Colorful Costa Rica

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You can find more details on the Before You Depart page.

Our unforgettable adventure to Costa Rica begins today as we arrive in San José and check into our hotel in the Central Valley, an exclusive area of Santa Ana in San José's outskirts that still maintains its traditional feel of a typical Costa Rican town. After we check-in, we'll have time to rest and relax and might consider enjoying the hotel's art collection - the largest art collection of Costa Rican artists after the national gallery. This evening, we'll enjoy a welcome dinner together.

We'll depart early this morning and drive towards Tortuguero, stopping en route for a traditional breakfast of rice, beans, eggs, and fresh tropical fruit. From the port, we'll board a motorboat and navigate the Tortuguero canals to our hotel on Costa Rica's northern Caribbean side. After lunch, we'll visit the colorful village of Tortuguero where we'll learn more about the lives of the residents and shop for Afro-Caribbean handicrafts. Tortuguero depends on eco-tourism and sea turtle conservation so our visit and any purchases help to sustain this community and the turtle protection project. We'll return to our hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Today we'll discover the area's wildlife spotting birds, monkeys, caiman, and river turtles as we travel through the creeks and lagoons of Tortuguero National Park. Tortuguero is the primary nesting site for the Green Turtle (July–October). Arrive earlier in the season and we may be lucky enough to see the larger Leatherback Turtle come ashore to lay her eggs. Outside of nesting season, there is plenty of wildlife to keep us occupied. November through January we may miss the turtles nesting, but we might have the chance to see baby turtles make their first dash into the waves. This afternoon is free to relax or explore independently.

After breakfast, we'll depart Tortuguero, traveling by boat through the verdant waterways to the port where we'll board our bus. We'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near Guapiles before we continue to Sarapiqui. Located on the banks of the Sarapiqui River and next to the Braulio Carrillo National Park, this area is a nature lover's paradise and a gateway to many thrilling adventures and activities. Upon arrival, we can enjoy the rainforest around our lodge or consider visiting a pineapple farm.

This morning, we'll visit a family-run organic farm where we'll learn more about organic and sustainable agriculture as well as the history of the area's traditional products and how they've influenced the local economy and community. During our visit, we'll also learn about some of the crops that transcend borders like sugar cane, papaya, pineapple, banana, cocoa tunnel (chocolate-making process), and more! After a delicious farm-to-table lunch we'll continue towards the northern lowlands, enjoying the beautiful views of the mountains, the famous Arenal Volcano, and one of the major sources of revenue in the area: the agriculture. Upon arrival at our hotel, we'll enjoy free time to enjoy the hotel's amenities and relax.

This morning we'll embark on a hike into the verdant forest of the Arenal Reserve. From the reserve's hanging bridges, we'll enjoy incredible views of the rainforest canopy, Arenal Volcano, Arenal Lake, and the surrounding mountain range. During this morning's excursion, we'll gain insight into the native flora and fauna of the area with plenty of opportunities to spot birds and howler monkeys in the surrounding canopy. This evening, we'll visit the home of Don Oscar and his family who owns an amazing property with beautiful gardens and rainforest. We'll explore the trails as the sun sets, spotting nocturnal wildlife at this magical time of night. We'll also enjoy a home-cooked meal prepared on a wood-burning stove before returning to our hotel.

Today we'll make our way to Tamarindo, stopping en route to visit a Wildlife Rescue Center & Sanctuary for an up-close animal experience with rescued Costa Rican wildlife. We'll learn more about eco-responsibility and the challenges the country's conservations efforts face. We'll see how the staff work to rehabilitate injured animals like monkeys, deer, pigs, otters, birds, and wild cats. After lunch, we'll continue to Tamarindo where we'll check into our hotel. Tamarindo is home to some of the best beaches on Costa Rica's Pacific coastlline and the neighboring beach is a protected nesting ground for the endangered Leatherback Turtle during breeding season.

Today is free to enjoy the natural beauty and beach, stroll through the beach town of Tamarindo, or join an optional catamaran and snorkeling tour. This evening, we'll come together for a farewell dinner.

Our tour comes to an end after breakfast today.