Tour members from across Canada fly via Toronto to San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital. On arrival, we will be met and transferred to our hotel, ideally located near the city centre and next to La Sabana Park. This evening we gather for dinner at our hotel.
Hilton La Sabana (2 nights)

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 La Paz Waterfall Gardens. After lunch, we continue to 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. 

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 Caño Blanco where we re-join 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. Our afternoon begins with a visit to a working pineapple plantation. 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.
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 will enjoy a special 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 Arenal Volcano; its perfect cone rises dramatically from the surrounding plateau. Perhaps 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 Ecotermales 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.
Arenal Manoa Hotel (2 nights)  

This morning we have planned a visit to El Hogarcito San Juan Bosco, an orphanage built to improve the opportunities of mistreated children in transition (subject to confirmation). 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. where we stay 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. Visit the town of Santa Elena, and later  experience the Bat Jungle, learning about the many varieties of bats to be found here.
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 to the seaside village of Tamarindo, overlooking Las Baulas National Marine Park. Our final stay will be at one of Costa Rica’s most famous beaches, known for its golden sands, clear waters and amazing sunsets.
Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort (4 nights) 

Early this morning, we gather for a full day exploration to Palo Verde National Park, known for its wetlands and relate wildlife. Cruise along the waterways of the Tempisque River to witness the variety of birds and wildlife that populate the park. At historic Sabanero Hacienda learn about the lifestyle of the savannas and sugar cane plantations followed a typical lunch including local fruits and delicious homemade snacks.       

The next two days are yours to enjoy – relax by the pool or in the hotel gardens, walk on the golden sands of the mile long beach or join optional excursion (extra cost options might include zip lining, a sunset sail, snorkelling, ocean fishing, white-water rafting or driving an ATV into the bush). Close by the hotel you will find a variety of shops and restaurants. Be sure to take in the wonderful sunsets. 

Enjoy a relaxing day on the beach or join an optional excursion to explore the area. This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner.