Destinations: Central Valley, Tortuguero, Osa Peninsula

Duration: 9 days

*Price Range: $$$

*Rates inclusive of full vacation experience – hotels, tours, domestic transfers, and tax (excluding international airfare).  Actual price based on length of travel, number of travelers/rooms, seasonal rates (high, low, peak), number of tour activities, and mode of domestic transportation.

$$$: At or under $1,200 per person.

$$$: $1,200 – $1,800 per person.

$$$: $1,800+ per person

1. Day 1

   Fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) where one of our local airport representatives will meet you before immigration holding a sign with your name on it.  They will guide you through an expedited immigration process and to baggage claim.  Outside the airport you’ll find your private transfer that will be waiting to help you with your luggage.  You’ll be transferred just 20 minutes outside the city and into the mountains overlooking the Central Valley.  Check into Xandari Resort & Spa, a 40-acre oasis surrounded by waterfall trails and tropical gardens.  Enjoy a delicious dinner overlooking the twinkling lights of San Jose below.

2. Day 2

   Wake up to an aromatic cup of Costa Rican coffee or a refreshing fruit smoothie.  Walk along Xandari’s waterfall trails in the morning with over three miles of hiking trails through tropical rainforest and fruit gardens.  Birders will enjoy the opportunity to see a variety of species right along the trails that skirt through the tropical gardens.  Sign up for a tour of the Central Valley to see some of the region’s main highlights, including Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfalls, and local coffee and chocolate farms.

3. Day 3

   Wake up with the birds this morning for an early start to the far northeast corner of Costa Rica for a nature-rich experience along the Tortuguero canal ways.  A half day’s journey to this nature intense region is part of the adventure with a possible stop at a banana or pineapple plantation.  As your boat traverses through the canals, keep a watchful eye for manatee, crocodile, and caiman.  After checking into the award-winning Evergreen Lodge, enjoy a buffet lunch overlooking the waterway (all meals are included at Evergreen).  Make sure to sign-up for a turtle watching tour at night to witness seasonal sea turtles nest or hatch along 20 miles of protected coastline.  After dinner this evening, you’ll set out on the night quest in search of this magical spectacle of sea turtles nesting/hatching along the Caribbean beach.

4. Day 4

   Navigate through Tortuguero National Park’s canals in the morning when the jungle tends to be more active.  Your expert naturalist guide will help you spot the three-toed sloth, four species of monkey, lizards, frogs and over 375 species of birds.  Return to Evergreen for lunch and head to the small town of Tortuguero for a village tour.  Stop by the Turtle Museum to learn more about the various turtle species that reach these Caribbean shores.  Head out again this evening on another turtle tour in search of nesting and/or hatching sea turtles

5. Day 5

   Take the first morning flight out of Tortuguero back to San Jose for a connecting flight down to the most biodiverse place in Costa Rica (and possibly the planet), The Osa Peninsula.  You’ll be met at the airstrip with a welcome drink and continue on a 4×4 ride to Lapa Rios.  This eco-luxury piece of paradise is located within Central America’s last remaining tropical forest on a private nature reserve of over 1,000 acres.  It is a tropical heaven for nature, wildlife, and beach enthusiasts!  Have a fresh, delicious lunch overlooking the Golfo Dulce and rainforest ridge.  Every moment at Lapa Rios presents a unique opportunity to connect with nature and learn about sustainable practices.  Dive into one of the on-property tours in the afternoon or dive into the pool with a refreshing, tropical drink.  All the on-property tours are included with your stay along with all your meals.

6. Day 6

   The day is yours to sign up for as many on-property tours as you’d like!  Some of our favorites are the early birds walk, wild waterfall hike, night walk, and the sustainable practices tour.

7. Day 7

   When you’re not exploring all the wonders of the surrounding rainforest, lounge by the pool  under the shade of trees dotted with toucans.  A short walk will take you to a number of nearby beaches to explore or try your hand at surfing with wave breaks for all skill levels.  Sign up for a massage or yoga session in the open-air pavilion overlooking the rainforest and Golfo Dulce.

8. Day 8

   There are also off-property tours to experience while visiting Lapa Rios (additional cost).  Some of our favorites are the waterfall rappel, canopy zip-line, and Corcovado National Park guided nature hike.

9. Day 9

   Take a domestic flight back to San Jose for your international flight home.