Treasures of Costa Rica

DAY 1: WELCOME TO COSTA RICA!

Our adventure begins the moment you land, with a meet and greet at San Jose International airport by your local Costa Rican Guide. Transfer to the hotel and get settled into your room. Meals In-Flight, D

DAY 2: POAS VOLCANO/DOKA ESTATE COFFEE

Journey to see Poas Volcano National Park, which rises over a mile high. The volcano is still active, emitting large amounts of gas and water vapor from the fumaroles. We’ll even have a chance to look into its main crater. Next, we travel down the fertile green hills of tourist favorite Poas Volcano which provides a lush backdrop for the Vargas Ruiz family’s Doka Coffee Estate. Here we’ll learn from an expert about the production, harvesting, roasting and packaging of the “Golden Bean.” Coffee connoisseurs won’t want to miss a chance to purchase the gourmet beans in the Doka Estate Souvenir Shop before leaving. Return to the hotel for dinner. B, L, D

DAY 3: WHITE WATER RAFTING/HOT SPRINGS

After breakfast at the hotel, get ready to see Costa Rica from a new perspective—on a rafting tour down the rainforest-lined Sarapiquí River. The eight-mile river tour is perfect for beginner and intermediate paddlers alike, as ICT certified guides take every precaution to always ensure everyone’s safety. Later, after check-in at the hotel, visit Ecotermales Hot Springs, which features four impossibly clear, rock-lined pools that vary in temperature from 91 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Cradled by the greenery of the rainforest,these pools offer the ultimate serenity, complete with a cascading waterfall as background music. You’ll also enjoy dinner at the hot springs before returning to the hotel for the evening. B, L, D

DAY 4: SCHOOL VISIT/FOLKLORIC DANCES

Today, you’ll observe Costa Rica’s education system firsthand with a visit to a local high school or elementary school. Tour the school with the director, a teacher, and/or students, followed by a question-and-answer session. The children will then present their performance, which is often a folkloric dance. We will then enjoy lunch prepared on a wood stove in a local home. Return to Hotel Arenal Country Inn for a free evening to explore on your own. B, L

DAY 5: LAKE RIDE/MONTEVERDE SELVATURA PARK

This morning take a scenic drive to Arenal Lake Dam, where we’ll then take a pontoon boat ride across Lake Arenal to the small town of Río Chiquito. From there we’ll travel to Monteverde. Next, take a guided Skywalk Tour which brings out the nature-loving adventurer in all of us! Get out the camera to capture the lush leaves, abundant tropical fruits, and animals in the rainforest canopy. Suspension bridges make this part of the forest accessible for the first time, bringing us up close and personal with the most colorful and lively (not to mention, sunny) part of the entire forest. Take a break at any of the three towering waterfalls you’ll pass on the walk. In addition, see the largest butterfly gardens in Costa Rica and observe more than 14 different species of hummingbirds. Unpack and settle in for the evening after checking into the hotel before seeking out the perfect dinner spot. B, L

DAY 6: CLOUD FOREST RESERVE

This morning, explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the most famous conservation areas in Central America and the most well-known cloud forest in the world. Called a cloud forest
because of its high altitude, this tropical rainforest experiences almost 100% humidity year-round. Warm trade winds from the northeast sweep up the Continental Divide where the beaches, lagoons, and mangroves add to the park’s natural beauty. Break for lunch on your own with the rest of the day at your leisure before our dinner at a local restaurant. B, D

DAY 7: GUACALILLO/TARCOLES RIVER

Located on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, the Estuary of Guacalillo and the Tarcoles River present a unique opportunity to observe one of the largest populations of American crocodiles in the Americas. This area is also renowned for its extensive mangrove ecosystem and rich birdlife,ň including one of the most significant conservation areas for the Scarlet Macaw in the country. In addition, you may see kingfishers, roseate spoonbills, basilisk lizards, herons, and blue herons. We’ll take a boat tour through this impressive mangrove ecosystem, which is composed of four species of mangroves. These mangroves are crucial nesting grounds for various bird species and provide shelter and nutrients for numerous fish and invertebrates. Mangrove swamps are vital for marine productivity, making them essential to the ecological health of the region. B, D

DAY 8: MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK

Travel on a scenic journey along the Central Pacific Coast from Jaco to Manuel Antonio National Park, an extraordinary nature park, home to howlers, squirrels, spiders, and white-faced monkeys! In addition to monkeys, the park is a habitat for sloths, raccoons, anteaters, ocelots, crocodiles, iguanas, and lizards. Birds that you might see include toucans, parakeets, parrots, and hummingbirds. Enjoy a guided tour to see the multitude of creatures that populate the jungle and beach areas. Return to Crocs Resort after dinner at a local restaurant. B, L, D

DAY 9: RETURN HOME

After breakfast, transfer to San Jose International Airport to head home. While on this ride, relax and recall your favorite moments from your Costa Rican adventure! B, Meals In-Flight

ACCOMMODATIONS:
Nights 1-2: Hotel Park Inn, San Jose
Nights 3-4: Hotel Magic Mountain, Alajuela
Nights 5-6: El Establo Mountain Hotel, Monteverde
Nights 7-8: Crocs Resort, Jaco

Dates:

• Departure: November 1, 2025
• Return: November 9, 2025

Pricing:

• Double: $4,799
• Single: $5,669

*Price per person

*Includes round-trip airfare from STL or SGF, call for other gateways

*Passport required

Identification:

Valid passport required to travel.

Luggage:

Orange luggage tags are provided and are to be placed on your “checked luggage” (large bag). You do not need a tag for your carry-on bag, for which you will be responsible for taking on and off the coach. There is limited space in the cabin of the coach, so unless you require your carry-on bag while traveling, we will stow it in the luggage compartment.

Walking Distance

To fully enjoy your vacation, you should be in good physical health and understand there are times when a good deal of walking is involved in our tours. Those who have difficulty walking may not want to take this trip or should discuss their personal situation with their doctor before deciding. You should be able to walk at a steady pace for a mile at a time for a daily total of three to four miles per day and be able to manage steps to board/de-board the motorcoach several times a day. In addition, many US and European airports require lengthy walks to get from ticketing counters to your departure gate. Due to the lack of proper facilities at some of the farms, ranches, and off-the-beaten-path sites we often visit, we are unable to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.

We are finding that larger European cities are closing their historic districts to motor traffic. This, of course, adds to the amount of walking involved when visiting a city (sometimes on uneven and/or cobblestone walkways). In addition, you should know that you may be required to exit the motorcoach at each stop because local law often does not allow travelers to remain on the motorcoach while it is parked for a scheduled stop.

Average Temps

High of 80°, low of 69°

Currency

Costa Rican colón (CRC)

Terms and Conditions:

Please refer to our policies HERE for more information on our terms and conditions.