DAY 1 SAN JOSE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT · SAN JOSE

Welcome to Costa Rica! Arrival at the SJO San Jose International Airport in San Jose (this airport is also known as well as Juan Santamaria Airport). Our local representative will greet you upon arrival at the main exit of passengers at the airport. Afterwards, you will be taken on an unescorted transfer to your hotel in San Jose downtown or nearby.
Accommodation: San Jose for 2 nights

DAY 2 SAN JOSE · IRAZU VOLCANO · OROSI VALLEY · LANKESTER GARDENS · SAN JOSE

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will be visiting the Irazu Volcano, Orosi Valley and Lankester gardens. The beginning of the tour takes place through the Panamerican Higway, heading to the South region of Costa Rica, through the Irazú Volcano. The winding road leads through fertile lands cultivated with all kinds of agricultural products and at the same time, we are embellished by an extraordinary panoramic view. On clear days, when we reach the top of the volcano we might observe its main craters and maybe even both Atlantic and Pacific Oceans can be seen. As we descend to the city of Cartago we will stop at the Virgin of the Angels Basilica, the most important peregrination site for many Catholic believers. After visiting the Basilica we will stop at Lankester Gardens, a University of Costa Rica Center for investigation that protects more than 800 species of orchids, bromeliads and countless other species of other plants. Later on, we will continue to the Valley of Orosi, where sceneries of unparalleled beauty await for you. On this location, we will visit one of the few colonial churches that still stand in Costa Rica and we’ll enjoy our lunch in one of the local restaurants.
Afternoon return to your hotel in San Jose. (B/L)

DAY 3 SAN JOSE · TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK

Early in the morning, you will depart from San Jose Central Valley to the Tortuguero area. On the way from the comfort of the bus you will be able to observe the Braulio Carrillo National Park as you pass through on route, a flora and fauna sanctuary covered by an emerald-green mass of vegetation. Besides, you will have the chance to see, open pasture lands, small farming towns, and will also notice a change in the climate, as it becomes a bit warmer and humid but very pleasant. After breakfast on the way, the journey will continue to the dock area deeper into our Caribbean side, where the boats are waiting to transfer you to selected lodge. An approximate 1 ½ hour ride, will take you through the canals sheltered in the jungle of the rain forest. From the boat, you will be able to admire the unique flora and fauna of this area. Upon arrival, normally there is a small briefing of the lodge and the activities included during your stay, followed by lunch. In the afternoon you will visit the village of Tortuguero where you will learn the lifestyle of local residents and the significant conservation efforts that some NGOs have developed to protect the sea turtles that come to spawn each year along the 22 miles of the protected coastline. (B/L/D)
Accommodation: Tortuguero for 2 nights

DAY 4 TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK

Today, you will explore the secondary canals of this paradisiacal place and get closer to nature. A natural network of channels and navigable lagoons that crosses the park from southeast to northwest provides the chance for you to take close look of the biological diversity of this region and be able to observe the impressive green macaw, the oriole Montezuma, numerous species of waterfowl and fresh water turtles.

From July until October, you can take the optional (extra cost) turtle-watching tour during the evening to admire one of the most impressive miracles of life: massive sea turtles arriving every night to lay their eggs on the beach. (B/L/D)

DAY 5 TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK · ARENAL VOLCANO

In the morning the journey continues with a boat transfer back to the local dock back inland. Upon arrival, ground transportation will be provided to the area of Guapiles, where lunch will be served. Afterwards, continue on an unescorted transfer towards the northern lowlands, this route offers the experience to pass through different towns such as Puerto Viejo (Sarapiqui), San Miguel, Venecia and Aguas Zarcas. Also, along the way you will enjoy the beautiful scenery which includes amazing views of the mountains and one of the major sources of revenue in the area: the agriculture. Arrive to La Fortuna Village late afternoon where the mighty Arenal Volcano will welcome you with its impressive almost perfect conic shape. (B/L)

Accommodation:  Arenal area for 3 nights

DAY 6 ARENAL VOLCANO

For the morning you will be visiting the Arenal Vida Campesina property. In this area you will enjoy a guided journey where you can appreciate traditional and non-traditional cultivations and take part in activities like milking a cow, making tortillas, and gathering of vegetables from the vegetable garden, cultural activities as the milling of sugar cane, typical dances and collecting water from our handmade well. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with the environment by sponsoring and planting a tree in danger of extinction and enjoying a typical, organic lunch made with products harvested from the property and cooked on a woodstove.

Afterwards for the afternoon you will have programmed the visit the Arenal volcano surroundings, where an expert guide will tell you more about the volcano and its secrets while hiking along a trail. After the hike, you will relax at the Tabacon Hot Springs, where you will enjoy the mineral waters of the pools surrounded by tropical forest.  Dinner is included at the Hot Springs resort.  (Logistics of today subject to changes). (B/L/D)

DAY 7 ARENAL VOLCANO

Day at leisure to relax or eventually explore on your own the area. (B)

DAY 8 ARENAL VOLCANO · GUANACASTE

Today you will be heading in a shuttle transfer from the Arenal Volcano area to our Pacific Coast, in the Guanacaste Province. During your transfer you will be heading around the Arenal Lake full field with gorgeous views. Guanacaste forms part of the North Pacific Region of Costa Rica, where hundreds of unspoiled beaches line a shore full of enchantment and surprises. Once in this area, it is guaranteed that, you will experience something far from being in a traditional beach destination. Guanacaste is known as Costa Rica’s folklore Mecca and visitors will have the opportunity of living this real destination, more than a beach holiday, it brings a whole experience. The nature reserves in Guanacaste find a privileged space. You will be staying the following four nights in the Langosta Beach or Tamarindo Beach area. Day at leisure to relax or eventually explore on your own the area. (ALL INCLUSIVE)

Accommodation: Langosta Beach or Tamarindo Beach for 4 nights

DAYS 9 - 11 GUANACASTE, LANGOSTA BEACH

Days at leisure for you to enjoy the hotel, the beach, and the surrounding area on your own. Eventually there are optional (extra cost) activities in the area that you can do, such as visit to the Rincon de la Vieja National Park, boat ride in the surroundings of Palo Verde National Park, canopy, rafting, fishing and much more for you to explore. (ALL INCLUSIVE)

DAY 12 GUANACASTE, LANGOSTA BEACH · SAN JOSE

Today in the afternoon you will be provided with the transfer from the Guanacaste area, returning back to San Jose. (B/L)

Accommodation: San Jose for 1 night 

DAY 13 SAN JOSE

Transfer to San José International airport to take your flight back home. (B)