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), Dominical (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: Hotel Presidente - 2 nights

Day 1- February 28^th
Arrival and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 - February 29^th - 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: Ara Ambigua Lodge - 2 nights

Day 3 – March 1^st - 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 - March 2^nd - 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.

La Fortuna: Montana de Fuego Hotel & Spa - 3 nights

Day 5 – March 3^rd – 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 - March 4^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 - March 5^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.

Dominical: Cuna de Angel - 3 nights

Day 8 – March 6^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 to the small beach front village of Dominical. The town recalls the mythical ‘old Costa Rica’ – the days before the roads were paved, and when the coast was dotted with lazy little towns that drew a motley crew of surfers, backpackers and affable do-nothings alike.

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 - March 7^th - Breakfast Included

Enjoy your day sunbathing in the swimming pool or on the beautiful Playa Dominical Beach which is a 10 minute walk away.

Day 10 - March 8^th – Breakfast and Lunch Included

Tucked away in the dense jungle of Dominical are 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.

Your afternoon is at leisure to explore the tropical jungle and spot exotic wildlife, canopy tours, horseback riding, deep sea fishing, sea kayaking, scuba diving and snorkeling.

San Gerardo de Dota: Mirador/Paraiso de Quetzales Lodge - 2 nights

Day 11- March 9^th - Breakfast and Dinner included

This morning our drive takes us into the highlands to meet the indigenous Costa Rican tribe Boruca (also called Brunka or Brunca), known for its vibrant, intricately carved and painted masks. Behind the masks is a community built on rich and unequalled customs, foods, festivals, traditions and more. We will try our hands at painting wooden masks and enjoy a homemade lunch.

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’s trout ponds and nature trails before dinner.

Day 12 - March 10^th - Breakfast 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.

San José: Hotel Presidente- 1 night

Day 13- March 11^th - Breakfast and Dinner included

On our drive back to San Jose we stop for a short visit in the city of Cartago, Costa Rica’s first capital and one of the oldest communities. Ruins dating back to the 16th century can be found in the city’s central park. It is here that Cartago’s first basilica was destroyed several times due to the close proximity of the Irazú Volcano, just 24 miles away. Several rebuilding attempts ended in the same result and efforts to repair the basilica were eventually abandoned. Now, the area’s largest religious center is the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, a massive grey and white Byzantine church that pilgrims from all over Central America visit.

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 - March 12^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.

2024 Costa Rica In Depth Tour Dates & Prices

February 28^th to March 12^th, 2024

Tour Cost per person based on double occupancy $3990.00 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 $1000.00

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: