On your 10-day excursion to Costa Rica, your tour guide will lead you inside Costa Rica's exquisite rain and cloud forests. More than 27 percent of Costa Rica's land is dedicated to national parks, forest reserves and Indian reservations. Close encounters with unique, colorful wildlife await you in the beautiful Costa Rican rainforests.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - San Jose

Your journey begins with a regularly scheduled flight to Costa Rica on an internationally recognized airline. Touch down in San José, the country’s capital. A Go Ahead representative will greet you at the airport after you clear customs and then escorts you to your hotel. Dinner is included upon your arrival.
Included meals: dinner.

Day 2 - San Jose

Begin your explorations of Costa Rica’s natural splendor with an excursion into the Orosi Valley, known for its beautiful views. As you travel throughout the countryside, note that Costa Rica is one of the world’s most progressive countries in its efforts to save the earth’s endangered rain forests. To date, 850 species of birds, 200 species of mammals and one-tenth of the world’s butterfly species have been found here.
Enter Lankester Gardens, an orchid reserve where 800 species of orchids are nurtured. Then visit Cartago and return to San José for the afternoon. Your tour director introduces you to the highlights of San José including the Gold Museum. Continue exploring the sights and sounds of San José at your leisure this evening or opt for a Folklore Dinner.
Included meals: breakfast.
Included entrances: Lankester Gardens, Gold Museum.

$49 USD

Folklore Dinner Experience the unforgettable cuisine found only in a typical Costa Rican restaurant. Surrounded by mountains covered with tropical forest, the view from the restaurant offers a breathtaking view of the Central Valley. As you dine on a mixture of Spanish and Central American fare, admire a traditional dance show that’s accompanied by live music.

Day 3 - Sarapiqui

Moving in to Costa Rica’s central highlands, stop at the Doka Estate, a coffee plantation more than a century old. Here, the owners give you a tour of the farming, milling and delicate roasting process required to make some of the country’s best coffee. This afternoon, ascend to Poás Volcano National Park (weather permitting), home of one of the largest active volcanoes in Costa Rica. Visit the Butterfly Garden, which holds hundreds of butterfly species. Your tour director teaches you about the butterfly’s complex life cycle. Arrive later in Sarapiquí for an included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner.
Included entrances: Butterfly Garden.

Day 4 - Sarapiqui

Board a river boat cruise for our Sarapiquí River Adventure. Dinner is included tonight.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner.

Day 5 - Arenal Region

On today’s morning hike in Arenal National Park, you’ll have more views of its mile-high volcano, which emerges in a perfect conical shape from the green hills of Alajuela. Arenal has been Costa Rica’s most active volcano peak for the past 1,000 years. In the afternoon, you can explore this cherished region even further with an optional Treetops Walk in the rainforest on the Arenal Hanging Bridges, a collection of suspended byways that connect tree to tree. This evening, relax with a visit to the local hot springs, which are fed by the natural healing waters of the Arenal Mountains.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner.
Included entrances: Eco Termales Hot Springs.

$49 USD

Treetops Walk Take an informed trek through the treetops on Arenal’s hanging bridges, accompanied by a naturalist guide. In these 600 acres of protected rainforest, you will find six hanging bridges, the longest spanning 326 feet. You’ll discover Costa Rica’s numerous species of birds and mammals, see spectacular waterfalls and have stunning views of the majestic Arenal volcano.

Day 6 - Guanacaste

This morning, depart for Guanacaste. Along the way, you’ll tour Lake Arenal—one of the largest lakes in Costa Rica—and then take a relaxing rafting trip down the Corobicí River. You might catch glimpses of toucans, falcons, iguana and monkeys. Reach Guanacaste in time for tonight’s included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner.

Day 7 - Guanacaste

On a special excursion today, enjoy a visit to Rincón de la Vieja National Park, a rain/cloud forest located high in the mountains. Visit geothermal hot springs that recall those at Yellowstone National Park and view a wide variety of plant, bird and animal species. At the foot of the Southern flank of the volcano, you’ll find an area of intense volcanic activity known as Las Pailas which consists of hot springs, sulfuric lakes, steam geysers and reservoirs of boiling water. Return later to Guanacaste, where dinner is included.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner.

Day 8 - Guanacaste

Guanacaste is known for its spectacular beaches, from resort paradises to secluded coves. Spend a free day exploring the area on your own, or opt for a Sailing and Snorkeling Excursion. Dinner is included tonight.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner.

$95 USD

Sailing & Snorkeling From Tamarindo, embark on an unforgettable sailing voyage aboard a classic yacht. On your cruise  helmed by a crew of three, you’ll head out into Taramindo Bay to encounter turtles, jumping rays and dolphins. Equipment will be available if you want to snorkel.

Day 9 - Guanacaste

Enjoy another free day in Guanacaste. Relax on the beach or choose from any number of outdoor activities along the beach or inland. Tonight, enjoy a final dinner with your fellow travelers.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner.

Day 10 - Guanacaste

If you are not continuing on the extension to Tortuguero, a Go Ahead representative will escort you to the airport.
Included meals: breakfast (In the case of early morning departures, breakfast may not be provided).
Please note that local weather conditions may necessitate slight variations to this itinerary.