Day 1 Touch-down in San Jose

Once you've touched down in San Jose, you'll be warmly welcomed by your driver and taken to your accommodation. Having settled in, you'll be able to spend some time with one of our local specialists who are always happy and excited to hear about your travel plans in Costa Rica and beyond - now's the time to make the most of their many years of local know-how and ask questions until your heart's content! 

San José, located at about 3,770ft. (1,253 m.) above sea level, is a metropolitan city and sits in a high valley between green volcanic mountains. Depending on the time of your arrival in Costa Rica's capital of San Jose, you will have the rest of the day free to explore, either meandering at will or doing the self-guided San Jose Like a Local' walking tour. Don't let capital intimidate you San Jose is small enough to navigate by foot and grand enough to keep you entertained all day. With some beautiful 19th-century architecture buildings to admire, independently owned coffee shops brewing local beans to visit, and several parks and museums to explore, there's no chance you'll miss an opportunity to enjoy authentic Costa Rican culture. If you want to save seeing the highlights of Costa Rica's charming capital city until a later moment, you can use the rest of today to walk through the colourful Mercado Central. Make sure to stop for a casado' (traditional plate of rice and beans, beef or fish, plantain and salad) or, a freshly brewed coffee and soak up the atmosphere of the Central Market. 

Salsa music is something Ticos (Costa Ricans) are serious about! Tonight, go out to one of the local salsa bars where there are classes to practice the steps, or where you can just get up and learn in the field. It's a great way to meet the locals and is an important part of Costa Rican culture. If you rather leave your feet to rest, may we suggest you indulge yourself in yet another typical Costa Rican entertainment of visiting a local bar for beers & Bocas (traditional platters of smaller portion-sized local meals to accompany a drink). 

Day 2 La Paz Waterfall Gardens 

You'll have an early start today but we promise that it's well worth it as you have an authentic coffee experience, see an active volcano, discover hidden waterfalls and get up close with the Costa Rican wildlife. Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation and take you along the world-famous Pan-American Highway towards the city of Alajuela. As your journey takes you closer to the Poás volcano you will stop at the Doka Coffee Estate to learn about the secrets of planting, harvesting, washing and drying the world-renowned Golden Coffee Bean of Costa Rica. After a traditional Costa Rican breakfast with of course a freshly ground cup of coffee, you'll continue your journey to the mighty Poas volcano. While continuing your ascent you'll notice a change in both the temperature and flora as you enter the diverse cloud forest that surrounds the Poas Volcano. 

The Poas Volcano is considered the largest active crater in the world, about 1 mile (1.6 km) wide and 1050 ft. (320 m.) deep, with frequent geyser-like eruptions. You'll go right up to the edge and when the mist and clouds part, you'll see the bubbling, green rain-fed lake at the bottom, surrounded by billowing smoke, listening to the hiss of sulfur and steam rising from fumaroles. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! 

After visiting the volcano, your trip will continue to the lush and more colourful Caribbean side of the volcano, where you will stop at the famous La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Here you will walk along the numerous nature trails through this nature park all of which lead you to hidden waterfalls. Our favorite is the White Magic Waterfall which is without a doubt the most spectacular in this area and like something out of a fairytale. Inside the park, you will also visit the largest butterfly observatory in the country which is known as the House of Collections of Tropical Jewels. The park provides you with a great introduction to Costa Rica's wildlife as you'll visit the impressive hummingbird gallery, serpentarium, tropical bird house, frog's exhibit and Costa Rican wild cats. Once you've finished walking through this stunning nature park you'll have a delicious buffet-style lunch before beginning the journey back to your accommodation in San Jose. 

Day 3 River journey to the Northern Caribbean 

After an early start, you begin your journey across Costa Rica to Tortuguero. This Caribbean delta is the key nesting site for green turtles in the whole region and is known for the lushness of its rainforest and the amazing tropical life that it supports. 

