Costa Rica North and South: National Parks, Wildlife & Hot Springs

Feel the warm air hit your face as you step out of the plane in Costa Rica. Fall into the pace of the traffic and beeping car horns as you take in the sights and sounds of this vibrant Central American country en route to the city centre. We welcome you to San José, and while technically not quite in the jungle just yet, we invite you to embrace all of the new and exciting things that await.

Arrive to Costa Rica at any time and transfer to the hotel. Meet your fellow group members at the welcome meeting in the evening and get all the important information about the adventure ahead. Afterwards, head to a nearby restaurant for a delicious welcome dinner with new friends.

TRANSPORT: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

ACTIVITY: EVENING Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

See the landscape dramatically change as you head out of the city and through the lush Braulio Carrillo National Park en route to the coast. Before long you'll be gliding through the canals of Tortuguero in a kayak, keeping a lookout for tropical birds, reptiles and monkeys that call this place home. Settle into the comfortable lodge for the night and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle.

Travel by minibus and boat from San José to Tortuguero National Park. After lunch, take the first of 2 kayaking excursions to the nearby canals to spot wildlife.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

TRANSPORT: Sit back and relax as you travel by boat from La Pavona to the lodge in Tortuguero.

FREE TIME: EVENING Spend a free evening relaxing before dinner at the lodge. Enjoy the various amenities on the property.

ACTIVITY: Grab a paddle and prepare to witness a parade of tropical birds, reptiles, and mammals as you kayak through the black water canals of Tortuguero. Scan the trees for toucans, watch the shores for caimans, otters, iguanas, frogs, and look up to see monkeys sharing space with sloths. Bring your binoculars and bug spray. Be prepared for hot, humid, and possibly wet weather.

Wake early and prepare for more exploration of Tortuguero's waterways to spot wildlife. Catch the light glinting off of a Morpho butterfly's blazing blue wings as you paddle along the canals and listen to the calls of the forest. In the evening, you could take an excursion to visit the nesting grounds of green and leatherback turtles for which the national park was named, and perhaps spot the females laying eggs on the beach (seasonal, July to October).

Take an optional morning boat safari to spot wildlife at dawn when things are most active. After breakfast head out again by kayak to explore some of the secondary canals and waterways. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to visit the nearby town or to relax by the pool.

ACTIVITY: Hop back into a kayak and set off onto the calm morning waters to explore some secondary canals and waterways in the national park. Try to spot wildlife like, tropical birds, reptiles, and mammals as the sun warms the day. Keep watch for toucans, monkeys and sloths in the canopy above you as you glide through the water.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON The afternoon is free for optional activities in the area or to take advantage of the amenities at the lodge. Later in the evening opt to visit a turtle nesting ground (seasonal, July to October).

Leaving the coast behind, we'll head inland with a stop at a G Adventures-supported coffee cooperative along the way. Learn all about how coffee is harvested and produced as you sip a delicious cup of one of Costa Rica's most tasty indulgences. Stretch your legs and soak in the scenery on a walk to a nearby waterfall before a typical lunch and then continue onwards towards the iconic and active Arenal Volcano, unmissable in the distance as you approach.Travel by boat and bus from Arenal to La Fortuna with a stop en route at a coffee cooperative. Arrive to La Fortuna in the late afternoon and enjoy a free evening to choose from one of the many great restaurants or join the CEO at their local favourite.TRANSPORT: Enjoy the scenery on the drive from Tortuguero to La Fortuna with a stop along the way to Mi Cafecito.TRANSPORT: Climb aboard and get your float on.

Today is all about you. Fly through the lush forest canopy on a series of zip-lines and platforms or go on a canyoning excursion, rappelling down waterfalls and swimming in the refreshing pools. Whichever option you choose, your muscles will appreciate a soak in the restorative thermal springs and waterfalls of Tabacón Resort, a luxurious and relaxing way to spend the evening.

Choose from either zip-lining or canyoning in the morning with an included lunch afterwards. Free afternoon to relax or head to Tabacón hot springs early with the day pass and have dinner at the resort before returning to the hotel.

ACTIVITY: Option 1: Soar through the lush jungle forest on ziplines and enjoy the views from the canopy.

Option 2: Go canyoning and rappel down the sides of waterfalls and swim in the cool, refreshing pools.

