On this Costa Rica vacation, you’ll explore exquisite rain and cloud forests, verdant botanical gardens and nature preserves teeming with wildlife. More than a quarter of Costa Rica's land is dedicated to national parks, forest reserves and Indian reservations, making this one of the most pristine destinations in the Americas. You’ll also visit the active Arenal volcano and the famous beaches of Guanacaste.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - San José

If you did not take our pre-tour extension on the Caribbean Coast, your journey begins with a regularly scheduled flight to Costa Rica on an internationally recognized airline. Touch down in San José, the country’s capital. A Go Ahead representative will greet you at the airport after you clear customs and then escorts you to your hotel. Dinner is included upon your arrival.
Included meals: dinner

Day 2 - Sarapiquí

This morning, ascend to Poás Volcano National Park (weather permitting), home of one of the largest active volcanoes in Costa Rica. Visit the Doka Estate, a coffee plantation more than a century old. Here, the owners give you a tour of the farming, milling and delicate roasting process required to make some of the country’s best coffee. Then, visit the Butterfly Garden, which holds hundreds of butterfly species. Your Tour Director teaches you about the butterfly’s complex life cycle. Transfer to Sarapiquí this afternoon where you’ll enjoy an included dinner with your group.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrances: Butterfly Garden

Day 3 - Sarapiquí

Today you’ll board a river cruise boat for our Sarapiquí River Adventure. Take a cruise down the Rio Sarapiquí on our Sarapiquí River Adventure. Float past miles and miles of pristine rainforest as you look out for howler monkeys, crocodiles and river turtles. Dinner is included tonight.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 4 - Arenal Region

This morning, transfer to the Arenal Region. On this afternoon’s hike in Arenal National Park, you’ll have more views of its mile-high volcano, which emerges in a perfect conical shape from the green hills of Alajuela. Arenal has been Costa Rica’s most active volcano peak for the past 1,000 years. Dinner is also included tonight.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 5 - Arenal Region

This morning, you can continue your explorations of the cherished Arenal region with an optional Treetops Walk in the rainforest on the Arenal Hanging Bridges, a collection of connected byways that connect tree to tree. This evening, relax with a visit to the local hot springs, which are fed by the natural healing waters of the Arenal Mountains. Dinner and a nighttime volcano viewing are included this evening.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrances: local hot springs

$49 USD

Treetops Walk Take a guided trek through the treetops on Arenal’s hanging bridges, accompanied by a naturalist guide. From your vantage point high above the forest floor, the multicolor world of the tropical rainforest reveals itself to you. In these 600 acres of protected rainforest, you will find six hanging bridges, the longest spanning 326 feet between trees. You’ll discover Costa Rica’s diverse array of birds and mammals, see spectacular waterfalls and enjoy jaw-dropping views of the majestic Arenal volcano.

Day 6 - Guanacaste

This morning, depart for Guanacaste. Along the way, you’ll tour Lake Arenal—one of the largest lakes in Costa Rica—and then take a relaxing rafting trip down the Corobicí River. You might catch glimpses of toucans, falcons, iguana and monkeys. The floating tour finishes in the renowned Palo Verde Wildlife National Park, home of 300 bird species. Reach Guanacaste in time for tonight’s included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 7 - Guanacaste

On a special excursion today, enjoy a visit to Rincón de la Vieja National Park, a rain/cloud forest located high in the mountains. Visit geothermal hot springs that recall those at Yellowstone National Park and view a wide variety of plant, bird and animal species. At the foot of the Southern flank of the volcano, you’ll find an area of intense volcanic activity known as Las Pailas which consists of hot springs, sulfuric lakes, steam geysers and reservoirs of boiling water. Return later to Guanacaste, where dinner is included.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrances: Rincón de la Vieja National Park

Day 8 - Guanacaste

Guanacaste is known for its spectacular beaches, from resort paradises to secluded coves. Spend a free day exploring the area on your own. Or opt for a sailing and snorkeling excursion off the Guanacaste coast. Dinner is included tonight.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

$89 USD

Sailing & Snorkeling From Tamarindo, embark on an unforgettable sailing voyage aboard a classic yacht. On your cruise helmed by a crew of three, you’ll head out into Taramindo Bay to encounter turtles, jumping rays and dolphins. Equipment will be available if you want to snorkel. Sit back and unwind with snacks and beverages, as you listen to relaxing music and enjoy the spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean.

Day 9 - Guanacaste

Enjoy another free day in Guanacaste. Relax on the beach or choose from any number of outdoor activities along the beach or inland. Tonight, enjoy a final dinner with your fellow travelers.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 10 - Guanacaste

A Go Ahead representative will escort you to the airport in Liberia.
Included meals: breakfast
(In the case of early morning departures, breakfast may not be provided.)