On your 10-day excursion to Costa Rica, your tour guide will lead you inside Costa Rica's exquisite rain and cloud forests. More than 27 percent of Costa Rica's land is dedicated to national parks, forest reserves and Indian reservations. Close encounters with unique, colorful wildlife await you in the beautiful Costa Rican rainforests.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - San Jose
Board your flight to Costa Rica. Arrive in the capital of San José, where you’ll be met by a Go Ahead representative and escorted to your hotel. Enjoy an included dinner at your hotel upon arrival. (D)
Day 2 - San Jose
This morning’s included excursion leads you into the Orosi Valley, one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful natural attractions—a land of mountains, rivers and waterfalls. You’ll then visit Cartago, the country’s former capital. Inside the city’s most historic church, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, lies La Negrita (Black Virgin), a small statue that has become a major pilgrimage site. Also included is a stop at Lankester Gardens, an orchid reserve with over 800 species. Returning to San José, take a guided tour of the city, including visits to the Gold Museum and the National Theater. (B, D)
Day 3 - Sarapiqui
As you head into Costa Rica’s central mountain region, stop at the Doka Estate, a coffee plantation over a century old. Here, the owners give you a private tour of the farming, milling and delicate roasting process. The plantation is nestled in the mountains, but not as high as your next stop—the Poás Volcano National Park, home of one of the largest active volcanoes. Arrive later in Sarapiquí. (B, D)
Day 4 - Arenal Region
Costa Rica is one of the world’s most progressive countries in its efforts to save the earth’s endangered rainforests. More than 850 species of birds, 200 species of mammals and one-tenth of the world’s butterfly species have been recorded within the country. This morning, visit the Butterfly Garden, a collection of hundreds of specimens. Experts here teach you about the stages of their complex life cycle. Then board a cruise boat for our Sarapiquí River Adventure—look out for howler monkeys, crocodiles and river turtles! (B, D)
Day 5 - Arenal Region
On today’s hike through Arenal National Park (7,200 acres), you’ll have stunning views of its mile-high volcano, Costa Rica’s most active volcanic peak for the past 1,000 years. Later, opt to take the ultimate Treetops Walk on the Arenal Hanging Bridges. This evening, unwind with a visit to the local hot springs, a series of pools fed by the natural waters of the Arenal mountains. (B, D)
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$49 USD |
Treetops Walk
Discover Costa Rica's tropical birds and mammals on an informed trek through the treetops on Arenal's hanging bridges. See the rainforest below from a unique vantage point atop six hanging bridges.
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Day 6 - Guanacaste
This morning, depart for the beaches of Guanacaste. You’ll drive around Lake Arenal on the way, as well as stop for a relaxing rafting excursion down the Corobicí River, where you might see toucans, falcons, iguana and monkeys. The floating tour ends in the Palo Verde Wildlife Reserve, host of 300 bird species. (B, D)
Day 7 - Guanacaste
On a full-day visit to Rincón de la Vieja National Park, a rain/cloud forest located deep in the highlands, visit geothermal hot springs similar to those at Yellowstone. (B, D)
Day 8 - Guanacaste
Guanacaste is known for its spectacular beaches—some are resort-like paradises, others are hidden and secluded. Spend the day exploring the beaches. In the evening, opt for our sunset sail in the harbor. (B, D)
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$95 USD |
Sunset sailing
Sit back and unwind with a glass of wine and listen to relaxing music while enjoying the spectacular sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
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Day 9 - Guanacaste
Enjoy another day by the beach, or take an opportunity to try a number of outdoor activities, from horseback riding to jetski tours. (B, D)
Day 10 - Guanacaste
Transfer to the airport in Liberia for departure, or continue on to the Caribbean Coast for our relaxing tour extension. (B)
Please note that local weather conditions may necessitate slight variations to this itinerary.
Extend Your Stay
Add 4 nights in Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast for only $559 USD (Single room: add $135 USD)
A lush, tropical jungle accessed only by water, Tortuguero—which can be translated as Land of Turtles—is known for its abundance of wildlife. A journey here is a near-guarantee that you will spot monkeys, sloths, manatees, caimans, snakes, river otters, macaws and toucans, as well as dozens of other wildlife species—that is, if you know where to look. By venturing forth in small outboard boats or dugout canoes along Tortuguero's lagoons, our guides will make sure you don't miss a thing—so remember to bring plenty of film, batteries and something to keep your camera dry.