Costa Rica Discovery (15 days)

You and your fellow travellers will be arriving at various times from around the world today, so there are no arranged activities. Your leader will organise a pre-trip meeting for the early evening where they will collect your local payment. This will be followed by an optional group dinner: a great time to try the local specialties. At the joining point hotel, ask reception to direct you to the notice board for your welcome note that explains where to meet. For those who arrive early, there is sightseeing information on the notice board also.

On day 2 your leader will take you on an orientation walk and show the best known and not so known highlights of San Jose.

San Jose sits in the middle of the fertile Meseta Central, ringed by volcanoes and jagged mountains just begging to be explored. The city itself has all the sights and modern conveniences you would expect from a capital city. The main plaza is a good place to start exploring, get comfy and do some people watching. Artisan booths are common here and you never know when there'll be a spontaneous art fair. Have a look at the Gold Museum which has an amazing collection of indigenous gold art. If these cultural gems get you in the mood for a bit of shopping, head to the outdoor market in Plaza de la Cultura or the Central Market where you can pick up some handicrafts, boots or even fish.

Arriving in Costa Rica be sure to drink plenty of bottled water and try not to do too much in any one day; you'll soon adjust to the heat and humidity.

We leave San Jose and descend to the Caribbean lowlands by bus and boat to Tortuguero National Park (5 hours travel time approximately)

Established in the 1960s, Tortuguero stretches out over 189 square km (117 square miles) and is filled with thick forests, waterways and beaches. The park is best known as a nesting ground for the green and leatherback turtles who can be seen between July and October.
 

Your leader will take you on a walk around the park's main paths.

Around midday we travel to Sarapiqui in the heart of Costa Rica's banana growing region, to have a close encounter of the insect kind at the Sarapiqui Insect Museum. There is plenty of free time to explore the jungle that surrounds the town by mountain bike or horse, or find a comfy spot to watch the colourful birdlife glide by.

A 2 hour trip takes us to La Fortuna, our base for exploring the Arenal Volcano and its wild surrounds. Set in the plains of Costa Rica, the volcano sits on the shores of Lake Arenal, a large artificial lake. With big winds sweeping in from the Caribbean, the lake is one of the best windsurfing destinations in the world. The volcano is quite active and at night you can often see glowing lava blast into the sky as the cone glows red. Take a guided walk through the exotic plant life, wildlife and lava formations of the National Park to get up close views of the volcano.

From La Fortuna, the views are spectacular and the volcano is reflected on the lake for postcard perfect photos. Other activities include a dip in the chilly La Fortuna waterfall, a canopy tour for a bird's eye view of the forest or a full day of adrenaline pumping white water rafting. Otherwise, head out into the beautiful surrounds and explore by bike or horse. At the end of a long day of exploring you can ease into the Baldi Hot Springs and hope the clouds part long enough for the ultimate bathing view, the Arenal Volcano and its glowing lava.

Travel for 5-6 hours along rutted dirt roads through the mountains to reach the cool cloud-forests of Monteverde. 

These forests are similar to rainforests, but instead of relying on rain for essential moisture, adequate water comes from the semi-permanent cloud that covers the region. The surrounding pastures were once covered in dense forest, but now only a small protected section remains; known as the Reserva Biologica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde, it is lush and full of wildlife. This is truly a nature lover's paradise.
Explore by foot, horse and mountain bike or ride over the rainforest canopy on a zipline. For more easy going adventures, walk through the canopy on the Sky Walk, or watch butterflies at play in the specially created butterfly garden. The local guides are very knowledgeable about the area and passionate about conservation and the local communities have several cooperatives worth visiting. More than 2,000 species of plants, 320 bird species and 100 different types of mammals call Montverde home. Be sure to keep an eye out for the resplendent quetzal, one of the most elusive birds in the world.

Your leader will take you on a walking tour to the park main sights.

After a 7-8 hour travel day, we arrive to Manuel Antonio National Park. The town is laid back but has a vibrant nightlife. Spend your time here enjoying the best of the park. If you have jungle on the brain, head straight to the park for a hike along its many trails. Keep one eye on the great views and the other looking out for the abundant wildlife. Spot monkeys, armadillos, sloths and hundreds of birds. The park also boasts turquoise seas and white sand beaches; it would be easy to spend the whole time here in or by the water. Go swimming, fishing, kayaking, boogie boarding, sailing or surfing.

Day 2 of activities in Manuel Antonio National Park.

Day 3 of activities in Manuel Antonio National Park.

Day 4 of activities in Manuel Antonio National Park.

A 4 hour journey takes us back to San Jose in time for a shower, dinner and a final night on the town. The perfect way to end our adventure.
A few days in San Jose, home to over one third of all Ticos, will give you an insight into the true character of the nation. The city's markets are colourful and vibrant, and its nightlife is as sophisticated (or as debauched) as you want it to be.
 

Your tour ends today in San Jose.