On your 10-day excursion to Costa Rica, your tour guide will lead you inside Costa Rica's exquisite rain and cloud forests. More than 27 percent of Costa Rica's land is dedicated to national parks, forest reserves and Indian reservations. Close encounters with unique, colorful wildlife await you in the beautiful Costa Rican rainforests.
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Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - San Jose
If you did not take our pre-tour extension on the Caribbean Coast, your journey begins with a regularly scheduled flight to Costa Rica on an internationally recognized airline. Touch down in San José, the country’s capital. A Go Ahead representative will greet you at the airport after you clear customs and then escorts you to your hotel. Dinner is included upon your arrival.
Included meals: dinner
Day 2 - Sarapiqui
This morning, ascend to Poás Volcano National Park (weather permitting), home of one of the largest active volcanoes in Costa Rica. the Doka Estate, a coffee plantation more than a century old. Here, the owners give you a tour of the farming, milling and delicate roasting process required to make some of the country’s best coffee. Then, visit the Butterfly Garden, which holds hundreds of butterfly species. Your Tour Director teaches you about the butterfly’s complex life cycle. Transfer to Sarapiqui this afternoon where you’ll enjoy an included dinner with your group.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrances: Butterfly Garden
Day 3 - Sarapiqui
Today you’ll board a river cruise boat for our Sarapiquí River Adventure. Dinner is included tonight.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 4 - Arenal Region
This morning, transfer to Ciudad Queada for a tour of the Orchids Garden. Later, on today’s hike in Arenal National Park, you’ll have more views of its mile-high volcano, which emerges in a perfect conical shape from the green hills of Alajuela. Arenal has been Costa Rica’s most active volcano peak for the past 1,000 years. Dinner is also included tonight.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 5 - Arenal Region
This morning, you can continue your explorations of the cherished Arenal region with an optional Treetops Walk in the rainforest on the Arenal Hanging Bridges, a collection of connected byways that connect tree to tree. This evening, relax with a visit to the local hot springs, which are fed by the natural healing waters of the Arenal Mountains. Dinner and a nighttime volcano viewing are included this evening.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrances: Eco Termales Hot Springs
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$49 USD |
Treetops Walk
Take an informed trek through the treetops on Arenal’s hanging bridges, accompanied by a naturalist guide. In these 600 acres of protected rainforest, you will find six hanging bridges, the longest spanning 326 feet. You’ll discover Costa Rica’s numerous species of birds and mammals, see spectacular waterfalls and have stunning views of the majestic Arenal volcano.
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Day 6 - Guanacaste
This morning, depart for Guanacaste. Along the way, you’ll tour Lake Arenal—one of the largest lakes in Costa Rica—and then take a relaxing rafting trip down the Corobicí River. You might catch glimpses of toucans, falcons, iguana and monkeys. The floating tour finishes in the renowned Palo Verde Wildlife National Park, home of 300 bird species. Reach Guanacaste in time for tonight’s included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 7 - Guanacaste
On a special excursion today, enjoy a visit to Rincón de la Vieja National Park, a rain/cloud forest located high in the mountains. Visit geothermal hot springs that recall those at Yellowstone National Park and view a wide variety of plant, bird and animal species. At the foot of the Southern flank of the volcano, you’ll find an area of intense volcanic activity known as Las Pailas which consists of hot springs, sulfuric lakes, steam geysers and reservoirs of boiling water. Return later to Guanacaste, where dinner is included.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 8 - Guanacaste
Guanacaste is known for its spectacular beaches, from resort paradises to secluded coves. Spend a free day exploring the area on your own. Or opt for a sailing and snorkeling excursion off the Guanacaste coast. Dinner is included tonight.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
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$95 USD |
Sailing & Snorkeling
From Tamarindo, embark on an unforgettable sailing voyage aboard a classic yacht. On your cruise helmed by a crew of three, you’ll head out into Taramindo Bay to encounter turtles, jumping rays and dolphins. Equipment will be available if you want to snorkel.
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Day 9 - Guanacaste
Enjoy another free day in Guanacaste. Relax on the beach or choose from any number of outdoor activities along the beach or inland. Tonight, enjoy a final dinner with your fellow travelers.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 10 - Guanacaste
A Go Ahead representative will escort you to the airport.
Included meals: breakfast (In the case of early morning departures, breakfast
may not be provided.)
Extend Your Stay
Add 3 nights in Tortuguero National Park for only $449 USD (Single room: add $125 USD)
A lush, tropical jungle accessed only by water, Tortuguero—which can be translated as Land of Turtles—is known for its abundance of wildlife. A journey here is a near-guarantee that you will spot monkeys, sloths, manatees, caimans, snakes, river otters, macaws and toucans, as well as dozens of other wildlife species—that is, if you know where to look. By venturing forth in small outboard boats or dugout canoes along Tortuguero's lagoons, our guides will make sure you don't miss a thing—so remember to bring plenty of film, batteries and something to keep your camera dry.