National Geographic Journeys:
Natural Highlights of Costa Rica
9 Days, San Josè to San Josè
Join our private group on an adventure to COSTA RICA! Home to lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and an astonishing diversity of wildlife, Costa Rica has long been a leader in conservation and the protection of natural heritage. Join our small group as we explore the beautiful landscapes of Costa Rica. Together, we'll hit some of the highlights of the country...with plenty of time to explore our own individual interests!
*G-Adventures partners with National Geographic to offer a collection of unique tours designed to take you deeper into cultures natural and habitats of bucket list destinations. Expect hands on exploration, interactions with local experts, and freedom to explore on your own...all within the structure and security of traveling in a small private group.
FULL ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive in San Jose. Arrival transfer is included. Explore on your own before your welcome meeting in the evening.
Day 2: Awake in the Costa Rican capital and take a tour of a G-Adventures-supported coffee cooperative. Meet local farmers, observe shade-grown coffee plants, and gain insight into the process of coffee production from the bean to the cup. After a typical lunch- accompanied by an aromatic cup of coffee- continue to the town of La Fortuna, situated at the foot of the majestic Arsenal Volcano. This evening, we'll visit a local home to learn how to make tortillas. Chat with your welcoming hosts and dig into a traditional Costa Rican meal of black beans, plantains, and your own handmade tortillas.
Day 3: Spend the day on your own, exploring La Fortuna and its surrounding areas. This is a hot spot for adventure travel. Choose to go paddle-boarding on the tranquil waters of lake Arenal, rappel down a rushing waterfall, relax at a naturally heated outdoor spa, take a boat tour of Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge (one of the world's most important wetlands), join monkeys and sloths on a trek over hanging bridges, and MORE!
Day 4: Travel from La Fortuna to the leafy cloud forests of Monteverde-a nature lover's paradise! This afternoon, choose to discover Monteverde's breathtaking wilderness on horseback- riding along picturesque mountain trails and looking out for toucans, monkeys, and sloths- Or, embark on a zip-lining adventure in the birthplace of the canopy tour, gliding high above the treetops or zooming through the misty foliage at exhilarating speeds.
Day 5: Set out on a hike in the stunning Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, treading past giant ferns and vibrant orchids. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the resplendent quetzal- a sacred bird in Maya and Aztec cultures. Afterward, visit the Monteverde Institute, a research and educational organization supported by National Geographic.
Day 6: Leaving the cloud forest behind, head to Costa Rica's sweeping Pacific coast and settle into your hotel in the seaside village of Manuel Antonio. Soak up the laid-back atmosphere of the area, and opt to go surfing, horseback riding, or dolphin watching on a catamaran. You can also spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach.
Day 7: Discover the lush tropical forests and white sand beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park. This is one of Costa' Rica's most spectacular parks, boasting an abundance of wildlife. See monkeys, armadillos, sloths, iguanas, and countless species of birds. Hike through the dense forest, climb up to rocky outcrops for views of the dazzling Pacific Ocean. Go swimming in the park's lovely lagoons and tidal pools. Opt to take a surfing lesson, head out for a snorkeling excursion at a nearby reef, or spend the day hiking through the park's extensive trail system.
Day 8: Return to San Josè. Tonight, choose to join the group for a fairwell dinner at a popular local restaurant.
Day 9: Depart at any time.
What's Included:
This tour builds in time to explore individually...choose your own adventure during our free time! This is a list of some of the activities you can opt to do on our adventure. Prices vary, but range from $20-$200 per person. Our CEO will help each individual set up excursions on site. Take it easy and lay on a beautiful beach, or choose one of many excursions! Enjoy Costa Rica your way!
Venado Caves Exploration
Costa Rica Adrenaline Bundle
La Fortuna Waterfall Swim
Stand Up Paddle Board
Hanging Bridges
Butterfly Garden
Sailing
Wildlife Refuge Tour
Canyoning
Horseback Riding
Ziplining
Waterfall Jumping
Baldi
Mountain Biking
Land Price: $2,099 Per Person
Based on Double Occupancy
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