Costa Rica: A World Of Nature

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bid Costa Rica farewell as your tour comes to an end today. Today breakfast will be included.