zHighlights of Costa Rica

Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to the hotel of your choice: The first class President Hotel or the deluxe Grano de Oro, an award-winning boutique hotel set in a restored Victorian mansion in the heart of the city.

Today’s shared transfers over land and water bring you to the less-visited Caribbean coast, a pristine region renowned for its diversity of flora and fauna. Upon arrival, check in to the lodge of your choice, the comfortable Mawamba Lodge or the inviting Pachira Lodge. In the afternoon, join your guide for a tour of Tortuguero Village.  Meals B +L+D

Please Note: A $17 Park Entry Fee is not included and must be paid directly at the Park’s entrance.

After breakfast, enjoy a guided nature walk along the rainforest trails of your lodge. Guests at Mawamba will also visit the Lodge’s own small Butterfly Farm, Ranarium and Iguana Farm.
 
Often referred to as “The Amazon of Costa Rica,” Tortuguero is a tropical wetland filled with exotic flora and fauna waiting to be discovered. This afternoon, you’ll set out in a boat that’s been specially designed for these canals. As you explore the extensive network of waterways that wind through the wildlife-rich vegetation, your expert naturalist will offer fascinating insight into the region’s fragile eco-systems.  Meals B+L+D
 
Please Note: A $10 Park Entry Fee is not included and must be paid directly at the Park’s entrance.

Transfer across water and land, stopping for lunch en route and then continuing to your choice of volcano-view resort: The charming Montana de Fuego is set on a private tropical forest reserve at the foot of Arenal Volcano. Or delight in the luxury of Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa; the region’s finest 5-star resort boasts spacious guest suites, each with two private terraces and unparalleled volcano views!  Meals B+L

Tailor your stay at Arenal to your personal interests and taste for adventure. We include a wide variety of expertly guided excursions… Just pick the one that you want to enjoy this morning:
 
+ Whitewater Rafting on the Rio Balsa: The Balsa River flows near Arenal Volcano and offers Class II & III rafting that’s perfect for first-timers and families with children. Led by professional river guides, our exciting expedition includes all the necessary gear – helmet, lifejacket and paddle. We use high-quality 13-foot rafts with 4 to 5 paddlers in each. As you descend along this beautiful river with its thrilling Class II & III whitewater rapids, our sharp-eyed professional rafting guides will help you to spot the indigenous wildlife including monkeys, sloths and toucans. A refreshing snack, time to swim and a return journey with lunch are all included. Approximate duration: 8 hours
 
+ Stand-up Paddling in Lake Arenal: A comfortable boat packed with gear and a cooler full of bottled water and fresh fruits will take you out onto Lake Arenal. When you reach the heart of the lake, our experienced paddle guide will provide safety instructions and get your board into the water. You can start out paddling on your knees and then stand up when you find your balance. The calm waters of Lake Arenal make this a perfect place for guests of all ages and experience levels. It’s also one of the best places to appreciate the surrounding scenery and the remarkable vista of the Arenal Volcano. Approximate duration: 4 hours
 
+ Mountain Biking - Volcano + Lake Trail: This guided adventure over a variety of terrain includes trails and a gravel road. You’ll journey through scenic farmland bordering tropical jungle and skirt the shores of Lake Arenal along the base of the volcano. Along the way, your experienced bike guide will help you to spot a variety of wildlife including monkeys, toucans and coati. A rest stop offers the chance for a refreshing dip and a light snack. As you make your way toward the Cano Negro River, you’ll experience more of Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes including a lush tropical rainforest. Approximate duration: 4 hours
 
+ Guided Hike in Arenal Volcano National Park: Well maintained and without any steep ascents or descents, the trails of Arenal National Park offer a gentle and enjoyable way to explore Costa Rica’s flora and fauna with our expert naturalist guide. You’ll have wonderful views of the impressive Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal as you explore along trails that even take you over lava flows from the 1992 eruption. Approximate duration: 3 hours
 
+ Safari Float on the Peñas Blancas: This tranquil stretch of the Peñas Blancas River offers a fun and easy adventure for the nature enthusiast. Our experienced, sharp-eyed river guide will steer and paddle your raft as he points out the wide variety of birds, plants and animals that thrive along this pristine river. Howler monkeys, lizards, crocodiles, river otters and tropical birds like the osprey, heron, parrot and kingfisher are often spotted by our guests. This excursion is perfect for families and groups of friends who want to relax together in a tropical paradise. Approximate duration: 4 hours
 
+ Arenal Hanging Bridges: The rainforest canopy is a unique eco-system with a rich diversity of flora and fauna not easily observed from the trails on terra firma! In the company of our expert naturalist, this guided adventure takes you along a series of hanging bridges high above the forest floor. You’ll enjoy up-close observation of the myriad species that thrive in the lush canopy of this primary rainforest. These aerial trails are designed for all ages and cover nearly two miles. Along the way, you’ll have amazing views of the Aerial Volcano on the other side of the valley.  Approximate duration: 4 hours
 
+ Kayaking on Lake Arenal: Kayaking on Central America’s second largest lake affords wonderful views of the impressive Arenal Volcano and opportunities to observe a variety of bird species including kingfishers, blue herons and flycatchers. Howler monkeys are often heard and sometimes seen on this unforgettable adventure.  Approximate duration: 4 hours
 
+ La Fortuna on Horseback: This guided adventure is highlighted by a wonderful horseback ride through green pastures and forested hills. The views of the San Carlos Valley and tropical forest are wonderful as you make your way. Leaving your horse safely tethered, you’ll continue along a rocky trail to the base of La Fortuna Waterfall. Don’t forget your swimsuit as there’s an inviting natural pool where you can take a refreshing dip. The return journey on horseback takes you through a private farm that’s home to a variety of tropical birds including toucans and orioles. Approximate duration: 3 hours
 
+ Arenal Canopy Zip-Line Adventure: Adrenaline-rushing adventure awaits with 12 platforms and more than 1,000 feet of cable strung through the canopy of a lush primary rainforest. This exciting adventure includes all equipment (helmet, harness and gloves) and begins with a safety talk and introduction. You’ll have amazing views of the surrounding mountains and Arenal Volcano as you “fly” through the tree tops attached by harness to the steel cables. Keep your eyes peeled for toucans, monkeys, sloths, butterflies and a variety of tropical birds.  Approximate duration: 3 hours
 
[Note: The approximate durations shown for these excursions include travel time from your hotel and return.]
 
After your guided adventure, the rest of your day is free to enjoy the amenities and setting of your Arenal resort.  Meals B
 

After breakfast, our private car and driver will take you to Manuel Antonio National Park. With dense forests, spectacular beaches and dramatic rocky headlands, Manuel Antonio is the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s national parks. Upon arrival, check in to the resort of your choice: Perched high on a summit, the first class El Parador Spa Resort offers breathtaking views over the Pacific. Or immerse in the award-winning style and luxury of Si Como No.  Meals B

Today offers another chance to customize your vacation. We offer a wide variety of guided excursions… Simply choose the one best suited to your personal interests and taste for adventure!

+ Naranjo River Class III Whitewater Rafting: This thrilling adventure begins with a scenic drive from your resort to the put-in location where our experienced river guide will get you set up with safety gear and an introduction to the river. Our rafts are designed for 6 guests with our guides accompanying you in kayaks. The Naranjo flows through a variety of landscapes including lush mountain valleys, jungle gorges, rural farmland and palm plantations. It’s a steep river that offers plenty of challenges and thrills for adventure seekers! Midway through the trip, you’ll make a rest stop to catch your breath and admire the view. As you near the put-out location, the river enters a calmer stretch where you can enjoy the views as you negotiate the final rapids. The adventure ends with a hearty lunch. Please note that this excursion is only offered from May to November when the Naranjo features plenty of Class III rapids interspersed with thrilling Class IV sections. Participants must be at least 8 years old. Approximate duration: 4.5 hours
 
+ Kayaking the Mangrove Estuaries: The mangrove trees that thrive in the estuary waters where the Paquita River flows gently into the Pacific Ocean provide an ideal habitat for a rich variety of birds, reptiles and mammals; it’s also a remarkably scenic area! This adventure begins on the river as gentle currents take you under a lush forest canopy; your guide is never far and will proved insight into the flora and fauna that you’ll observe. As you venture along the water channels of the estuary and through natural tunnels created by the mangroves, keep your eyes peeled for herons, kingfishers, ospreys and other tropical birds. One and 2-passenger kayaks are available and all equipment is provided. This excursion is also available at night when nocturnal species can be heard and observed. Lunch or dinner is included. Children must be at least 8 years old to paddle in a single-person kayak. Approximate duration: 4 hours
 
