Authentic Costa Rica

After breakfast today take an included tour to a nearby private coffee plantation owned by Don Carlos. On arrival you’ll meander through beautiful gardens with stunning views whilst your guide explains the interesting history of the farm, coffee production and cultivation. Enjoy a cup of home brewed coffee in this peaceful place before heading to the home of Dona Elida. Here you’ll learn about Costa Rican cuisine and how to cook it. After helping to prepare a traditional ‘casado’ lunch you’ll get to enjoy the dishes you made, a delicious way to learn about the Tico lifestyle.

After breakfast today take an included tour to a nearby private coffee plantation owned by Don Carlos. On arrival you’ll meander through beautiful gardens with stunning views whilst your guide explains the interesting history of the farm, coffee production and cultivation. Enjoy a cup of home brewed coffee in this peaceful place before heading to the home of Dona Elida. Here you’ll learn about Costa Rican cuisine and how to cook it. After helping to prepare a traditional ‘casado’ lunch you’ll get to enjoy the dishes you made, a delicious way to learn about the Tico lifestyle.

In pictures

After breakfast your adventure continues to Arenal, with its impressive volcano and landscapes. It’s a picturesque drive through the rolling hills, forests and villages of this northern region. Once you have checked in for your 3-night stay the rest of the day is at leisure to explore your new surroundings or chill by the pool and enjoy jaw-dropping volcano views.

Today you’ll visit Arenal Vida Campesina, a self-sustained organic farm near La Fortuna for a hands-on experience of rural Costa Rican life. The tour starts with a demonstration of sugarcane juice extraction, followed by a walk through plantations of sugarcane, coffee, and bananas. You’ll visit a sanctuary for endangered trees and learn about organic farming techniques. Later you’ll have a chance to make tortillas and enjoy a typical organic lunch at La Guaria Morada restaurant, demonstrating the farm-to-table concept. This unique experience highlights the benefits of rural tourism in preserving Costa Rican heritage and supporting local communities. This afternoon is at leisure – we recommend a visit to Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges.

Today you’ll visit Arenal Vida Campesina, a self-sustained organic farm near La Fortuna for a hands-on experience of rural Costa Rican life. The tour starts with a demonstration of sugarcane juice extraction, followed by a walk through plantations of sugarcane, coffee, and bananas. You’ll visit a sanctuary for endangered trees and learn about organic farming techniques. Later you’ll have a chance to make tortillas and enjoy a typical organic lunch at La Guaria Morada restaurant, demonstrating the farm-to-table concept. This unique experience highlights the benefits of rural tourism in preserving Costa Rican heritage and supporting local communities. This afternoon is at leisure – we recommend a visit to Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges.

In pictures

Today you’ll search for wildlife on a Peñas Blancas Safari River Boat Tour. This safe and enjoyable trip takes place on large inflatables through the northern lowlands. As you quietly navigate the river, you’ll experience the rainforest’s serenity and observe and learn about the wildlife on the riverbanks with your naturalist guide. You may see sloths, monkeys, toucans, crocodiles, iguanas, turtles, and a variety of tropical birds. This afternoon is at leisure; you may wish to take a trek around the base of the volcano at Arenal 1968.

Today you’ll search for wildlife on a Peñas Blancas Safari River Boat Tour. This safe and enjoyable trip takes place on large inflatables through the northern lowlands. As you quietly navigate the river, you’ll experience the rainforest’s serenity and observe and learn about the wildlife on the riverbanks with your naturalist guide. You may see sloths, monkeys, toucans, crocodiles, iguanas, turtles, and a variety of tropical birds. This afternoon is at leisure; you may wish to take a trek around the base of the volcano at Arenal 1968.

In pictures

From Arenal, embark on the scenic journey to Caño Negro where you’ll stay for the next 2 nights in a beautiful tented camp, The journey meanders through lush hills, expansive farmlands and charming rural villages, before transitioning to wetlands. One of Costa Rica’s most biologically diverse areas, Caño Negro offers the opportunity to explore rich ecosystems and observe an array of birds, reptiles, and aquatic life in their natural habitat. All meals and activities are included during your stay here, and you will be advised of the afternoon’s choices on arrival.

Today you can choose from a variety of unique Caño Negro experiences. Explore the area’s rich natural history with a guided nature walk, paddle a kayak along the tranquil Río Frío, or take a relaxing boat ride through the wetlands. Observe exotic birds in their natural habitat, discover biodiversity on an ecological tour of the Río Frío, or venture on an exciting night hike. For a more cultural experience, join a horseback riding tour with an agricultural focus, or learn to cook and mix Costa Rican cocktails in interactive classes on cuisine and mixology. The choice is yours!

Today you can choose from a variety of unique Caño Negro experiences. Explore the area’s rich natural history with a guided nature walk, paddle a kayak along the tranquil Río Frío, or take a relaxing boat ride through the wetlands. Observe exotic birds in their natural habitat, discover biodiversity on an ecological tour of the Río Frío, or venture on an exciting night hike. For a more cultural experience, join a horseback riding tour with an agricultural focus, or learn to cook and mix Costa Rican cocktails in interactive classes on cuisine and mixology. The choice is yours!

In pictures

From Caño Negro, your journey continues southeast through scenic landscapes towards the Bagaces Mountains and the renowned Rio Perdido. As you approach Rio Perdido prepare for an immersive experience in one of Costa Rica’s hidden gems. It’s an ideal destination to reconnect with nature while discovering diverse wildlife and the captivating beauty of the the Bagaces Mountains. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to begin exploring.

This morning you’ll head to the Rio Perdido Thermal Canyon and Springs. Rio Perdido – which means ‘lost river’ – flows through the heart of the 1,500-acre private canyon reserve. The river’s geothermal waters originate from volcanic activity. Hot water flows from the springs and into Rio Perdido, creating a completely natural, hot mineral river. You can easily spend the day exploring one pool to the next, while cool swimming water can be found upstream. A beautiful relaxing experience amongst nature. For those who prefer a more adrenaline-fueled experience why not consider a trip to the Canyon Adventure Park, with its many zip lines over the treetrops.

Today it’s time to head to Nosara, a coastal gem renowned for its pristine beaches and laid-back atmosphere. Nestled amidst natural beauty with a relaxed ambience, ideal for reconnecting with nature, it’s not surprising it’s a Blue Zone region! Explore the surf, take a yoga class, enjoy healthy chic cafes, unwind on the sand or time your visit to witness the turtles nesting on nearby Ostional Beach (July to November).

During your stay in Nosara you’ll embark on a tranquil E-Boat tour. Glide along Rio Nosara and Rio Montaña, where the local guide will show you fascinating mangrove forests and the animals native to the region. The soundless electric boat ensures that you’ll see the many native birds on the shores. If you’re lucky, you may even see a crocodile! As your trip comes to an end take a day to relax and enjoy lounging by the infinity pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean, or head out to explore the local nature trails.

During your stay in Nosara you’ll embark on a tranquil E-Boat tour. Glide along Rio Nosara and Rio Montaña, where the local guide will show you fascinating mangrove forests and the animals native to the region. The soundless electric boat ensures that you’ll see the many native birds on the shores. If you’re lucky, you may even see a crocodile!

As your trip comes to an end take a day to relax and enjoy lounging by the infinity pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean, or head out to explore the local nature trails.

In pictures

After breakfast you’ll make the short drive to Nosara Airport for the domestic flight back to San Jose. Upon arrival a transfer will take you to your hotel for the night. You’ll have time for some last-minute shopping or explore this vibrant city for a final immersion into the Tico lifestyle.

After breakfast you’ll be transferred to San Jose International Airport to board your flight home.