This Costa Rica tour invites you to discover one of the world’s most naturally beautiful destinations, where rainforests, cloud forests, volcanoes, and Pacific beaches create unforgettable scenery. Each day reveals a new side of Costa Rica’s remarkable landscapes and warm pura vida spirit.
You’ll experience the towering slopes of Arenal Volcano, the misty heights of Monteverde, and the wildlife-rich coast of Manuel Antonio. Along the way, cruise tropical rivers, relax in natural hot springs, and encounter monkeys, sloths, exotic birds, and colorful tropical plants.
Throughout your Costa Rica tour, meaningful local experiences bring the country to life. Visit a local school, learn traditional cooking techniques, explore a working coffee estate, and discover how cacao and spices are grown and harvested.
With comfortable accommodations, guided sightseeing, and a thoughtfully paced itinerary, this journey blends nature, culture, and relaxation in one unforgettable adventure.
Highlights of this Treasures of Costa Rica tour:
- Explore Manuel Antonio and Poas Volcano National Parks.
- Experience the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
- Visit a local school and enjoy a traditional cooking class.
- Relax in the Ecotermales Hot Springs.
- Appreciate Costa Rica’s extraordinary biodiversity.
- Cruise the Sarapiquí River on a floating safari.
- Enjoy a farm-to-table spice garden experience.
Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica
Your adventure begins the moment you land, with a meet and greet at San Jose International Airport with your local Costa Rican guide. Transfer to the hotel and get settled into your room before enjoying a warm Welcome Dinner. D
Day 2: Poas Volcano/Doka Coffee Estate/Botanical Garden
Journey to see Poas Volcano National Park, which rises over a mile high to high, and have a chance to look into its main crater. Next, travel down the fertile green hills which provide a lush backdrop for the Vargas Ruiz family’s Doka Coffee Estate. Here you will learn from an expert about the production, harvesting, roasting, and packaging of the “Golden Bean.” After lunch, learn about Costa Rica’s diverse plant life at Else Kientzler Botanical Garden. B, L, D
Day 3: Floating Safari/Hot Springs
After breakfast, get ready to see Costa Rica from a new perspective, on a floating safari down the Sarapiquí River. This experience offers the perfect opportunity to spot wildlife such as birds, iguanas, monkeys, butterflies, and sloths. This afternoon, immerse yourself in the rainforest at Ecotermales Hot Springs. These impossibly clear pools vary in temperature from 91 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit and allow you to relax and connect with nature. B, L, D
Day 4: School Visit/Cooking Class
Today, you will observe Costa Rica’s education system firsthand with a visit to a local school. Tour the school, participate in a language exchange with the children, and watch a special folkloric dance performance! You will then have a Costa Rican cooking class at a local home, where you can prepare tortillas on a wood stove and enjoy lunch prepared by the mothers and grandmothers of the schoolchildren. B, L
Day 5: Lake Crossing/Monteverde Selvatura Park
This morning, take a scenic drive to Arenal Lake and board a pontoon boat to the small town of Rio Chiquito. Onboard, witness views of Arenal Volcano. Travel to Monteverde, an area which is globally renowned for its misty cloud forests and immense biodiversity. Explore Selvatura Park, where suspension bridges make this part of the rainforest accessible for visitors. Get out your camera to capture the lush leaves, abundant tropical fruits, and diverse wildlife in the rainforest canopy. B, L
Day 6: Cloud Forest Reserve
Explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the most famous conservation areas in Central America and the most well-known cloud forest in the world. Called a cloud forest because of its high altitude, this tropical rainforest experiences almost 100% humidity year-round. This area is home to rare and unusual wildlife, such as jaguars, pumas, and 450 species of birds. This afternoon, marvel at over 460 species of orchids at the Monteverde Orchid Garden. B
Day 7: Manuel Antonio National Park
Say farewell to Monteverde and travel towards the coast. Arrive at Manuel Antonio National Park, which is known for its rainforest trails, white-sand beaches, and abundant wildlife. Spot monkeys, sloths, and even take a dip in the Pacific Ocean! This afternoon, check into the stunning Parador Resort, perched on a hill overlooking the Pacific for a luxurious two-night stay. B, D
Day 8: Spice Garden Tour
Participate in a true farm-to-table experience at a rural Costa Rican spice farm. Experience how coffee is harvested and processed, cacao turned into chocolate, and learn about spices grown on the ranch such as vanilla, cinnamon, and pepper. Enjoy an authentic Costa Rican lunch and free time to explore. B, L, D
Day 9: Parador Resort/San Jose
Partake in a morning at leisure to enjoy the amenities of Parador Resort. Take a swim in the pool, explore the nature trails, or perhaps visit the spa. Then, the group will transfer to San Jose for a final evening in Costa Rica. B
Day 10: Farewell, Costa Rica
After breakfast, transfer with the group to the airport in San Jose with new friends and fond memories. Pura Vida! B
Dates:
Nov. 1-10, 2027
Price Per Person:
Double: $4,597
Single: $5,697
Pre/Post Hotel:
Call for pricing
Depart/Return:
Chicago, IL
Inclusions:
Round-trip airfare from the U.S.
Professional, English speaking Tour Director
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling at most hotels
24-hour emergency call service
Arrival Time
Available about 90 days prior to departure.
Departure Time
Available about 90 days prior to departure.
Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our pre and post hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport. Free parking can be offered during the tour with a pre or post night booked. Please let us know ahead of time if you desire this service.
Walking Distance
To fully enjoy your vacation, you should be in good physical health and understand there are times when a good deal of walking is involved in our tours. Those who have difficulty walking may not want to take this trip or should discuss their personal situation with their doctor before deciding. You should be able to walk at a steady pace up to a mile at a time for a daily total of three to four miles per day and be able to manage steps to board/de-board the motorcoach several times a day. In addition, many airports require lengthy walks to get from ticketing counters to your departure gate and moveable walkways are not common internationally as they are in the United States.
Due to the lack of proper facilities at some of the farms, ranches, and off-the-beaten-path sites we often visit, we are unable to accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.
We are finding that larger European cities are closing their historic districts to motor traffic. This, of course, adds to the amount of walking involved when visiting a city (sometimes on uneven and/or cobblestone walkways). In addition, please know you may be expected to exit the motorcoach at each stop because local law requires mandatory motorcoach driver breaks.
Average Temps
High of 85°F, low of 65°F
Currency
The currency of Costa Rica is the Colón, although US Dollars are widely accepted.
Time Zone
CST
Hotel Amenities
All AMADEUS ships have an elevator that operates between the Mozart, Strauss and Haydn decks. The sun deck is not accessible by elevator.
Wi-Fi is available aboard the ship and the price is fully covered by CTD. We will travel in rural river landscapes, meaning the Wi-Fi connection at times can be limited.
All cabins and suites are equipped with high-quality care products, such as soap, shampoo, body lotion, and shower gel. You will also find a hair dryer in your cabin. Laundry is available onboard for a small fee.
Breakfast and lunch are lavish meals, with evenings featuring chef’s specialties and regional dishes. In addition, a light breakfast and lunch are offered in the Panorama-Bar. There is always a vegetarian option for all meals on board.
Most hotels during the tour are equipped with a safe, Wi-Fi, hair dryer, and air conditioning. The properties may also feature a fitness center, spa, on-site restaurant, lounge, or have laundry services available.
Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.
Dress on tour is casual. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, visors, and comfortable walking shoes will add to your enjoyment of this tour.
A valid US Passport is required for travel to/from the United States.
Travel Protection Available?
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.
