Costa Rica: A World of Nature

Pura vida. In English, it translates to “the simple life.” But pura vida is so much more: it's an attitude; a celebration of life in the moment. It's time to experience what pura vida means to you. You're on your way to explore a place that's unlike anywhere else in the world, where pura vida is an unofficial motto and a way of life.

Welcome to the emerald of Central America: Costa Rica. Stay: Doubletree by Hilton Cariari Hotel

Seemingly endless mountain horizons. Complex evergreen forests. These are the wonders of Tortuguero National Park. Travel by boat to your hotel before heading further down the rivers and canals to the world's first sea turtle research station.

Later, have time to explore Tortuguero town with your Tour Manager. Get away from it all and relax at your lodge set in the middle of the jungle, your home for the next two nights. From the morning calls of the monkeys to the gentle chatter of the birds, listen to the active sounds of the rainforest around you. (B/L/D)Stay: Evergreen Lodge (2 Nights)

Begin the day on an excursion to search for the elusive green macaw and other unique winged creatures that flock to Tortuguero. Embark on a nature cruise, getting a glimpse into the habitat of jaguars, manatees, ocelots, and more. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy your Tortuguero resort.

Tonight, a local will teach you about his village and share stories about life in Tortuguero's remote town. Watch as he demonstrates how to harvest and prepare coconuts before sampling a local favorite: coconut candy. (B/L/D)

Take a boat back to the mainland and make your way towards Sarapiquí and Tirimbina Rainforest Center. Today will be an Impact Moment as you visit a cacao plantation at the Tirimbina Rainforest Center — an ecotourism destination that is vigilant of environmental, social, and economic impact. Learn the process of sustainably converting seed from bean to bar and taste for yourself why it's called “the food of the gods.”

Later, arrive at your secluded nature resort, nestled on the edge of the San Carlos River. Stroll the botanical garden lined with fruit trees, including lemon, soursop, guava, mango and tangerine. (B/L/D) Stay: Tilajari Hotel Resort (2 Nights)

Explore the beauty of your surroundings on a Peñas Blancas River Safari. Paddle and float down the river on a peaceful adventure, taking in the sights and sounds of the rainforest as your naturalist guide describes the intricacies of the wildlife around you. Visit the finca of a local family and try homemade snacks such as banana bread, local coffee, and more. End your day with a guided walk through a private, primary forest reserve for a look at the various flora and fauna. (B/D)

Today, suspended over the rainforest floor, relish a bird's-eye view of the jungle on a guided tour of Arenal's famous hanging bridges. High above the jungle canopies, marvel at natural world around you.

Later, settle into your resort where you'll be surrounded by striking views of Arenal's famous volcano for the next three nights. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Lomas del Volcán (3 Nights)

Today, it's your choice! Since Costa Rica is the birthplace of zip lining, glide over the canopies on a mind-blowing rip through the jungle -OR- make your way across lava fields for an up-close-and-personal look at the volcano on a moderate hike along the trails formed by lava during the 1968 eruption. The afternoon is yours to spend as you please. Perhaps you'll discover the town of La Fortuna or relax by the hotel's pool. Also consider an optional excursion to a family-owned finca with an included farm to table lunch. (B/D)

In the shadow of Arenal Volcano, the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps, if you're feeling adventurous, you'll opt for an exhilarating white water rafting experience. Or simply hang back at the resort, explore the grounds, and soak in the views. (B)

This morning, wake up and smell the coffee at a local farm that produces some of Costa Rica's well-known beans. Take a tour with local plantation workers and have a chance to discuss what life is like for these coffee farmers.

In the afternoon, head to Playa Herradura and settle into your resort for the next two nights. As the day draws to a close, watch the sun set over the Pacific alongside birds in every color of the rainbow. (B/D) Stay: Marriott Los Suenos (2 Nights)

Welcome to Manuel Antonio National Park, home to verdant rainforests and white sand beaches. In this natural wonderland, traverse the trails where the wild things are, or go for a swim in the turquoise waters as wildlife rummages in the canopies.

This evening is at leisure. (B)

See wild crocodiles among the mangroves of Tárcoles' Rio Grande. On this exhilarating jungle crocodile safari, you'll boat beneath the towering jungle, looking along the river banks for a glimpse of these incredible creatures. Then say goodbye to the coast and hello to San Jose. Toast to the pura vida of Costa Rica tonight over a farewell dinner. (B/L/D) Stay: Doubletree by Hilton Cariari Hotel

Bid Costa Rica farewell as your tour comes to an end today. (B)