DAY 1 SUNDAY, MARCH 1

Today, we depart for our exciting journey to the beautiful country of Costa Rica! Upon arrival in San José, we’ll be greeted by our local English-speaking guide,
who will accompany us to our hotel for the evening. Our accommodations for the night are at the Hotel Radisson, a modern property located near the historic heart of San José. After settling in, gather for a lively welcome dinner to kick off our Costa Rican adventure.

DAY 2 MONDAY, MARCH 2

After breakfast, we will meet our guide for a visit to the Museo de Oro, known as the Gold Museum, a cultural gem tucked beneath the Plaza de la Cultura. This remarkable museum showcases Costa Rica’s rich heritage through an extensive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, including intricately crafted jewelry, ceremonial objects, and figurines that reveal ancient indigenous civilizations’
spiritual beliefs and artistry. Following a group lunch, continue to the Toucan Rescue Ranch for an inspiring experience at this renowned wildlife rescue and
rehabilitation center. Dedicated to caring for injured, orphaned, and displaced animals, the center is home to toucans, sloths, monkeys, owls, and other native
species. Our visit will offer valuable insight into conservation efforts and the unique biodiversity of the rainforest. In the late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Arenal
and check into the Hotel Arenal Manoa for a peaceful two-night stay. Nestled west of La Fortuna and bordered by the La Palma River, the hotel has lush gardens, pastures, and diverse wildlife. Our day ends with a relaxing group dinner amid this tropical paradise.

DAY 3 TUESDAY, MARCH 3

Today’s adventure takes us deep into the jungle for a serene safari float along the Penas Blancas River, offering a peaceful way to experience the vibrant sights and sounds of Costa Rica’s tropical rainforest. As we glide gently along the water, watch small crocodiles slipping beneath the surface and scan the treetops for playful howler monkeys swinging from the branches. With caimans, iguanas, Jesus Christ lizards, and a dazzling variety of bird species all calling this region home, every bend in the river promises a discovery. Our expert naturalist guide will enrich the journey with stories, local history, and fascinating insights into the wildlife and lush flora we encounter. Once back on land, we continue to the home of Doña Mara and her family for an authentic cultural experience. Greeted with a refreshing tropical drink, we’ll join in a tortilla-making demonstration and enjoy a traditional lunch cooked over Doña Mara’s rustic wood-fired stove. This visit offers a warm and personal glimpse into rural Costa Rican life and the true meaning of “Pura Vida.” We’ll come together this evening to enjoy dinner as a group.

DAY 4 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4

Today’s adventure begins with a flavorful visit to an organic coffee and sugarcane plantation to learn the art of coffee roasting and sample fresh sugarcane in its many forms, paired with delicious local bites like chorreadas, empanadas, and patacones. After a group lunch, soar above the treetops on the Sky Tram gondolas for breathtaking rainforest views, Arenal Volcano, and Lake Arenal. For those craving a thrill, the Sky Trek zip lines offer a bird’s eye journey through the treetops and over deep canyons. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Enjoy a serene walk through the garden and hanging bridges. We’ll end the day in Monteverde, checking in at the eco-friendly Cala Lodge, a peaceful retreat in the cloud forest with cozy rooms and scenic trails, perfect for relaxing after an unforgettable day. Dinner will be enjoyed as a group.

DAY 5 THURSDAY, MARCH 5

This morning, set out for a scenic walk through the Selvatura hanging bridges, suspended high in the Monteverde cloud forest canopy. Our guide will share fascinating insights about the unique plants and wildlife that thrive here as we explore this lush, elevated world. After a group lunch, we’ll visit the Monteverde Butterfly Gardens, home to over thirty butterfly species across four distinct habitats, as well as a fascinating collection of live insects, arachnids, and an active leaf-cutter ant colony. Our day will end with a delicious group dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY 6 FRIDAY, MARCH 6

Our day starts with a visit to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve. Home to over 2,500 plant species, 100 types of mammals, 400 bird species, 120 amphibians and reptiles, and thousands of insects, this lush ecosystem attracts scientists and nature lovers from around the globe. Rare creatures like jaguars, pumas, and the world’s largest population of resplendent quetzals inhabit this
mist-shrouded forest, which stays nearly 100% humid year-round and receives an incredible four meters of rain annually. Later, we’ll head to Don Juan for an engaging tour of the coffee plantation and discover the global history of coffee, its role in Costa Rica’s development, and the transformation from bean to brew. The tour then shifts to chocolate, offering a hands-on look at how cacao seeds become rich, ground cocoa, and a chance to taste another traditional treat! The afternoon is yours to unwind at the hotel before we reunite for a special farewell dinner to celebrate our time together.

Day 7 Saturday, March 7

Following breakfast, we will transfer to the airport for our flight home.