1. Tag: San José

The capital city of Costa Rica, San José, is nestled in a fertile valley among coffee and sugar-cane farms. There is not much left of the colonial era architecture, due to the damage done by earthquakes, but it is certainly worth seeing the National Theatre, built in 1897. Maybe you'll be lucky enough to catch a performance whilst you're here. The Gold, Jade and National Museums are also particularly recommended for a visit

If you have booked pre-accommodation there are plenty of interesting optional day trips that can be undertaken within a close vicinity of San José such as visits to the Poás or Irazú volcano, white water rafting, the Turu Ba Ri Tropical Park or the Rain Forest Aerial Tram.

Please note: If you are are travelling into Costa Rica from Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Panama then you will need a valid yellow fever certificate.

Optional Excursions:
Jade Museum - USD15
Museum National - USD4
Theatro National - USD5

2-3. Tag: Manuel Antonio Nationalpark

Today we travel through lush green countryside to the small village of Manuel Antonio, the base for Manuel Antonio National Park. The journey takes around three hours by local bus and you will start to witness the tropical countryside. After check in the rest of the day is free to relax and recharge, wander the charming streets or beach front and start to experience the beauty of Costa Rica.

Today we explore Costa Rica's most celebrated and beautiful nature reserve, Manuel Antonio National Park. The area consists of around 1,680 acres of rainforest containing lush vegetation and white sandy beaches. Even though Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the smallest in the country, it is considered the most biodiverse with more than 100 species of mammals and almost 200 species of birds. While exploring one of the many hiking trails you may come across the three toed sloth, pelicans, white-faced monkeys, anteaters and iguanas.

Other activities in the area include horse riding, kayaking, hiking, guided tours and plenty other water sports such as white water rafting and sailing tours.

Optional Excursions:
Manuel Antonio National Park Catamaran Tour - USD75
Zip Coaster - USD12
Enjoy the beach – free

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Entry to Manual Antonio National Park

4-5. Tag: Santa Elena & Monteverde

We travel to the old town of Quepos, once a very important port for the exportation of bananas. We then ascend a steep and bumpy mountain road that offers great views over lush green hills that flatten to meet the Pacific Ocean. We reach the small town of Santa Elena, nestled up in the clouds and established by American Quakers in the 1950's.

Santa Elena is the base for the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve which we will visit tomorrow.

Today we visit Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve on a private transfer. There are several paths to explore in this privately owned reserve, one of which takes you to the continental divide. On a clear day both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans can be seen! We'll also stop at the Hummingbird Gallery where you can grab a drink and a slice of cake. Here you can watch dozens of these energetic birds buzz around sipping on nectar. The area around Santa Elena is famous for its ziplines and hosts the longest zip line in the world. Here you'll have the option to go flying over the cloud forest on a series of cables strung out between the giant trees. For the less courageous, you may opt for a sky walk along a series of suspension bridges above the forest canopy. Along with the lovely horse treks, nature-spotting twilight walks, visits to coffee and dairy farms, you may find it hard to choose between all of the exciting excursions!

Optional Excursions:
Wildlife night walk – USD27
Sugar cane tour - USD36
Zip Lining - USD54

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Entry to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

6-8. Tag: La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano

Our next journey takes us through the mountains of the cloud forest using a combination of minivans and boats. The first leg to Lake Arenal takes about one hour 30 minutes and the landscape is truly spectacular. Rolling hills eventually give way to the distant views of Arenal Volcano and we can stop for photos at some of the best lookouts. Stopping by the side of the road one last time, we walk down a dirt path to our boat on the shores of Lake Arenal. The scenery is truly stunning from the lake and we travel for approximately an hour slowly approaching Arenal Volcano. Once we reach the other side, where we board another minibus and travel for thirty minutes to La Fortuna.

After checking in you have time for lunch and to explore the town. Kick back and relax, you then have two full days to enjoy all the wonderful excursions in the area! You are free to enjoy the hiking trails, horseback riding, butterfly gardens or zipline tours.

The main attraction in La Fortuna is the nearby Arenal Volcano, which was constantly erupting between 1968 and 2010. Although not erupting anymore, the occasional puff of steam can be seen. The National Park consists of lush forests bursting with wildlife, gushing waterfalls and hanging bridges. You are free to enjoy the hiking trails, horseback riding, butterfly gardens or zipline tours.

Today is your last day to make sure you have soaked up the beauty of La Fortuna. If you have not already, perhaps hike to the spectacular La Fortuna Waterfall where you can swim in the pool beneath the cascading water. On your hike you will likely see toucans, monkeys and sloths enjoying this peaceful way of life.

Optional Excursions:
Paddle Boarding - USD62
Canyoneering - from USD100
Mountain Biking - USD134
Arenal Volcano Walk - USD56
Hot Springs - USD76
Hanging Bridges - USD73
Zip Lining - USD92
Night walk tour - USD46
White water rafting - USD68

9-10. Tag: Tortuguero Nationalpark

Continuing our Costa Rica adventure we board a private vehicle and head to Tortuguero. After travelling for around 4 and a half hours through more beautiful scenery, we enjoy a 2 and a half hour boat journey to reach our destination. Tortuguero National Park is located on the Atlantic/Caribbean coast and we spend two nights in a remote jungle lodge, surrounded by wildlife. Look out for more monkeys and sloths as well as crocodiles, turtles and numerous bird species. If we are lucky we might even spot the unique Jesus Lizard, aptly named because it can walk on water!

Spend today further enjoying the beach and wildlife of the area. If you are travelling between July and October, there is a chance of witnessing the Green sea turtles who arrive at the beach to lay eggs. During the period seven to ten weeks after nesting the turtles hatch which, to witness, is one of life's most inspiring events. There is an interesting visitor's centre in the tiny village where you can watch videos and learn all about the turtles. During our excursions around Tortuguero we may also have the chance to see the tiny but brightly coloured poison arrow frogs.

Optional Excursions:
Night guided beach walk to spot turtles - USD25 (March-October)
Sunset beach walk to spot baby hatchlings - USD15 (May-  December)

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Entry to Tortuguero National Park including guided boat tour

11-12. Tag: Cahuita

We continue on to the small beachside town of Cahuita close to Cahuita National Park. Arriving at lunch time, there is plenty of time to explore one of the Caribbean coasts best national parks. Aside from one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, there are also walkways and trails going out to lookout points. Watch out for monkeys, sloths, lizards, frogs and tonnes of other wildlife. Cahuita is also home to the only coral reefs in the country. The only way to snorkel on the reef is on a guided tour so you can hire a guide locally to take you out onto the reef.

The next day is free to explore more of the national park or venture out of the town for a day. A great option is to take a short bus journey down the coast to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. This laid-back Caribbean village has some of the best surf in the country and you can hire a bike and cycle to secluded beaches for a spot of sunbathing. From Puerto Viejo you can also visit the Jaguar Centre, a place of rescue and rehabilitation of animals native to Costa Rica. The animals are all nursed back to full health and released back into the wild as soon as possible.

Optional Excursions:
Cahuita National Park - USD5 entry and USD20 for a guided walk
Snorkelling tour - From USD27
Jaguar Centre - USD20

13. Tag: San José

We return for a final night in San José where our tour will come to an end. The journey takes roughly five hours leaving adequate time for one last group meal. Kick back and enjoy the nightlife or choose from one of the many restaurants dishing up traditional cuisine.

14. Tag: San José

Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.