Welcome to Rainforest

Welcome to Costa Rica! Upon arrival in San José you will be met, assisted and transferred to your hotel.

Today you will get an early start in heading towards the Northern Caribbean’s lowlands. In the first part of the trip you will admire beautiful evergreen mountains and beautiful landscapes of the Braulio Carrillo National Park. Once on the Caribbean side you will continue to the local dock area, where the boats are waiting for you to transfer you to the Tortuguero National Park. A less than a two hour scenic boat ride will take you through the canals sheltered in the jungle of the rainforest, and from the boat, you will be able to admire the unique flora and fauna of this region. Afterwards lunch will take place. 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 (non-governmental organizations) have developed to protect sea turtles that come to spawn each year along the 22 miles of protected coastline.

Today, we will visit Tortuguero National Park secondary canals that will dazzle you with its enormous biodiversity. From the boat, you can feel a pure contact with nature in a paradise that offers visitors 2000 species of plants and 400 species of trees, just as you can observe some of the 405 bird species here is also presence of crocodiles, different species of turtles and freshwater fish. Tortuguero will offer a unique and unforgettable experience. Much of the National Park extends along its unspoiled beaches that serve as refuge for spawning of the sea turtles, this event occurs between the months of July to September (extra cost visit). Overnight at Pachira Lodge.

At mid-morning the journey continues with a boat transfer back to the local dock. Upon arrival, ground transportation will be provided to the area of Guapiles, where lunch will be served. Afterwards, continue on with a land transfer towards the northern lowlands, this route offers the experience to pass through different towns such as Puerto Viejo (Sarapiqui). 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, so you will have the opportunity according with the season to observe the crops of pineapple, bananas and sugar cane.
Arrive at La Fortuna village late afternoon where the mighty Arenal Volcano will welcome you with its impressive perfect conic shape. Check In at Arenal Manoa, where you will be staying two nights. During the evening you will visit the Ecotermales Hot Springs. These natural hot springs feature a hot river that flows through a series of pools. From cascading falls to tropical gardens, the hot springs are the result of rainwater heated by magma in the Earth’s interior. Once heated, the water rises to the surface, taking with them minerals found in the earth’s rocky crust; this way, water becomes very benefic to your body because of its temperature that helps to relax muscles, clean pores and rejuvenate the skin.

This day is at your leisure to explore the area. You can enjoy the different tourist attractions at an extra cost that can be found in the area or just relax and enjoy nature from your hotel facilities. Some ideas on activities in the surroundings are: The Arenal Volcano National Park, hanging bridges, the sky Tram/sky trek, Arenal Vida Campesina, Boat tour, horseback riding and much more for you to discover on your own.

Morning departs from Arenal Volcano to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. This service is considered a transfer-tour, as you will be crossing by boat the Arenal lake, which is the largest and the most important lake in Costa Rica. The first part of the trip is adorned with the beautiful scenery of Arenal lake. Then, will start driving ascending through the Tilarán Mountain Range. The final portion of your journey is on gravel roads, giving you more time to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery.
Monteverde is a great destination to experience the culture and tradition of the Costa Rican in a sustainable way with the environment and the community. El Trapiche is a family-run ranch where you will learn all about the traditional methods of production on a local farm. For the afternoon our transportation will pick you up at your selected Monteverde hotel and after a short 25-minute ride, you will arrive at the tourist project.
In the company of a friendly and knowledgeable guide, the 2-hour walk begins with an interactive tour through a hilly path bordered by nature and different plantations. The walk is not far, nor is it intense, so the visit is suitable for people of all ages and abilities, and everyone could touch and feel the products at each stage, to have an authentic experience. You will see the entire process of coffee production, starting with it is grown and how the beans are collected by hand from the bush to ensure that only the ripe cherries are picked. Then, passing by the grinding and peeling, until drying and roasting to get it ready and enjoy an exquisite cup of coffee.In the cocoa process, you will see how chocolate becomes the product we know and love.
Sugar is another product that you will have the chance to learn about. You will see how the sugar cane is grinded and how, at the end of the process, delicious candy and brown sugar is obtained.
In each plantation, the guide will explain you the artisan process using typical artefacts that are involved in the production. At the end of the tour, you will enjoy a “gallo de arracache” a very typical meal of the Costa Rican Culinary Culture served with fresh coffee or sugar cane juice (logistics of the tour subject to changes).

This day is at leisure to enjoy the optional sights and activities in the area. Perhaps pay a visit to the nearby town of Santa Elena, with its beautiful orchid garden, frog pond, serpentariums, butterfly gardens and art galleries. Other extra cost activities are the Monteverde Cloud Forest reserve, horseback riding, Canopy, Sky walk, Sky tram and many others for you to explore on your own.

Today you will be taken in the morning back to San Jose. Last night of the program will take place at Presidente Hotel.

Your Costa Rican holiday concludes today. You will be met at the hotel and transferred back to the airport, for your return trip home.