Both excursions will last 4 hours and begin and end at the hotel in La Fortuna.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Enjoy a free afternoon and evening at the hotel in La Fortuna. Relax or find some hot springs to soak in and let the day pass luxuriously.

ACTIVITY: Indulge yourself and soak those weary muscles in Costa Rica's largest network of naturally flowing thermal springs surrounded by beautiful gardens. Move from pool to pool of varying temperatures and with cascading waterfalls and get revitalized with the mineral water, naturally heated by the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy a delicious dinner before returning to the hotel.

Start the morning high up in the forest canopy, strolling a series of hanging bridges and witnessing the environment come alive from the treetops to the rainforest floor below. See Costa Rica's incredible diversity on full display and keep your eyes out for colourful toucans, hummingbirds and other residents of this lush magical natural world.

Visit the hanging bridges en route to Rio Celeste, arriving in time for lunch. Free afternoon to relax or to do optional activities from the hotel before dinner.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Travel to the Mistico Hanging Bridges complex and try to spot wildlife from the canopy. Walk along the bridges during a 2.5 hour guided tour of the complex before continuing on to Rio Celeste. The drive from the hotel in La Fortuna to this spot is 30 minutes by private vehicle.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Spend a free afternoon on your own at the Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel. Walk the trails around the property or lounge by the pool in serene surroundings.

Local legend has it that when God was finished painting the sky, the brush used was washed in the river of Volcán Tenorio National Park. Hike through the rainforest along jungle trails, keeping an eye out for birds and wildlife before reaching the spectacular blue waterfall of Rio Celeste.Transfer to the entrance of Volcán Tenorio National Park and hike to Rio Celeste Waterfall. Free afternoon for optional activities from the hotel before a farewell dinner in the evening.ACTIVITY: North of Lake Arenal lies another spectacular protected area called Volcán Tenorio National Park. We'll set off on foot from the main entrance and hike along jungle trails and down a series of stairways to the brilliantly blue Rio Celeste Waterfall. Take in the scenery and watch for wildlife like monkeys and birds in the canopy above before hiking out on the same trail.FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Travel 15 minutes back to your hotel in Rio Celeste and enjoy a free afternoon for optional activities like, tubing or horseback riding.

Get to know Costa Rica's capital city like a local today as you set off by bike to explore the sights and to stimulate the senses. Discover some of San José's history and architecture in the downtown area while also visiting some local favourite spots and hidden neighbourhood gems along the way with stops for typical snacks and coffee.

Travel from Rio Celeste to San José by minibus and have lunch at a local restaurant near the hotel. In the afternoon set off to explore the city by bicycle and on foot with a local guide before meeting up in the evening for dinner.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Explore the city's rich history, architecture, and vibrant culture on two wheels. We'll introduce you to some of our favorite local spots and treat you to delicious empanadas and specialty coffee. Some of the places we'll visit are the National Theater, Barrio Otoya, Barrio Amón, and the Barrio Escalante among others. Stroll through the charming streets of these neighborhoods, and explore other hidden treasures like the Parque Nacional, Parque España, and Parque Morazán. Revel in the natural beauty of these parks, each with its own distinctive charm and allure.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Take advantage of a free afternoon in San Jose to explore the area or relax at a nearby cafe.

Swap the big city energy for stunning natural beauty as you take in the breathtaking views from the walking trails at Irazú Volcano, the highest active volcano in the country. If you're extremely lucky and the skies are clear it is possible to see both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts from the top. The evening provides a respite from the hustle and bustle as you settle into a wellness eco-camp at the foot of Chirripó Mountain, an ideal place to connect with nature and with your senses.Travel from San José to the Chirripó Mountain area with a stop at Irazú Volcano before continuing to the eco-camp glamping retreat for the evening.ACTIVITY: Travel from San Jose to the lush forest of the Irazú Volcano area and go for a hike along the trails near the volcano. Make stops at viewpoints along the route for photos.TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle on the transfer to Kinkará eco-camp.TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Freedom and choice are the order of the day to get the most out of this incredible part of the country. The nearby Cloudbridge Nature Reserve offers hiking and wildlife-spotting opportunities while closer to camp provides a waterfall hike with a swim and yoga. Allow the landscapes, movement and environment to revitalize your body and mind.Choose either a wildlife excursion or a waterfall hike and yoga before lunch at the eco-camp. Enjoy a free afternoon for relaxing, on-site wellness activities, or to explore the trails around the camp on foot.FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Spend a free afternoon enjoying the wellness amenities and optional activities at your camp in the Mount Chirripó area.ACTIVITY: Option 1: With plenty of wildlife in the area, the nearby Cloudbridge Nature Reserve is perfect for a morning excursion. Hike and explore the jungle environment searching for birds, mammals, and reptiles. Option 2: Remain closer to camp and embark on a waterfall hike with a refreshing swim. Afterwards return to the hotel and take a relaxing yoga class. Allow the serene landscapes and flowing movement revitalize your mind and body.

