Signature: Costa Rica's Monteverde, Arenal & Guanacaste - 9 Days
Trip Snapshot
Age range
12 - 100Physical rating
Group size
1 - 2Meals included
20Highlights
- Go behind the scenes at a leading research station to track tropical insects with experts
- Trace the journey of coffee from bean to cup at a sustainable community-run cooperative
- Meet researchers at the Monteverde Institute to learn how they protect the cloud forest
- Walk the hanging bridges of Monteverde before the crowds watching the forest wake up
- Visit a local family home to learn the art of making traditional corn tortillas by hand
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What's inside the PDF
Day-by-day itinerary
Every day mapped out, covering activities, travel times, meals and where you'll stay.Packing & kit list
Exactly what to bring, from clothing and essentials to luggage guidelines and what's available to hire locally.What's included
Accommodation, transport, guides and meals, so you can see exactly what your price covers.
Summary
Traverse the highlands of Costa Rica on an expedition from the cloud forests of Monteverde to the Pacific coast. Immerse yourself in the volcanic landscapes of Arenal, the mist of Bajos del Toro, and the dry tropical forests of Guanacaste. Guided by experts, explore a world where conservation, culture, and biodiversity converge.
Itinerary
Day 1
San José/Bajos del Toro
Welcome to Costa Rica. Your expedition begins upon arrival at San José Airport, where you will be met and whisked away from the city toward the cool, mist-shrouded peaks of the Bajos del Toro region. Check into your comfortable lodge, surrounded by the sounds of the cloud forest. In the evening, gather with your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers. An engaging presentation from a National Geographic Expedition Expert sets the scene for the biodiversity you will encounter, followed by a welcome dinner.
Day 2
Bajos del Toro
Immerse yourself in the cloud forest silence on a morning walk to a dramatic waterfall. Guided by a naturalist, scan the moss-draped trees for birdlife while feeling the cool spray of the cascade. Later, connect with local traditions at a family home–feel the texture of the masa as you learn to shape corn tortillas by hand, then share a rustic lunch with your hosts. The rest of the day is yours to explore the trails surrounding the lodge, visit the organic garden or just relax in your room's private jacuzzi.
Day 3
Bajos del Toro/La Fortuna
Travel to La Selva Biological Station for a behind-the-scenes moment with a resident entomologist, go beyond the visitor trails to inspect insect traps and observe real-time biodiversity monitoring. Continue to Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative to witness the transformation of the coffee bean, understanding its vital role in the local economy. Arrive in La Fortuna and settle into your hotel, ending the day with a soak in natural hot springs heated by the earth’s volcanic core.
Day 4
La Fortuna
Trace the path of ancient eruptions on a guided hike through Arenal Volcano National Park. Walking over solidified lava flows, your guide reveals how the forest has reclaimed the rock, offering spectacular views of the volcano’s perfect cone. Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps returning to the thermal waters. As night falls, follow the scent of woodsmoke to a hands-on cooking class at a woman-owned restaurant, preparing a traditional dinner over an open flame.
Day 5
La Fortuna/Monteverde
Navigate the waters of Lake Arenal by private boat, watching the landscape shift from volcanic lowlands to the rolling green hills of the divide, before ascending into the cool air of the Monteverde cloud forest. Visit the Monteverde Institute, a research and educational organization supported by National Geographic. Learn how they balance community growth with conservation, including a fascinating look at the impact of artificial light on nocturnal wildlife.
Day 6
Monteverde
Enjoy exclusive early-access to the canopy on a private, morning tour of the hanging bridges, experiencing the forest’s tranquility before it opens to the general public. Suspended high above the forest floor, watch the mist clear and listen for the waking calls of howler monkeys. Continue the search for wildlife in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, treading softly on fern-lined trails in hopes of spotting the brilliant emerald plumage of the resplendent quetzal. Enjoy a free afternoon before dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7
Monteverde to Guanacaste
Leave the clouds behind and descend toward the dry tropical forests of Guanacaste. Stop in Rincón de la Vieja National Park to witness clean energy in action at a geothermal project, surrounded by the hissing steam of volcanic vents. Keep an eye out for wildlife adapting to this rugged and lush terrain. Pause at the Rio Negro Waterfalls for a gourmet picnic lunch in the shade of the canyon before completing the drive to your hotel on the Pacific coast.
Day 8
Guanacaste
Venture into the mangroves of Las Baulas National Marine Park on a guided boat excursion. Drift quietly through the Tamarindo Estuary, scanning the tangled roots for crocodiles and watching for iguanas and monkeys in the branches above. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or walking the beach. In the evening, regroup for a final expert talk summarizing the week’s discoveries, followed by a celebratory farewell dinner with your travel companions.
Day 9
Guanacaste
Your expedition to Costa Rica concludes today. After a final breakfast overlooking the Pacific, transfers are provided to the Liberia airport at any time during the day.
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotels (4 nts), Lodges (4 nts).
Meals
Breakfasts: 8, Lunches: 4, Dinners: 8
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Airport Transfers
Arrival OnlyAn airport transfer to the start of the tour is included. Please contact our team if you require a quote for a return transfer.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Feb 2027
from £9,349Mar 2027
from £9,349Apr 2027
from £8,899Jun 2027
from £8,349Jul 2027
from £8,349Oct 2027
from £8,349Nov 2027
from £8,899Dec 2027
from £9,349
- Tuesday 1 Jun 2027to Wednesday 9 Jun 20276+ spaces of 2 leftGuaranteed Departure£8,349Pay MonthlyBest offerBook for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Saturday 5 Jun 2027to Sunday 13 Jun 20276+ spaces of 2 leftGuaranteed Departure£8,349Pay MonthlyBest offerBook for£250 today, pay the rest later
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
Frequently asked questions
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