Along the way you'll stop for a traditional breakfast after which you continue your trip inland by shared lodge transfer to the port, driving past many banana plantations. Here, you'll board a motor boat to continue your journey to the lodge through the Tortuguero canals as this area is not accessible by land. Because of its navigable canals through the beautiful rainforest, Tortuguero earned the nickname of 'Central America's Amazon'. By lunchtime, you'll arrive at your lodge on Costa Rica's northern Caribbean side, where the staff will welcome you with a refreshing cocktail. Your room will be assigned and the bilingual naturalist guide that will accompany you on this trip will explain the afternoon activities for you and your group. 

After lunch, you'll visit the colourful village of Tortuguero where you'll learn about the lifestyle of the residents, be able to shop for local Afro-Caribbean handicrafts and take in the Caribbean atmosphere (included in your package). The small village of Tortuguero lives entirely off eco-tourism and the conservation of sea turtles. Don't miss the delicious banana cake and spicy pastries, as well as the beautiful souvenirs that they sell in Tortuguero village. Everything you buy in the village will help sustain both the local community and the turtle protection project. Returning to the lodge, the rest of the afternoon is free for a siesta, a dip in the pool or a stroll on the property grounds before dinner. 

Day 4 Jungle boating 

Today, you will enjoy the Tortuguero National Park wildlife by boat (time of the day and order depends on your lodge). As you glide through the creeks and lagoons, you'll be able to see all sorts of birdlife, as well as monkeys, caiman and river turtles (included in your package). The rest of the day is free for you to relax or take some extra optional excursions. 

We recommend joining the guided nature walk on the lodge grounds to explore the mysterious Tortuguero Jungle further (included in your package - if staying at Manatus Hotel, instead a second eco-boat tour is included). Along the way, you'll learn about the fascinating flora and fauna as well as the different medicinal uses of the plants and trees around you. Later on, rest up and relax on the secluded Caribbean coastline or if you're up for the adventure continuing, you can always go on another hike, go kayaking, fishing or relax by your lodge's pool. 

Tortuguero is the primary nesting site for the Green Turtle and during the turtle season (roughly July - October), we highly recommend that you book through your lodge the optional night tour to see them. If you do, remember to dress in dark colours and not to make too much noise as both sound and light startle the turtles and interrupt their nesting activities. Arriving early on in the season you may be lucky enough to see the larger Leatherback Turtle also come ashore to lay their eggs. Don't worry if you're not in Tortuguero during the turtle nesting season as there is plenty of wildlife to keep you occupied. If you visit later in the season (November - January), although it's very unlikely that you'll experience the turtles coming to nest, you might have the pleasure of being able to witness the baby turtles make their first dash into the waves. 

Day 5 Journey to the Arenal Volcano 

After breakfast, you will travel by boat back through the verdant waterways of Tortuguero. Arriving back at the port, your lodge's shuttle bus will take you to the lunch restaurant near Guapiles. From here (Guapiles), you will continue your journey to Arenal, this drive is approximately 4 hours long. 

As you approach the town of La Fortuna, one of the first things you'll see is the Arenal Volcano.

Although it is no longer spewing out hot lava your first sighting of the sleeping giant will always be the most memorable as it rises high above the surrounding landscape. Depending on the time of your arrival to the town of La Fortuna, situated at the foot of the Arenal Volcano and having settled into your accommodation, the rest of the day is free to explore or relax. 

Day 6 Arenal Hanging Bridges Hike 

This morning you will be picked up from your hotel to embark on an unforgettable Sky Hike. As the name suggests, the hike will take you high up into the verdant forest surrounding the Arenal Volcano at the Arenal Reserve. As you climb higher and higher, going deeper and deeper into the rainforest, you'll have great views of the rainforest canopy, the huge Arenal Volcano, the glistening Arenal Lake as well as Arenal's surrounding mountain range. Accompanied by a nature guide you'll gain a unique insight into the native flora and fauna that you'll hopefully be seeing today. If you're not afraid of heights, during the Sky Walk make sure to look down as you walk across the hanging metal bridges as you'll get incredible views down into the rainforest below. One of the most unique features of the hanging bridges is that many take you right alongside the canopy of tall rainforest trees. Some of the bridges have even been colonized by the neighbouring trees that drape their woody lianas over the ramparts. Today is the perfect day to bring your binoculars, for here's your chance to spot birds and howler monkeys which will be at your eye level! 

