Operated by Collette

Costa Rica: A World of Nature

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From

CAD 4,749

Duration

12 days

Countries

Costa Rica

Activity

active

Group size

Max 20

Rating

4.6 · 164 reviewsvia Collette

The adventure

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.

Tortuguero National Park

Chocolate-Making Demonstration & Tasting

River boat jungle crocodile safari

Bird watching excursion

Visit sea turtle research station

Learn to cook using a coconut

Day by day

Your journey through

Costa Rica

Showing Days 1-7

12-day itinerary

Day 1San Jose, Costa RicaPura 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, where pura vida is an unofficial motto and a way of life. Welcome to the emerald of Central America: Costa Rica. As travelers' arrival times will vary, we have no group activities or meals planned today.

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, where pura vida is an unofficial motto and a way of life. Welcome to the emerald of Central America: Costa Rica. As travelers' arrival times will vary, we have no group activities or meals planned today.

Day 2San Jose - Tortuguero National ParkSeemingly 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. 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. From the morning calls of the monkeys to the gentle chatter of the birds, listen to the active sounds of the rainforest around you.

Street view of a colorful building with graffiti in San José, Costa Rica on a sunny day.

San Jose

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. 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. From the morning calls of the monkeys to the gentle chatter of the birds, listen to the active sounds of the rainforest around you.

Day 3Tortuguero National ParkBegin 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 habitat of jaguars, manatees, ocelots, and more. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy your Tortuguero resort. Tonight, a local will teach you about his village and share stories about life in Tortuguero’s remote town. Watch as he demonstrates how to harvest and prepare coconuts before sampling a local favorite: coconut candy.

Beautiful sunset over a tranquil beach in Costa Rica, capturing vibrant reflections and serene atmosphere.

Tortuguero National Park

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 habitat of jaguars, manatees, ocelots, and more. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy your Tortuguero resort. Tonight, a local will teach you about his village and share stories about life in Tortuguero’s remote town. Watch as he demonstrates how to harvest and prepare coconuts before sampling a local favorite: coconut candy.

Day 4Tortuguero National Park - Sarapiquí - San CarlosTake a boat back to the mainland and make your way towards Sarapiquí and Tirimbina Rainforest Centre. Today will be an Impact Moment as you visit a cacao plantation at the Tirimbina Rainforest Centre — an ecotourism destination that is vigilant of environmental, social, and economic impact. Learn the process of sustainably converting seed from bean to bar and taste for yourself why it’s 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.

Agami heron perched among green leaves in Roxana, Costa Rica.

Tortuguero National Park

Take a boat back to the mainland and make your way towards Sarapiquí and Tirimbina Rainforest Centre. Today will be an Impact Moment as you visit a cacao plantation at the Tirimbina Rainforest Centre — an ecotourism destination that is vigilant of environmental, social, and economic impact. Learn the process of sustainably converting seed from bean to bar and taste for yourself why it’s 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 5San CarlosExplore 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 homemade snacks such as banana bread, local 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.

Aerial view of a luxury villa with solar panels and a pool in vibrant green surroundings.

San Carlos

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 homemade snacks such as banana bread, local 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 6San Carlos - ArenalToday, 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 natural world around you. Later, settle into your resort where you’ll be surrounded by striking views of Arenal’s famous volcano for the next three nights.

San Carlos

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 natural world around you. Later, settle into your resort where you’ll be surrounded by striking views of Arenal’s famous volcano for the next three nights.

Day 7ArenalToday, 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 to spend as you please. Perhaps you’ll discover the town of La Fortuna or relax by the hotel’s pool. Also consider an optional excursion to a family-owned finca with an included farm to table lunch.

A scenic village with vibrant rooftops nestled below a towering volcano under a cloudy sky.

Arenal

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 to spend as you please. Perhaps you’ll discover the town of La Fortuna or relax by the hotel’s pool. Also consider an optional excursion to a family-owned finca with an included farm to table lunch.