Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024
DAY 1
Welcome to San Jose!
After clearing Customs and Immigrations and exiting the terminal you will be met by a representative with a sign with you name on it. You will be whisked off to your Arenal [approx. 2.5hrs] to start your vacation. They allow you to relax and take in the beauty of the country while being chauffeured by a professional driver.
TRANSFER TO ARENAL
Visiting the Arenal volcano area is a truly awe-inspiring experience. The towering peak of the volcano dominates the landscape, and the lush greenery and vibrant wildlife make for a truly beautiful setting. There are plenty of activities to enjoy in the area, from hiking and birdwatching to hot springs and waterfall tours. The nearby town of La Fortuna offers a range of accommodation options and delicious local cuisine. Overall, a visit to the Arenal volcano area is a must-do for anyone seeking adventure and natural beauty in Costa Rica.
Unwind and relax and enjoy a Welcome Dinner in the evening.
Overnight in Arenal.
Accommodations: 4 star junior suite
Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024
DAY 2
Enjoy Breakfast at the hotel
ARENAL HANGING BRIDGES
The Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges offer an amazing glimpse into the canopy of the rainforest! The hike includes terrestrial trails and bridges through the tree tops allowing you to view the forest from all perspectives. All of the 15 bridges vary in height and length and provide an interesting way to observe the rainforest canopy. In addition to learning about the jungle, you may also be fortunate enough to see wild animals such as monkeys, sloths, toucans, or iguanas. Wildlife observation is not guaranteed on this tour but often occurs and your guide will be ready with a spotting scope should animals decide to make an appearance. It is important to mention that open sandals or shoes are NOT permitted on this tour. This fun filled half day tour includes guides, transportation, and entrance to the private reserve.
CHOCOLATE HARVESTING
Yes, it’s true, chocolate really does grow on trees! Roll up your sleeves and get ready to participate in the intricate process of harvesting the cacao and turning it into various forms of chocolate, taste testing the steps all along the way.
Accommodations: 4 star junior suite
Dinner with the group
Thursday, Dec. 5 2024
DAY 3
Enjoy Breakfast at the hotel
SAFARI FLOAT ON RIO PENAS BLANCAS
Today you will go on a Safari Float down the Rio Penas Blancas. This is a great tour for those who want the fun of whitewater rafting without the rapids! The current will take you gently downstream in your whitewater raft while your guide points out the wildlife visible along the river's edge.
Accommodations: 4 star junior suite
Dinner with the group
Friday, Dec. 6 2024
DAY 4
Enjoy Breakfast at the hotel
TRANSFER FROM ARENAL TO MONTEVERDE
High on the Tilaran Mountain Range, Monteverde is one of the most fascinating destinations in Costa Rica. The area is cool, verdant, and rich in biodiversity with a multitude of microclimates. Guided hikes or maps for do-it-yourselfers give access to the well-marked trails, waterfalls, rivers, and observation areas. You will see an amazing variety of flora and fauna. No one should leave Monteverde without having tried to see a “Quetzal”, one of the most beautiful birds in the country. Monteverde also hosts the largest variety of butterflies and moths in the world.
COFFEE TOUR
Aromatic coffee, sweet sugarcane, and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate are three of Costa Rica’s top agricultural exports—and its favorite products among locals and visitors alike. Learn about these three crops first-hand on this tour of a family-owned farm near La Fortuna. See how coffee is created from bean to cup, and then taste other delicious crops along with a guide.
Dinner with the group
Accommodations: 4 star junior suite
Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024
DAY 5
Breakfast at the hotel
CURI CANCHA RESERVE GUIDED HIKE
The Curi-Cancha Reserve is a birdwatching paradise for those interested in highland and cloud forest species! Located near the world-famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, this independently owned reserve is quite similar but is not as well known. This means fewer people and more animals! Birdwatchers will be delighted as over 200 species of birds have been observed within the reserve! Resplendent Quetzals, Blue Crowned Mot Mots, Three Wattled Bellbirds, Orange Bellied Trogons, and Emerald Toucanettes are among the many species that pass through here at various times of the year. Many mammals call the reserve home or pass through occasionally, such as Two-Toed Sloths, Kinkajous, Armadillo, Agouti, Pizote, and even three species of monkeys; Howlers, Capuchins, and rare Spider Monkeys.
Dinner with the group
Accommodations: 4 star junior suite
Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024
DAY 6
Breakfast at the hotel
TRANSFER FROM MONTEVERDE TO MANUEL ANTONIO
Manuel Antonio is a small ocean side village with plenty of great places to stay - from extravagant luxury condos to cozy hideaway hotels tucked into nature. Famous for its national park, this tiny yet bustling town is located off Costa Rica's central Pacific coast just a stone's throw away from Quepos which is famous for sport fishing. The region is a treasure for biodiversity, attracting nature buffs, eco-travelers and adventure-seekers alike. Better yet, if you visit, you can soak up beautiful beaches and perfect waters. Without a doubt, Manuel Antonio lies within one of the country's most celebrated spots.
Monday, Dec. 9, 2024
DAY 7
Breakfast at the hotel
PRIVATE MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK NATURE GUIDED TOUR
Make the most of limited time in Costa Rica with a guided half-day nature walk through Manuel Antonio National Park. Don’t waste time wondering what to see next; instead, head straight to the park’s highlights in the company of a naturalist guide and benefit from their animal spotting expertise and spotting scope to see creatures you might otherwise have missed.
Dinner with the group
Accommodations: 4 star superior room
Dinner with the group
Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024
DAY 8
Breakfast at the hotel
DAY AT LEISURE
Enjoy time with the group to explore Manuel Antonio. Opt for a beach day upon our return.
Accommodations: 4 star superior room
Dinner in Manuel Antonio with the group
Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024
DAY 8
Breakfast at the hotel
We will transfer back to San Jose for your flight