Day 1 – San Jose, Costa Ric – Tour Begins

Pura vida. In English, it translates to “the simple life.” But pura vida is so much more: it’s an attitude; a celebration of life in the moment. It’s time to experience what pura vida means to you. You’re on your way to explore a place that’s unlike anywhere else in the world
Hotel: Doubletree Cariari Hotel or similar

Day 2 – San Jose ­- Tortuguero National Park (B/L/D)

Seemingly endless mountain horizons. Complex evergreen forests. These are the wonders of Tortuguero National Park.* Travel by boat to your hotel before heading further down the rivers and canals to the world’s first sea turtle research station. Next, a local will teach you all about his village and its previous history as a coconut plantation. Watch as he demonstrates how they use coconuts before trying your hand at making a local favorite: coconut candy. Later, have time to explore Tortuguero town with your Tour Manager. Get away from it all and relax at your lodge for the next two nights, set in the middle of the jungle. From the morning calls of the monkeys to the gentle chatter of the birds, listen to the active sounds of the rainforest around you.
Hotel: Evergreen Lodge or similar (2 nights)

Day 3: Tortuguero National Park (B/L/D)

Begin the day on an excursion to spot the elusive green macaw and other unique winged creatures that flock to Tortuguero. Embark on a nature cruise, getting a glimpse into the life of jaguars, manatees, ocelots, and more. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy your Tortuguero resort.

Day 4: Tortuguero National Park ­ Sarapiquí ­San Carlos (B/L/D)

Take a boat back to the mainland and make your way towards Sarapiquí and Tirimbina Rainforest Center. Spend time at a cacao plantation and see the process of converting the seed from bean to bar, tasting for yourself why cacao is called “the food of the gods.” Later, arrive at your secluded nature resort, nestled on the edge of the San Carlos River. Stroll the butterfly and botanical gardens lined with fruit trees, including lemon, soursop, guava, mango and tangerine.
Hotel: Tilajari Hotel Resort or similar (2 nights)

Day 5: San Carlos (B/D)

Explore the beauty of your surroundings on a Peñas Blancas River Safari. Paddle and float down the river on a peaceful adventure, taking in the sights and sounds of the rainforest as your naturalist guide describes the intricacies of the wildlife around you. Visit the finca of a local family and try specialty snacks such as banana bread, gourmet Costa Rican coffee and more. End your day with a guided walk through a private, primary forest reserve for a look at the various flora and fauna.

Day 6: San Carlos ­- Hanging Bridges ­- Arenal (B/D)

Today, suspended over the rainforest floor, relish a bird’s­eye view of the jungle on a guided tour of Arenal’s famous hanging bridges. High above the jungle canopies, marvel at a cloud forest taking shape around you. Settle into your resort where you’ll be surrounded by striking views of Arenal’s famous volcano.
Hotel: Mountain Paradise Hotel or similar (3 nights)

Day 7: Arenal (B/D)

Today, it’s your choice! Since Costa Rica is the birthplace of zip lining, glide over the canopies on a mind-blowing rip through the jungle ­OR­ make your way across lava fields for an up ­close­ and ­personal look at the volcano on a moderate hike along the trails formed by lava during the 1968 eruption. The afternoon is yours. Perhaps you’ll discover the town of La Fortuna or relax in the hotel’s naturally heated pools. Also consider an optional excursion to a family­ owned finca with an included farm to table lunch.

Day 8: Arenal (B)

In the shadow of Arenal Volcano, the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps you will opt to immerse yourself in wildlife as you float along a river on the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge cruise, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, opt for an exhilarating white water rafting experience Or simply hang back at the resort, choose a spa service, explore the grounds, and soak in one of Arenal’s famous hot springs.

Day 9: Arenal Volcano ­- Coffee Plantation ­- Playa Herradura (B/D)

This morning, wake up and smell the coffee at a local farm that produces some of Costa Rica’s well-known beans. Take a tour with local plantation workers and have a chance to discuss what life is like for these coffee farmers. In the afternoon, head to Playa Herradura and settle into your resort for the next 2 nights. As the day draws to a close, watch the sun set over the Pacific alongside birds in every color of the rainbow.
Hotel: Los Suenos Marriott Costa Rica or similar (2 nights)

Day 10: Playa Herradura -­ Manuel Antonio -­ Playa Herradura (B)

Welcome to Manuel Antonio National Park, home to verdant rainforests and white sand beaches. In this natural wonderland, traverse the trails where the wild things are, or go for a swim in the turquoise waters as wildlife rummages in the canopies.

