From thrilling water journeys to ethereal jungle expeditions, discover what pura vida means to you when you explore the essence of Costa Rica. Encounter an emerald wonderland, where trees climb high and animals roam free. Immerse yourself in nature when you spend 2 nights at a remote resort in San Carlos and 3 nights in the region of Arenal National Park. Sample fresh cacao during a visit to a local plantation. Give back to preservation efforts at a sea turtle research station in Tortuguero National Park. Embark on a crocodile safari in the jungle and a bird-watching cruise in the rainforest. Stand suspended over the rainforest floor as you journey across a network of hanging bridges. Hike the lava fields of Arenal Volcano or soar over jungle canopies on a zip line. It’s time to experience a world of nature.

Package Includes:

1 Country | 7 Cities | 11 Breakfasts | 4 Lunches | 8 Dinners | 11-Night Hotel Stay

Accommodations: 

• San Jose: Doubletree Cariari Hotel (Night 1 & 11) 
• Tortuguero: Evergreen Lodge (Night 2-3)
• San Carlos: Tilajari Hotel Resort (Night 4-5)
• Arenal: Mountain Paradise Hotel (Night 6-8)
• Playa Herradura: Los Suenos Marriott Costa Rica (Night 9-10)

Itinerary:

• Day 1: San Jose, Costa Rica. Your tour begins as you are welcomed to the emerald of Central America: Costa Rica.
• Day 2: Tortuguero, Costa Rica. Travel by boat to your hotel before heading further down the rivers and canals to the world’s first sea turtle research station. Later, have time to explore Tortuguero town with your Tour Manager. Get away from it all and relax at your lodge set in the middle of the jungle, your home for the next two nights. 
• Day 3: Tortuguero, Costa Rica. Begin the day on an excursion to search for 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 afternoon is yours to enjoy your Tortuguero resort. Tonight, 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.
• Day 4: Tortuguero National Park & San Carlos, Costa Rica. 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 botanical garden lined with fruit trees, including lemon, soursop, guava, mango and tangerine.
• Day 5: San Carlos, Costa Rica. 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: Arenal, Costa Rica. Today, suspended over the rainforest floor, relish a bird's-eye 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 for the next three nights.
• Day 7: Arenal, Costa Rica. Enjoy a day at your leisure. Perhaps you’ll discover the town of La Fortuna or relax in the hotel’s naturally heated pools. You may also add on an optional excursion to a family-owned finca with an included farm to table lunch.
• Day 8: Arenal, Costa Rica. In the shadow of Arenal Volcano, the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps, if you’re feeling adventurous, you’ll 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: Playa Herradura. 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 two nights.
• Day 10: Playa Herradura. 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: San Jose, Costa Rica. 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.