This tour not only explores rainforests, volcanoes, jungles, and the flora and fauna that flourish in Costa Rica – but also puts you in touch with ordinary people during visits to a farm, a primary school, and a research station. Thermal baths, hanging bridges, and everything you would expect to experience during a visit to this amazing country are included!

San Jose (2 nights), Sarapiqui (2), La Fortuna (3), Manuel Antonio (3), San Gerardo de Dota (2), San Jose (1)

Costa Rica Highlights:

Learn about coffee harvest and production
During your jungle lodge stay see monkeys, toucans, sloths, caimans and a plethora of other wildlife
Travel by boat through water canals in the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge
Walk under the tree-top canopy on hanging bridges
Rejuvenate in natural hot springs
Enjoy an entertaining cooking class learning how to cook 'Tico' style at a private lodge located in a cloud forest
Climb on board a tractor-pulled trailer for a fun and informative visit to a pineapple farm
Experience the rainforest, mountains and coast of this natural paradise
Walk on active and dormant volcanoes
Walk, swim, climb and enjoy the freshness of the incredible El Pavon Falls
Visit La Selva Biological Research Station
Be welcomed by a farmer and his family at a private farm and experience Tico hospitality
Visit a Pre-Columbian Gold Museum underground
Stay in Savegre, a verdant tropical cloud forest and bounded by gardens overflowing with colorful flowers
Fully escorted by an experienced Canadian Tour Leader and an expert Costa Rican naturalist for a full two week

San Jose: Park Inn - 2 nights

Day 1- February 2^nd
Arrival and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 - February 3^rd- Breakfast and Dinner Included
Following an orientation we begin with a walking tour of the historical centre of San Jose, including a visit to the National Theatre, Gold Museum and market. San Jose’s downtown is a bustle of activity and your hotel is centrally located within blocks of the main square.

Sarapiqui: Hotel Ara Ambigua - 2 nights

Day 3 – February 4^th - Breakfast and Dinner Included
Today we drive to Sarapiqui. Surrounded by lush green forests and banana plantations, it is known throughout Costa Rica for its amazing and rich biodiversity. Along the way we will stop to visit a wildlife rescue. The sanctuary provides premier medical treatment, rehabilitation, and eventual release into the natural environment.

In the evening we have the opportunity to learn how to make traditional Costa Rican dishes from a local community member. You will learn about the history, botanical names and cultivation of each fresh ingredient. Enjoy trying all of your culinary creations at the end of the class.

Day 4 - February 5^th - Breakfast and Lunch Included
La Selva Biological Station, developed in 1953, was a pioneer site for education, research, conservation, and eco-tourism and is one of the world’s most important centers for tropical ecosystem research. On a hike here, a specialist points out species only seen in this area that are in danger of extinction and explains the steps that are being taken to protect them.

This afternoon we climb on board a tractor-pulled trailer and head out to the vast fields of the Corsicana Pineapple Farm for a fun-filled morning learning everything there is to know about growing pineapples organically. This is followed by a visit to the factory where they are processed and a chance to taste sample “fresh” pineapples. Many have commented that they are the “best” pineapples they have ever tasted!

La Fortuna: Hotel Arenal Manoa - 3 nights

Day 5 – February 6^th – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
We continue to La Fortuna located in the Arenal Volcano National Park which protects the Arenal Volcano – an active and perfectly cone-shaped volcano that has constant moderate explosions accompanied by a roar, gas and ash emissions that billow high above the crater. En-route, we stop at a working family farm for lunch and to learn more about Costa Rican living.

This evening before dinner relax in the soothing waters of the natural hot springs at Ecotermales. Unlike some of the other crowded hot springs in the area, these lesser known pools are made of river rock which provides a “natural” feeling to the experience as you move from pool to pool, feeling the difference in the water temperature. Once you are completely “chilled out” and changed back into street clothes, enjoy dinner at the restaurant located onsite.

Day 6 - February 7^th - Breakfast and Lunch Included

Today we travel by boat through the various water canals in the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge set near the Nicaraguan border. This area is often submerged in water by flooded rivers and is home to hundreds of different species of birds, as well as mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

Day 7 - February 8^th- Breakfast Included

This morning we view the forest from a different view as we walk on a series of hanging bridges hung just below the forest canopy. By doing so we are able to see the flora and fauna without disturbing it as we traverse the trails formed by these bridges.

Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore. With a diverse landscape that features erupting volcanoes, rainforests full of life, and cascading waterfalls, it’s a land perfect for active explorers.

Manuel Antonio: Hotel San Bada - 3 nights

Day 8 – February 9^th - Breakfast and Dinner Included
Say good-bye to the volcano region as we travel to the Pacific Coast. The drive takes us through the Tilaran Mountains and onto the Panamerican Highway, over bridges that cross rivers full of crocodiles arriving mid-day at our hotel on the edge of Manual Antonio National Park.

With its stunning backdrop of lush green forests and palm trees, it’s truly a piece of paradise surrounded by plantations, estuaries, mangroves and marshes. Birder beware, you may not want to leave.

Day 9 - February 10^th - Breakfast Included

Enjoy your day sunbathing in the swimming pool or on the beautiful Manuel Antonio beach which is a 2-minute walk away. The hotel is approximately 6km from downtown Quepos for anyone wanting to explore town.

Day 10 - February 11^th – Breakfast and Lunch Included
Just a few steps from our hotel is the world-wide recognized Manuel Antonio National Park, where we will spend the morning on a guided walk. As we make our way through the lush rainforest, keep an eye out for diverse wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds. We will learn fascinating information about the park's history, biodiversity, and conservation efforts.

Afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the hotel.

San Gerardo de Dota: Hotel Savegre Natural Reserve & Spa - 2 nights

Day 11 - February 12^th - Breakfast and Dinner included

This morning our drive takes us into the dense jungle of Dominical, to the waterfalls of Nauyaca. The canyon is surrounded by gorgeous tropical rainforests and several waterfalls created from the Barucito River. Enjoy time swimming in the natural pools while admiring this stunning environment.

Afterwards, we pass through the San Jose Central Valley, past carrot & potato plantations to a small community of San Gerado. It is part of the Los Santos Forest Reserve, a biological corridor for a great array of wildlife including the resplendent quetzal. At an altitude of 7,000 feet above sea level (2200 meters) and surrounded by the unspoiled ecology of the area, our Lodge sits amidst dazzling flowers, showing amazing shades of colors and where centennial oak trees show their impressive roots.

After checking in at the hotel, you will have free time to explore the lodge’sgardens and nature trails before dinner.

Day 12 - February 13^th - Breakfast included

Spend a free day at Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve and Spa indulging in the ultimate relaxation and nature immersion experience. Start your day with maybe a rejuvenating spa treatment, followed by a leisurely hike through the lush rainforest trails teeming with diverse wildlife. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains from the Gazer Deck, visit a succulent’s greenhouse or unwind in the outdoor hot tub overlooking the serene Savegre River. Whether you choose to simply relax or partake in the various activities offered at the hotel, a day at Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve and Spa promises to be a blissful escape into Costa Rica's pristine natural beauty.

San José: Park Inn- 1 night

Day 13 - February 14^th - Breakfast and Dinner included
After breakfast we travel to the small town of Santa Maria de Dota to learn about the process of making of coffee. One of the community’s biggest claims to fame is the shade-grown Tarrazu coffee that thrives in the volcanic soil of the area. At the local cooperative, you will learn about the different projects of environmental sustainability and have a chance to enjoy a cup of coffee. Since 1865, unique blends have been regarded world-wide as some of the finest

This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner where we have a chance to reflect on what we have seen and learned during the past two weeks.

Day 14 - February 15^th - Breakfast included

Transfer to airport for your return flight home or perhaps you have decided to extend your vacation. We can arrange for a longer stay as well.

2025 Costa Rica In Depth Tour Dates & Prices

February 2nd to 15th, 2025

Tour Cost per person based on double occupancy $4720.00 CAD

Air Fare: Direct flights to Costa Rica are available from many Canadian cities. Contact our office for air fares and flight information. Call for air fares from your city.

Single supplement $1450.00

In order to make each tour a special experience space is limited to 20 people. We encourage you to book early to avoid disappointment and for the best air fares.

Flights: Call us for flight and air fare information from your closest airport in Canada as we can often access flights not easily found on the Internet and offer alternatives.

Tour price includes: