Day 1: Arrival in San Jose. Your English-speaking guide will be waiting to greet you upon arrival at the airport.  After a short transfer to your hotel and after a quick check in, you will be given your reserved room and you will get to know the other participants of the group.

Accommodation: Hotel Buena Vista Chic. Meal plan: None

Day 2: After a hearty breakfast, we depart the capital travelling past the typical coffee plantations, fruit and vegetable fields of the central valley on route to the active Poás Volcano (alt 2704m). On clear days, at the craters edge you have a fantastic view of the turquoise blue lagoon and the sulphur springs.

In the afternoon, an inspiring and recreative hike of about two hours (1 ¾ miles) leads you through the La Paz Hummingbird and Butterfly Garden along a river bank towards one of the most impressive waterfalls of Costa Rica. 

Accommodation: Hotel Buena Vista Chic. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch at La Paz 

Day 3:  We start our tour early in the morning and our route takes us through the Braulio Carillo National Park, known for its lush vegetation and on into the Atlantic lowlands. Past banana plantations towards La Pavona, where we board a river boat.

The Tortuguero National Park and the cosy lodge are reached after about a 1-hour cruise along tropical rivers. This area protects one of the most important nesting sites of the endangered Green Sea Turtle. In the afternoon, after a warm welcome by the hotel staff, we are going to visit the village of Tortuguero with the adjacent Sea Turtle Conservancy Visitor Center. Later you can enjoy that Caribbean feeling in the hotel's pool and the extensive gardens.

Accommodation: Mawamba Lodge. Meal Plan: Full board

Day 4: Wildlife observation by boat passing through the many canals in the rain forest.

There is a chance to explore the wildlife of Tortuguero. The dense forest and waterways are home to capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, crocodiles, tortoises and countless bird species.

In the afternoon you can visit the National Park or take one of the many tours along the waterways.

Accommodation: Mawamba Lodge. Meal Plan: Full board 

Day 5: On the way back, we can review the experiences once again and enjoy the beautiful river scenery.

After lunch, your tropical adventure continues with a scenery drive into the northern Caribbean Lowlands where the Hormigas-Town Eco Project is located. The covered place allows you to observe the life of fascinating leafcutter ants in several established colonies. During this guided experience you are going to learn a lot about the positive impact of these little creatures as well as their positive impact on our ecosystem.

We then make our way to the active Arenal volcano. In the late afternoon we reach the town of La Fortuna and the Arenal volcano.

Accommodation:  Hotel Lomas del Volcán. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: You will walk in the National Park over volcanic sand to the lava fields. Along the way you will see huge, often bizarrely shaped boulders – silent witnesses of past volcanic eruptions (last time in 1969). In the fertile earth flourish orchids and other exotic plants - Toucans like to settle in the tree tops.
Afterwards, you will be surprised by a visit of the indigenous Maleku tribe near Guatuso. As their ancestors, they endeavor to preserve their traditions and even maintain their own language, customs and craftsmanship. At the local school, children are raised bilingual in Spanish and Maleku. During your visit, a guide will explain you about the communities’ history, culture both past and present. At their community house, built in a typical and traditional rancho-style, taste typical food! Spending some time around those people is definitely a unique and fascinating experience.

Later in the day, an optional visit to one of the relaxing volcanic hot springs around La Fortuna could be arranged, too. 

Accommodation: Hotel Lomas del Volcán. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch at Malekus 

Day 7: After breakfast, the journey continues crossing the dam of Lake Arenal,the largest in Costa Rica, and continuing to the "green mountains" of Monte Verde.

For today, picture yourself in an Orchid Garden! There is one in Santa Elena, Monteverde, with an important selection of over 450 species of orchids. You will be surrounded by the tiniest once on earth! It is a collection of more than 30 years. During the 45-minute guided tour, you will be explained many interesting facts about outdoor orchids, hybrids and their important and delicate care. On average, 120 different species are blooming there every day, regardless of the season.
Around dawn, you are going to discover the mysterious sounds of the Cloud Forest during a night hike. Many animals of this particular eco system are nocturnal and can therefore only be seen after sunset. This allows you to experience the tropical cloud forest in a totally different way!

Accommodation: Ficus Lodge. Meal Plan: Breakfast 

Day 8: Today we have an adventure with a difference at Selvatura Park; we will hike on a system of metal suspension bridges in the dizzying heights of the forest. Here we have the opportunity to gain an insight into the delicate ecosystem of the forest canopy. Due to its location on the Continental Divide an incomparable biodiversity of fauna and flora can be found here. The trees, overgrown with epiphytes point to the high humidity of the cloud forest.

Those who want to test their head for heights have the option to take a Canopy Tour and zip from tree to tree through the forest canopy.

Accommodation: Ficus Lodge. Meal Plan: Breakfast 

Day 9: This morning you visit the Finca of the family Bello which is close to Monteverde. Here you will step back in time as you see how the Ticos, that’s what the people of Costa Rica call themselves, produce coffee and work the land for their own needs and income. Following a fresh coffee and a snack taken in the friendly atmosphere with the family you set off in the direction of the Pacific coast to Tamarindo.

Shortly before sunset you arrive at your hotel.

Accommodation:  Hotel Tamarindo Diria. Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch at Bellos

Day 10: A day spent swimming on the sandy beach of the popular resort of Tamarindo. 

Organise this day as your mood takes you.

Optional: We recommend a cruise on a sailboat along the coast with its many bays – sometimes sailors even encounter dolphins.

Accommodation:  Hotel Tamarindo Diria. Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 11: In the morning, you will leave the beaches of Tamarindo and begin the return journey to the Central Valley.

On your way back, we take you to the Hacienda Nosavar located on the shores of the famous Tarcoles River. During a boat trip, you are able to admire the typical and enchanting flora and fauna of the Costa Rican Central Pacific. Most likely you are able to observe huge crocodiles, some of them over 15 feet long! There are also herons, roseate spoonbills, storks and many other animals like the colorful scarlett macaw parrots!
Then, the journey continues to the capital San José which you'll reach in the early evening.

Accommodation: Studio Hotel. Meal Plan: Breakfast

Day 12: In the morning we explore the centre of San José with its Central Market and the National Theatre and also visit the Gold Museum in the main square.

Finally, your transfer to the international airport.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Services included

Guided Tour

• All Transfers.
• All overnight stays are based on double occupancy with breakfast incl.
• 5x lunch, 1 snack, 2x dinner
• All entrance fees listed in the table Activities and National Parks.
• Qualified English-speaking tour guide.
• Transport in modern, comfortable and fully air-conditioned vehicles.
• EU safety guidelines for drivers and driving times are maintained.
• 24-hour English-speaking emergency hotline (25+ years of experience in Costa Rica)

Self Drivers

• Airport Transfers
• Accommodation is based on a double room including breakfast
• 5x lunch, 1 snack, 2x dinner
• All entrance fees listed in the table Activities and National Parks
• Activities mentioned in the program description
  NOT included: National park entrance fees, guides in the national parks, Gold Museum entrance fee
• Rental car including basic insurance
  Vehicle Type: Hyundai Tucson 4x4 or similar
• Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot in the rental car
• free mileage
• 24-hour emergency hotline
    

Services not included 

• Gratuities (optional)