Costa Rica "Pura Vida"

Day 1

Depart Sacramento, connecting in Denver and arriving at Costa Rica's capital San Jose at 9:15pm. Overnight at the Double Tree Hilton Cariari 

Day 2

At the Toucan Rescue Ranch, we will take the slothies and coffee tour. Sip some delicious coffee while watching young sloths eating. Walk with one of the specialized guides as they show you the rescue center and share their knowledge of the rescued wildlife and rehabilitation stories. This afternoon you will arrive at The Montana de Fuego Hotel in La Fortuna, San Carlos, one of the most beautiful regions of Costa Rica. The hotel takes advantage of the area's natural beauty and emerges as an oasis of peace with magnificent vegetation and diverse fauna. The hotel has a restaurant and swimming pool, a jacuzzi and spa. The charming Superior bungalows feature private balconies. Arenal Springs Resort - 2 nights (B, D) 

Day 3

Arenal Volcano National Park is one of the most visited destinations in the Northern Zone. Several trails allow observation of much of the park's flora and fauna, as well as the remains of lava tracts. Lunch and some free time in La Fortuna and dinner on your own back at the hotel. (B, L) 

Day 4 

Travel to Monteverde. Embark on a captivating coffee and chocolate tour, explore the rich flavors and tradition to two of the country's most cherished exports. Learn about its importance in the development of Costa Rica. During the tour, you will see all the processes involved in coffee. The second part is the sweetest part of the tour. On the chocolate tour, you will have an experience of participating in the chocolate process, which consists of tasting and preparing the different stages from the seed to the drink. Overnight is Santa Elena, your hotel is located in town and has a full-service restaurant and a heated swimming pool. Hotel Poco a Poco - 2 nights (B, L, D) 

Day 5

Visit The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the most famous conservation areas in Central America. It is a tropical rainforest but because of its altitude (4,600 feet), it's called a Cloud Forest. A cloud forest is a highland forest characterized by nearly 100% humidity throughout the year. Here in Monteverde, warm north-easterly trade winds, filled with moisture, blow in from the Atlantic. As the wind sweeps up to the Continental Divide, it cools and condenses to form clouds, bathing the forest in a constant soft mist. It is home to rare and unusual wildlife, such as jaguars and pumas, and over 450 species of birds including the world's largest population of quetzal birds. Tonight, we take a night walk into the Curicancha Reserve. Walking in the forest at night is a magical experience! Possible sightings are mammals, tarantulas, and sleeping birds. Enjoy the nightly symphony of frogs and insects. (B, L, D) 

Day 6

Today we travel to the beach. Your hotel is located right next to the entrance of the world-famous Manuel Antonio National Park, and two-minute walking distance from Manuel Antonio's main beach. The property has a beautiful pool and hot tub and there is an adults' pool located on the Resort's top floor. The property's restaurant, Congo, serves Costa Rican and internationally inspired cuisine. The Perezoso Bar, located on San Bada's sixth floor, offers great cocktails and incredible ocean, sunset, and National Park jungle. Hotel San Bada - 3 nights (B, D) 

Day 7

Visit Manuel Antonio Park which has the most varied and beautiful landscapes. Surrounded by a lush tropical very wet forest and in their paths can be observed capuchin monkeys, sloths, coatis, raccoons, iguanas, and many species of birds, as well as the squirrel monkey, endemic to Manuel Antonio, i.e. that is only in that part of the world, increasingly threatened, only 1,500 individuals according to the most recent census. (B) 

Day 8

This Manuel Antonio tour allows you to navigate through the wonders of the unique Costa Rican mangrove ecosystem. You will float along the calm currents under a verdant forest canopy. Make sure you keep your eyes wide open so you can spot the uncountable bird species, reptiles, anteaters, and white-faced monkeys. While you silently observe this amazing habitat, your guide will offer explanations about the flora and fauna found in this incomparable region. The Damas Island boat trip takes you through the natural canals and provides an ideal opportunity to observe many birds such as herons, kingfishers, ospreys, and frigate birds. As you navigate through the brackish waters you can catch a glimpse of the islands as you pass beneath tunnels made naturally from tree growths and admire this small sanctuary of nature. (B, L, D) 

Day 9

Jungle Crocodile Safari. The big river of Tarcoles is one of the four rivers that ends in the Gulf of Nicoya on the Pacific Ocean, it offers you the opportunity to observe American Crocodiles with sizes over four meters long and iguanas in their natural environment, in addition to more than a hundred twenty different species of birds, resident and migratory, terrestrial and coastal. This afternoon, arrive at your hotel in San Jose. Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen (B, L, D) 

Day 10

Transfer to the airport for your flight back home. Recalling the lush landscapes, Cloud Forest, the breathtaking beaches and the sounds of the Howler Monkeys. Every moment has been an adventure filled with natural beauty, warm hospitality, and the vibrant spirit of "Pura Vida"!