Costa Rica

Arrive in Costa Rica and transfer to our luxurious beach hotel located on the northern Pacific coastline, the Gulf of Papagayo. Relax and enjoy a welcome dinner and reception.

Start off our day exploring the area with a boat tour around Palo Verde National Park, one of the most biodiverse areas in Costa Rica. Visit the artisan village of Guatil where we learn to make pottery in the traditional, pre-Columbian way. Enjoy an evening at leisure.

Spend a free morning at the beach with options to surf, fish, kayak or paddle board. This afternoon head out on a catamaran tour with guided snorkel and water activities. Toast to our adventure ahead as we watch the Costa Rican sunset aboard the catamaran.

Today we travel inland to Tenorio Volcano National Park, where we see the remarkably turquoise Río Celeste waterfall. Its blue-green hue comes from the volcanic emissions infusing the water with sulfur. After the park we head to the quaint village of La Fortuna, with the majestic Arenal Volcano as its backdrop. Our last outing of the day is a trip to an organic farm. Learn about Costa Rican culture and sustainable farming, and gather herbs and spices for our dinner this evening. 

Our day of adrenaline starts with an open-air gondola ride to a lookout spot with 360 views of Arenal Volcano. Zipline down the mountain course over canyons and through the forest. Afterwards visit Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, home to hundreds of species of animals, for a canopy view of the wildlife taken in from its 15 hanging bridges.

Travel by boat this morning across Lake Arenal to the small town of Rio Chiquito before transferring by bus to Monteverde, one of the most well-known cloud forests in the world. This evening enjoy a night walk through the forest, hearing sounds and seeing sights only accessible in the evening.

This morning take a trip to the beautiful Monteverde Reserve to experience the unique ecosystem of the cloud forest. Here in Monteverde, or “green mountain,” we find over 400 species of bird, verdant vegetation and moist air. This afternoon, visit a family farm to learn about the history of coffee and to participate in the chocolate making process.

Depart this morning for San José, stopping to visit the Greek Ark Herb Farm on the way. This botanical garden features different terraces, including a medicinal garden, a culinary garden, a tropical food garden, an essential oils garden, and a natural colorants garden. See and taste plants from all over Costa Rica and the world while overlooking views of the Central Valley and the hills of Carara.

Today choose between white water rafting on the Pacuare River or a city tour of San José. The rafting trip includes a lunch stop with breathtaking views of the Pacuare and ends in the town of Siquirres. Those opting to stay in town visit some of the city’s highlights, including the Central Market, National Theatre and the Gold Museum. Enjoy a farewell dinner together.

Transfer to the San José airport for our flights home.