Arriving back in the town of La Fortuna, the rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax or take an optional excursion. After a morning hike, we recommend taking a soak at the hot springs warmed by the heart of the Arenal Volcano. Many of the area's best hot springs are situated just at the foot of the Arenal Volcano which means that you can enjoy looking up at the mighty volcano while soaking in the warm waters rich in minerals while listening to the calls of the rainforest around, this is truly a heavenly experience! 

Day 7 The road to the Dry-tropical Forest of Rincon 

Today you will leave the fresh Monteverde Cloud Forest behind and continue onwards to the dry tropical forest of Rincon de la Vieja. The drive takes approx. 4 hours.

Welcome to the cowboy province and what has come to be known as Costa Rica's mini-Yellowstone National Park. Rincon de la Vieja is a relatively hidden gem and off-the-beaten-path destination in Costa Rica's region of Guanacaste. Depending on the time of your arrival in Rincon de la Vieja and having settled into your accommodation, the rest of the day is free for you to relax, unwind and chat with other guests as you enjoy the serenity of your countryside lodge. The volcanic region of Rincon de la Vieja is named after the legend of an indigenous Chorotega girl. The story goes that the girl's disapproving father threw her lover into the crater of the volcano. Mourning her lost love, she became a recluse on the mountaintop, where she developed healing and restorative powers. Today, many still believe in the healing power of this one million-year-old volcano and the magical dry-topical forest that surrounds it. 

Day 8 Riding through Rincon de la Vieja 

It´s a good idea to head out early so you can enjoy the freshness of the morning and get the most out of your day. The Rincon de la Vieja National Park was created in 1973 and its relatively remote location means that wildlife is given free reign here - we've rarely seen so much nature in one place! Butterflies, monkeys and iguanas are all over the place and with the highest density of Costa Rica's rare national flower, the Guardia morada (purple orchid) you're in for a real treat today. 

When staying at Hacienda Guachipelin, you have a world of activities waiting for you to enjoy today. From a wide range of adventure activities immersing you in Costa Rica's flora and fauna, you can fly through the dry tropical forest canopy on one of the many canopy zip lines and go river tubing down the Rio Negro. We recommend you join up with Costa Rica's cowboys known as sabaneros and go horseback riding which is not only a great way to see the beautiful surrounding forests, but also a great introduction to their culture and history. As you explore further into the dry tropical forest you'll find hidden waterfalls, lively bubbling mud pots, hot springs and hissing holes in the ground, reminding you in no uncertain terms that you are exploring a volcanic land. 

When staying at the Borinquen Mountain Resort, you will leave today from the stables of the Borinquen Mountain Resort for an amazing ride through the dry-tropical forest surrounding the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. After being introduced to the Sabanero or local cowboy culture you'll head out on a horseback riding excursion to soak up the serene landscapes and incredible panoramic views along the trail. During your horseback riding adventure, you'll see the full diversity of Rincon de la Vieja's flora and fauna and hidden waterfalls. Together with the great views, this makes for an amazing experience. 

Rincon de la Vieja is an adrenaline-packed destination with something on offer no matter what your interest. Whatever you choose to do today, we highly recommend relaxing in the natural volcanic mud pools and hot springs where you can make the most of the natural sauna and massages. 

Day 9 The road to Monteverde 

Today you will leave the Dry-tropical forest behind and head up into the Cloud forest of Monteverde. The drive takes approx. 5 hours.

