9-Nights Costa Rica Rainforest Adventure - Tailormade Journeys — CALL

Itinerary Details

1 Arrive San José, Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s vibrant, pint-sized capital invites exploration with its walkable layout. Founded centuries ago by the Spanish at the foot of the Cerros de Escazú, the city has blossomed into a dynamic hub where tradition meets modernity. Ancestral flavors, skillfully infused by indigenous chefs, grace contemporary cuisine. Cutting-edge art galleries find homes within historic buildings, while the Central Market brims with handmade delicacies.

Endangered green, hawksbill, and leatherback turtles complete their ancient journey to these shores each year, a testament to nature’s enduring resilience. Under the watchful eye of a local ranger, visitors witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of a massive green sea turtle, sometimes weighing up to 700 pounds, as she hauls herself onto the moonlit beach to lay her eggs. Two months later, thousands of tiny hatchlings emerge from the sand, their hurried journey to the sea a race against time and the hungry gaze of predators.

The rainforest canopy casts dappled shadows as you glide by kayak through the network of canals, your senses alert for the unexpected. Kayaking beneath the emerald-green canopy is a thrilling adventure, where the air is alive with the sounds of exotic birds and the splash of unseen creatures. Keep your camera close at hand, for the rainforest teems with life — from elusive bulldog bats and basilisk lizards darting through the undergrowth to crocodiles lurking in the murky waters. Alternatively, explore the history and culture of Tortuguero Village or ascend Cerro Tortuguero for a birds-eye view of the Caribbean Lowlands.

Arenal Volcano dominates the landscape, its near-perfect cone wreathed in clouds. La Fortuna — a charming town nestled at its base — provides the launching pad for exploring this vibrant ecosystem. Though the dramatic lava flows have ceased, the park’s allure remains: hot springs bubble up and the forests are rich with wildlife.

Feel the rush of adrenaline as you zoom by zip-line through the rainforest canopy, Arenal towering in the distance and the Pino Blanco waterfall tumbling over cliffs below.

A verdant expanse jutting dramatically into the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Papagayo awaits adventure and exploration. An 18-hole golf course winds its way through lush landscapes, while a women-led surf school calls you to ride the waves. For aspiring naturalists, an explorer’s club is a gateway to the wonders of the natural world, from the vibrant coral reefs of Culebra Bay to the thrill of swimming alongside gentle whale sharks or a chance encounter with a “super pod” of dolphins breaching the surface.

Glide through a 100-year-old maze of mangroves, a tranquil, winding ecosystem filled with life. Transition from adventure to beachside serenity with an ice-cold cocktail or a cup of homegrown coffee in hand.

Revel in another full day of relaxation or optional tours (at an additional cost), while enjoying your hotel’s many amenities, the sunshine and sparkling white sands.

The journey back to San Jose brings you through the heart of El Viejo National Wildlife Refuge, where a private boat excursion awaits. Glide through the serene waterways, taking in the breathtaking vistas of Palo Verde National Park. Here, a symphony of bird calls fills the air, spoonbills and strikingly plumed Jabiru storks soaring overhead.