Day 1 : Welcome to San José
Learn the secrets of Pura Vida – Costa Rica’s inimitable zest for life that will linger throughout your effortlessly delivered encounter with a land that boasts no artificial ingredients. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow expeditioners for a Welcome Reception.
Accommodation : Sheraton San Jose Hotel
Day 2 : Discover the Natural Beauty of Tortuguero National Park Dive Into Culture Make Travel Matter
Journey to San Isidro de Heredia where we’ll Dive Into Culture with master chocolatiers Julio Fernandez and George Soriano to learn about the history of chocolate and its production at this small workshop. Then, it’s on to Siquirres where we embark on a river journey with a Local Specialist through protected wetlands and on to secluded Tortuguero, gliding through canals, lagoons and lowland rainforest. Visit the Village of Tortuguero for a culturally enriching MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience meeting Tortuguero Village pioneers and learning about their way of life. Then continue to your Stays with Stories at Laguna Lodge, where you’ll learn the story of how the lodge was built with materials that protect this biodiverse environment and natural habitat. Later, enjoy dinner at your hotel accompanied by the enchanting sounds of resident cicadas and tree frogs.
Accommodation : Laguna Lodge Tortuguero
Day 3 : Visit the wildlife of Tortuguero National Park
Cruise the canals and streams of the park today with a Local Specialist as howler monkeys watch from the treetops, toucans and egrets fly through the air and crocodiles ply the cool waters. Visit the Village of Tortuguero. If you are here between July and September, take an optional tour to see the sea turtles laying eggs on the beach.
Accommodation : Laguna Lodge Tortuguero
Day 4 : Sample heart of palm in Sarapiquí
Bid adiós to Tortuguero and head back to the mainland where we’ll enjoy lunch before meeting the Tico family for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience at their palm plantation. There you'll learn about and sample the delicate heart of palm. Tonight you'll enjoy dinner with the owners of your hotel as they prepare a special barbecue meal just for you.
Accommodation : La Quinta Sarapiqui Lodge
Day 5 : Mingle with Locals in Saripiqui Connect with Locals
Rise with the sun to get up close and personal with Costa Rica's exquisite nature during a leisurely walk. Keep a lookout for the endangered great green macaw and connect with your beautiful natural surroundings. Embark on an optional rafting trip later this morning. We Connect With Locals this afternoon, enjoying a Be My Guest experience lunch at an eco-friendly hacienda built by the Quintana family as a retirement project. Today, it is home to an organic farm and related eco-adventures. Learn how your experience contributes to the local community. Our journey continues to Arenal Volcano, on whose slopes we spend the afternoon relaxing in our resort's beautifully landscaped thermal pools.
Accommodation : Hotel Arenal Paraiso Resort and Spa
Day 6 : Immerse in the stories of Monteverde Cloud Forest Connect with Locals
Our soul-stirring encounter with Costa Rica’s natural wonders continues after a morning at leisure. Straddle the Continental Divide and touch the sky in Monteverde Cloud Forest, where you’ll have an opportunity to explore this biodiverse sanctuary, renowned for its collection of orchid species – more than in any other single place. Tonight, you will Dive into Culture as you meet descendants of native Quaker, and Local Specialist, who will share stories of Old Town Monteverde and delve into the history of the American Quakers who settled in the area in the 1950s. This evening, relish some of the best views as you enjoy dinner.
Accommodation : El Establo Mountain Hotel
Day 7 : Wander the Monteverde Cloud Forest
This morning, join your Local Specialist guide for an excursion through the lush rainforests of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® as we ascend to the treetops high above the jungle floor below, treading lightly along the Sky Walk suspension bridges amongst the wildlife that find sanctuary in the boughs of the surrounding canopy. As our epic eco-adventure nears its end, we share stories with newfound friends at a Farewell Dinner.
Accommodation : El Establo Mountain Hotel
Day 8 : Adios Monteverde and Liberia
Transfer to Liberia International Airport. Airport arrival will be at approximately 11:00 am, please be aware when booking your flights.
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