Come face to face with the exotic wildlife that inhabits tranquil Costa Rica’s emerald rainforests on this breathtaking itinerary. Cruise the canals in search of wildlife in the famous eco-tourism spot of Tortuguero National Park. Relax in the bubbling, hot springs for a soak and explore the magic of the Monteverde Cloud Forest by bravely crossing the Sky Walk chain of suspension bridges.

Highlights
Tortuguero National Park, Sarapiqui, Arenal, Monteverde Cloud Forest

Day 1 ARRIVE SAN JOSE
Welcome to San Jose! Your journey begins with a warm greeting at the airport from a local representative and a complimentary transfer to your tour hotel. At 6 p.m., gather at the hotel with your Tour Director and travel companions for a Welcome Reception.

Hotel: Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jose (SF)

Day 2 SAN JOSE - TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK (2 NIGHTS)
Head east over scenic mountains and through lush rainforests toward the Caribbean Sea. Visit a banana plantation to learn about banana production and snack on a just-ripe banana before arriving in Tortuguero National Park, a beacon of biodiversity. Embark upon a river journey through the protected wetlands. Then, stroll the streets of Tortuguero Village and explore the fascinating Green Turtle Research Station.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Hotel: Laguna Lodge Tortuguero (MF)

Day 3 TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK SIGHTSEEING & FREE TIME
Cruise the canals and streams of the park today as howler monkeys watch from the treetops, toucans and egrets fly through the air and crocodiles ply the cool waters. If you’re here between July and September, take an optional tour to see the sea turtles laying eggs on the beach.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 4 TORTUGUERO - SARAPIQUI
Bid adios to the park as you travel along the river before boarding your motorcoach for a visit to the small village of Horquetas. Here you’ll visit a local Tico family palm plantation to learn all about and taste the delicate heart of palm. Travel on to tiny Sarapiqui and step off the beaten path in this little-visited area surrounded by dense rainforests and full of wildlife. This afternoon, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area around your lodge — perhaps you’ll spot the endangered great green macaw.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Hotel: Sarapiquis Rainforest Lodge (MF)

Day 5 SARAPIQUI - ARENAL
Journey into the past to discover the pre-Columbian ruins at Alma Ata Archeological Park. Late, you’ll experience warm Tico hospitality as you’re welcomed into a local family’s home for a Be My Guest Lunch and a dance performance by local students. Then it’s on to Arenal, a 5,000-foot-tall peak that’s one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Soak away the dust from the road in the thermal pools and waterfalls at idyllic Tabacon Hot Springs. Enjoy a Highlight Dinner beside the hot springs in the shadow of the volcano; then, a magical experience awaits you with an outing to watch Arenal spume fiery lava (from a safe distance) after dark.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner / Highlight Dinner)
Hotel: Hotel Arenal Manoa (F)

Day 6 ARENAL - MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST (2 NIGHTS)
Straddling Costa Rica’s Continental Divide, the Monteverde Cloud Forest is home to luxuriant vegetation, abundant wildlife, coffee plantations and spectacular views. You’ll spend two nights in this most famous of Costa Rican parks. Begin exploring from the grounds of your mountain lodge before enjoying a Highlight Dinner at a local restaurant.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
Hotel: El Establo Mountain Hotel (F)

Day 7 MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST SIGHTSEEING & FREE TIME
A park naturalist guides you through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, home to innumerable species of animals, birds, insects and plants. Ascend to the treetops for a bird’s-eye view of the forest on the unforgettable Sky Walk, a chain of six suspension bridges at canopy level. Also today, learn about Monteverde’s Quaker community and their role in dairy production when you visit a local cheese factory and sample some of the country’s finest Gouda, Swiss and Parmesan cheese. Share your experiences with your fellow travelers at a festive Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

Day 8 MONTEVERDE - DEPART LIBERIA
Transfer to the Liberia Airport for your flight home.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

What's Included

Sightseeing Highlights
Tortuguero National Park Ride to Tortuguero National Park by river boat; visit Tortuguero Village and the Green Turtle Research Station; cruise the canals in search of wildlife.
Sarapiqui Explore this beautiful valley surrounded by rainforest; discover pre-Columbian heritage at Alma Ata Archaeological Park.
Arenal See the active Arenal Volcano; visit Tabacon Hot Springs for a relaxing soak.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Enjoy a two-night stay in the park; join a park naturalist for a guided walk; visit the Sky Walk to experience the chain of suspension bridges high above the Cloud Forest.

