Day 1 — San José, Costa Rica

Arrive in San José and transfer to your hotel in the city center. Gather this evening for a briefing with your trip leader before enjoying a welcome dinner with the group. (D)

Day 2 — Tirimbina / Arenal

Travel north to the Tirimbina Rainforest Center for a first encounter with Costa Rica’s legendary biodiversity. Follow a naturalist along rainforest paths that straddle the Sarapiquí River, discovering the flora and fauna of the reserve, where over 1,400 species of butterfly have been spotted as well as some 400 species of bird. Then visit a community coffee cooperative to learn about coffee production from farm to cup before sitting down to a typical Costa Rican lunch. Continue to our hotel located in the countryside outside the town of La Fortuna at the foot of Arenal Volcano.  (B,L,D)

Walking: 3-4 miles rainforest path and farm trails, mostly flat.

Day 3 — Arenal

With lush rainforests, a stunning lake, lava fields, and a now-dormant volcano, there is much to explore in this region of Costa Rica. Choose one of two excursions today: Go canyoneering in Lost Canyon, rappelling down waterfalls, swimming in natural pools, and hiking through the rainforest. Or take a naturalist-led hike near the base of Arenal Volcano, discovering the natural history of the area and watching for birds, monkeys, and other wildlife. Lunch is included on both excursions. During a free afternoon and evening, your trip leader will have restaurant recommendations and can assist with arranging optional activities; consider going paddleboarding on Lake Arenal, hiking to a waterfall, or exploring Arenal’s hanging bridges. This evening, take a relaxing soak at a nearby hot springs facility. (B,L)

Option 1: Canyoneering, rappelling down waterfalls, canyon walls and scrambling over boulders, rainforest hiking (1-2 miles).

Option 2: Hiking: 3 miles, forest trails with some lava rocks.

Day 4 – Monteverde Cloud Forest

Cross Lake Arenal by private boat and continue by road through the scenic highlands, hearing from a local naturalist about the resident wildlife and the history of the manmade lake. Arrive in the mountain town of Monteverde in time for lunch at a popular local restaurant. Check into our hotel in the countryside and take the rest of the afternoon and evening to relax at the hotel or catch a transfer on your own to town for a walk or optional activities, such as visiting the butterfly garden or frog pond. (B,L)

Day 5 – Monteverde Cloud Forest

Rise before the sun and join a local guide for a morning nature walk in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, getting a closer look at orchids, frogs, and unusual plant species endemic to this habitat. This afternoon, choose one of two excursions within the cloud forest: Set out on a guided walk on a vast network of hanging bridges and towers that thread through the forest canopy.  From your birds-eye perspective, watch for birds and monkeys in the treetops. Alternatively, embark on an exhilarating adventure in the cloud forest canopy that will have you soaring through the trees on a Tarzan swing, a giant rappel, and a 450-foot-high zip line. Meet up with the group for dinner tonight. (B,D)

Morning walk: 3-miles nature walk, forest trails, mostly flat.

Afternoon choice:  

Option 1: Walking: 2 miles, elevated walkways and hanging bridges.

Option 2: Zip-lining canopy adventure.

Day 6 –Manuel Antonio National Park

Emerge from the cloud forest and head for the Pacific coast. Your destination is Manuel Antonio National Park, where thick jungle reaches all the way to pristine beaches.  En route, enjoy a visit to a local farm (finca) for a hands-on learning experience about organic farming. On a walk through the ranch learn about the agricultural process, important crops and farm animals, then pick fresh ingredients for lunch. Afterwards, meet the cook and learn how to make traditional corn tortillas, ceviches with plantain or banana, and hearty tomato-based dishes which we enjoy for lunch. After lunch, take a short walk to a nearby river, and take a quick swim if you like. Continue to the coast and check in to your resort, and enjoy a free evening to relax by the pool or grab a bite to eat in one of the nearby restaurants. (B,L)

Walking: 2 miles, farm and countryside, mostly flat.

Day 7 – Manuel Antonio National Park

After breakfast, venture into Manuel Antonio National Park on a walk with an expert naturalist, stopping on the trail to observe the wildlife you encounter, which might include three species of monkey, iguanas, sloths, and a plethora of bird species. Hear about efforts to preserve this rainforest and walk along some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. The remainder of the day is yours to relax on the beach or take part in one of the many activities offered here, from rainforest spice tours to mangrove kayaking. Celebrate your Costa Rican adventure at a farewell dinner this evening. (B,D)

Walking: 3 miles, sandy forest trails, mostly flat.

Optional afternoon activities: mangrove kayaking, spice tour, etc. (additional cost,  availability varies based on weather, season and tide)

Day 8 – Return Home

After breakfast, travel from Manuel Antonio to San Jose International Airport by private shuttle and connect to your flight home. (B)