Savor the natural wonders of Costa Rica as you explore the waterways of Tortuguero, the wildlife-rich reserves of Arenal, and the endless beaches of the Pacific coast.

Request a Tailor-Made Itinerary Request Itinerary or Ask Us A Question or Call 855-215-8690
 Tortuguero Beach Credit:  Etienne Delorieux
 White-faced Capuchin monkey
 Dart frog in Costa Rica
 Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano
 Costa Rica hummingbird
 Hanging bridge through the jungle canopy Credit: Christina Victoria
 One of many butterfly species of Costa Rica
 Beach along the coast of Guanacaste
 Aerial view of the Guanacaste coast Credit: Robin Canfield
 Sunset in Guanacaste

Costa Rica Coast to Coast: A Tailor-Made Journey

9 days from $3,950

Savor the natural wonders of Costa Rica as you explore the waterways of Tortuguero, the wildlife-rich reserves of Arenal, and the endless beaches of the Pacific coast.

Request a Tailor-Made Itinerary

or call 855-215-8690
Accommodations

* Click on hotel name to visit hotel web-site.

Hotel Grano de Oro

San José, Costa Rica

Situated on a shady street just off Paseo Colón, San José's main thoroughfare, Hotel Grano de Oro is a beautifully converted Victorian mansion. The 35 rooms are furnished in an old-fashioned style with wrought-iron beds and rich damask. The art and furnishings are handcrafted by Costa Rican artists and no two rooms are alike. The elegant Grano de Oro restaurant serves excellent Costa Rican and European cuisine with seating available in an intimate courtyard.

Mawamba Lodge

Tortuguero, Costa Rica

Mawamba Lodge is situated on a thin strip of land between Tortuguero's canals and the Caribbean Sea. The accommodation consists of 58 simple but comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, hot water, and ceiling fans. There is a swimming pool with Jacuzzi, two family-style restaurants serving local and international cuisine, a barbecue area, a bar, a souvenir shop, a sand volleyball court, and a conference room where daily lectures on Tortuguero's natural history are presented. There is also a frog garden and butterfly sanctuary on site.

Arenal Springs Resort and Spa

Arenal, Costa Rica

Set in expansive grounds surrounded by swathes of tropical gardens, Arenal Springs is a pleasant and comfortable choice for your time in Arenal. Spacious suites are located in bungalows throughout the property, each with a terrace with views of the Arenal Volcano.  The resort has three restaurants, as well as a swimming pool, spa,  and mineral hot springs set amid the gardens.

Hotel Bahía del Sol

Bahia del Sol, Costa Rica

Bahia del Sol is an unpretentious tropical hideaway with a sustainable ethos and a lot of charm. The staff are exceptionally friendly, and there's a laid-back atmosphere that encourages guests to relax and enjoy themselves. The hotel features a spa and an ample-sized swimming pool, a Jacuzzi and a wet bar; all surrounded by comfortable sunbeds and shaded by huge palm trees. Rooms are spacious and inviting, with contemporary furnishing combined with natural elements.

Tailor-Made Benefits

Smithsonian Archivist Circle membership. Benefits include:

  • Recognition in the Friends of the Smithsonian Honor Roll displayed electronically on the National Mall in the Membership Reception Center
  • Invitation to a special welcome tour for new members at a Smithsonian venue
  • A Smithsonian Institution annual engagement calendar with full color images of exceptional art and artifacts
  • A complimentary Smithsonian museum guidebook
  • Subscription to the award-winning magazine Smithsonian
  • 20% discount at Smithsonian Museum Stores, 10% discount at selected dining facilities, at SmithsonianStore.com, and Folkways Recordings
  • Special member rate for tickets to the Smithsonian's IMAX® theaters and Einstein Planetarium
  • Admission to Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum in New York City
  • Weekday access to the Friends of the Smithsonian Reception Center

If you are already a member of the Archivist Circle or above, you will receive The Smithsonian's History of America in 101 Objects by Richard Kurin.

Reading List

Highly Recommended

The Wildlife of Costa Rica: A Field Guide (Zona Tropical Publications)
By: Reid, Fiona A., Leenders, Twan, Zook, Jim, Dean, Robert
The Ticos: Culture and Social Change in Costa Rica
By: Mavis Hiltunen Biesanz, Richard Biesanz, Karen Zubris Biesanz
Costa Rica: A Traveler's Literary Companion (Traveler's Literary Companions, 1)
By: Barbara Ras, Oscar Arias
Lonely Planet Costa Rican Spanish Phrasebook & Dictionary 5
By: Kohnstamm, Thomas

Also Recommended

Costa Rica - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture (40)
By: Koutnik, Jane, Culture Smart!
Lonely Planet Costa Rica 14 (Travel Guide)
By: Bremner, Jade, Harrell, Ashley, Kluepfel, Brian, Vorhees, Mara
Wild Costa Rica: The Wildlife and Landscapes of Costa Rica (The MIT Press)
By: Hepworth, Adrian
A Brief History of Central America (Brief History Of... (Checkmark Books))
By: Foster, Adjunct Faculty Member Hispanic Studies Department Lynn V
Volcanoes
By: Fisher, Richard V., Heiken, Grant, Hulen, Jeffrey
Nature of the Rainforest: Costa Rica and Beyond (Zona Tropical Publications)
By: Adrian Forsyth
Tropical Nature: Life and Death in the Rain Forests of Central and South America
By: Adrian Forsyth, Ken Miyata
The Birds of Costa Rica: A Field Guide (Zona Tropical Publications)
By: Garrigues, Richard
Costa Rica: A Journey through Nature (Zona Tropical Publications)
By: Hepworth, Adrian
24x36 World Wall Map by Smithsonian Journeys - Tan Oceans Special Edition (24x36 Laminated)
Travel Insurance

For the convenience of our travelers, Travel Guard provides an on-tour Insurance Plan. On-tour emergency evacuation insurance (up to $100,000), medical expense coverage (up to $25,000), dental expense coverage (up to $500), travel medical assistance and worldwide travel assistance (U.S. Residents only). It also includes up to $25,000 medical and up to $500 dental expense coverage, and 24-hour worldwide travel and medical assistance. Please click here to view complete coverage details.

Please visit www.TravelGuard.com/SmithsonianJourneys or call Travel Guard at 1-800-208-6142 to learn about additional (optional) coverage.

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