| | San Jose
Hotel La Condesa |
| Day 1 | Board your flight to Costa Rica. Arrive in the capital of San José, where you’ll be met by a Go Ahead representative and escorted to your hotel. Get acquainted with your group at an included dinner.
(D)
|
| | |
| Day 2 | This morning’s included excursion leads you into the Orosi Valley, one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful natural attractions—a land of mountains, rivers and waterfalls. You’ll then visit Cartago, the country’s former capital. Inside the city’s most historic church, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, lies La Negrita (Black Virgin), a small statue that has become a major pilgrimage site. Also included is a stop at Lankester Gardens, an orchid reserve with over 800 species. Returning to San José, take an afternoon sightseeing tour of the city; visit the Gold Museum and the National Theater. (B, D)
|
| | |
| | Sarapiqui
La Quinta de Sarapiqui |
| Day 3 | As you head into Costa Rica’s central mountain region, stop at the Doka Estate, a coffee plantation over a century old. Here, the owners give you a private tour of the farming, milling and delicate roasting process. The plantation is nestled in the mountains, but not as high as your next stop—the Poás Volcano National Park, home of one of the largest active volcanoes. Arrive later in Sarapiquí. (B, D) |
| | |
| | Arenal Region
Hotel Resort Tilajari
|
| Day 4 | Costa Rica is one of the world’s most progressive countries in its efforts to save the earth’s endangered rainforests. Over 850 species of birds, 200 species of mammals and one-tenth of the world’s butterfly species have been recorded within the country. This morning, visit the Butterfly Garden, a collection of hundreds of specimens; experts here teach you about the stages of their complex life cycle. Then board a cruise boat for our Sarapiquí River Adventure—look out for howler monkeys, crocodiles and river turtles! (B, D) |
| | |
| Day 5 | On today’s hike through Arenal National Park (7,200 acres), you’ll have stunning views of its mile-high volcano, Costa Rica’s most active volcanic peak for the past 1,000 years. Later, opt to take the ultimate trek through the treetops on the Arenal Hanging Bridges. This evening, unwind with a visit to the local hot springs, a series of pools fed by the natural waters of the Arenal mountains. (B, D) |
| | |
| | Guanacaste
Hotel Casa Conde del Mar
|
| Day 6 |
This morning, depart for the beaches of Guanacaste. You’ll drive around Lake Arenal on the way, as well as stop for a relaxing rafting excursion down the Corobicí River, where you might see toucans, falcons, iguana and monkeys. The floating tour ends in the Palo Verde Wildlife Reserve, host of 300 bird species. (B, D) |
| | |
| Day 7 | On a full-day visit to Rincón de la Vieja National Park, a rain/cloud forest located deep in the highlands, visit geothermal hot springs similar to those at Yellowstone. (B, D) |
| | |
| Day 8 | Guanacaste is known for its spectacular beaches—some are resort-like paradises, others are hidden and secluded. Spend the day exploring the beaches. In the evening, opt for our sunset sail in the harbor. (B, D)
|
| | |
| Day 9 | Enjoy another day by the beach, or take an opportunity to try a number of outdoor activities, from horseback riding to jetski tours. (B, D) |
| | |
| Day 10 |
Transfer to the airport in Liberia for departure, or continue on to the Caribbean Coast for our relaxing tour extension. (B)
|