Costa Rica’s National Parks

Day 1: Arrival in San Jose
Upon arrival, meeting, assistance and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2: San Jose | Tortuguero National Park
Early morning transfer to the Tortuguero area, breakfast will be served at a local restaurant upon arrival. Afterwards, sail through the canals sheltered in the jungle of the rainforest. This is truly a nature lover’s paradise! You can admire the unique flora and fauna of this unique area. Stop for a photographic opportunity where you can spot toucans, jacamars, and even screech owls. After lunch, visit the village of Tortuguero where the local residents will teach you about their lifestyle as well as the significant conservation efforts that some nonprofits have developed to protect the sea turtles that come to nest along the coastline. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Tortuguero National Park
One of the most remote locations in Costa Rica, Tortuguero is a magical area where the lagoons, rivers, beaches, and canals are a never-ending study of marine biology. Dependent on the weather conditions, you may choose between a guided hike through the jungle where you will learn about how wildlife here interacts with forest plants, thus achieving a perfect balance of each species, or you can explore the secondary canals of this paradise, where you can see different species of mammals, birds and reptiles. Tortuguero offers full contact with Mother Nature. Much of the National Park extends along its unspoiled beaches that serve as a refuge for spawning of the sea turtles, this event occurs between the months of July to September. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Tortuguero National Park | Arenal Volcano
Morning boat transfer to the local dock, then ground transportation to the area of Guapiles, where lunch will be served. Afterwards, continue to La Fortuna Village in the late afternoon where the mighty Arenal Volcano will welcome you with its impressive perfect conical shape. This volcano has been active since 1969 and it has become one of Costa Rica’s main highlights. In the evening, visit the world-famous Tabacón Hot Springs. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Arenal Volcano
Begin the day with a talk on the importance of neutral carbon, the effects of greenhouse gases and other environmental issues. Transfer to Reserve Bank of Trees and visit the tree farm, where environmental specialists explain how the trees neutralize the CO2 emissions. Then, experience the pleasure of collecting your own food directly from the land for your lunch. For the afternoon you will be transferred to philanthropic fields where you can select from a variety of activities including visiting local homes, helping in schools or cleaning a river or public streets. (B,L)

Day 6: Arenal Volcano | Monteverde Cloud Forest
Boat trip on Lake Arenal to the Tilaran Mountain Range and then ascend to the Monteverde Cloud Forest area. Monteverde is a great destination to experience the culture and traditions of Costa Rica. Visit a family run business and learn all about the traditional methods of production on a local farm. You will also visit a tilapia fish project and a small trapiche where you will see how sugar cane is ground. At the end of the tour, you can enjoy the delicious candy and brown sugar. (B)

Day 7: Monteverde Cloud Forest
The day is yours at leisure to enjoy the area’s optional activities (not included in program price). If you prefer to explore the surroundings, Monteverde offers a wide range of activities. The Monteverde Train Forest is a new attraction as well the Sky Adventures that offers, hanging bridges, aerial tram and the zip-line tour. (B)

Day 8: Monteverde Cloud Forest | San Jose
Enjoy a scenic ride on your transfer to San José. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy your last night in Costa Rica. The opportunities are endless in this vibrant city. (B)

Day 9: Depart San Jose
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)