Experience untouched rainforests, rich coffee, scenic volcanoes, quiet beaches and brightly colored macaws. You’ll revel in all things Costa Rica on this exploration of the ruggedly beautiful Central American country. From a 1,000-acre farm to a river excursion to a cloud-swathed jungle canopy, you’ll see this tropical destination from top to bottom and still want more.
DAY 1—WELCOME TO COSTA RICA!
Our adventure begins the moment you land, with a meet and greet at San Jose International airport by your local Costa Rican Guide. Transfer to the hotel and get settled into your room. Later, join the group for a welcome dinner. D
DAY 2—POAS VOLCANO/DOKA ESTATE COFFEE
Journey to see Poas Volcano National Park, which rises over a mile high to have a chance to look into its main crater. Next, we travel down the fertile green hills of tourist favorite Poas Volcano which provides a lush backdrop for the Vargas Ruiz family’s Doka Coffee Estate. Here we’ll learn from an expert about the production, harvesting, roasting and packaging of the “GoldenBean.” Coffee connoisseurs won’t want to miss a chance to purchase the gourmet beans in the Doka Estate Souvenir Shop before leaving. Return to the hotel for dinner this evening. B, L, D
DAY 3—RAFTING/HOT SPRINGS
After breakfast at the hotel, get ready to see Costa Rica from a new perspective—on a rafting tour down the rainforest-lined Sarapiquí River. The eight-mile river tour is perfect for beginner paddlers, as ICT certified guides take every precaution to ensure everyone’s safety. Later, visit Ecotermales Hot Springs, which features four impossibly clear, rock-lined pools that vary in temperature from 91 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Cradled by the greenery of the rainforest, these pools offer the ultimate serenity, complete with a cascading waterfall as background music. You’ll also enjoy dinner at the hot springs before returning to the hotel for the evening. B, L, D
DAY 4—SCHOOL VISIT/FOLKLORIC DANCES/CULTURAL INTERACTION
Today, you’ll observe Costa Rica’s education system firsthand with a visit to a local school. Tour the school with the director, a teacher, and/or students, followed by a question and answer session. The children will then showcase a special performance for our group! Next, we’ll enjoy lunch prepared on a wood stove in a local home. B, L
DAY 5—LAKE RIDE/MONTEVERDE SELVATURA PARK
This morning take a scenic drive to Arenal Lake Dam, where we’ll take a pontoon boat ride across Lake Arenal to the small town of Río Chiquito. From there we’ll travel to Monteverde. Next, take a guided Skywalk Tour which brings out the nature-loving adventurer in all of us! Get out your camera to capture the lush leaves, abundant
tropical fruits, and animals in the rainforest canopy. Suspension bridges make this part of the forest accessible for the first time, bringing us up close and personal with the most colorful and lively part of the entire forest. In addition, see the largest butterfly gardens in Costa Rica and observe more than 14 different species of hummingbirds. 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. Warm trade winds from the northeast sweep up the Continental Divide where the beaches, lagoons, and mangroves add to the park’s natural beauty. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure before dinner at a local restaurant. B, D
DAY 7—GUACALILLO/TARCOLES RIVER
Located on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, the Estuary of Guacalillo and the Tarcoles River present the unique opportunity to observe one of the largest populations of American crocodiles in the Americas. This area is also renowned for its extensive mangrove ecosystem and rich birdlife, including one of the most significant conservation areas for the Scarlet Macaw in the country. In addition, you may see kingfishers, roseate spoonbills, basilisk lizards, anhingas, and blue herons. We’ll take a boat tour through this impressive ecosystem, composed of four species of mangroves. These mangroves are crucial nesting grounds for various bird species and provide shelter and nutrients for numerous fish and invertebrates. B, L
DAY 8—MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK
Travel on a scenic journey along the Central Pacific Coast from Jaco to Manuel Antonio National Park. In addition to monkeys, the park is a habitat for sloths, ocelots, crocodiles, iguanas, toucans, parakeets, parrots, and hummingbirds. Enjoy a guided tour to see the multitude of creatures that populate the jungle and beach areas. Return to Crocs Resort after dinner at a local restaurant. B, L, D
DAY 9—FAREWELL
After breakfast, transfer to San Jose International Airport to head home. While on this ride, relax and recall your favorite moments from your Costa Rican adventure! B
Quality Accommodations
Nights 1-2: Hotel Park Inn, San Jose
Nights 3-4: Hotel Magic Mountain, Alajuela
Nights 5-6: El Establo Mountain Hotel, Monteverde
Nights 7-8: Crocs Resort, Jaco
Dates:
Oct 17-25, 2025
Price Per Person:
Double $3,777
Single $4,645
Pre/Post Tour Hotel:
$238/night
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 10 months before departure.
Departure Time
Available about 10 months before departure.
Walking Distance
To fully enjoy your CTD vacation, you should be in good physical health and understand there are times when a good deal of walking is involved in our tours, some of it along uneven and unpaved walkways and trails, and some up hills. 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 for a mile at a time for a total of three to four miles per day and be able to manage steps to board/de-board the motorcoach several times a day. 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.
Average Temps
High of 85°, low of 75°
Time Zone
Central (CST)
Hotel Amenities
Each hotel has a hair dryer, safety deposit box, and swimming pool.
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.
Please prepare for Costa Rica’s tropical climate by packing lightweight waterproof hiking boots, quick drying clothing, and rain gear.
A valid US Passport is required for travel to/from the United States.
Travel Protection Available
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.
