Costa Rica, the lush garden of Central America

Located in Central America, between the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, Costa Rica is a dream come true for any nature lover. Fairy mist and rain forests, immaculate sandy beaches, countless volcanoes, medicinal hot springs and refreshing waterfalls alternate. Costa Rica is small in size, but it is one of the countries with the greatest biodiversity in the world. Here grow 12,000 different plant species and live more than half a million different animal species, many of which are found nowhere else on earth. The country is tremendously dedicated to protecting and preserving this natural beauty and is well on its way to becoming the world's first carbon-neutral nation. The Ticos, for that is how the inhabitants are called, greet each other with "Pura Vida," simple living. Not surprisingly, the country has been named one of the happiest and most peaceful countries in the world.

Important information:

An international passport is required, valid during the entire stay
A visa is not required if staying less than 90 days
When transferring at an airport in the United States, you must apply for an ESTA. This can be done online through this link.
No special vaccinations are required but are recommended. When traveling to Costa Rica we recommend vaccination against Hepatitis A. Vaccination for yellow fever is only required if you have been in a country where yellow fever may occur within the past 6 days. We recommend using mosquito repellents outside major cities from dusk to dawn. We do recommend seeking advice from your family doctor or the Tropical Institute.

DAY 1 : ARRIVAL IN SAN JOSE

Upon arrival at San Jose airport, you will be met by your guide who will take you to the city center of the capital. You'll stay in the homey yet elegant atmosphere of Hotel Grano de Oro, a centrally located 1910 Victorian mansion. Here you can blow out on the rooftop terrace, enjoy a nice dinner on the enchanting patio and dream of the wonderful journey that awaits you.

DAY 2 : LA PAVONA - TORTUGUERO

You will be picked up early to drive to La Pavona, the departure point of the boat that will take you to Tortuguero. You will stay 2 nights on half board at Tortuga Lodge and Gardens, overlooking the Tortuguero River. Here you will witness a world of exotic birds, monkeys and reptiles living in the private 26ha reserve. During your stay, you can enjoy two guided activities of your choice, in small groups. You can go on a boat ride or kayaking or you can take a twilight walk along the trails of the estate. You can also visit the village of Tortuguero and Casa Cecropia and tour Cerro Tortuguero.

DAY 3 : TURTLE NESTING TOUR

Tortuguero is the third most important place in the world for the green sea turtle to nest. Every year, thousands of turtles come here to lay eggs on the beach. After 45 to 75 days, the baby turtles hatch and head out to sea. In July, August, September and October you can witness this extraordinary natural phenomenon, an experience to remember.

Day 4 : ARENAL

You will be taken back from Tortuguero by boat to La Pavona. Here a driver awaits you for a private transfer to the Arenal region, where you will stay 3 nights at the beautiful 5 star hotel Nayara Gardens overlooking one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the country. It is the place to tick things off your "must-do in Costa Rica" list. You'll discover Lake Arenal which is world-famous for windsurfing, the Arenal Volcano and cloud forests with an incredibly diverse population of wildlife. You can do "La Fortuna Waterfall Hike. Taking 530 steps down you will reach the impressive Rio Fortuna Waterfall. Here you will enjoy the clear water and the stunning natural beauty of this place. Thanks to the geothermal activity in the region, there are natural hot springs throughout the area, an ideal way to relax after visiting Arenal Volcano National Park.

DAY 5: RAFTING AND COOKING CLASS

In the morning you will take an exciting, two-hour rafting trip, gliding down the Rio Balsa. You will navigate between the different rapids and in between you will stop for a swim. Afterwards, you will visit a small family ranch to enjoy the local cuisine. In the rural town of Chachagua, you will receive a warm welcome in the home of the charming Doña Mara. You will discover her secret recipes and her precious spices and taste delicious traditional Costa Rican cuisine. She not only teaches you how to make tortillas and picadillos, but also reveals her secret chilera recipe. The famous chileras are a mixture of vegetables, fruits, hot chili and spices preserved in vinegar and other secret ingredients.

DAY 6: SKY TREK AND SLOTH SAFARI

Today you'll soar over the rainforest, traverse canyons and soar through the clouds on the Sky Trek, an exciting zipline circuit with spectacular views of Arenal volcano and Lake Arenal. The Sky Tram's open-air gondolas also glide smoothly across the canopy of trees, offering endless views of the forest. Next, you'll go on a sloth safari. This tour brings you close to these adorable animals that hang out in the treetops. They are one of the most endearing icons of the rainforest. As a bonus, you also get a chance to see monkeys, brightly colored toucans, elusive iguanas and poison dart frogs as well.

DAY 7: TO MONTEVERDE

A bus will pick you up at the hotel and take you to Lake Arenal. A boat will take you to Rio Chiquito, from where you will begin a scenic drive to Monteverde. You will stay two nights at Hotel Senda Monteverde, just steps from the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. It's all about the outdoors and discovering a playful sense of adventure and relaxation in harmony with the lush surroundings. You will take a guided hike in the Curi-cancha Reserve, a paradise for bird watchers. This tour starts at sunset, when all the diurnal animals seek a place to sleep and the nocturnal ones begin their activities.

DAY 8: MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST RESERVE

This guided tour is a must. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve covers 3,500 hectares and was voted one of the seven wonders of Costa Rica in 2007. Established in 1972, it is world-renowned for its biodiversity, conservation and scientific research. You will hike past waterfalls, rivers and past the park's observation area. Here lives the Quetzal, one of the most beautiful birds on our planet. The forests are inhabited by hundreds of species of mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles and insects among mosses, lianas and other plants and trees typical of the cloud forest.

DAY 9: SANTA TERESA AND MAL PAIS

You trek further south. On the Nicoya Peninsula, 4km from the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, are the towns and beaches of Mal Pais and Santa Teresa. You will stay three nights at Hotel Nantipa a Tico Beach Front Experience, a beautiful boutique hotel with a paradisiacal location right on the beach. Here you can relax in the hammock on the terrace of your bungalow or float in your own private pool. The bartender is happy to mix a cocktail with local fruits. In the evening on the beach, sample fresh Costa Rican specialties while the sun sets.

DAY 10 AND 11: RELAX OR ACTIVITY

You can now spend two full days relaxing and enjoying sun, sea and beach or you can opt for an activity, such as surfing, kayaking or snorkeling in the crystal clear waters near Tortuga Island. Near Tortuga Island is the Curú Wildlife Refuge, which helps protect endangered habitats such as mangroves, wet and dry forests and coral reefs. Those who wish can also visit the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve or Montezuma Falls.

DAY 12: DEPARTURE AND RETURN FLIGHT

Today you leave with an abundance of fond memories of this beautiful country. You will be picked up at the hotel for a private transfer to Tambor Airport. A single-engine plane will take you to San Jose International Airport for your return flight.