Costa Rica: Tortuguero, Arenal & Manuel Antonio

Feel the warm air hit your face as you step out of the plane in Costa Rica. Fall into the pace of the traffic and beeping car horns as you take in the sights and sounds of this vibrant Central American country en route to the city centre. We welcome you to San José, and while technically not quite in the jungle just yet, we invite you to embrace all of the new and exciting things that await. Arrive to Costa Rica at any time and transfer to the hotel. Meet your fellow group members at the welcome meeting in the evening and get all the important information about the adventure ahead. Afterwards, head to a nearby restaurant for a delicious welcome dinner with new friends.

See the landscape dramatically change as you head out of the city and through the lush Braulio Carrillo National Park en route to the coast. Before long you'll be gliding through the canals of Tortuguero in a kayak, keeping a lookout for tropical birds, reptiles and monkeys that call this place home. Settle into the comfortable lodge for the night and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle. Travel by minibus and boat from San José to Tortuguero National Park. After lunch, take the first of 2 kayaking excursions to the nearby canals to spot wildlife.

Wake early and prepare for more exploration of Tortuguero's waterways to spot wildlife. Catch the light glinting off of a Morpho butterfly's blazing blue wings as you paddle along the canals and listen to the calls of the forest. In the evening, you could take an excursion to visit the nesting grounds of green and leatherback turtles for which the national park was named, and perhaps spot the females laying eggs on the beach (seasonal, July to October). Take an optional morning boat safari to spot wildlife at dawn when things are most active. After breakfast head out again by kayak to explore some of the secondary canals and waterways. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to visit the nearby town or to relax by the pool.

• Tortuguero National Park Guided Boat Tour: Hop on board, kick back, and prepare to witness a parade of tropical birds, reptiles, and mammals as we motor through the black water canals of the Tortuguero NP. Scan the trees for toucans, watch the shores for caimans, otters, iguanas and frogs, and look up to see monkeys sharing space with sloths. Bring your binoculars and bug spray. Be prepared for hot, humid, and possibly wet weather.
• Turtle Nesting Night Excursion (Seasonal): Head out at night to visit the nesting grounds of the green and leatherback turtles (seasonal) on the beaches of Tortuguero National Park. Learn about the turtles' nesting process and hopefully see females lay eggs, during this once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience. (seasonal, July to October)

Leaving the coast behind, we'll head inland with a stop at a G Adventures-supported coffee cooperative along the way. Learn all about how coffee is harvested and produced as you sip a delicious cup of one of Costa Rica's most tasty indulgences. Stretch your legs and soak in the scenery on a walk to a nearby waterfall before a typical lunch and then continue onwards towards Caño Negro, one of the most dynamic and biodiverse ecosystems in Costa Rica. Travel by boat and bus from Tortuguero to Caño Negro with a stop en route at a coffee cooperative. Arrive to Caño Negro in the evening and enjoy an included dinner with the group.

Discover the rich biodiversity and cultural traditions of Caño Negro today. Cruise along the Rio Frio and through the Caño Negro Wetlands in search of wildlife, then visit a local island community to enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch and learn about the region's heritage. This evening, delve into the culinary traditions of the Maleku people during an interactive gastronomic demonstration, followed by a tasting dinner featuring the flavours of northern Costa Rica. Visit the Caño Negro Wetlands on a wildlife-viewing boat excursion, followed by lunch and a cultural visit with a local community. In the evening, learn about Maleku culinary traditions during a gastronomic demonstration and tasting dinner.

Set out for Volcán Tenorio National Park and hike through lush rainforest trails to the stunning turquoise waters of Rio Celeste Waterfall. Continue to Maleku territory to connect with the local community and enjoy a traditional lunch before ending the day in La Fortuna, near the base of Arenal Volcano.

Today is all about you. Fly through the lush forest canopy on a series of zip-lines and platforms or hanging bridges, walking along and trying to spot wildlife. Whichever option you choose, your muscles will appreciate a soak in the restorative thermal springs and waterfalls of the hot springs resort, a luxurious and relaxing way to spend the evening.

With the Arenal Volcano in the rearview mirror, head south through Costa Rica's lush interior to the Pacific coast and to the iconic Manuel Antonio National Park. Take in the sweeping views as you catch glimpses of the ocean through the rainforest canopy. The afternoon is yours to head to the beach or relax by the hotel pool.

• Kayaking: Choose to kayak the calm waters of the mangroves or paddle the waves of the Pacific. In the Damas Island estuary, the ocean meets fresh water rivers and creates a protected home for birds, snakes, crocodiles, and white face monkeys. For the more adventurous, opt for an open-seat ocean kayak and paddle along the shoreline and nearby islands, keeping an eye out for frigates, boobies, and jumping fish. Minimum age: 6-8 depending on tour type. (80-90 USD per person)
• Surfing: Slather on the sunscreen, strap on a leash, pull on a rash guard, and get ready to hit the waves. Experience the surf at the beaches near Quepos and Manuel Antonio with their left, right, and well-shaped beach breaks. Take a lesson, learn tips and techniques, then hang ten like a local.

Manuel Antonio National Park is a bold representation of the natural diversity that Costa Rica has on full display. Walk through the lush coastal rainforest on the lookout for monkeys, birds and sloths and take in the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean as you stroll along the impossibly picturesque beach. Share stories and memories over a meal with your fellow travellers in the evening as the sun dips below the horizon. Set off with a local guide on a visit of Manuel Antonio National Park. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon before a farewell dinner in the evening.

Today your adventure comes to an end, but the memories made during your time in Costa Rica will live on. Transportation will be provided to the San José airport, where the tour ends upon arrival.

Two shuttles will be provided, one early departure, arriving to the airport around midday and another arriving in the early afternoon. Outbound flights from San José (SJO) should depart no earlier than 3pm.