Best of Costa Rica

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Costa Rica. San Jose is this lush country’s capital – a bustling city flanked by mountains to the south and more mountains to the north, with a few volcanoes thrown, too. This rapidly expanding city is home to some great markets, historic neighbourhoods and a chorus of old theatres, with a big chunk of the country’s population within its boundaries. You’ll get things started with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. After, ask your leader for the best spots for a first taste of Costa Rican cuisine in the surrounding streets.

Head out this morning, bound for La Fortuna – a leafy small town known as the gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park. When you arrive, you’ll learn how to cook traditional Costa Rican tortillas from a local woman who knows all the secret tips. Dona Chela will help you to prepare the dishes with ingredients from her garden, which you can also wander around before and after you cook. You'll make your tortillas in the traditional, old-school way by using the wood-fired stove in the kitchen. Sit down to a lunch of Costa Rican favourites, accompanied by your own handmade tortillas and get to know the family. After, check in to your hotel and enjoy a free afternoon in the lush surroundings. Maybe visit the nearby hot springs for a soak, fed by the thermal Tabacon River. (B/L)

Today is a free day in La Fortuna. Maybe get active and head to the famed national park, hiking the Arenal Volcano for some gorgeous views. Maybe just wander the rainforest and take one of the trails leading to La Fortuna Waterfall. You can also book a Cano Negro boat tour – this full-day activity will see you visiting the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, a wetland system home to varied wildlife like sloths, monkeys, caimans and tropical birds. Look out for the critters as you cruise along the river – you can even hop in a canoe or kayak! (B)

Today's journey to Monteverde is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. You’ll take a boat across Lake Arenal, then take a scenic drive to this major eco-tourism destination. When you arrive, you’ll have a free afternoon to choose your own adventure. Get out and explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve on your own, or head to the nearby butterfly garden. Visit the suspension bridges for some leafy views over the area or take on a forest night walk, looking out for local wildlife. (B)

Begin the day with a tour of the spectacular Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve – host to more than 100 different species of mammals and 400 species of birds. Your leader will share information on the fascinating biodiversity of the region and lend their expert eye to spotting some wonderful wildlife. Look out for the resplendent quetzal and its quirky hairdo and listen for the sounds of howler monkeys and the unmistakable call of the three-wattled bellbird. With nearly 500 unique species of orchids, the reserve holds the world’s highest diversity of this famed flower. After a morning with your head in the clouds, drive on to Manuel Antonio in the afternoon. (B)

Take the day to experience the lush national park surrounding Manuel Antonio. Your park entrance fee is included and joining you will be a naturalist guide with all the insider knowledge that you need. Spend some time discovering the park and learning about the beauty of the jungle, keeping an eye out for sloths and iguanas. Wander into the depths of the rainforest and be aware of where your naturalist guide is telling you to look – they know exactly where to find the weird and wonderful that call this place home! Tonight, dinner is included at your hotel. (B/D)

Drive to a small Indigenous community this morning, saying your goodbyes to Manuel Antonio. The Terraba (or Teribe), are an Indigenous group with a rich cultural heritage. Located on approximately 34. 7 sq mi (9000 ha) along the Terraba River, they have survived off the land for more than 500 years. The community consider themselves matriarchal and women are the teachers, responsible for passing information down through the generations. Here, you’ll learn how to paint your own wooden mask, before sharing a local home-cooked lunch with the villagers. This afternoon, travel by private vehicle to your mountain lodge on the edge of Quetzales National Park. Situated in the misty Talamanca Mountains, this remote cloud forest sanctuary serves as your restorative counterpoint to Costa Rica's busier regions. This hidden valley offers genuine solitude and the chance to recharge surrounded by untouched wilderness. After checking in, join your group for an included dinner at the lodge's restaurant. (B/L/D)

Join a local naturalist guide early this morning for a walk in the cloud forest adjacent to Quetzales National Park – if you’re lucky, you might just spot the resplendent quetzal (yes, this is its official name). This region is recognised as one of the best places to see this colourful bird in its natural habitat, as it’s a highland cloud forest like Monteverde (but with far fewer tourists!). As you walk, talking the opportunity for quiet exploration, look out for the quetzal as well as the hummingbirds, tapirs and sloths that call this area home. When you end up at waterfall, soak up the sounds of birdsong and running water – bliss! (B/D)

Craving a cuppa? Today you’ll visit an ecological family-owned farm, where everything is produced organically. Here, learn how the coffee bean makes its way from cherry to cup. Learn the full process, from planting to harvesting, roasting and grinding, and then prepare your own cup of coffee. Have lunch with the family to reward your hands-on efforts. After, drive back to San Jose where your leader will take you for a stroll to stretch your legs and get a feel for this lively city. You might like to head out for an optional farewell dinner and toast to a trip well-travelled. (B/L)

With no further activities planned after breakfast, you’re free to leave any time after check out. If you’d like to extend your stay in Costa Rica, just reach out to your booking agent. (B)