Day 1  After our flight to San Jose, we are greeted at the airport by our friendly staff and transferred past banana plantations through the port of Limon. Depending on arrival times we may drink in the sunset views of Black Sand Beach.

Day 2  After breakfast our group will go directly to the famous topiary gardens of Zarcero on our way to the mighty slopes of the Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica’s most active volcano. After a fabulous hike to an amazing waterfall we bathe in the delightful hot springs. These hot springs are formed from the outflow of the volcano. After dinner our group is taken on a guided tour to the base of the volcano. It is possible to witness lava erupting from Arenal. Camping La Fortuna with all equipment, except ground sheets and a towel, provided.

Day 3  After breakfast we head to the Sarapaqui Region and visit La Selva, a 1,500 hectare rainforest reserve linked to the northern extension of Brauillo Carrilo National Park. More than 400 species of birds have been identified within the reserve. After lunch we will see firsthand the research and educational facilities that have made La Selva one of the leading research stations. Overnight: Yare Hotel, Puerto Viejo de Limon.

Day 4  After breakfast, we head for the Caribbean coast. The easy-going hike through Cahuita National Park is an ideal place to catch a glimpse of sloths, toucans and two species of monkeys! After a native Caribbean lunch at Miss Edith’s, we snorkel at beautiful coral reefs and witness the effect that the runoff from the banana plantations is having on the marine community. Overnight: Camping, Puerto Viejo de Limon.

Day 5  While hiking through the KekoLdi Indigenous Reserve with our Bri-Bri guide, we learn about how the natives interact and share with the rainforest. We arrive at the community center where a native lunch will be served with all ingredients coming from the rainforest! The afternoon is spent river kayaking at Punta Uva, one of the most beautiful sights in all of Costa Rica, where the rainforest practically pours into the sea. As dusk falls we can expect to see numerous birds along the river’s edge. Camp at Puerto Viejo de Limon this evening.

Day 6 & Day 7  We get an early start as we prepare for our adventure at Punta Mona (Monkey’s Point). We spend the morning hiking through the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, the only path into our remote campsite. Along the way we travel from the beach path up into the jungle where the diversity of flora and fauna is incredible. Days are an exercise in sustainable living as we bring no food with us. We explore the mangroves of Gandoca Lagoon by kayak and tour our experimental gardens where over 180 different types of tropical fruits and vegetables are grown. It is a super-natural supermarket. Our evening feast is harvested from the gardens and the sea. Punta Mona is an incredibly beautiful setting with many trails and an abundance of flora. The nights are spent walking on the beach in total darkness to witness the nesting rituals of the giant Green and Leatherback turtles (March through June), some of which weigh over one thousand pounds. Camp at Punta Mona.

Day 8  After an early morning excursion to view dolphins playing off shore, we return by boat to "civilization". From there we leave the Caribbean for the river town of Puerto Viejo de Sarapaqui. Our group then boards a boat to explore the Sarapaqui River. This gives us an opportunity to observe the rainforest from a different perspective. Join monkeys, toucans, caimans and other wildlife in this beautiful but threatened habitat.  Overnight: Posada de Montana (hotel), San Isidro de Heredia or similar.

Day 9  A memorable last day in San Jose includes the National Museum that houses artifacts dating back to 10,000 BC. After a farewell lunch, we visit San Jose’s largest flea market where you can purchase mementos of your Costa Rican Adventure. Then board the plane filled with unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Some flights require morning departure so morning visit to San Jose would not be possible.

Prices will vary with group size and departure dates US$ 1389.00  + airfare, insurance and air taxes