Dining Highlights
Welcome Reception with your Tour Director in San Jose.
7 full breakfasts.
3 lunches.
3 buffet dinners.
Be My Guest Lunch with wine in Arenal.
2 Highlight Dinners with wine in Arenal and Monteverde Cloud Forest.
Farewell Dinner with wine in Monteverde Cloud Forest.

First Class Travel Highlights
Includes all First Class features.
Airport transfers are provided on Day 1 and Day 8.
Capture treasured memories of your trip with a complimentary group photo taken at a landmark location.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS
IN SARAPIQUI
HACIENDA POZO AZUL HORSEBACK RIDING
Hacienda Pozo Azul offers a unique horseback riding adventure with the owners of the Hacienda. The ride covers an ideal route on the remote trails and back roads of this scenic area. This tour requires a minimum of two passengers to operate. The minimum age requirement for this tour is six years old. Tour length: 2 hours

Code: SAR-1
Adult Price: 42 US$
Child Price: 42 US$
WHITE WATER RAFTING CLASS II AND III
An exciting raft trip covering about 8 miles (13 km). The river is very safe, and you will travel with an experienced guide. This is a great experience for all participants. The minimum age requirement for this tour is nine years old. Tour length: 2.5 hours

Code: SAR-2
Adult Price: 55 US$
Child Price: 55 US$
IN MONTEVERDE HORSEBACK RIDING TOUR
Join a fun guided horseback riding adventure on exclusive trails. Enjoy the sunset and views of Nicoya's Gulf. Not recommended for children under seven years old. Transportation and equipment included. Tour length: 2.5 hours

Code: MON-1
Adult Price: 59 US$
Child Price: 46 US$
DON JUAN COFFEE TOUR
Coffee arrived in Costa Rica in 1748 and has been an important part of their culture and economy ever since. You will experience the age-old coffee tradition on a unique tour of a coffee farm. Your tour guide will explain the most important aspects of the coffee bean, its harvest and processing. Tour length: 2.5 hours

Code: MON-2
Adult Price: 25 US$
Child Price: 15 US$
EL TRAPICHE
El Trapiche is a family-operated sugar plantation. On your two-hour walk around the land, your guide will explain the processes involved in growing sugar cane, the region’s natural history, and give you an opportunity to sample the sugar cane and its various derivatives. Tour length: 3 hours

Code: MON-3
Adult Price: 28 US$
Child Price: 13 US$
SKY TREK
Take a sky tram ride to one of the highest points in the Cloud Forest. Then descend on a network of 11 crosssectional zip lines while you fly over the treetops. Stop at two high platforms for the great view of the northern valleys, the Pacific coastline and, on a clear day, the islands of the Nicoya Gulf. Tour length: 3 hours

Code: MON-4
Adult Price: 68 US$
Child Price: 46 US$
IN TORTUGUERO
TURTLE NESTING TOUR
“Tortuguero” means “land of turtles.” Join an unforgettable excursion to watch endangered Green Sea Turtles crawling onto the beach, digging nests in the sand and laying their eggs. Please note cameras, smoking and strong-smelling perfumes or insect repellants are not permitted, due to the turtle’s sensitivity to light and scent. Turtle nesting season: Jul-Sep. Tour length: 2 hours. (Minimum 10 passengers)

Code: TOR-1
Adult Price: 35 US$
Child Price: 35 US$
Child Prices: a 25% discount will apply to children under the age of 16 at time of travel. (Optionals for North American tours are already discounted.)