You will be met at Juan Santa Maria Airport and transferred to your hotel. There will be a brief introduction en route followed by a free evening to relax.

After a lie in and breakfast we get together for an introductory meeting, before our sightseeing and shopping excursion into bustling San Jose. In the evening we visit a downtown restaurant for our welcome meal featuring typical local dishes to get you in the Costa Rican spirit.

An early start today as we drive through beautiful mountains and plantations to the Tortuguero Canals. We change our mode of transport for a two hour boat trip through the rainforests to Mawamba Lodge. Look out for caiman on the way!!

In the afternoon we visit Tortuguero Village, explore the beach and learn about turtle conservation.
 

An early morning boat trip gives us the best chance of spotting howler monkeys, caiman, otters, toucans and iguanas in their natural habitat. After breakfast we hike into the rainforest to explore the flora and fauna.

The afternoon is free to relax or you have the opportunity to take to the water again for a kayak trip (optional activity) exploring the Tortuguero canals.
 

We leave the canals behind today and head inland to beautiful Sarapiqui. En route we stop at the Museum of Indigenous Cultures and will arrive at the hotel with time to relax and explore.

Today’s activities are purely optional (see Other Information section for prices) but don’t miss out on a day of pure fun and adrenaline which includes: an exhilarating three hour rafting trip on the Sarapiqui River, horse riding and finally, zip wires through the forest canopy. We then head to our forest camp for a well earned rest under canvas. And, even if you don’t fancy sleeping in a tent, wait until you hear the sounds of the rainforest at night!

We transfer to Arenal and our luxury hotel with amazing views of an active volcano! After lunch, we trek (optional activity - see Other Information section for prices) towards the volcano. Our efforts are well rewarded when we arrive at an awe-inspiring view point in time to see the sun go down and the lava glow. We then head for a dip in the hot springs at the foot of the volcano.

Costa Rica is at the forefront of responsible tourism and travel management. We are trying to play our part by encouraging our clients to get closely involved with local communities and conservation projects. Today we visit Eco-Centre Danaus and, working with the local people and their children, we will be helping on a reforestation project. We will spend time planting trees and seedlings and generally getting a bit mucky as well as witnessing local lifestyles at close quarters.

After a free morning we will be picked up and taken for lunch at the canyoning base camp (optional activity - see Other Information section for prices).
A 30 minute drive in the shadow of the Arenal Volcano takes us to the edge of the rainforest. From there, a short descent on foot takes us to the top of our first abseil, a stunning 50m waterfall. Four more descents await us in this tropical paradise before we reach the foot of the canyon and return to the hotel doubtless reliving the experience as we go.

From Central Costa Rica we head to the Pacific Coast and with a mid-afternoon arrival the rest of the day is free to relax. Our hotel boasts one of the best hilltop positions in Manuel Antonio.

In this surfer’s paradise it is almost compulsory to have a go at riding the Pacific waves. The hotel can arrange lessons. Alternatively, you can try out one of the many other activities available locally or simply relax by the pool. The choice is entirely yours.

In the afternoon we set sail for a truly memorable afternoon (optional activity - see Other Information section for prices). We sail around the islands lying just off this stretch of coast and take time out for swimming and relaxing before dining as the sun sets.

In San Jose there’s time to pack before heading to the famous El Rodeo steak house for our farewell meal (vegetarians well catered for!).

All good things must come to an end and after breakfast we head to the airport for our return flights home.