The Osa Peninsula is Costa Rica's final frontier, home to vast wilderness, wildlife and incredible diversity, and it will be our playground for the next couple of days. The journey south provides continuously changing landscapes until reaching the pristine coastal rainforest and stretches of wild ocean as far as the eye can see.Travel south to the town of Puerto Jimenez. Take an orientation walk around town with the CEO followed by an optional walk to the nearby beach.FREE TIME: Free time to lounge in paradise.ACTIVITY: Head out with your CEO on an orientation walk of the area. Take in the vast wildness of the Osa Peninsula.TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Set off on an unforgettable expedition into the wilds of Corcovado National Park, a natural treasure of Costa Rica. One of the most biodiverse places on the planet, we will venture in and out by boat to head into the park on foot in search of an array of tropical birds and wildlife like toucans, monkeys and the elusive jaguar. When you hear the distinctive call, turn your eyes skyward to catch a glimpse of colourful macaws, usually flying in pairs and gleaming in the sun.

Embark on a full-day hiking and wildlife excursion into Corcovado National Park with a local naturalist guide.

ACTIVITY: Spend the day in Corcovado National Park on a hiking and wildlife-spotting excursion with a naturalist guide. Begin with a boat transfer to the entrance and look for wildlife and admire the jungle scenery in one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. After, venture back into the park on foot and look up into the trees for tropical birds. Board a boat transfer back to the hotel.

Beautiful beaches and small towns dot the Pacific coastline from north to south, with hidden coves and surf breaks coming into sight as you round each corner. Take in the sweeping views and hike to a waterfall before descending down to one of Costa Rica's most well-known gems at Manuel Antonio National Park.

Travel from the Osa Peninsula to Manuel Antonio National Park with a stop en route for a hike, swim and a typical rural lunch.

FREE TIME: EVENING Spend a free evening in Manuel Antonio and grab dinner on your own.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Corcovado and Manuel Antonio. Enjoy a stop at the Santa Juana Lodge along the way.

ACTIVITY: Stop at the Santa Juana Lodge to walk the jungle trails around the property and end at a waterfall where you will have time to go for a swim. Enjoy a delicious typical Costa Rican lunch at the lodge with views over the tropical mountain jungle landscape and the Pacific coastline before continuing on to Manuel Antonio.

Wildlife, birds and natural beauty abound as you head into Manuel Antonio National Park to walk the coastal jungle trails. Embrace the slower pace like the resident sloths of the forest to appreciate the lush environment packed with wildlife before settling on one of the park's idyllic beaches for a swim.Take a half-day excursion into Manuel Antonio National Park with a naturalist guide. Free afternoon for relaxing at the beach and optional activities before a farewell dinner in the evening.FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Free afternoon for optional activities in the Manuel Antonio area.ACTIVITY: Pack your sunscreen, snack, beach shoes, and prepare for a great day in Costa Rica’s smallest yet no less stunning national park. Manual Antonio offers four white-sand beaches, separated by jagged rock outcrops and tidal pools. Swim, snorkel, surf, and sunbathe. When you’re all beached out, head to the shade of the nearby hiking trails to search for sloths, monkeys, and armadillos. Climb to the lookout to capture views of the pristine Pacific Ocean and the area’s off-shore islands.

Leave the coast behind and relive the memories on the return to San Jose and on the onward travels home.

Two departure shuttles will be provided from the Manuel Antonio hotel directly to the San José airport, where the tour ends on arrival.

Additional Information: Please note: Departing flights should be booked no earlier than 3pm.

ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.