Highlights

2026 Departure Dates:

January 21 & 28
February 4 & 11
March 4
October 28
November 4 & 11

These are small group, guaranteed departures.  Perfect for groups of less than 15 people.

Itinerary

DAY 1: DEPART USA – ARRIVE SAN JOSE

Arrive in San Jose, meet your Professional Naturalist Tour Director and transfer to your hotel. On the 4th voyage of Christopher Columbus in 1502, the explorer and his crew discovered the Caribbean side of a beautiful territory he called, “Costa Rica” or “Rich Coast”. Costa Rica is Central America’s greatest hidden gem, a haven for eco-tourism featuring lush forests, magnificent waterfalls, rumbling volcanoes and diverse ecosystems. Transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Overnight: San Jose

DAY 2: SAN JOSE – TORTUGUERO NAT’L PARK

After breakfast journey east to the Caribbean shore and Tortuguero National Park. On the way, stop and enjoy a coffee plantation visit and tour. Next, pass by several banana plantations and see one of Costa Rica’s main exports being harvested. Later, board a motor launch for your cruise along the Tortuguero Canals, waterways crisscrossing a national park dedicated to the protection of endangered turtles. The trained eyes of your guide and boatman help you spot freshwater turtles, caimans, herons, toucans, egrets, and monkeys. An afternoon at leisure lets you explore your jungle lodge until you meet for an informative slideshow presentation on the area. Arrive at your lodge and enjoy an included lunch and check-in for a two night stay.

(B,L,D) Overnight: Tortuguero National Park

DAY 3: TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK

This morning enjoy a guided walking tour through the local trails with some free time before lunch. In the afternoon, visit Tortuguero Nat’l Park and experience the “Amazon of Costa Rica” aboard small open boats with an

opportunity to see macaws, sloths, monkeys and other native species. While on this spectacular boat cruise through the various canals be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife including howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, aquatic birds, crocodiles, caimans and exotic flora. It protects over 350 species of birds and mammals as well. Free time before dinner.

(B,L,D) Overnight: Tortuguero National Park

DAY 4: TORTUGUERO – SARAPIQUI – ARENAL

A morning boat transfer begins your journey to the Sarapiqui area. Tour a pineapple farm owned by a local family, and learn about the history, cultivation, and industry of pineapples and other indigenous crops. Continue to your hotel in the lush town of Arenal, located in the shadow of Arenal Volcano. After settling in, enjoy some free time before dinner.

(B,L,D) Overnight: Arenal Area

DAY 5: ARENAL – FAMILY FARM VISIT

Today, explore a 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 before engaging in a culinary demonstration and a farm-to-table lunch. (B,L) Overnight: Arenal Area

DAY 6: LAKE ARENAL CRUISE – MONTEVERDE

Enjoy a delightful cruise on Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest and most important lake. Then, it’s off to the secluded Monteverde Cloud Forest, a place you have to see to believe, where trees grow to heights of 100 feet. Set off on a nature walk through this spectacular ecosystem, where you’re sure to encounter many incredible species of flora and fauna. (B,D) Overnight: Monteverde

DAY 7: MONTEVERDE

This morning, visit Santa Elena Cloud Forest for a leisurely paced “Hanging Bridges” walking tour. Over 600 species of butterflies and 400 species of birds have been recorded inside this private reserve, along with 100 reptile and 120 mammal species that hide within the dense vegetation. Later, visit the family-owned Ecological Sanctuary, where you will explore the trails through coffee and banana plantations filled with endemic wildlife and beautiful scenery.

(B,D) Overnight: Monteverde

DAY 8: MONTEVERDE – SAN JOSE

Following breakfast this morning, travel to visit Sarchi Village, known as the center of Costa Rican handcrafts and where you will see the artists in their workshops making the famous oxcarts. Next stop is Grecia Village to see the metal church that was imported from Belgium to Puerto Limon in 1897. The church was transported by oxcarts to its present-day location but sat in the plaza for 10 years before being reconstructed. This evening toast to the pura Vida of Costa Rica over a farewell dinner. (B,D) Overnight: San Jose

DAY 9: SAN JOSE – RETURN FLIGHT TO USA

Transfer to the airport in San Jose and fly home filled with wonderful memories of your Colorful Costa Rica tour and adventure.

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Tour Map