Costa Rica Nature Adventure with Guanacaste

Learn the secrets of Pura Vida – Costa Rica’s inimitable zest for life that will linger throughout your effortlessly delivered encounter with a land that boasts no artificial ingredients. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow expeditioners for dinner.

Journey to San Isidro de Heredia where you’ll Dive into Culture with master chocolatiers Julio Fernandez and George Soriano to learn about the history of chocolate and its production at this small workshop. Then, it’s on to Siquirres where we embark on a river journey through protected wetlands and on to secluded Tortuguero, gliding through canals, lagoons and lowland rainforest. Arrive at your Stays with Stories at Laguna Lodge, where you’ll learn the story of how the lodge was built with materials that protect this biodiverse environment and natural habitat. Later, enjoy dinner at your hotel accompanied by the enchanting sounds of resident cicadas and tree frogs.

Take a morning cruise through the waterways of Tortuguero National Park with a Local Specialist, keeping an eye out for monkeys, toucans and other wildlife unique to this region. Visit the village of Tortuguero before returning to your lodge for lunch. After your morning introduction on the waterways, explore deeper as you drift on an afternoon cruise in one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse corners. Later, Dive into Culture as you join Cloied, a well-known figure from one of Tortuguero’s pioneer families, to prepare a traditional coconut dessert together before dinner at the lodge.

Bid adiós to Tortuguero as you travel through the Sarapiqui Valley for lunch at the Hacienda Pozo Azul. Here, you’ll meet the Quintana family to experience how their eco-friendly hacienda, originally built as a retirement project, has blossomed into an organic farm and eco-adventure hub. During this Be My Guest experience, you’ll learn firsthand how they’re reducing their carbon footprint while supporting the local community. After lunch, you’ll meet the Tico family for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at their palm plantation. There you'll learn about and sample the delicate heart of palm.

Head to the Arenal Hanging Bridges to walk eye-level with the rainforest canopy. Look out for monkeys swinging through the trees, sloths tucked into the foliage and birds calling overhead, with views out to the majestic Arenal Volcano. The rest of this afternoon is yours to explore or unwind at your own pace, immersed in Arenal's beauty. Whether you're craving adventure or relaxation, a variety of Optional Experiences await. Choose a peaceful kayak ride on Lake Arenal, with the volcano as your striking backdrop. Whatever your choice, Arenal promises beauty and adventure for all.

Enjoy a leisurely morning, with time to relax and take in your surroundings before you set off for the stunning Monteverde Cloud Forest. As you arrive in this mist-covered paradise, you’ll be immersed in the wonder of one of Costa Rica’s most unique ecosystems. This evening, you'll enjoy an engaging Pioneer Quaker Presentation. You’ll meet descendants of Monteverde’s Quaker pioneers, whose families made the courageous journey from Alabama in the early 1950s. They’ll share their personal stories of settling in this remote area and reflect on the changes they’ve witnessed in the community over the years. It’s an evening where history, culture, and connection come to life in the heart of Monteverde.

This morning, join your Travel Director for an excursion through the lush rainforests of a Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Later this afternoon, opt to ascend to the treetops high above the jungle floor below, treading lightly along the Sky Walk suspension bridges amongst the wildlife that find sanctuary in the boughs of the surrounding canopy. As our epic eco-adventure nears its end, we share stories with newfound friends at a dinner.

Bid farewell to your Travel Director and the cloud forests of Monteverde as you drive to the Pacific coast. Arrive in Guanacaste and continue to your beachfront retreat in Tamarindo Beach. This laid-back surfer town is the perfect base for coastal Costa Rica. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you please. Stroll the palm-lined sands, browse the beachside boutiques or simply relax with a cool drink and watch the sun slip into the ocean.

Spend today exactly as you please in Tamarindo Beach. Relax on the sands with a book, take a swim or wander through town where surf shops, art galleries and local cafes invite you in. If you’re after more adventure, choose from two Optional Experiences. Cruise the wetlands of Palo Verde National Park where you can spot crocs, monkeys and tropical birds. Or, hike and zip-line through the forest before riding Costa Rica’s longest water slide.

Bid farewell to your fellow travelers as your Costa Rican journey ends. Enjoy a complimentary transfer to Guanacaste Airport, taking pura vida memories with you.