Tropical Costa Rica - Itinerary
Lush forests, magnificent waterfalls, rumbling volcanoes, and endless coastlines await you! From the capital city of San Jose, drive through the countryside and pause to admire Poas Volcano, said to be the widest crater in the world. Stay at a thermal spa resort at San Carlos surrounded by tropical rain forest and hot springs. Visit the remote 20,000 acres of Cano Negro nature preserve and take a river boat trip to discover its huge selection of indigenous wildlife such as crocodiles, river otters, sloths, turtles, exotic birds, and rare butterflies.
At Monteverde Cloud Forest, one of only four cloud forests in the world, marvel at the unique flora and fauna that result when the moist, hot air of the rainforest combines with arid mountain air at a high altitude. Monteverde is home to the world’s largest population of the resplendent and endangered quetzal. Relax on the beaches of Guanacaste, beautifully situated on magnificent blue waters, and get a flavor of local Costa Rican culture as you tour an oxcart factory in Sarchi.
The sequence of touring and days may be altered to adjust to religious holidays, special closings of sites, air schedule changes, etc. Hotels listed subject to availability. Meal inclusions may vary by departure.
Day 1: Arrive San Jose, Costa Rica
Your tour begins in San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica. Join Collette Vacations in exploring this tropical paradise. Experience the lush forests, magnificent waterfalls, rumbling volcanoes, endless coastlines and diverse eco-systems in a place that preserves its delicate ecology for all to enjoy. Costa Rica offers a piece of paradise to all who visit.
Day 2: San Jose - San Carlos
Driving through the countryside, a dominant feature of the landscape is Poas Volcano, said to be the widest crater in the world. Continue to San Carlos where you will enjoy a two night stay in a thermal spa resort, surrounded by a tropical rain forest and hot springs. (B, D)
Day 3: San Carlos - Cano Negro - San Carlos
Of all Costa Rica’s nature preserves, the remote 20,000-acres of Cano Negro have the largest viewable selection of indigenous wildlife. Embark on a guided river boat trip in a panga (covered canoe), making frequent stops to watch and photograph the wildlife around you. Crocodiles, river otters, sloths, river turtles, exotic birds and rare butterflies are known to live in the area. Later this afternoon experience the beauty of the geothermal region surrounding the impressive Arenal Volcano when you arrive at Ecothermalis, a family owned hot springs oasis. Enjoy a walk through the beautiful grounds, soak in the soothing, hot mineral-rich waters, or take advantage of the first rate spa services. (B, D)
Day 4: San Carlos - Monteverde
Travel into the Monteverde Cloud Forest where trees grow to heights of 100 feet! Encounter the many thriving species of flora and fauna. This afternoon visit Selvatura Park*, a cloud forest preserve in the heart of Monteverde, for a personalized nature adventure. You have the choice of a canopy tour where you traverse through cables and zip lines through the cloud forest; or, a guided walk through the cloud forest's treetop hanging bridges! After your activity of choice, participate in a reforestation effort by planting a tree in this spectacular nature preserve. Later, learn more about the region's wildlife up-close with a visit to a butterfly garden - one of the world's largest - and the hummingbird gallery, home to more than 14 different species. (B, D)
Day 5: Monteverde
A morning nature walk gives you a unique opportunity to discover the natural beauty of the Cloud Forest first hand. The forest is known to be the home of the world’s largest population of the endangered quetzal. In the afternoon visit a local coffee production facility to experience first hand how a first choice bean is transformed into your morning cup of coffee. (B, D)
Day 6: Monteverde - Guanacaste
Today you travel to the scenic region of Guanacaste on the northwest Pacific coast. En route, a special stop is made at a local cooperative where locals provide an interesting demonstration showcasing handmade products. Later, you arrive at the beautiful Allegro Resort Papagayo, beautifully situated on the magnificent blue waters of Manazanillo Beach. Rest and relaxation go hand in hand with mesmerizing ocean views and lush tropical greenery. Enjoy a walk along the beach or relax by the pool. (B, L, D)
Day 7: Guanacaste
Your day is at leisure in this tropical paradise. This all-inclusive resort has daily activities by the pool and beach area and their own private beach club only 10 minutes away by boat. (B, L, D)
Day 8: Guanacaste - Sarchi - San Jose
A leisurely ride through the countryside brings you to Sarchi to shop and visit the local oxcart factory. Your evening is highlighted by a farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day 9: San Jose - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today. (B)