Day 11: Playa Herradura ­- Tárcoles -­ San Jose (B/L/D)

See wild crocodiles among the mangroves of Tárcoles’ Rio Grande. On this exhilarating jungle crocodile safari, you’ll boat beneath the towering jungle, looking along the river banks for a glimpse of these incredible creatures. Then say goodbye to the coast and hello to San Jose. Toast to the pura vida of Costa Rica tonight over a farewell dinner.
Hotel: Doubletree Cariari Hotel

Day 12: San Jose -­ Tour Ends (B)

Bid Costa Rica farewell as your tour comes to an end today

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Pre or Post Night: Optional to Add

Doubletree Cariari Hotel: Standard double pricing – From $160 per night

Doubletree Cariari is conveniently located just 5 minutes from downtown San José. The rooms are inspired by the colonial hacienda style of traditional San Jose.

Costa Rican Farm – $60 pp

Arenal Duration: 3.5 Hours Your transportation is included Envelop yourself in Costa Rican culture at Finca Don Juan. Explore this family-owned farm, getting a peek into the daily lives of the locals. During a tour of the gardens, learn how the plants are organically grown through the concept of sustainability. The farm considers itself a “classroom without borders.” Taste the exotic fruit harvest and experience the traditional way to process sugar cane. Enjoy a sip of cane liquor before engaging in a culinary demonstration and a farm-to-table lunch.

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White Water Rafting Experience – $99 pp

Arenal Duration: 3.5 Hours Your transportation is included Embark on a fun-filled white water rafting adventure that is great for all levels of rafters. The half-day adventure on the Rio Balsa or Sarapiqui River provides plenty of action and thrills, but with milder white water rapids, Class II-III. Your river guide will pick you up at your hotel and join you on a short drive to the “put-in” spot where the fun begins. Guests will receive a thorough briefing and explanation of the safety equipment and procedures. Once everyone has had time to practice and review the commands and “high-fives” you will embark on your journey down the rapids. Get wet and wild as you navigate rapids on your 2-hour adventure tour down the beautiful and tropical river. Drink in the majestic foliage of the rainforest as you watch for monkeys, sloths and toucans while you raft. You will come to understand the meaning of Costa Rica’s favourite saying, “Pura Vida!” and the best Class II-III white water rafting in the region! The minimum age to participate is 8 years old. It is recommended to bring a bathing suit, T-shirt, sunscreen, change of clothing, secure shoes such as water shoes or sports sandals, and a small amount of cash to tip your rafting guides at your discretion.

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Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge Cruise – $99 pp

Arenal Duration: 8 Hours Your transportation is included Embark on a Cano Negro guided riverboat trip in a panga (covered canoe). These 20,000 acres are home to the largest viewable collection of indigenous wildlife in all of Costa Rica. Go in search of crocodiles, river otters, sloths, river turtles, exotic birds and rare butterflies

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Natri Spa Treatment-Arenal Springs – $240 pp

Arenal Duration: 2 Hours Your transportation is included “What is good for the body is good for the soul.” A well-deserved spa visit provides a complete treatment experience to replenish your mind, body and soul. Experience supreme pampering and relaxation with a choice of one of several different exhilarating spa service packages. Each package includes 3 different spa treatments from aromatherapy and mud massages to exfoliation and reflexology. Certified therapists will guide you to a state of complete relaxation as you enjoy unforgettable therapeutic facial and body treatments. Your choice of packages are: Citrus Spa Package (135 minutes) – Citrus Exfoliation, Aromatherapy Massage, Natural Mask Sanctuary Package (135 minutes) – Herb Exfoliation, Relaxing Massage, Reflexology Springs Spa Package (125 minutes) – Sugar & Honey Exfoliation, Mud Massage, Facial Massage This option is available only to those guests who are staying at the Arenal Springs Hotel.