Premium Costa Rica - 9 Days

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Costa Rica. Your adventure begins in San Jose, where you’ll be met at the airport by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Here, you’ll meet your local leader and small group for a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, Costa Rican coffee is some of the best in the world, so maybe set out to sample some of the local brew. After your meeting, head out with your leader and fellow travellers to dine like a local in the heart of San Jose. Your leader will share the history of the area and its famous residents as you taste local specialties.

Depart San Jose and drive to La Fortuna, known for its mellow atmosphere, bubbling hot springs and the mighty Arenal volcano. During your scenic drive, you’ll take in impressive views of Poas Volcano National Park. Along the way, make a stop at Bitzu, a boutique coffee plantation located near the slopes of Poas Volcano. During your guided tour, you’ll see how this coffee farm focuses on small-scale production and learn about coffee cultivation, harvesting, roasting and brewing from the coffee farmers themselves. After the tour, have lunch with your group, then continue to La Fortuna, arriving in the late afternoon. Check into your hotel which has views of the Arenal Volcano and rooms with a terrace surrounded by tropical gardens filled with birds and butterflies. Spend some free time poolside, listening to the songs of birds, then join your group for dinner at a local restaurant.

This morning, venture into the treetops on a visit to the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. As you walk across the six hanging bridges, learn about the forest’s diverse ecosystem, take in panoramic views of the region from this excellent vantage point and spot colourful birds – more than 350 bird species call this park home! Have lunch at a local restaurant before returning to La Fortuna for a free afternoon. Maybe visit one of the town’s hot springs for a swim beneath the stars or get active with a hike along the Arenal 1968 trails to reach the Las Coladas lava field, looking out for howler monkeys, deer and parrots along the way.

After breakfast, depart La Fortuna and begin the journey to Monteverde. Drive around Lake Arenal and watch dramatic views of the Arenal volcano unfold in front of you. Your leader will be on hand to point out interesting wildlife along the way. Arrive in Monteverde in the early afternoon. Known for its spectacular cloud forests and rich biodiversity, Monteverde is heaven for nature lovers. This afternoon, take a tour of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve with an expert local guide. The reserve is host to more than 100 different species of mammals and 400 species of birds, and your guide will share information on the fascinating biodiversity of the region and lend their expert eye to spotting wonderful wildlife. Look out for the resplendent quetzal and listen for the sounds of howler monkeys and the unmistakeable call of the three-wattled bellbird. With nearly 500 unique species of orchids, the reserve holds the world’s highest diversity of the flower.

After a relaxing morning, the day is yours to enjoy however you wish. You may like to explore the town or view the cloud forest from overhead on a zipline. Speak to your leader about arranging any optional activities that you’d like to do. Gather again in the evening for a rainforest night walk with Intrepid Foundation partner, The Monteverde Conservation League, to explore the Children's Eternal Rain Forest. This private reserve was founded in 1986 through fundraising efforts by children worldwide and is home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. Join up with a naturalist guide who’ll lead you through the forest and educate you on everything from the sounds to the species while also helping you spot the various frogs, insects and nocturnal birds among the trees.

After breakfast, depart for Manuel Antonio – home to a wildlife-rich national park and a string of the country’s best beaches. When you arrive, check into your Feature Stay – Parador Resort and Spa, located a short walk from Biesanz Beach and featuring five pools, a swim-up bar and a range of optional onsite activities like night hikes and a monkey trail.

This morning you’ll set off into Manuel Antonio National Park with an expert naturalist guide by your side. Look out for two and three toed sloths, white faced monkeys, anteaters and iguanas. The park offers criss-crossing walking trails and a beach – just keep an eye out for the raccoons! The afternoon is free. Manuel Antonio has plenty for those seeking an adrenaline rush – speak to your leader about arranging ziplining, snorkelling or kayaking. On the other end of the spectrum, there are few better places to sit back, crack open a coconut and watch the waves lap the shore. Be sure to look up, as sloths and monkeys are known to frequent the trees that line the beach.

Depart Manuel Antonio and head back to San Jose. When you arrive, have some lunch, then go on a city tour in downtown San Jose with your leader. Explore the area’s blend of historic and contemporary with stops at the local museums, government buildings, theatres, parks and markets. Visit the central market for a traditional Costa Rican cajeta (ice cream), an essential part of family lunch or dinner. There are lots of varieties to choose from, including coconut, peanut and macadamia and tapa de dulce (a type of cooked sugar cane). Tonight, you’ll have a farewell dinner with your group, so raise a glass and cheers to an excellent adventure!

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to stay in San Jose, just speak to your booking agent to arrange additional accommodation ahead of time.