Overview
9 Days
San Jose
Guanacaste
Classic
4 Star
Premium
5-99 Years
44
Fully Guided
COL89
Itinerary
Your trip to Costa Rica opens in the colorful capital city of San Jose, the perfect place to relax and soak up the sights as your adventure begins. Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari
Welcome to the Central Valley. Begin with a tour of a local coffee plantation highlighting the history and cultivation of this driver of the Costa Rican economy.
This afternoon, check in for a leisurely 3-night stay at a lodge overlooking the majestic Arenal Volcano. Get to know the Costa Rican culture this evening. (B/D)Stay: Mountain Paradise Resort & Spa (3 Nights)
Embark on a Cano Negro guided riverboat trip in a covered canoe known as a panga. These 20,000 acres are home to the largest viewable collection of indigenous wildlife in all of Costa Rica. Go in search of caimans, river otters, sloths, monkeys, river turtles, exotic birds and rare butterflies.
Later, return to Arenal for the chance to relax at your resort. (B)
Today, explore a family-owned farm, getting a peek into the daily lives of the locals. During a tour of the gardens, learn how the plants are organically grown through the concept of sustainability. The farm considers itself a “classroom without borders.” Taste the exotic fruit harvest and experience the traditional way to process sugar cane. Enjoy a sip of cane liquor before engaging in a culinary demonstration and a farm-to-table lunch. (B/L)
Enjoy a delightful cruise on Lake Arenal, Costa Rica's largest and most important lake. Then, it's off to the secluded Monteverde Cloud Forest, a place you have to see to believe, where trees grow to heights of 100 feet! Set off on a nature walk through this spectacular ecosystem, where you're sure to encounter many incredible species of flora and fauna. (B/D) Stay: El Establo Hotel (2 Nights)
It's your choice! This morning, join an expert for a leisurely paced “Hanging Bridges” walking tour to gain a different perspective of the cloud forest's lush ecosystem -OR- take an exhilarating ride on one of the longest canopy zip line tours in Costa Rica. No matter what you choose, we all come together to explore one of the world's largest butterfly gardens before lunch. Your afternoon is at leisure, or, if you would like to do both the hanging bridges and the zip line tour, you may purchase the second as an option on tour.
This evening, take part in an expert-led discussion about the migratory birds that flock to Costa Rica. (B/D)
Today we make our way to breathtaking Guanacaste, known for its fine sandy beaches. Settle in for a relaxing 2-night stay at your resort and take in the mesmerizing ocean views. (B/D) Stay: Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows, Playa Carrillo (2 Nights)
Fun in the sun is in store today as you explore the nearby beaches, or simply relax by the pool and take advantage of your resort's lovely amenities.
This afternoon, visit the delightful beach town of Samara for some local culture. Return to your hotel in time to catch a Costa Rican sunset and soak in the spectacular colors as the sun illuminates the natural landscape before your final dinner. (B/D)
Today you depart for home with fabulous memories of your Costa Rican adventure. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Catch a glimpse of local life as you explore a family-owned farm.
- Enjoy the breathtaking scenery surrounding Arenal Volcano.
- Spot indigenous wildlife while on a Cano Negro riverboat cruise.
- Put your feet up and relax during a 2-night stay in Guanacaste known for the country's most beautiful beaches.
- Discover the history of coffee in Costa Rica during your visit to a coffee plantation.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Operator
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Trip Optionals
- Location: Monteverde Cloud Forest. Cost: $75.