+ Sea Kayaking and Snorkeling: No prior experience is required for this guided adventure! This exciting excursion includes more than 2 hours of kayaking along islands and Pacific inlets where you can observe numerous marine birds and their nesting grounds. A half-hour stop in a secluded bay is your time to rest and enjoy a snack. You can also go snorkeling in these waters - home to a variety of marine life including parrotfish, angelfish and sea turtles. One and 2-passenger kayaks are available and all equipment is provided. This excursion is available in the morning or afternoon and includes lunch and dinner. Children must be at least 8 years old to paddle in a single-person kayak. Approximate duration: 4 hours
 
+ Tocori Mountain and Waterfall by Horseback: The scenic 45-minute drive that begins this excursion is a great chance for our experienced guide to provide insight and information on Quepos and the surrounding region. Upon reaching the stables, you’ll receive complete riding instructions and tips. There will also be time to practice with a short ride around the corral before you head into the rainforest. Riding along forest trails through the mountains, you’ll have fantastic views of the valley and a chance to observe indigenous species including tropical birds and reptiles. At the end of the trail, a beautiful waterfall is the perfect place to swim or just relax before heading back to the stables. A hearty lunch of traditional Costa Rican fare is included. No previous riding experience is required. You’ll spend about 2.5 hours on horseback. Approximate duration: 5.5 hours
 
+ Guided National Park Hike: Accompanied by our experienced naturalist, this guided hike takes you on a 2-mile trail that loops through Manuel Antonio, hailed by many as Costa Rica’s finest national park for its scenic beauty and wealth of flora and fauna. There are no steep ascents or descents on this particular park trail, making this a great excursion for families and travelers of all ages. You’ll make several stops along the way to take in the scenery and observe different specimens as your guide provides insight. A short rest along a Pacific beach is a great place to refresh in the waves or just relax. Guests in this sector of Manuel Antonio can often observe sloths, reptiles, monkeys, butterflies and a variety of birds and orchids. The National Park is closed on Mondays.
 
+ Mangrove Estuaries Boat Tour: The mangrove trees that thrive in the estuary waters along this coastal stretch of the Pacific Ocean provide an ideal habitat for a rich variety of birds, reptiles and mammals; it’s also a remarkably scenic area! Exploring in a covered boat offers an easy and comfortable way to immerse in this unique environment as our naturalist guide deepens your understanding of its flora and fauna. This excursion is also available at night when nocturnal species can be heard and observed. Lunch or dinner is included. Approximate duration: 4 hours
 
+ Zip Line Adventure: A scenic drive from your resort brings you to the starting point for this heart-pounding adventure, where you’ll be suited up with the proper gear and safety equipment as experienced staff members provide tips and safety instructions. The area is covered by primary and secondary rainforests and our naturalist guides are on hand to point out the various species of flora and fauna that can be observed. The Zip Line route consists of 16 platforms; 4 of them are built on the ground and the other 12 are suspended high above in the verdant forest canopy. The platforms are connected by 12 cable lines that will take you “flying” through the rainforest and over the leafy tree tops! Participants must be at least 6 years old. Approximate duration: 4 hours
 
+ Amphibians and Reptiles by Night: This guided evening adventure offers a thrilling chance to experience the jungle at night. As the night air is filled with the sounds of nocturnal creatures, you’ll join our expert naturalist to explore Si Como No’s wildlife sanctuary, a living research center directed by respected biologist Jimmy Mata. At the Amphibian Aquatic Garden, you will see and learn about a variety of indigenous amphibian species.  Approximate duration: 2 hours
 
[Note: The approximate durations shown for these excursions include travel time from your hotel and return.]
 
After your guided adventure, the rest of your day is free to enjoy the amenities and setting of your Arenal resort.  Meals B

We’ll take you to the airport today for your included flight to San Jose where our tour services end for your onward flight.  Meals B