Starting at $1349

9 days • 14 meals

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Tropical Costa Rica

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Viewing itinerary for:
February 08, 2014, $1399
9 days • 14 meals

Price This Tour or call 800.340.5158

Before your Tour Options:   Add an additional night to your stay

  • Hotel: Doubletree Cariari Hotel

On Tour Options

to see a complete list of options that will be available on your tour.

Day 1: San Jose, Costa Rica - Tour Begins

Lush forests and stunning waterfalls…exotic wildlife and endless coastlines…Costa Rica is truly a slice of paradise. Your tour begins in the colorful capital city of San Jose. Upon arrival, relax and soak up the sights of your new surroundings.

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Day 2: San Jose - Doka Coffee Estate - Tamarindo Beach (Guanacaste)

Travel through the verdant countryside of the Central Valley to the fertile region world-renowned for coffee. A tour of the Doka Coffee Estate highlights the history and cultivation of coffee and its importance to the Costa Rican economy. This afternoon, arrive in the Guanacaste region, known for its breathtaking beauty and fine sandy beaches. Here, rest and relaxation go hand-in-hand with mesmerizing ocean views and lush tropical greenery. Settle in for a relaxing two-night stay.

View Accommodation Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 3: Tamarindo Beach

Fun in the sun is in store for you as you enjoy this tropical paradise. Explore the nearby town and beaches, take an optional cruise or simply relax by the pool or beach and take advantage of the amenities offered at your lovely resort.

View Accommodation Today breakfast will be included.

Day 4: Tamarindo Beach - Monteverde

You won’t believe your eyes as you travel into the Monteverde Cloud Forest, where trees grow to heights of 100 feet! In this spectacular ecosystem, you will encounter many incredible species of flora and fauna. Upon arrival in Monteverde, a nature walk allows you to discover the natural beauty of the cloud forest first hand. This forest is the home of the world’s largest population of the endangered quetzal, celebrated for its gorgeous jewel-toned plumage. Keep your eyes peeled and you may be lucky enough to spot this elusive bird!

View Accommodation Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 5: Monteverde

Begin your day at Selvatura Park, a cloud forest reserve in the heart of Monteverde. Venture into a different world, exploring one of the world’s largest butterfly gardens with more than 30 species of tropical butterflies. Next, in a nearby gallery containing more than 100 beautiful hummingbirds, you will be dazzled by the 14 different species. Enjoy a guided, leisurely-paced “Hanging Bridges” walking tour and learn about the cloud forest’s unique ecosystem, its mammals, birds, plants and flora. This evening, enjoy an informative lecture on the migratory birds that flock to Costa Rica every year.

View Accommodation Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 6: Monteverde - Lake Arenal Cruise - Arenal

Begin the day with a visit to a tree nursery and learn about Monteverde’s reforestation efforts of indigenous trees. Travel through the beautiful mountainous landscapes of Monteverde to Arenal, where breathtaking views of the volcano await you. Enjoy a delightful cruise on Lake Arenal, the largest and most important lake in Costa Rica. Later, check in for a two-night stay at a typical lodge overlooking the majestic Arenal Volcano which has been generating lava for the past 30 years. Before dinner, enjoy a cooking demonstration and learn how native, exotic vegetables and plants contribute to the unique flavors of Costa Rican cuisine.

View Accommodation Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 7: Arenal - Cano Negro - Arenal

Of all Costa Rica’s nature preserves, the remote 20,000 acres of Cano Negro are home to the largest viewable selection of indigenous wildlife. Embark on a Cano Negro guided river boat trip in a panga (covered canoe), making frequent stops to watch and photograph the wildlife around you which may include crocodiles, river otters, sloths, river turtles, exotic birds and rare butterflies, all known to live in the area. The Arenal Volcano area is also known as the land of spas and hot springs. Later in the day you will have an opportunity to attain a state of complete relaxation with an optional visit to one of the finest spas in the region.

View Accommodation Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 8: Arenal - Zarcero - Grecia - National Theatre - San Jose

Travel to the charming town of Zarcero to visit its well-known whimsical topiary garden. Continue to the small, picturesque town of Grecia to see the unusual metal church constructed of brick-red metal panes, walk the beautifully landscaped central park, or shop at the traditional local market. Later, visit San Jose’s colorful Plaza de Cultura and the National Theatre, a magnificent building of post-Baroque splendor. This evening, enjoy a wonderful farewell dinner.

View Accommodation Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 9: San Jose - Tour Ends

Today you depart for home with fabulous memories of your adventure in Costa Rica.

Today breakfast will be included.

Available After Tour Extensions:  Extend your vacation

  • Extension: Jungle Odyssey Land Portion

    Day 1: San Jose - Tortuguero National Park

    Enjoy an exciting soft-adventure jungle extension to Tortuguero, the Amazon of Costa Rica. Explore the region’s wildlife by boat, viewing macaws, sloths, monkeys, falcons and other native species. Tonight, enjoy a memorable two-night stay at your eco-lodge surrounded by the beauty of a tropical forest and amazing wildlife. Learn more about your surroundings with a visit to the world’s first Green Turtle Research Station and discover how to protect the turtle’s nesting habitat and eggs.

    Today lunch and dinner will be included.

    Day 2: Tortuguero National Park

    An early morning bird watching excursion is offered so you may learn about the variety of local species and migratory birds that flock to this area. <B>Later, experience a spectacular boat cruise through the various canals and be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife including howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, aquatic birds, bats and caimans, as well as exotic flora.</B> Tortuguero National Park is a study in rainforest, freshwater, and marine biology. It protects over 350 species of birds and mammals including green macaws; 57 species of amphibians; 111 species of reptiles; and 60 mammal species, including 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered species including jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters and manatees.

    Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

    Day 3: Tortuguero National Park - San Jose

    Return to San Jose today for your last night in Costa Rica before your return home.

    Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

    Day 4: San Jose - Tour Ends

    Today breakfast will be included.
NOTE: Tour prices are land only rates based on per person, double occupancy. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. Government taxes and fees are additional. Land rates are guaranteed at time of deposit. Certain taxes and fees are to be paid upon exiting the country in local currencies. Airfare is available through Collette Vacations at an additional cost.
  • PLEASE NOTE: To complete your vacation, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing Collette airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.
  • Most hotels/lodges utilized on this program consist of two floors with no elevators.