Costa Rica’s Forests in the Clouds, Verdant Landscapes & Culture

Arrive in San José, the capital of Costa Rica, located in the Central Valley. Thanks to its fertile volcanic soil and year-round spring-like climate, the Central Valley offers perfect conditions for the production of coffee, ornamental plants, and fruits.  San José is home to beautiful buildings, including the colonial-style main post office, the lively Cultural Plaza, and the National Theater, which was modeled after the Paris Opera. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening to meet your fellow travellers.

Stay: Two Nights: San Jose, Hotel Hilton Garden Inn Sabana or similar

• Dinner

Today explore the Central Valley with its dramatic landscapes and vibrant botanical beauty. Begin your day with an awe-inspiring visit to the Irazú Volcano. From the summit you will enjoy panoramic views of the valley below. Continue to the Lankester Botanical Garden, a paradise of flora that captures the essence of Costa Rica's rich biodiversity. Stroll through lush gardens adorned with an exquisite collection of orchids, each telling its unique story of adaptation and evolution. Immerse yourself in this masterpiece of nature as you learn about the interplay between plants, pollinators, and the delicate balance that sustains life within the rainforest.

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Depart early to La Pavona and transfer by boat to the stunning Tortuguero National Park in the North Caribbean. The park is a sanctuary to 76,937 hectares of rainforest and marine habitat that abounds with wildlife. Explore the amazing natural surroundings on your way to your jungle lodge on Tortuguero's main canal. Watch for colourful birds and crocodiles from aboard your boat. With the help of your guide and boatmen, spot troops of playful monkeys, slow-moving sloths, caimans, sunbathing lizards and much more during your cruise through the lush greenery. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch, then take a walk through the gardens with your guide.

Stay: Two Nights: Tortuguero, Mawamba Lodge or similar

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

This morning, before breakfast, enjoy a boat tour of the canals within Tortuguero National Park.  Observe the numerous bird and animal species carrying out their morning rituals. Upon returning to the lodge, enjoy breakfast, then choose to relax by the pool or visit the village of Tortuguero with your local guide. Enjoy a drink in one of the local restaurants before returning to the lodge for lunch. After lunch, take another boat tour through the canals, where you may spot monkeys, sloths, turtles, iguanas and numerous different bird species amid the lush vegetation.

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Return to La Pavona by boat, then transfer by coach to Guápiles for lunch. Continue your journey to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, travelling through scenic landscapes and lush tropical forests. The region is awash with the vibrant colors of tropical flora and a symphony of exotic birdlife. We set out on riverboat adventures, encountering fascinating wildlife, including sloths and vibrantly coloured toucans. This haven is home to various nature reserves, protected areas, and national parks, as well as being one of the few sites where you can witness the endangered green macaw. This charming region offers us a glimpse into the local culture, in its vibrant markets and friendly inhabitants.

Stay: Two Nights: Puerto Viejo Sarapiquí , La Quinta Sarapiquí Lodge or similar

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Today, visit La Selva Biological Station, located within the lush landscapes of Sarapiquí. Explore the rainforest’s heart with local expert guides who share their intimate knowledge of the flora, fauna, and other ecological wonders of the rainforest. This afternoon, visit an organic farm, nestled within Sarapiquí's verdant landscapes. Learn about the regenerative farming methods used to nurture the land here. See the diverse array of crops being grown here and try some of the produce. In addition, discover the uses of medicinal plants and how they are still being used today.

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• Dinner

Journey further through the rainforest and volcanic terrain to arrive at La Fortuna. The charming town of La Fortuna lies at the foot of the perfectly conical Arenal Volcano, near Lake Arenal. Although the volcano is dormant, it is still the highlight of the region, especially on sunny days when you can see the giant in all its amazing splendor. Finish your day with a relaxing soak in one of the area’s hot springs while enjoying the stunning views of the Arenal Volcano. Tonight, visit a wild frog sanctuary. The colorful tree frogs and other rainforest wildlife are most active during the night, making them easier to observe then. Continue along flat trails through the chattering rainforest, past the various ponds harbouring our frog friends.

Stay: Two Nights: La Fortuna, Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa or similar

• Breakfast

Walk to one of the best viewpoints today and witness the Arenal Volcano and its lava trails. Walk along the well-maintained Mirador Arenal 1968 trail, to explore the lava fields while strolling through vast areas of secondary forest. Enjoy a picnic lunch as you admire these magical views that extend for miles.

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• Dinner