San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, San Carlos, Arenal, Arenal Volcano, Playa Herradura, Manuel Antonio National Park
From thrilling water journeys to ethereal jungle expeditions, discover what "pura vida" means to you when you explore the essence of Costa Rica. Encounter an emerald wonderland, where trees climb high and animals roam free. Immerse yourself in nature when you spend 2 nights at a remote resort in San Carlos and 3 nights in the region of Arenal National Park. Sample fresh cacao during a visit to a local plantation. Give back to preservation efforts at a sea turtle research station in Tortuguero National Park. Embark on a crocodile safari in the jungle and a bird-watching cruise in the rainforest. Stand suspended over the rainforest floor as you journey across a network of hanging bridges. Hike the lava fields of Arenal Volcano or soar over jungle canopies on a zip line.
On some dates additional accommodations may be used
Services of a tour manager
All on-tour transportation and related fees
Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
Round trip home to airport sedan provided when you purchase airfare through Member Choice Vacations. One transfer per person, per reservation. (Restrictions apply)
11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 8 dinners
Itinerary
Engaging Experiences These special places and experiences are considered tour highlights. Look for them in the daily itineraries.
DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari Hotel, San Jose
Pura vida. In English, it translates to "the simple life." But pura vida is so much more: it's an attitude; a celebration of life in the moment. It's time to experience what pura vida means to you. You're on your way to explore a place that's unlike anywhere else in the world, where pura vida is an unofficial motto and a way of life. Welcome to the emerald of Central America: Costa Rica.
Visit the world's first sea turtle research station in Tortuguero National Park. Stay in Tortuguero National Park and find yourself surrounded by wildlife.
Evergreen Lodge, Tortuguero
Breakfast,
Lunch,
Dinner
Included
Seemingly endless mountain horizons... Complex evergreen forests... These are the wonders of Tortuguero National Park. Travel by boat to your hotel before heading further down the rivers and canals to the world's first sea turtle research station. Take time to explore Tortuguero town with your Tour Manager. Get away from it all and relax at your lodge for the next 2 nights, set in the middle of the jungle. From the morning calls of the monkeys to the gentle chatter of the birds, listen to the active sounds of the rainforest around you. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
Due to luggage size and weight restrictions on the boats, please bring an overnight bag for the 2-night stay in Tortuguero National Park. Your main luggage stays in San Jose and joins you upon your return to the mainland.
Evergreen Lodge, Tortuguero
Breakfast,
Lunch,
Dinner
Included
Begin the day on an excursion to spot the elusive green macaw and other unique winged creatures that flock to Tortuguero. Embark on a nature cruise, getting a glimpse into the life of jaguars, manatees, ocelots, and more. Enjoy the flavors of the island with a cooking class at a local home. Sample your work while learning about the history of the island. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy your Tortuguero resort. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
Taste for yourself why cacao is called "food of the gods" and observe the process of converting this magical seed from bean to bar.
Tilajari Hotel Resort, San Carlos
Breakfast,
Lunch,
Dinner
Included
Take a boat back to the mainland and make your way towards Sarapiquí and Tirimbina Rainforest Center. Spend time at a cacao plantation and see the process of converting the seed from bean to bar, tasting for yourself why cacao is called "the food of the gods." Later, arrive at your secluded nature resort, nestled on the edge of the San Carlos River. Stroll the butterfly and botanical gardens lined with fruit trees, including lemon, soursop, guava, mango and tangerine. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
Learn about Costa Rica's ecosystem and local culture.
Tilajari Hotel Resort, San Carlos
Breakfast,
Dinner
Included
Explore the beauty of your surroundings on a Peñas Blancas River Safari. Paddle and float down the river on a peaceful adventure, taking in the sights and sounds of the rainforest as your naturalist guide describes the intricacies of the wildlife around you. Visit the finca of a local family and try specialty snacks such as banana bread, gourmet Costa Rican coffee and more. Then participate on a guided walk through a private, primary forest reserve for a look at the various flora and fauna. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Arenal Springs Resort & Spa, Arenal
Breakfast,
Dinner
Included
Today, suspended over the rainforest floor, relish a bird's-eye view of the jungle on a guided tour of Arenal's famous hanging bridges. High above the jungle canopies, marvel at a cloud forest taking shape around you. Settle into your resort where you'll be surrounded by striking views of Arenal's famous volcano for the next 3 nights. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Arenal Springs Resort & Spa, Arenal
Breakfast,
Dinner
Included
Today, it's your choice! Since Costa Rica is the birthplace of zip lining, glide over the canopies on a mind-blowing rip through the jungle. Or make your way across lava fields for an up-close-and-personal look at the volcano on a moderate hike along the trails formed by lava during the 1968 eruption. The afternoon is yours. Perhaps you'll discover the town of La Fortuna or relax in the hotel's naturally heated pools. Also consider an optional excursion to a family-owned finca with an included farm to table lunch, Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Arenal Springs Resort & Spa, Arenal
Breakfast
Included
In the shadow of Arenal Volcano, the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. You could opt to float along a river and immerse in wildlife on the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge cruise or, if you're feeling adventurous, opt for an exhilarating white water rafting experience. Or simply hang back at the resort, opt for a spa service, explore the grounds, and soak in one of Arenal's famous hot springs. Today breakfast will be included.
White water rafting is subject to the operator's safety restrictions.
Marriott Los Suenos, Playa Herradura
Breakfast,
Dinner
Included
This morning, wake up and smell the coffee at a local farm that produces some of Costa Rica's well-known beans. Take a tour with local plantation workers and have a chance to discuss what life is like for these coffee farmers. In the afternoon, head to Playa Herradura and settle into your resort for the next 2 nights. As the day draws to a close, watch the sun set over the Pacific alongside birds in every color of the rainbow. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Marriott Los Suenos, Playa Herradura
Breakfast
Included
Welcome to Manuel Antonio National Park, home to verdant rainforests and white sand beaches. In this natural wonderland, traverse the trails where the wild things are, or go for a swim in the turquoise waters as wildlife rummages in the canopies. Today breakfast will be included.
Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican dinner.
DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari Hotel, San Jose
Breakfast,
Lunch,
Dinner
Included
See wild crocodiles among the mangroves of Tárcoles' Rio Grande. On this exhilarating jungle crocodile safari, you'll boat beneath the towering jungle, looking along the river banks for a glimpse of these incredible creatures. Then say goodbye to the coast and hello to San Jose. Toast to the pura vida of Costa Rica tonight over a farewell dinner. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
Breakfast
Included
Bid Costa Rica farewell as your tour comes to an end today. Today breakfast will be included.
Itinerary featured is for May 2024 - April 2025 tour departures. Departures prior will vary. On some dates alternate hotels may be used.
Pricing is per person,
double occupancy,
land only, based on May 11, 2024 travel date.
Single supplement from $700.
Call AAA for current airfare rates and availability. Airfare to the destination is not included, on-tour flights, when applicable, are included..
All this makes it AAA Vacations®
AAA Complimentary Inclusion: $75 per person credit toward a pre-paid optional excursion
Member Benefit: $50 per person savings
Best Price Guarantee
24/7 Member Care
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Package: Guided
Costa Rica: A World Of Nature
12 Days •
23 Meals
Arenal, Playa Herradura, San Carlos, San Jose, Tortuguero National Park
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