experience the magic of organic cacao firsthand. We end the day at Ecotermales, soaking in soothing volcanic hot springs, and enjoying a delightful dinner in this tranquil paradise.
We travel to the Gulf of Papagayo, known for its pristine beaches and rich marine life. We’ll experience the unique Blue Zone lifestyle at El Sitio de Don Pedro, where we’ll learn the secrets of Guanacaste’s long-living traditions, from the history of Creole corn, to hands-on preparation of traditional rosquillas and empanadas. Arrive at the CC Beach Front Hotel, a serene retreat offering direct ocean access, spectacular sunsets, and ultimate relaxation.
We visit El Viejo Wetlands, where a scenic riverboat safari along the Tempisque River brings us up close to crocodiles, monkeys, iguanas, and vibrant birdlife. After a traditional lunch, dive into the world of rum-making at Hacienda El Viejo where we will witness the journey of premium rum from raw sugarcane to expertly distilled spirits.
Today we visit Diamante Eco Adventure Park, home to an animal sanctuary dedicated to the rescue, care, and conservation of native wildlife and rescued animals, from sloths and toucans to jaguars and monkeys. Connect with nature while gaining a deeper appreciation for wildlife protection in Costa Rica.
Float through the lush landscapes on a tour along the Corobici River with a chance to spot incredible wildlife, from monkeys and crocodiles to tropical birds like kingfishers and ospreys and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Later, enjoy a delicious traditional lunch before returning to your hotel for a relaxing evening.
Playas del Coco is one of the oldest beach communities in Guanacaste. Once a quiet fishing village, it has emerged as a tourist hub complete with entertainment, restaurants, and shopping - a little bit of everything!
Morning at leisure. This afternoon, we will take a luxury catamaran tour, cruising along the beautiful Costa Rican coastline, snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing. We’ll enjoy cocktails and delectable snacks as we view Guanacaste’s stunning scenery and incredible sunset.
Transfer to Liberia 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).
