Spectacular Coasts
Day 1: San José
Arrival San José, Costa Rica and transfer to Hotel Grano de Oro, a boutique hotel in a converted mansion. Overnight San José.
Day 2: Tortuguero
Hop on a morning charter flight to Tortuguero, where you'll spend the day with a local fishing expert. In the evening, watch nesting sea turtles on the coast (June-October). Spend the night at the riverfront Tortuga Lodge.
Day 3: Tortuguero
Take a morning boat or kayak tour through the national park's rivers and spend the afternoon on land wandering the forest trails with your guide. This evening, return to the beaches to spot more turtles. Overnight Tortuguero.
Day 4: Monteverde
Take a charter flight to Jacó, where you'll visit the Carara National Park and take a canopy zip line tour. Visit spectacular jungle waterfalls and visit the "frog pond" in the evening to spot hundreds of amphibians. Overnight Monteverde.
Day 5: Monteverde
Visit the Monteverde Nature Reserve, in pristine cloud forest. Spot colorful butterflies at the butterfly garden, and take a coffee tour through a nearby plantation. Overnight Monteverde.
Day 6: Arenal
Transfer to Arenal via land and boat. The active volcano can be seen spewing lava and flying rock on a daily basis. In the evening, cruise on Arenal Lake while dining on delicious cuisine. Overnight at the luxury Lost Iguana Resort, with volcano views.
Day 7: Arenal
This morning you'll visit the hanging bridges, which are suspended throughout the primary rainforest, where you can explore the flora and fauna up close, and also see the volcano from various vantage points. Visit the Doña Mireya hot springs. Overnight Arenal.
Day 8: Drake Bay
Transfer to La Fortuna Airstrip for charter flight to Palmar Sur, where you'll take a boat to La Paloma, with views to Caño Island. This is a great area for diving and snorkeling. Evening walk with the "bug lady" and overnight at the tropical chic La Paloma Lodge.
Day 9: Drake Bay
Full day snorkeling or dive trip at nearby Caño Island. Overnight Drake Bay.
Day 10: Corcovado National Park
Day trip to Corcovado National Park, one of the last remaining primary rainforest areas on the Pacific coast. Overnight Drake Bay.
Day 11:
Transfer back to San José for flight home.
