Costa Rica Eco Adventure End San Jose

Visit Costa Rica

Day 1

Welcome to San José

Learn the secrets of Pura Vida – Costa Rica’s inimitable zest for life that will linger throughout your effortlessly delivered encounter with a land that boasts no artificial ingredients.

This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow expeditioners for dinner.

Day 2

Discover the Natural Beauty of Tortuguero National Park Dive Into Culture Make Travel Matter

Journey to San Isidro de Heredia where you’ll Dive into Culture with master chocolatiers Julio Fernandez and George Soriano to learn about the history of chocolate and its production at this small workshop.

Then, it’s on to Siquirres where we embark on a river journey through protected wetlands and on to secluded Tortuguero, gliding through canals, lagoons and lowland rainforest. Visit the Village of Tortuguero for a culturally enriching MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience meeting Tortuguero Village pioneers and learning about their way of life. Then continue to your Stays with Stories at Laguna Lodge, where you’ll learn the story of how the lodge was built with materials that protect this biodiverse environment and natural habitat. Later, enjoy dinner at your hotel accompanied by the enchanting sounds of resident cicadas and tree frogs.

Day 3

Visit the wildlife of Tortuguero National Park

Cruise the canals and streams of the park today with a Local Specialist as howler monkeys watch from the treetops, toucans and egrets fly through the air and crocodiles ply the cool waters.

Visit the Village of Tortuguero. If you are here between July and September, take an optional tour to see the sea turtles laying eggs on the beach.

Day 4

Sample heart of palm in Tortuguero

Bid adiós to Tortuguero and head back to the mainland where we’ll enjoy lunch before meeting the Tico family for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at their palm plantation.

There you'll learn about and sample the delicate heart of palm. Tonight you'll enjoy dinner with the owners of your hotel as they prepare a special barbecue meal just for you.

Day 5

Mingle with Locals in Saripiqui Connect with Locals

Rise with the sun to get up close and personal with Costa Rica's exquisite nature during a leisurely walk.

Keep a lookout for the endangered great green macaw and connect with your beautiful natural surroundings. Embark on an optional rafting trip later this morning. We Connect With Locals this afternoon, enjoying a Be My Guest experience lunch at an eco-friendly hacienda built by the Quintana family as a retirement project. Today, it is home to an organic farm and related eco-adventures. Learn how your experience contributes to the local community. Our journey continues to Arenal Volcano, on whose slopes we spend the afternoon relaxing in our resort's beautifully landscaped thermal pools.

Day 6

Immerse in the stories of Monteverde Cloud Forest Connect with Locals

Our soul-stirring encounter with Costa Rica’s natural wonders continues after a morning at leisure.

Straddle the Continental Divide and touch the sky in Monteverde Cloud Forest, where you’ll have an opportunity to explore this biodiverse sanctuary, renowned for its collection of orchid species – more than in any other single place. Tonight, you will Dive into Culture as you meet descendants of native Quaker and a Local Specialist, who will share stories of Old Town Monteverde and delve into the history of the American Quakers who settled in the area in the 1950s. This evening, relish some of the best views as you enjoy dinner.

Day 7

Wander the Monteverde Cloud Forest

This morning, join your Travel Director for an excursion through the lush rainforests of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

Ascend to the treetops high above the jungle floor below, treading lightly along the Sky Walk suspension bridges amongst the wildlife that find sanctuary in the boughs of the surrounding canopy. As our epic eco-adventure nears its end, we share stories with newfound friends at a Farewell Dinner.

Day 8

Depart San José

Your adventure through Costa Rica comes to a close as you prepare your return home with wonderful memories.

Dining Summary

6 Dinner (D)

7 Breakfast (B)

4 Lunch (L)

Be My Guest

Sarapiqui: Visit the Quintana family's Hacienda Pozo Azul and discover how they reduce their carbon footprint and support the local community.

Dive Into Culture

San Isidro: Meet master chocolatiers, Julio Fernandez and George Soriano, to learn about the history of chocolate and how it is produced at this small workshop.

Monteverde: Meet Monteverde's Quaker descendants and Local Specialist to learn about Old Town Monteverde and the fascinating history of the American Quakers who settled in the area in the 1950s. 

Iconic Experience

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve: Walk above the jungle floor on the Sky Walk. A chain of six suspension bridges at canopy level with complete views of the forest and access to a completely different ecosystem that can only be discovered at the highest points of trees. A naturalist guide will point out intriguing plant and animal life, so you won’t miss out on any amazing details these forests offer.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Tortuguero: In the Village of Tortuguero, meet the village’s first pioneers and hear stories of what life was like in Tortuguero. You’ll also learn about all the sustainability efforts that have taken place and how the community has changed their perceptions of the environment around them.

Tortuguero National Park: Meet the Tico family at their palm plantation to learn about and sample the delicate heart of palm surrounded by tropical forest. Your experience directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Must-see Highlights

Visit Tortuguero Village, Sarapiqui

View Arenal Volcano

Explore Cocoa Farm with Master Chocolatier and explore Monteverde with Quaker pioneer descendants

Hike through Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve guided by a Local Specialist

Cruise the canals of Tortuguero National Park

Trafalgar Difference

Tortuguero: Welcome to Laguna Lodge Tortuguero, a remote 15-acre retreat which embraces the rich natural environment Costa Rica is known for. You’ll feel a part of nature among towering trees, exotic plants, and spacious gardens that host a number of birds and butterflies. Feel good knowing that the lodge itself protects this biodiverse environment by using alternate materials and structures that don’t permanently harm the land but instead preserve the natural resources you’ll come to appreciate. Take in this slice of paradise lounging by the pool, strolling in the garden or drifting off to sleep to the gentle sound of jungle rain. 

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