San Jose (2 nights), Sarapiqui (2), La Fortuna (3), Dominical (3), San Gerardo de Dota (2), San Jose (1)
- 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
Day 1- February 28th
Arrival and transfer to your hotel.
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 1st - 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.
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 3rd – 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.


Dominical: Cuna de Angel - 3 nights
Day 8 – March 6th - Breakfast and Dinner 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 9th - 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.

San José: Hotel Presidente- 1 night
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.

2024 Costa Rica In Depth Tour Dates & Prices
February 28th to March 12th, 2024
- 13 nights’ accommodation based on double occupancy
- Meals: all breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners
- All admissions and cultural visits listed in itinerary
- Air conditioned motor coach transportation
- Fully escorted by a Canadian Tour Leader and Costa Rican (naturalist) guide