National Parks & Natural Treasures Costa Rica

Meet us today just outside of Alajuela, a suburb of San José and birthplace of Costa Rican hero Juan Santamaría. Dinner together this evening.

After breakfast this morning we'll shuttle to Poás Volcano National Park for a chance to explore the crater trail of this dormant giant. Watch out for hummingbirds buzzing through the air as we continue our walk to Laguna. Then, it's off to Sarchí, Costa Rica's best-known artisans' village, to visit an ox cart factory and walk through town. Dinner together this evening. Today's walk: 2-3 hours, at your option.

This morning we leave for Monteverde, renowned worldwide as one of the globe's richest and most diverse ecosystems. In the early afternoon we'll visit the local butterfly farm. This evening we'll enjoy a guided flashlight walk in the forest for a unique glimpse into the cloud forest habitat. Dinner together. Today's walk: 2-3 hours.

Today we'll visit the unspoiled charms of the nearby Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve! Bring your binoculars and rain gear (even though this isn't a 'rainforest,' the principle behind a 'cloud forest' is that it generates its own rain through condensation of the clouds on the forest canopy)! This afternoon you have the option to see the canopy up close on a spectacular 'sky walk.' Dinner together. Today's walk: 2-4 hours, your choice.

Today we'll visit the extraordinary trails of the famous Monteverde Biological Reserve. Keep your ears tuned to hear the mating call of the Resplendant Quetzal - if we're lucky, we'll even see one of these shy yet exquisite birds. You have the afternoon free to visit the nearby butterfly farm or one of the local galleries. Dinner together. Today's walk: 3-6 hours, your choice.

After breakfast this morning we'll walk the trails at a nearby 'ecological farm.' The area provides incredible views west to the Pacific Coastline and the Nicoya Peninsula (weather permitting, of course!). Then, it's off to our hotel on the Guanacaste Plain, where Costa Rica's ranchers still round up their livestock on horseback. Our hotel is built on a working hacienda (or ranch) and features its own nature preserve. We'll suggest some walks in the preserve this afternoon, where you can enjoy up close looks at howler monkeys in their natural habitat, or simply relax by the pool. Dinner together this evening. Today's walk: 2-4 hours.

We get up early this morning for a gentle float trip down the Corobicí River. An abundance of wildlife including caimans (North American crocodiles), cara blanca and howler monkeys, and more than 30 species of tropical birds make their homes near the river, so bring your binoculars and camera with a telephoto lens! Then, it's off to Arenal Volcano National Park. We'll walk from the base of Costa Rica's most active volcano to the footsteps of our hotel. Dinner together. Today's walk: 2 hours.

Our trail today takes us to one of Arenal's dormant partners, Cerro Chato, with unforgettable views of Arenal - only 3 km away. Those wishing to do a shorter walk can enjoy the trails near our hotel. Dinner together this evening. Today's walk: 3-5 hours.

After breakfast we catch a quick shuttle to the village of La Fortuna and then walk to the waterfalls at the base of Arenal Volcano. The falls form a backdrop for our picnic lunch, and you can take a rejuvenating dip in the dramatic pool under the falls if you wish. This afternoon we arrive at our lodge in the middle of the rainforest, where a variety of trails await us! Dinner together. Today's walk: 2-5 hours.

This morning we continue exploring the trails at our rainforest lodge before crossing the Continental Divide one last time on our way Quepos, gateway to Costa Rica's Manuel Antonio National Park. We will visit Quepos before heading to our hotel for an afternoon walk on the beach. Dinner together. Today's walk: 1-3 hours, your choice.

This morning we head across the estuary that acts as the entrance to Manuel Antonio, where we'll offer an initial loop walk for everyone and then another more extensive walk for those who wish. The park is one of Costa Rica's most popular and is known for its abundance of wildlife and beautiful beaches. We'll have a special final dinner together this evening. Today's walk: 3-4 hours.

If you have some vacation days left, we'll help you make plans for more time at the beach or more exploring down the coast. But, if you have to get back to the office, we'll shuttle back to San José this morning. Whatever you do, thanks for joining us!