July 29 – August 4, 2012

Known as "the wildlife sanctuary of the Americas," Costa Rica has preserved a greater proportion of its habitat than any other country in the world. Its mountains, beaches, waterfalls and tropical rain forests offer families an unmatched natural destination for adventure. 

• Encounter the nation from a variety of exciting approaches: rafting a lazy river, riding horseback through the rain forest and ziplining.
• Search for wildlife, including toucans, monkeys, sloths, frogs, crocodiles and “Jesus Christ lizards.”
• Visit Poás Volcano National Park and stay at a lodge across from the stunning Arenal Volcano.

Trip Itinerary

The dates below do not include travel time to and from the destination. Please consult our tour operator, Natural Habitat Adventures, to discuss your best flight options.

Sunday, July 29, 2012: San José, Costa Rica
Arrive in San José and transfer to our hotel. Meet your expedition leader and fellow travelers at an orientation dinner this evening. Hotel Bougainvillea (D)

Monday, July 30: Poás Volcano / Sarapiquí
This morning travel to Poás Volcano National Park, where you’ll see smoke rise from vents in the earth, near a bubbling blue-green sulfur lake. Water is constantly seeping through cracks in the hot rock, building pockets of steam that rocket forth under pressure into explosive geysers. Later, learn about bats at Tirimbina Rainforest Center. On a night walk into the forest find the mist nets that scientists have erected to trap bats. La Quinta Sarapiqui Country Inn (B,L,D)

Tuesday, July 31: Sarapiquí
The protected rain forest around Sarapiquí is an outstanding ecotourism destination. Learn about global efforts to conserve rain forests on a guided walk through La Selva, an international biological research station. During a short hike you may see monkeys, sloths, peccaries, iguanas and up to 400 different kinds of birds. This afternoon experience the thrill of a rain forest rafting excursion or horseback ride at Hacienda Pozo Azul, a working ranch that offers some of the best nature adventures in Costa Rica. La Quinta Sarapiqui Country Inn (B,L,D)

Wednesday, August 1: Sarapiquí / Arenal
During the Chocolate Tour at Tirimbina Rainforest Center, learn how the cacao bean is transformed into the locally made organic chocolates you have a chance to sample. Later, drive to the Arenal area, stopping en route for lunch. This afternoon, absorb the sensory stimuli of the rain forest on a float trip down the Río Peñas Blancas. From your raft, watch and listen for monkeys, parrots, toucans, sloths, iguanas, frogs, crocodiles, turtles and “Jesus Christ lizards” (they walk on water!) along the riverbanks. Overhead, the forest canopy is alive with the squawks and songs of an array of birds. Your lodge for the next two nights is across from the volcano. Arenal Observatory Lodge (B,L,D)

Thursday, August 2: Arenal
This morning, explore the treetops on a canopy tour. A tram ride takes you 125 feet above the forest floor, moving slowly to experience the diverse life of the rain forest at varying levels. To descend, there are two choices: the Sky Trek canopy zip-line tour, zinging down a series of cables running between the mountains, or a more sedate return via the tram. (Minimum age for zip-line is eight years.) Finish the day with a soak in the hot springs, where a waterfall offers a natural massage. Arenal Observatory Lodge. (B,L,D)

Friday, August 3: Arenal / San José
This morning, return to San José, where you will spend your final evening. Xandari Plantation Hotel (B,L,D)

Saturday, August 4: San José / Home
Transfer to the airport for flights home. (B)