Costa Rica: A World of Nature featuring Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano & Manuel Antonio National Park
- From $4,399.00 CAD
From thrilling water journeys to ethereal jungle expeditions, discover what pura vida means to you when you explore the essence of Costa Rica. Encounter an emerald wonderland, where trees climb high and animals roam free. Immerse yourself in nature when you spend 2 nights at a remote resort in San Carlos and 3 nights in the region of Arenal National Park. Sample fresh cacao during a visit to a local plantation. Give back to preservation efforts at a sea turtle research station in Tortuguero National Park. Embark on a crocodile safari in the jungle and a bird-watching cruise in the rainforest. Stand suspended over the rainforest floor as you journey across a network of hanging bridges. Hike the lava fields of Arenal Volcano or soar over jungle canopies on a zip line. It’s time to experience a world of nature.
MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS
- Explore Arenal during a captivating 3-night stay.
- Hop aboard a river boat for a jungle crocodile safari and bird watching excursion.
CULINARY INCLUSIONS
- Taste for yourself why cacao is called “the food of the gods” and observe the process of converting this seed from bean to bar.
- Learn how to cook using a coconut before tasting some delicious local candy.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
- Learn about Costa Rica’s ecosystem and local culture.
- Visit the world’s first sea turtle research station.
- Stay in Tortuguero National Park and find yourself surrounded by wildlife.
HOTELS
- Doubletree by Hilton Cariari Hotel, San Jose
- Evergreen Lodge, Tortuguero
- Tilajari Hotel Resort, San Carlos
- Hotel Lomas del Volcán, Arenal
- Marriott Los Suenos, Playa Herradura
- Doubletree by Hilton Cariari Hotel, San Jose
INCLUDED
- 12 Days
- 11 Nights
- 11 Breakfasts
- 4 Lunches
- 8 Dinners
Itinerary
-
San Jose, Costa Rica
Pura vida. In English, it translates to “the simple life.” But pura vida is so much more: it’s an attitude; a celebration of life in the moment. It’s time to experience what pura vida means to you. You’re on your way to explore a place that’s unlike anywhere else in the world, where pura vida is an unofficial motto and a way of life. Welcome to the emerald of Central America: Costa Rica. As travelers' arrival times will vary, we have no group activities or meals planned today.
Accommodation: Evergreen Lodge -
San Jose - Tortuguero National Park
Seemingly endless mountain horizons. Complex evergreen forests. These are the wonders of Tortuguero National Park. Travel by boat* to your hotel before heading further down the rivers and canals to the world’s first sea turtle research station. Later, have time to explore Tortuguero town with your Tour Manager. Get away from it all and relax at your lodge set in the middle of the jungle, your home for the next two nights. From the morning calls of the monkeys to the gentle chatter of the birds, listen to the active sounds of the rainforest around you.
Meal included: Breakfast, Dinner & LunchAccommodation: Evergreen Lodge -
Tortuguero National Park
Begin the day on an excursion to search for the elusive green macaw and other unique winged creatures that flock to Tortuguero. Embark on a nature cruise, getting a glimpse into the habitat of jaguars, manatees, ocelots, and more. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy your Tortuguero resort. Tonight, a local will teach you about his village and share stories about life in Tortuguero’s remote town. Watch as he demonstrates how to harvest and prepare coconuts before sampling a local favorite: coconut candy.
Meal included: Breakfast, Dinner & LunchAccommodation: Tilajari Hotel Resort -
Tortuguero National Park - Sarapiquí - San Carlos
Take a boat back to the mainland and make your way towards Sarapiquí and Tirimbina Rainforest Center. Today will be an Impact Moment as you visit a cacao plantation at the Tirimbina Rainforest Center — an ecotourism destination that is vigilant of environmental, social, and economic impact. Learn the process of sustainably converting seed from bean to bar and taste for yourself why it’s called “the food of the gods.” Later, arrive at your secluded nature resort, nestled on the edge of the San Carlos River. Stroll the botanical garden lined with fruit trees, including lemon, soursop, guava, mango and tangerine.
Meal included: Breakfast, Dinner & LunchAccommodation: Tilajari Hotel Resort -
San Carlos
Explore the beauty of your surroundings on a Peñas Blancas River Safari. Paddle and float down the river on a peaceful adventure, taking in the sights and sounds of the rainforest as your naturalist guide describes the intricacies of the wildlife around you. Visit the finca of a local family and try homemade snacks such as banana bread, local coffee, and more. End your day with a guided walk through a private, primary forest reserve for a look at the various flora and fauna.
Meal included: Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation: Hotel Lomas del Volcán -
San Carlos - Arenal
Today, suspended over the rainforest floor, relish a bird's-eye view of the jungle on a guided tour of Arenal’s famous hanging bridges. High above the jungle canopies, marvel at natural world around you. Later, settle into your resort where you’ll be surrounded by striking views of Arenal’s famous volcano for the next three nights.
Meal included: Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation: Hotel Lomas del Volcán -
Arenal
Today, it’s your choice! Since Costa Rica is the birthplace of zip lining, glide over the canopies on a mind-blowing rip through the jungle -OR- make your way across lava fields for an up-close-and-personal look at the volcano on a moderate hike along the trails formed by lava during the 1968 eruption. The afternoon is yours to spend as you please. Perhaps you’ll discover the town of La Fortuna or relax by the hotel’s pool. Also consider an optional excursion to a family-owned finca with an included farm to table lunch.
Meal included: Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation: Hotel Lomas del Volcán -
Arenal
In the shadow of Arenal Volcano, the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps, if you’re feeling adventurous, you’ll opt for an exhilarating white water rafting experience.** Or simply hang back at the resort, explore the grounds, and soak in the views.
Meal included: BreakfastAccommodation: Marriott Los Suenos -
Arenal - Playa Herradura
This morning, wake up and smell the coffee at a local farm that produces some of Costa Rica’s well-known beans. Take a tour with local plantation workers and have a chance to discuss what life is like for these coffee farmers. In the afternoon, head to Playa Herradura and settle into your resort for the next two nights. As the day draws to a close, watch the sun set over the Pacific alongside birds in every color of the rainbow.
Meal included: Breakfast & DinnerAccommodation: Marriott Los Suenos -
Playa Herradura - Manuel Antonio National Park - Playa Herradura
Welcome to Manuel Antonio National Park, home to verdant rainforests and white sand beaches. In this natural wonderland, traverse the trails where the wild things are, or go for a swim in the turquoise waters as wildlife rummages in the canopies. This evening is at leisure.
Meal included: BreakfastAccommodation: Doubletree by Hilton Cariari Hotel -
Playa Herradura - Tárcoles - San Jose
See wild crocodiles among the mangroves of Tárcoles’ Rio Grande. On this exhilarating jungle crocodile safari, you’ll boat beneath the towering jungle, looking along the river banks for a glimpse of these incredible creatures. Then say goodbye to the coast and hello to San Jose. Toast to the pura vida of Costa Rica tonight over a farewell dinner.
Meal included: Breakfast, Dinner & Lunch -
San Jose - Tour Ends
Bid Costa Rica farewell as your tour comes to an end today.
Meal included: Breakfast