Located on the Pacific highlands, the small town of Santa Elena sits as the gateway to the beautiful Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. The area is known as one of the most outstanding wildlife refuges in the New World Tropics. Santa Elena is slightly reminiscent of tropical Switzerland, with its charming wooden houses and alpine climate. This environment creates a constant game of drizzle and warm sunshine; a combination that makes Monteverde the most famous cloud forest in the world. It is called a cloud forest rather than a rain forest because of its altitude: as the high-altitude forest juts up through the clouds. 

Depending on the time of your arrival in Santa Elena and having settled into your accommodation, the rest of the day is free to explore or relax. If you're feeling a little hungry or like cheese, then the Monteverde Cheese Factory is where you should head to. Opened in 1953 by the area's original Quaker settlers, you can taste some nice cheese and ice cream here, especially the Monte Rico which is famous throughout Costa Rica. Alternatively, you may wish to get your wildlife adventure started and there are several places in Monteverde to get your wildlife fix ranging from the Butterfly Garden and the Serpentarium to the Frog Pond and Bat Jungle. 

Day 10 Private Cloud Forest Walk 

Today you will explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest during a private custom-guided nature hike. As the Monteverde Reserve, Santa Elena Reserve and Curicancha Reserve are all located in this area, you will be picked up from your hotel by your expert nature guide and taken to the Reserve of your choice. Along the way to the reserve, your private guide will point out interesting facts about the natural environment as well as provide you with some of the history and culture of Monteverde which was founded in 1950 by 12 American Quaker families, who began farming dairy cattle in the area and protected the local environment. This way you will already have some interesting insights before starting your 3-hour hike through the Cloud Forest.

Your private naturalist guide will make sure to gear the tour to your needs and interests, while they show you and explain to you in detail the intricate interactions of the different species of flora and fauna in this unique ecosystem. Tropical forests are some of the most biodiverse and least studied and understood in the world. A lot of the scientific work is only shared by some and deprived of most of us, but your guide will reveal its secrets to you on this tour using his special magnifying scope that will get you even closer to the hardest-to-reach and see nature. There are 2,500 species of plants in Monteverde, including moss, bromelia and fern and 420 kinds of orchid, as well as monkeys, sloths and more than 400 bird species such as the endangered three-wattled bellbird, the famous resplendent quetzal, tanagers and hummingbirds of which there are 30 kinds in this area alone! It will be a fantastic experience you'll be sure to remember for years to come! Following the tour, you'll be transferred back to your hotel in time for the afternoon. 

The afternoon is free to spend at leisure either relaxing in your accommodation or going out to explore some more of the Cloud Forest of Monteverde and Santa Elena. One of our favorite optional activities is the Sky Walk where you can explore the flora and fauna of the forest canopy, walking along trails and suspension bridges. For the more adventurous, we recommend an optional Sky Zip Line excursion, whizzing high above the ground from lofty platform to platform via the construction of cables. These experiences allow you to have a unique perspective of the Cloud Forest and the wildlife that lives in the treetops of this wildlife-filled region. Taking the Sky Tram open-air gondola with a guide will give you an unforgettable view out across the verdant green landscape. Once you're at the highest point you can get back down either by hiking on the suspension bridges or zipping along 1.7 miles (2.7km) of cables slung between towering trees, stretching across canyons and between treetops on what is one of the longest zip lines in Costa Rica. You'll go from lofty platform to platform via horizontal traverse cables, ultimately returning you back to where you started this afternoon's optional adventure. 

Day 11 The Road to Tropical Manuel Antonio 

Leaving Monteverde and the Cloud forest behind, you will continue your journey by shared transportation onward to Manuel Antonio. The journey takes approximately 5 hours. 

Situated high above the diverse National Park and pristine beaches, Manuel Antonio is famed for its endless ocean views and lush tropical forests with numerous wildlife. Between the main town of Quepos and the Manuel Antonio National Park are several hotels and entertainment venues.

