Costa Rica

Tour members from across Canada fly via Toronto to San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital. Arriving late tonight, we will be transferred to our hotel. 

Hilton La Sabana (3 nights) 
 

We immerse ourselves in the vibrant energy of San Jose this afternoon, exploring the avenues and landmarks that define the capital's rich heritage. Our journey features a visit to the Gold Museum, where we uncover the gleaming artistry and spiritual depth of pre-Columbian civilizations. We also step into the National Theatre, a neoclassical jewel that brings the city’s artistic past to life. As night falls, we rise above the valley to Mirador Tiquicia, gathering for a welcome dinner and folklore show set against the panoramic glow of the city lights below.

Our travels take us north to Poas Volcano National Park to witness the raw power of one of the world’s largest active craters, known for its dramatic, geyser-like eruptions. Our exploration continues at La Paz Waterfall Gardens, where we enjoy trails past five thundering cascades and observe rescued wildlife, from majestic jaguars to adorable hummingbirds, in their natural habitat. After lunch, we visit the historic Doka Estate to trace the coffee bean’s journey from harvest to roast, learning the craftsmanship behind Costa Rica's world-renowned brew.

We depart early this morning, traveling through the dense, emerald sanctuary of Braulio Carrillo National Park before descending into the warm Caribbean lowlands. Accessible only by water, Tortuguero is a remote haven of biodiversity, and we navigate its labyrinthine network of jungle canals by boat to reach our lodge. This journey offers a prime opportunity to observe the unique flora and fauna thriving along the riverbanks. Later, we visit Tortuguero Village to discover the coexistence of local culture and the vital conservation initiatives safeguarding the sea turtles that nest along this protected 22-mile shoreline. 

Pachira Lodge (2 nights) 

We dedicate today to observing the thriving biodiversity of this world-renowned ecotourism destination. Accompanied by our guide, we will navigate the quiet canals scanning the rainforest banks for monkeys, caimans, and water birds, gaining insight into the fragile ecosystem that borders the critical turtle-nesting beaches. After lunch at the lodge, the afternoon is ours to relax by the pool, explore the property's nature trails, or join an optional activity.

Leaving the Caribbean canals behind, a boat transfer returns us to the mainland where we travel to Guapiles for lunch. In this fertile agricultural region, we visit a working plantation to understand the complex lifecycle of the pineapple. Our visit offers an interactive look at the planting, morphology, and harvesting of this golden fruit, culminating in a tasting of fresh fruit. The day concludes as we continue to Sarapiqui to settle into our beautiful resort, nestled within 1,200 acres of verdant Costa Rican Rainforest. 

El Lugar Costa Rica Resort (2 nights) 

Nature enthusiasts may join our guide this morning for a walk along the resort's trails to explore the surrounding rainforest, or simply enjoy a relaxing start to the day. Later, we are welcomed into the home of a local family to discover the roots of Costa Rican gastronomy. This intimate encounter highlights the region's agricultural richness as we learn about cultivating native ingredients and prepare a traditional dish together. Sharing the meal provides a genuine connection with our hosts. Returning to the lodge, the remainder of the day is free to swim in the river, enjoy the grounds, or join an optional activity.    

Departing Sarapiqui, our drive continues northwest toward the iconic Arenal Volcano. En route, we pause at a local plantation to uncover the ancient secrets of cacao, a crop deeply rooted in Mesoamerican history. A walk through the organic groves introduces us to the cultivation and harvest of the fruit, followed by insight into the fermentation and drying processes. At the ranch, we learn the transformation from bean to bar through roasting and grinding, eventually crafting our own chocolate bonbons. The experience concludes with a traditional cacao beverage once revered as the “Drink of the Gods,” prepared as it was in ancient civilizations. Upon arrival in La Fortuna, we settle in beneath the shadow of Arenal, a geological giant famous for its perfect conical silhouette and the massive 1968 eruption that transformed the surrounding landscape. 

Arenal Kioro Hotel (2 nights) 

Named for the year of Arenal's most devastating recent eruption, the 1968 Trail offers a vivid encounter with the region's geological history this morning. Our hike navigates a landscape of dramatic contrasts, where regenerating tropical forest meets the jagged, hardened lava flows from the historic blast. Along the path, open viewpoints reward us with sweeping panoramas of the volcano's conical peak and the shimmering waters of Lake Arenal. Returning to the hotel, the afternoon is yours to enjoy the hotel's amenities or join an optional excursion.  

Skirting the shores of Lake Arenal, our drive today ascends the rugged Tilaran Mountain Range to reach the mist-shrouded heights of Monteverde. Known globally as a sanctuary for biodiversity, this cloud forest community offers a refreshing change in climate and scenery. After checking in, we delve into the nocturnal world at the Bat Jungle. In this specialized habitat, a reversed lighting system allows us to observe live bats in flight, revealing the vital ecological contributions these often-misunderstood mammals make through pollination and pest control.  

El Establo Mountain Hotel (2 nights)      

This morning, we explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, a biological corridor celebrated as one of Costa Rica's Seven Wonders. Spanning over 10,500 hectares, this high-altitude sanctuary protects a rare ecosystem where persistent mists nurture a staggering variety of epiphytes, mosses, and wildlife. Our guided walk highlights the distinct characteristics of this environment, offering a fascinating contrast to the lowland rainforests. Later, we shift our perspective at Sky Adventures to traverse the Sky Walk. A network of six hanging bridges suspended along a 2.5-kilometre trail allows us to walk among the treetops, granting us a bird’s-eye view of the canopy and the creatures that dwell in the upper reaches of the forest.

Today we travel toward the sun-drenched Pacific coast of Guanacaste. En route, we pause at Las Pumas Rescue Center, a sanctuary dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of native wildlife impacted by human activity. This visit offers an intimate perspective on conservation as we observe rescued species, including wild cats and monkeys, and learn about the efforts to return them to their natural habitats. Arriving in the vibrant beach town of Tamarindo, we settle into our oceanfront hotel with the remainder of the day free to stroll the golden sands or enjoy the resort facilities. 

Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort (2 nights) 

The Tamarindo Estuary, where river waters meet the sea, is the setting for our exploration this morning. Drifting through the tangled mangrove canals by boat, we scan the banks and canopy for basking crocodiles, howler monkeys, and a wealth of coastal birdlife. The afternoon is free for personal discovery. Tonight, we celebrate our journey with a special farewell dinner overlooking the Pacific sunset.     

All too soon, our journey concludes as we transfer to the Liberia airport for our return flight to Canada.