- Experience the unique sensation of flying through nature! For nature lovers, the greatest adventure of all is to take a Zip Line Canopy Adventure Tour. Selvatura Adventure Park and Canopy Tour is one of the best soft adventures in Costa Rica. Canopy Tour guides start by outfitting you with the appropriate equipment. Then, they take you through each of the 12 cables and 19 platforms and through the Tarzan Swing (optional). Selvatura Park is one of the longest Canopy Tours in Costa Rica, and is the only zip line canopy tour located inside the actual virgin cloud forest of Monteverde. Feel pure adrenaline and excitement of flying up to 35 miles per hour and viewing magnificent landscapes. Zip lines ranging from 120 to more than 2,000 feet in length and 60 to 400 feet in height let you experience the cloud forest from a whole new perspective. The tree top canopy tour not only offers a great adventure but also an opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. Trained personnel (accredited by the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism) accompanies you throughout the tour. If you are looking for a fun adventure and amazing rides, this canopy tour is your best choice. Duration approximately 3 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 2 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. This option must be booked at least 30 days prior to departure and is non-refundable within 15 days of departure. This adventure is NOT recommended for travelers who have high blood pressure, back or heart problems, or women who are pregnant. General conditions: All guides and equipment used is certified by the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT). For security, children under 8 years old cannot take the tour. Travelers over 217 pounds (100 kilograms) weight must be evaluated by the technical staff (according to his/her height and physical condition) upon arrival. Staff will determine if those travelers can participate in this tour. We recommend wearing long pants, hiking shoes, camera, binoculars, insect repellent, and a raincoat.
- Location: Monteverde Cloud Forest. Cost: $75.
- Explore the cloud forest reserve in the heart of Monteverde from up above as you walk among the treetops with a local expert. Embark on a guided walking tour high above the forest floor on a leisurely paced “Hanging Bridges” tour and gain a different perspective of the cloud forest’s unique ecosystem, its mammals, birds, plants, and flora. Admire the forest floor bursting with natural wonders and wildlife, and take in the amazing vistas. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to get up close to the indigenous wildlife in their natural habitat as your local expert shares stories of this incredible landscape and the ecology of the cloud forest. Duration approximately 2.5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 2 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. The hanging bridges consist of 1.9 miles (approximately 3 kilometers) of trails that cross through the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Although the tour is leisurely paced, it can be a strenuous hike for some due to the hills, stairs, uneven surfaces, and sporadic handrails. Guests with fear of heights should not participate in this option. It is recommended you bring light clothing, long pants, totally closed shoes or hiking shoes, camera, binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a raincoat.
- Location: Guanacaste. Cost: $65.
- Branches reaching out into the swamp, creatures bustling through the undergrowth, and long-necked birds wading into the cloudy water. The mangroves of Costa Rica are not only essential to the larger ecosystem but also function as an ethereal waterway that will make you feel as if you’ve been transported to another world. Mangrove trees live in swamps where saltwater meets fresh water, creating a flourishing home for a wide variety of animals. On your kayak, discover an intimate look at the local wildlife as you gently paddle down the Ora River. Keep an eye out for playful monkeys and explorative iguanas scurrying up the trees. Follow your guide as you coast along the water, making your way along the winding river and taking in the nature all around you. Duration approximately 3 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 10 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Availability is based on river or sea conditions and cannot be guaranteed. This tour often runs at the same time as the Dolphin & Snorkel Adventure due to the tide schedule. Therefore, you can only book one of these optional tours, not both. Suggestion: Bring a camera, sunblock, bathing suit, and sandals. In the event the Ora River does not have suitable conditions, guests will enjoy sea kayaking. Departure time is dependent upon high tide.
- Location: Guanacaste. Cost: $70.
- Get a different perspective of the Costa Rican wildlife when you venture into the natural habitat of a dolphin family. With a guide, get a firsthand look at these elegant creatures and watch as they play along the water’s surface. Home to an abundance of animals, keep an eye out for other creatures as well. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some whales or turtles! Afterwards, try your hand at fishing as you cast your line into the blue waters of the Pacific. You’ll also get a chance to swim and snorkel in the warm waves along the coast, getting a closer look at the sea life. Duration approximately 4 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 10 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Activity is dependent on ocean and weather conditions. This tour often runs at the same time as the Mangrove Kayaking on the Ora River due to the tide schedule. Therefore, you can only book one of these options. Suggestion: Bring sunblock, bathing suit, towel, and sunglasses.
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Collette Worldwide (2025-26)
Dates & Pricing
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Collette. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
