Costa Rica Treetops and Trails

An Active Journey

TRIP DETAILS

8 days from $3,349

Feb. 17–24, Mar. 16–23, May 11–18, July 13–20, Dec. 14–21, 2024

Maximum Travelers: 18

Highlights

• Tirimbina Rainforest: Join a biologist for a walk through this nature reserve on the banks of the Sarapiquí River, encountering rare species and learning about conservation efforts.

• Arenal Volcano: Go on a rainforest hike or a canyoneering adventure, and enjoy a soak in hot springs. Cross Lake Arenal by private boat and visit a coffee farm.

• Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: Walk across hanging bridges strung through the canopy or swing through the trees on a zip-lining and rappelling adventure.

• Manuel Antonio National Park: Hike jungle trails with a naturalist, observing monkeys, sloths, birds, and unique plant species. Enjoy free time to explore the park’s pristine beaches.

Itinerary

Day 1: San José, Costa Rica

Arrive in San José and transfer to your hotel in the city center. Gather this evening for a briefing and a welcome dinner at a nearby restaurant. (D)

Gran Hotel Costa Rica

Day 2: Tirimbina and Arenal

Travel to the Tirimbina Rainforest Center and follow a biologist along rainforest paths that straddle the Sarapiquí River. Visit a community coffee cooperative and sit down to a typical Costa Rican lunch.

Continue to La Fortuna at the foot of Arenal Volcano and settle into your hotel. This evening, enjoy a soak in nearby hot springs. (B,L) Lomas del Volcan or similar

Day 3: Arenal

Today, choose between two options: rappel down waterfalls, swim in natural pools, and hike through the rainforest on a canyoneering adventure in Lost Canyon. Or take a naturalist-led hike near the base of Arenal Volcano, discovering the natural history of the area and watching for birds, monkeys, and other wildlife. This afternoon, you are free to pursue other activities. (B,L) Lomas del Volcan or similar

Day 4: Monteverde Cloud Forest

Cross Lake Arenal by private boat and continue by road into the highlands, hearing from a local naturalist about flora and fauna and local history. In Monteverde, stop for lunch at a popular restaurant. Then take a guided walk along hanging bridges, spotting wildlife in the treetops. Or embark on a cloud forest canopy adventure that will have you soaring through the trees on a Tarzan swing, a giant rappel, and a zip line. (B,L)

El Establo Mountain Hotel

Day 5: Monteverde Cloud Forest

Join a local guide for a nature walk in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, getting a closer look at orchids, frogs, and unusual plant species endemic to this habitat. Take the rest of the afternoon to pursue optional activities on your own and meet up with the group for dinner. (B,D)

El Establo Mountain Hotel

Day 6: Manuel Antonio National Park

Head for the Pacific Coast. En route, meet the farmers at a local farm and tour the orchards and gardens to pick fruits and vegetables. Walk to a rainforest waterfall for a swim in a natural pool. Then return to the farm for a lunch featuring the produce you picked earlier. Check in to your resort, set on a wildlife refuge close to the beach. (B,L) SíComoNoResort&WildlifeRefuge

Day 7: Manuel Antonio National Park

Venture into Manuel Antonio National Park with an expert naturalist, stopping to observe the wildlife you encounter, which might include three species of monkey, iguanas, sloths, and a plethora of bird species. Hear about efforts to preserve this rainforest and walk along some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. The remainder of the day is yours to relax on the beach or take part in one of the many activities offered here. Celebrate your Costa Rican adventure at a farewell dinner this evening. (B,D)

SíComoNoResort&WildlifeRefuge

Day 8: San José/Return home

After breakfast, take a private shuttle to San José International Airport and connect to your flight home. (B)

Activity Level: Light

This journey includes walking and hiking options from 2–3 miles per day, sometimes over muddy and uneven rainforest terrain. There are also options for zip-lining, canyoneering, kayaking, and canopy walks.