Overview
Itinerary
Learn the secrets of Pura Vida – Costa Rica's inimitable zest for life that will linger throughout your effortlessly delivered encounter with a land that boasts no artificial ingredients.
This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow expeditioners for a Welcome Reception. (WR) Stay: Sheraton San Jose Hotel
Journey to San Isidro de Heredia where we'll Dive Into Culture with master chocolatiers Julio Fernandez and George Soriano to learn about the history of chocolate and its production at this small workshop. Then, it's on to Siquirres where we embark on a river journey with a Local Specialist through protected wetlands and on to secluded Tortuguero, gliding through canals, lagoons and lowland rainforest.
Visit the Village of Tortuguero for a culturally enriching MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience meeting Tortuguero Village pioneers and learning about their way of life. Then continue to your Stays with Stories at Laguna Lodge, where you'll learn the story of how the lodge was built with materials that protect this biodiverse environment and natural habitat.
Later, enjoy dinner at your hotel accompanied by the enchanting sounds of resident cicadas and tree frogs. (B/L/D) Stay: Laguna Lodge Tortuguero
Cruise the canals and streams of the park today with a Local Specialist as howler monkeys watch from the treetops, toucans and egrets fly through the air and crocodiles ply the cool waters. Visit the Village of Tortuguero. If you are here between July and September, take an optional tour to see the sea turtles laying eggs on the beach. (B/L/D)
Bid adiós to Tortuguero and head back to the mainland where we'll enjoy lunch before meeting the Tico family for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience at their palm plantation. There you'll learn about and sample the delicate heart of palm.
Tonight you'll enjoy dinner with the owners of your hotel, as they prepare a special BBQ meal just for you. (B/L/D) Stay: La Quinta Sarapiqui Lodge
Rise with the sun to get up close and personal with Costa Rica's exquisite nature during a leisurely walk. Keep a lookout for the endangered great green macaw and connect with your beautiful natural surroundings. Embark on an optional rafting trip later this morning. We Connect With Locals this afternoon, enjoying a Be My Guest experience lunch at an eco-friendly hacienda built by the Quintana family as a retirement project.
Today, it is home to an organic farm and related eco-adventures. Learn how your experience contributes to the local community. Our journey continues to Arenal Volcano, on whose slopes we spend the afternoon relaxing in our resort's beautifully landscaped thermal pools. (B/L) Stay: Hotel Arenal Paraiso Resort and Spa
Our soul-stirring encounter with Costa Rica's natural wonders continues after a morning at leisure. Straddle the Continental Divide and touch the sky in Monteverde Cloud Forest, where you'll have an opportunity to explore this biodiverse sanctuary, renowned for its collection of orchid species – more than in any other single place.
Tonight, you will Dive into Culture as you meet descendants of native Quaker, and Local Specialist, who will share stories of Old Town Monteverde and delve into the history of the American Quakers who settled in the area in the 1950s.
This evening, relish some of the best views as you enjoy dinner. (B/D) Stay: El Establo Mountain Hotel
This morning, join your Local Specialist guide for an excursion through the lush rainforests of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. We ascend to the treetops high above the jungle floor below, treading lightly along the Sky Walk suspension bridges amongst the wildlife that find sanctuary in the boughs of the surrounding canopy. As our epic eco-adventure nears its end, we share stories with newfound friends at a Farewell Dinner. (B/D)
Transfer to Liberia International Airport. Airport arrival will be at approximately 11:00 am, please be aware when booking your flights. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Visit Tortuguero Village, Sarapiqui, a Master Chocolatier
- View Arenal Volcano
- Discover the flora and fauna on a cruise through Tortuguero National Park with a Local Specialist, Visit with the Village Elders to hear stories of the old Tortuguero Village
- Hike through Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve guided by a Local Specialist
Be My Guest
- Sarapiqui: Visit the Quintana family's Hacienda Pozo Azul and discover how they reduce their carbon footprint and support the local community.
Dive Into Culture
- San Isidro: Meet master chocolatiers, Julio Fernandez and George Soriano, to learn about the history of chocolate and how it is produced at this small workshop.
- Monteverde: Meet Monteverde's Quaker descendants and Local Specialist to learn about Old Town Monteverde and the fascinating history of the American Quakers who settled in the area in the 1950s.
Make Travel Matter®
- Tortuguero: In the Village of Tortuguero, meet the village's first pioneers and hear stories of what life was like in Tortuguero. You'll also learn about all the sustainability efforts that have taken place and how the community has changed their perceptions of the environment around them.
- Tortuguero National Park: Meet a local Tico family at their palm plantation to learn about and sample the delicate heart of palm surrounded by tropical forest.
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve: Walk above the jungle floor on the Sky Walk. A chain of six suspension bridges at canopy level with complete views of the forest and access to a completely different ecosystem that can only be discovered at the highest points of trees. A naturalist guide will point out intriguing plant and animal life, so you won't miss out on any amazing details these forests offer.
Trafalgar Difference
- Tortuguero: Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and Tortuguero Lagoon, Laguna Lodge Tortuguero embraces the rich natural environment for which Costa Rica is known. Arrive by boat at this remote, 15-acre retreat by boat where you'll be surrounded by towering trees, exotic plants, and spacious gardens that host a number of birds and butterflies. The lodge itself protects this biodiverse environment by using alternate materials and structures that don't permanently harm the land but instead preserve the natural resources you'll come to appreciate. Take in this slice of paradise lounging by the pool, strolling in the garden or drifting off to sleep to the gentle sound of jungle rain.
- Tortuguero: Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and Tortuguero Lagoon, Laguna Lodge Tortuguero embraces the rich natural environment for which Costa Rica is known. Arrive by boat at this remote, 15-acre retreat by boat where you'll be surrounded by towering trees, exotic plants, and spacious gardens that host a number of birds and butterflies. The lodge itself protects this biodiverse environment by using alternate materials and structures that don't permanently harm the land but instead preserve the natural resources you'll come to appreciate. Take in this slice of paradise lounging by the pool, strolling in the garden or drifting off to sleep to the gentle sound of jungle rain.
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- All transport and transfers shown
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences (Additional Cost) and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
- 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
- 7 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Lunch (L)
- 5 Dinner (D)
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Brochure
Trafalgar Worldwide Tours (2023-26)
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Trafalgar. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Trafalgar. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
