Costa Rica Coast to Coast

WHERE TO STAY Hotel Grano de

Oro – A beautifully converted Victorian mansion in San José featuring local art and furnishings.

Mawamba

Lodge – A tranquil lodge on a strip of land between Tortuguero’s canals and the sea, with a frog garden and a butterfl y sanctuary.

Arenal Springs Resort and Spa

A resort set amid tropical gardens offering hot springs and views of Arenal Volcano.

Hotel Bahía del

Sol – A Guanacaste beachfront hideaway with a sustainable ethos.

9 days from $3,500 Savor the natural wonders of Costa Rica as you explore the waterways of Tortuguero, the wildlife-rich reserves of Arenal, and the endless beaches of the Pacifi c coast.

HIGHLIGHTS � Skim along the canals of Tortuguero

National Park by kayak or on a boat tour, watching for howler monkeys and sea turtles. � Spot nocturnal creatures on a guided nighttime hike in the tropical forests of Tortuguero. � Walk on hanging bridges through the jungle canopy in Arenal National Park, and relax in natural hot springs.

� Stay at an oceanfront resort in Guanacaste

and enjoy two full days to explore the pristine beaches of the Pacifi c coast.

The itinerary below is a sample of what’s possible. Your Smithsonian Tailor-Made Journey will be handcrafted just for you. Day 1 – San José, Costa Rica

Meet your private guide upon arrival in Costa Rica’s capital city, and transfer to your hotel.

Days 2 & 3 – Tortuguero and the Caribbean Coast

Rise early for a scenic journey by shared coach to Tortuguero National Park. Pass through primary forest, stop for breakfast, and when the road ends, continue by motorboat to your lodge. During free time after lunch, go on a guided jungle hike or visit tiny Tortuguero village. Spend a full day exploring Tortuguero National Park on guided small-group excursions of your choice. Glide along jungle waterways in a kayak or canoe, take a guided boat trip into the fl ooded forest, and go on a nocturnal hike. Your guide will help you spot caimans, macaws, iguanas, and howler and capuchin monkeys— and sea turtles from July to October.

Days 4 & 5 – Arenal Volcano

Travel out of Tortuguero by shared boat and coach, and stop for lunch in Guápiles. Continue by private transfer to the Arenal Volcano region. Relax at your hotel this afternoon, enjoying its hot springs, pools, and tropical gardens that attract more than one hundred bird species. Set out for the Arenal hanging bridges with your private guide this morning. As you follow the canopy walkway through the treetops, get a bird’s eye perspective on fl ora and fauna. In the afternoon, join a small group for a tour of Arenal Volcano National Park. You’ll explore hardened lava fl ows and learn the history of this volcano, which was active until about ten years ago. Afterwards, enjoy an evening soak in nearby hot springs followed by a traditional casado dinner.

Day 6 – Pacifi c Coast

Emerge from the forests of the highlands and descend to the Pacifi c coast, following the Pan American Highway to Guanacaste. Arrive at your oceanfront resort in the early afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day to relax at the beach.

Days 7–9 – Playa Potrero and San José

You’ll have two leisurely days at Playa Potrero to spend as you choose. You might read a book by the poolside or on the beach, indulge in a spa treatment at the hotel, or go horseback riding along the coast. Return to San José for your onward fl ight.