Just down the road, you can find world-class beaches where you can enjoy swimming, hiking trails, places to go surfing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, zip-lining and of course, miles of beaches to relax on and watch the sunset. Before kicking off your sandals and running along the beach, all we ask is that you get settled into your accommodation first! The rest of the day is free to spend at leisure and tonight you can go out to a few of the lively local bars where you can enjoy an Imperial or two (the best local beer in our opinion!). 

Day 12 Guided Tour at Manual Antonio National Park 

Today you will get to know the famous Manuel Antonio National Park on a guided hiking tour. The Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most popular parks in Costa Rica and is known for its pristine white-sand beaches, hidden coves ideal for snorkelling, trail through a tropical forest filled with wildlife and the landmark Punta Catedral, with its forest-topped cliffs, towering high above the deep blue Pacific Ocean. This isthmus is the dividing line between the park's two most popular beaches: Playa Espadilla and Playa Manuel Antonio. 

After breakfast you will be picked up at your hotel and a bilingual naturalist guide, equipped with a telescope, will accompany you on a beautiful hike through the park. Here you can encounter toucans, three-toed sloths, raccoons, coatis, snakes, various species of monkeys and much more. This is also almost the only place where the rare squirrel monkeys still exist! 

The afternoon is at leisure. You can go back to your comfortable hotel or you might decide to stay at the beach to relax and maybe even enjoy the cocktail hour with a beautiful sunset in the background. Various optional excursions are also available such as surfing, sea kayaking, sport fishing, kayaking through the protected mangroves of the Damas River delta, an adventure canopy tour and much more. 

Day 13 Beach & Jungle 

Today is free for you to choose your activity, either exploring on your own or booking one of many optional excursions. You can head out and go to the beach to relax or try some surf. And in the late afternoon, maybe enjoy the cocktail hour with a beautiful sunset in the background. Various optional excursions are also available such as horseback riding, sea kayaking, sport fishing, kayaking through the protected mangroves of the Damas River Delta, an adventure canopy tour and much more. 

Alternatively, we recommend joining a Sailing Cruise with Snorkeling along the beautiful coastline of Quepos and the Manuel Antonio National Park, enjoying relaxation and great views of the Pacific Ocean and major islands in the area. Hopefully, some dolphins and maybe even stingrays, sea turtles and (if it is the right time of year) migrating whales can be spotted. Snorkel off-coast near a beautiful beach called Bizans, for a nice underwater experience. 

For an adventure excursion, try river rafting on the Savegre River, a thrilling day out suitable for all. The Savegre River is about an hour from Manuel Antonio and is surrounded by picturesque villages, teak reforestation projects and jungle. 

Day 14 Ocean Kayaking & Snorkeling 

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your accommodation and taken to the local Quepos dock in town where you'll climb into your ocean kayak. Accompanied by a local guide who will explain the history of the region and point out marine life and places of interest, you'll paddle your way along the beautiful Pacific Coast with its uninhabited islands and deserted beaches. Stopping for a break at the secluded beach of Bisanz situated in paradisiacal bay, you will begin an underwater adventure as you swap your paddles for your snorkelling gear. This is a great spot to snorkel as there are dozens of types of tropical fish to see. In the tropical waters, you are most likely to spot parrotfish, starfish, angelfish and if you are lucky a sea turtle or two! 

You'll begin your journey back to Quepos dock in Manuel Antonio where upon arrival you'll enjoy a typical, local Costa Rican lunch. This is a challenging yet rewarding and unforgettable experience as it introduces you to the best of the region's nature both above and below the ocean's surface; from pelicans to flying fish, you can see it all! Your transfer will take you back to your hotel where you will have the rest of the day to enjoy the beach on your own. At night, try the catch of the day at the Runaway Grill in the marina of Quepos, it´s a real anglers' place and the fresh daily catch is not to be missed, especially if it's tuna! 

Day 15 Homeward bound 

Enjoy some last views over the Pacific and then it's time to say goodbye to this tropical country with its wide diversity in ecosystems and natural beauty. You will continue your journey to the International Airport for your flight out. We wish you a pleasant flight and great memories of Costa Rica!