Costa Rica Rainforest - Small Group

• Day 1 - Welcome to San José:
  Arrive in San José, Costa Rica’s capital set at 1,100 metres in the Central Valley between Poás and Irazú volcanoes. Coffee production in the 19th century shaped much of the city’s early development, funding institutions such as the National Theatre, completed in 1897 and still operating today. This evening, meet your Travel Director and your small group for dinner in.
• Day 2 - Explore Costa Rica’s Capital:
  Begin with a before-hours visit to the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum with your Local Expert, then step out on a walking city tour through central San José. You’ll take in Plaza de la Cultura and the Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica, continue to Plaza de la Democracia y de la Abolición and the National Museum of Costa Rica, finishing in Parque Nacional. Later, take part in an authentic experience at the home of Randall and Doña Aradina, spending time in their orchid garden before lunch is served in their garden pavilion. Back in San José, your evening is at leisure.
• Day 3 - San José to Sarchí and the Central Valley:
  Leave San José behind and step into Costa Rica’s Central Valley craft traditions in Sarchí, one of the country’s best-known centres for painted oxcarts and artisan woodwork. You’ll have space to explore workshops where carretas are built and hand-painted, and to browse small studios producing carved and painted pieces. The central park is a natural point to pause, with the town’s landmark oxcart as a reference to the tradition Sarchí is known for. Later, take part in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on an organic farm. You’ll learn sustainable growing methods, harvest seasonal ingredients from the garden and use them to create a local dish before dinner.
• Day 4 - La Fortuna and the Arenal Region:
  Enjoy a Relaxed Start in La Fortuna, then head out to explore the region with Insight Choice. Choose between a hands-on chocolate experience tracing cacao through each stage of production, including the origins of traditional chocolate drinks and a tasting of organic chocolate, or choose a zipline adventure reached by safari truck, with 11 cables running between platforms in the hills above La Fortuna. Later, you’ll join a guided nature walk to learn how the area’s rainforest ecosystems support local flora and fauna. This evening is at leisure in La Fortuna, with the option to visit the town’s hot springs, browse local eateries around the central park or take an early night ready for tomorrow’s plans.
• Day 5 - Cloud Forests and on to Monteverde:
  Begin the day at Canto del Río in La Paz de San Ramón with naturalist Edwin Ramírez. On his property, you’ll walk a reforested section of montane cloud forest and hear how restoration is approached on privately managed land. Continue to Monteverde, a highland community in the Tilarán range closely linked to conservation and research, with protected cloud forest reserves established here from the early 1970s. Settle into Santa Elena and enjoy an evening at leisure. Perhaps browse the small galleries and craft shops along the main street, stop in for Costa Rican coffee and dessert, or choose a local restaurant for dinner.
• Day 6 - The Hanging Bridges of Monteverde:
  Explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest with a naturalist, walking forest trails and crossing a series of hanging bridges that bring you into the upper levels of the canopy. At this elevation, persistent mist supports moss-covered branches, orchids and other epiphytes. As you move through the tree canopy, look out for species recorded here, including resplendent quetzals, bellbirds and hummingbirds, with the chance of seeing monkeys and coatis along the trails and around the canopy. Return to your hotel later in the day for dinner.
• Day 7 - Cruise the River and on to Tamarindo:
  Descend from the mountain landscapes of Monteverde towards Costa Rica’s north-west lowlands, where wide river systems and seasonal wetlands define Guanacaste. You’ll take a boat tour on the Bebedero River, cruising through this important wetland corridor known for birdlife and riverside wildlife. From the water, you’ll scan the banks and overhanging branches for species that gather along the river’s edge. Continue to Tamarindo for the night. The evening is at leisure. Perhaps head to the coast for sunset views or choose a local restaurant to sample regional dishes like arroz de maíz or chorreadas.
• Day 8 - Tamarindo at Leisure:
  Today is free to use as you like in Tamarindo. You may choose a beach day on the Pacific coast, book a surf lesson in one of the area’s best-known beach towns, or head inland for a change of landscape with volcanic trails, waterfalls and geothermal features in the Rincón de la Vieja area. If you’d like time on the water, you can choose an Optional Experience with a morning snorkel and catamaran tour to Playa Tamarindo. This evening, join your Travel Director and small group for a final dinner together to celebrate your journey through Costa Rica.
• Day 9 - Depart Liberia:
  Say goodbye to your Travel Director and your small group, taking with you the days spent between cloud forest, wetlands and the Pacific coast.

• 09 Jan 2027 - 17 Jan 2027
  from $6,375 pp twin share *
• 23 Jan 2027 - 31 Jan 2027
  from $6,375 pp twin share *
• 30 Jan 2027 - 07 Feb 2027
  from $6,375 pp twin share *
• 06 Feb 2027 - 14 Feb 2027
  from $6,375 pp twin share *
• 27 Feb 2027 - 07 Mar 2027
  from $6,375 pp twin share *
• 06 Mar 2027 - 14 Mar 2027
  from $6,375 pp twin share *
• 10 Apr 2027 - 18 Apr 2027
  from $6,375 pp twin share *
• 17 Apr 2027 - 25 Apr 2027
  from $6,375 pp twin share *
• 24 Apr 2027 - 02 May 2027
  from $6,375 pp twin share *
• 19 Jun 2027 - 27 Jun 2027
  from $6,375 pp twin share *
• 26 Jun 2027 - 04 Jul 2027
  from $6,375 pp twin share *
• 17 Jul 2027 - 25 Jul 2027
  from $6,375 pp twin share *
• 06 Nov 2027 - 14 Nov 2027
  from $6,375 pp twin share *
• 20 Nov 2027 - 28 Nov 2027
  from $6,375 pp twin share *
• 04 Dec 2027 - 12 Dec 2027
  from $6,375 pp twin share *
• 11 Dec 2027 - 19 Dec 2027
  from $6,375 pp twin share *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

• Heliconia, Monteverde
• Intercontinental, San Jose
• Montaña de Fuego, La Fortuna
• Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort

How long is this journey?

This itinerary runs for 9 days and 8 nights.

When can I travel?

Departures are currently scheduled between 09 Jan 2027 and 19 Dec 2027, subject to live availability.

Are there different departure options?

Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.

Are discounts available?

Seasonal or loyalty discounts may be available on selected departures at the time of enquiry.

What is generally included?

Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.