Discover Costa Rica

Day 1: San Jose to Cartago - Welcome to Costa Rica!
Upon arrival at San Jose International Airport, you will be met and greeted by your AAW guide and driver and transferred in a private vehicle to the region of Cartago, which lies to the southeast of San Jose (25 minutes). Cartago, a city rich in history and culture, was the first capital of Costa Rica, though it lost this title to San Jose in 1823 due to its proximity to the Irazu Volcano. This area provides a flashback in time, with ruins dating back to the 16th century and villages filled with old adobe houses and colorful wooden buildings. After your arrival, you will settle into your accommodations and have your guide and driver at your disposal for anything you desire. (No Meals)

Day 2: Pacuare River - Pacuare River Rafting Adventure
After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, you will begin your two-day adventure on the Pacuare River, which was named by National Geographic as one of the top five most beautiful rivers to raft on in the world. Along your journey, you will see lush vegetation, waterfalls, pools, and a pristine rainforest filled with wildlife, such as jaguars, sloths, and monkeys. You will be rafting along exhilarating class II-III rapids for two to three hours, with the opportunity to stop and explore the nearby canyons and wilderness. Once you get off the river, you will spend the night at the award-winning Pacuare Lodge in river-facing rooms. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Pacuare River to Arenal - River Rafting & Arenal Volcano
After waking to the sounds of the jungle birds singing, you will continue your adventure, rafting on thrilling class III-IV rapids for two to three hours. Once your trip has concluded, you will be privately transferred to Arenal. The evening will be spent relaxing in the hot springs and enjoying the breathtaking scenery of one of the most active volcanoes in the world. You will be able to hear Arenal Volcano’s deep rumbling and hopefully witness an explosion that will send red-hot lava rocks tumbling down its steep slopes.  (B, L)

Day 4: Arenal - Rural Tourism Project
Today you will have the incredible opportunity to travel to rural Costa Rica, experiencing life as the locals do. On a beautiful rainforest hike, you will explore waterfalls and observe many different types of wildlife. You will go fishing with a local family and even cook your catch for dinner! After eating with your hosts and learning about their way of life, you will be transferred back to Arenal for the night, with time to enjoy the hot springs if you wish. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Arenal - ATV & Zip-Lining Adventure
After breakfast, you will enjoy an ATV ride around Arenal, exploring the beauty of the area on hidden trails only accessible by ATV. You will visit a beautiful waterfall, cool off in a natural swimming hole, and pass by lush banana, avocado, and black pepper plantations. You will then let your Costa Rican experience be taken to new heights as you soar through the jungle canopy on zip-lines! You will fly through the primary jungle canopy on suspension cables, accompanied by your bilingual guides and with safety spotters on each platform. From this vantage point, you will experience the jungle on a whole new level! 
After your day of activities, you will enjoy a leisurely drive in your private car to the tranquil beach community of Nosara, a haven for both beach and nature lovers. Though it’s right on the ocean, you will still feel like you are in the jungle in this lush and shady city. (B)

Day 6: Arenal to Nosara - Explore Nosara
You have today free to choose from the plethora of activities offered in this natural paradise, including fishing, scuba diving, or horseback riding on the beach. (B)

Day 7: Nosara - Surfing & Biking
Nosara, though famous for its beauty, is also famous for its consistent waves. This morning, you will be able to experience them firsthand on a private three-hour surf lesson. Then, spend your afternoon exploring hidden beaches on a bike ride around the area. (B)

Day 8: Nosara to Monteverde - Discover Monteverde
In the morning, you will be transferred in your private car to Monteverde.  The afternoon is free for you to relax or have your guides show you around the quaint towns of Monteverde and Santa Elena. Monteverde, Spanish for “green mountain,” is one of the most popular eco-tourism destinations in Costa Rica, and for good reason. The spectacular Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve covers over 25,000 acres and is home to more than 2,500 species of plants, including 400 types of orchids, 400 species of birds, and 100 species of mammals. Exploring this beautiful and mysterious area feels like walking in a grandiose green cathedral, with majestically tall trees festooned with orchids, bromeliads, ferns, vines, and mosses. If you’re lucky, you may even spot the elusive quetzal bird, thought to be the “god of the air” by the Mayan and Aztec people for its iridescent green feathers. (B)

Day 9: Monteverde - Full Day at Selvatura
Today, you will spend your entire day exploring the natural wonders of Selvatura, a park covering over 850 acres of protected land and offering an array of natural activities, including a 100-bird hummingbird garden, an enormous enclosed 50-species mariposario (butterfly garden), a herpetario (frog and reptile house) and the world's largest private insect collection. Enjoy a thrilling zip-line canopy tour, as well as the hanging bridges, a series of treetop walkways that will allow you to view the jungle from a whole new perspective at your own pace.  Your guide will accompany you and provide in-depth explanations about all the amazing flora and fauna that surround you. (B)

Day 10: Monteverde to San Jose - Return Flight Home
After breakfast, you will be transferred in your private vehicle to the San Jose Airport to catch your flight home. (B)