Tour members from across Canada fly via Toronto with Air Canada to San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital. On arrival, we will be met and transferred to our hotel, ideally located in a residential area a short distance from the airport and the city centre. 
Crowne Plaza (2 nights)

Our local guide escorts us on a city tour, featuring visits to the ornate Gold Museum and the National Theatre for an introduction into the life and history of Costa Rica. 

Departing the capital this morning, we travel by coach passing volcanic mountains en-route to the lush Caribbean coast and by small boat along the inland waterways, sheltered by the dense vegetation of the rainforest, to Tortuguero National Park. There will also be ample free time in the afternoon to visit a quaint little village or enjoy the unique flora and fauna (watch for heron, toucan, monkeys and more). Our rustic accommodation is set adjacent to the inland waterways.  Pachira Lodge (2 nights)

Our day is devoted to the natural beauty of this area, including a cruise through the remote unspoiled sections of the park’s waterways. This afternoon we can relax by the pool or visit the Tortuguero Turtle Conservation Museum (entrance by donation).

Enjoy a leisurely morning cruise on the inland waterway to Cano Blanco where we rejoin our tour coach. After lunch at El Ceibo restaurant, we continue to Sarapiqui and our resort which is set in the eastern lowlands on the edge of the rainforest. Enjoy the balance of the day at this special eco-lodge, with its gardens designed to introduce us to the area’s flora and fauna. This evening we will visit the private Tirimbina Biological Reserve, where we will learn about the many varieties of bats to be found in Costa Rica. Ara Ambigua Lodge (2 nights) 

Our day will be highlighted by a special cooking class to discover the local flavours of Costa Rica and to try all of our culinary creations! This evening we have added a special event - a rodeo with a display of traditional equestrian games and Costa Rican Paso Tico (fine step) horses plus dances and music, together with an authentic barbecue dinner.  

Enjoy free time this morning or join your guide for a bird watching excursion at our resort. Continuing our journey west, we follow the edge of the Cordillera Central Range,  passing banana plantations and other farmlands to the Arenal Volcano; its perfect cone rises dramatically from the surrounding plateau. At La Fortuna, we will stop for a stroll and a chance to have lunch. Our afternoon begins with a visit to a working pineapple plantation followed by free time (go bird watching or relax and soak up the sounds of the rainforest and the tropical atmosphere). Our resort offers one of the best views of Mount Arenal (all rooms offer views of the mountain - pending suitable conditions). Later this afternoon we will transfer to the Tabacon Hot Springs and their beautiful gardens. Relax in the hot pools and the natural cascading stream, allowing the healing waters to restore your energy. We shall then enjoy a sumptuous buffet dinner overlooking the gardens before returning to our hotel.  
Mountain Paradise (2 nights)

This morning we have planned a visit to a local school (subject to confirmation), to learn about their educational system. We will then have free time to take advantage of the many activities available in the region. Our hotel has a delightful pool for relaxation and a small spa as well as pleasant gardens and walks. This afternoon we have included a walk into Arenal Volcano National Park – which will allow both strong and limited walkers a chance to explore the area.  

This morning we make our way into the mountains of central Costa Rica. The next two nights we will be at the eco-friendly El Establo Hotel, set on a hillside close to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Spread over 150 acres, the hotel’s rooms offer peaceful surroundings with views of the mountains and the Gulf of Nicoya. This afternoon we shall visit the town of Santa Elena.  El Establo Hotel (2 nights)

Our morning will be devoted to a walking exploration of the lush greenery of this world renowned private reserve with our naturalist/guide. Founded by a group of Quakers and native Costa Ricans over 40 years ago and located 1,500 - 1,800 metres above sea level, the reserve is known for its indigenous flora and fauna as well as its birdlife, with over 450 species having been seen (be sure to watch for the long tails of the quetzals and to listen for the “bong” of the bellbirds). Local wildlife and birdlife include howler monkeys, capuchin, white hawks, toucan, woodpeckers, snakes and iguanas. Enjoy the sky walk, followed by dinner at a local restaurant this evening. 

From the lush cloud forest, we descend through various layers of vegetation until we reach sea level near Punta Arenas. We then follow the rugged coast southward to Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park, felt by many to be one of the most beautiful parks in Costa Rica. While very small, the park is famous for its lush rainforest, sparkling beaches and coral reefs. Our next two nights will be at the beautiful El Parador Boutique Resort, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  El Parador Boutique Resort  (2 nights)

This morning we visit Damas Island and take a boat tour through the mangrove’s to spot the diverse wildlife within. After we will return to our resort with the balance of the day at leisure. Our resort has a wonderful pool, several interesting trails and a private beach and opportunities to do a little shopping. 

This morning we shall visit the Orchid Garden at La Garita de Alajuela before we head back towards San Jose.
Crowne Plaza (1 night)

Drive to the heights overlooking the still active Poás Volcano to experience this harsh but beautiful landscape as well as Lake Botos (weather providing). On our way back we will spend a couple of hours exploring Corso Farm before stopping for lunch in Doka and visit the Doka Coffee Estate to experience a fascinating presentation on the production of coffee.  Learn about the process of growing of the plant to roasting the beans.  Continuing to our hotel, we travel through the rural landscape by truck with ample stops to enjoy the scenic views, the strawberry fields with samples, and the dairy herds (with an opportunity to try your hand). Finally learn about the making of artisan cheeses. This evening we enjoy our farewell dinner. Continue to the airport for our journey home.