Costa Rica Upgraded

Chock-full of national parks and wildlife refuges, Costa Rica is a dream for the nature lover and adventure buff. Discover the country’s diverse and breathtaking landscapes on this 2-week adventure from the Caribbean coast to the Pacific. Explore the waterways of Tortuguero National Park, where thousands of sea turtles come to nest every year; assist in a tree-planting program in the cloud forests of Monteverde; and cap off your journey on the pristine beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park. See why “Pura Vida” is much more than a local saying, it's a way of life.

Day 1 San José
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

Day 2 San José/Tortuguero
Travel to Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast, one of the world’s most important nesting sites for the endangered green sea turtle. After settling into the lodge, take a guided boat trip along Tortuguero’s tropical canals in search of wildlife. Later, opt for a nighttime boat excursion to try and spot some of the park’s nocturnal creatures—such as the caiman.

Day 3 Tortuguero
Take another boat excursion into the national park in search of wildlife like monkeys, sloths and birds before a visit to the Sea Turtle Conservancy, the world’s oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting sea turtles. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to relax by the pool, take a stroll along the beach, or head out on a kayaking excursion.

Day 4 Tortuguero/La Fortuna
Depart early from Tortuguero, stopping en route at a G Adventures–supported coffee cooperative to learn about the process of coffee production from bean to cup. After a typical lunch, continue to La Fortuna and have time to relax by the hotel pool, soaking in the views of the surrounding jungle and the Arenal Volcano.

Day 5 La Fortuna
Explore La Fortuna and it's surroundings with a wide variety of optional activities available like canyoning, wildlife spotting from hanging bridges in the canopy, or soak in one of the many local hot springs. In the evening, visit a local home to learn how to make tortillas along with a traditional Costa Rican meal of black beans and plantains.

Day 6 La Fortuna
Enjoy a full free day in La Fortuna to take advantage of the plethora of optional activities. Choose to go stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Arenal, visit the Venado Caves, or take a boat tour of the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, just to name a few.

Day 7 La Fortuna/Monteverde
Travel from La Fortuna by van and boat to the cloud forest region of Monteverde. Settle into the hotel and relax by the pool, opt for a spa treatment or take in the views with a drink in hand.

Day 8 Monteverde
Set out on a hike in the lush Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve in search of birds and wildlife and climb up an observation tower to get view over the canopy. Take a free afternoon and choose to go zip-lining or visit the nearby hanging bridges for unique views of the forest.

Day 9 Monteverde
Visit the Monteverde Institute, a research and educational organization with a focus on conservation initiatives. Hear from a researcher about their successful reforestation project before helping to plant trees in the nursery. Enjoy the rest of the day to choose from optional activities like a visit to to the Monteverde Butterfly Gardens, horseback riding or take a tour of a nearby coffee plantation.

Day 10 Monteverde/Manuel Antonio
Depart Monteverde for Costa Rica’s Pacific coast and settle into your hotel near Manuel Antonio National Park. Opt to go surfing, take a catamaran trip in search of dolphins and whales, or spend the remainder of the day relaxing on the beach.

Day 11 Manuel Antonio
Take a guided day trip to the tropical forests and white sand beaches of Manuel Antoino National Park, keeping an eye out for wildlife like monkeys, sloths and birds. Hike through the forest, climb up to rocky outcrops for views of the Pacific Ocean, and go swimming in the park’s lagoons and tidal pools. Later, enjoy some free time at the beach.

Day 12 Manuel Antonio
Enjoy a full free day to explore Manuel Antonio and the surrounding area. Opt to go horseback riding, take a surfing lesson, head out for a snorkelling excursion on the nearby reef, or kayak through the coastal mangroves.

Day 13 Manuel Antonio/San José
Return to San José and enjoy a final night on the town.

Day 14 San José
Depart at any time.