8 Days / 7 Nights

Day 1: Arrive San Jose

Arrive at Juan Santamaria International airport. Meet & greet and transfer to your hotel. Overnight near Alajuela. (No meals)

Day 2: Alajuela - Sarapiqui - Arenal Volcano area (drive)

After breakfast, depart to your first destination, Sarapiqui. En route, you will visit a private coffee plantation. After Lunch there will be a Lecture on Tropical Ecology before we head to the rain forest and enjoy an Eco-Safari on the Sarapiqui river which flows along the border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua into the San Juan river and Tortuguero water canals on the Caribbean. As you explore the river's vibrant ecosystem, your guide will help spot some of the wildlife which may monkeys, iguanas, sloths, crocodiles, otters, and many bird species. Afterwards you will continue driving to the Northern plains home to home of the iconic Arenal Volcano, rising one mile above sea level overlooking Lake Arenal - undoubtedly Costa Rica's most classic destination. Some of the locations you will be driving by today where the chosen setting for Will Smith's Blockbuster movie ‘After Earth' - filmed partially in Costa Rica! Overnight in Arenal. (BL)

Day 3: Arenal Volcano area

This morning is at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities or opt for any extra excursion (for an extra cost). Later this afternoon, you will have a guided visit to Arenal Volcano and hike towards the Look-out Point from where you can see the basin of the volcano. Although currently in a quiet cycle, Arenal Volcano's main eruption was in 1968 and still remains one of the most active volcanoes in the world. From the look-out point you will be able to observe the solidified Lava site at the volcano foot hills which is an area that remains from a small eruption about in the 90's. Hope your swimsuit is handy as you will spend some time relaxing in the famous natural thermal hot-water spring pools with temperatures ranging between 98º - 107º degrees. Nature's own hot-tub! After your time at the hot springs you will return to your hotel. Overnight in Arenal. (BD)

Day 4: Arenal - Manuel Antonio - Bahia Ballena/Uvita (drive)

Today you will cross the continental divide and had down through the Central Pacific coast. Soon after departing you will stop for a guided nature walk at the Children's Ethernal Forest - Costa Rica's largest private reserve and a hot spot for biodiversity, ecotourism, bird watching, and hiking trails. Visit the unique shadow forest at Bajo del Tigre at the foot of the Monteverde mountains. Although located just a mile from the cloud forest, a drier climate means that many of the plant and animal species in Bajo del Tigre are different than those at the higher elevations towards Monteverde Cloud forest. Then, continue our journey to the Pacific coast, for another guided nature walk but this time in a completely different warmer ecosystem at Manuel Antonio National Park. Although it is the country's smallest national park, the stunning beauty and diversity of wildlife in its 683 hectares is unequaled, featuring a charming combination of rain forest, beaches and coral reefs. These beaches are amongst the most beautiful in the country, lined with lush forest. The coastal forest is home for sloths, iguanas, the rare and adorable squirrel monkeys and colorful little crabs. After some time enjoying this natural paradise and a picnic lunch by the beach, you will head to Uvita area which will be our base for the next three nights. Overnight in Ballena Bay. (BL)

Day 5: Bahia Ballena/Uvita

Morning guided visit to Ballena Marine National Park which protects 110 hectares of land and more than 13,000 acres of ocean and 9 miles of coastline. Comprised of mangrove forests, coral reefs and untouched beaches, the national park is one for travelers who want to view fragile wildlife while escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Once at the entrance to Uvita beach, you will start the walk following the the trail to the beach. . Along the trail there is a chance of seeing howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, sloths, bats, raccoons, birds including the scarlet macaws. After crossing the creek, you will walk through Punta Uvita and during low tide you may observe the famous "Tombolo" - locally known as the Whale's Tail which is a famous natural barrier reef that was created by the forces of two rivers on either side of the reef, which due to the currents has formed and maintained the shape of a whale's tail when viewed from above. After enjoying some time at the beach, you will head back to the hotel. Overnight in Ballena Bay. (BL)

Day 6: Bahia Ballena/Uvita

Today you will take a guided Boat Eco-tour on the Terraba-Sierpe Mangroves which will be another spectacular opportunity to encounter a diverse variety of wildlife as you explore one of the largest mangrove wetland ecosystem in Central America - the Terraba-Sierpe mangrove consists of a network of water canals and different type of mangrove tress including the white, black, red, cat and pineapple mangroves which are home to a great variety of flora and fauna including birds such as Herons, Egrets, Ospreys, Scarlet Macaws; and the four species of monkeys found in Costa Rica - the White-Faced, Howler, Spider and Squirrel monkeys. Often seen are also crocodiles, basilisks and iguanas! Before returning to the hotel, you will visit an often under seen archaeological site which features a collection of the intriguing Stone spheres which are considered Out-of-Place Artifacts as although their origins and purpose have been lost in history, they are part of a mystery that suggest high-tech Prehistoric Civilizations may have existed. Scientists estimate the majority of stones date back to 12 thousand years. With a diameter of up to 7 feet and weights that ca reach 16 tons, these ancient stone spheres of Costa Rica were made world-famous by the opening sequence of "Raiders of the Lost Ark," when a mockup of one of the mysterious relics nearly crushed Indiana Jones. Overnight in Ballena Bay. (BL)

Day 7: Bahia Ballena/Uvita - San Jose (drive)

Journey back to San Jose visitig a tropical spice farm which features 27 acres of agriculture land and their cash crops include the plantation's major crop - vanilla. Native to Central America and Mexico, it is also the second most expensive flavoring agent and the reason for its high cost is the labor-intensive nature of vanilla cultivation and processing. This stop is a great opportunity to purchase organic real vanilla, cinnamon, cacao, black or white pepper and turmeric. You will continue your journey back to the Central Valley and visit a private Costa Rican ranch for a traditional culinary class and learn how to make authentic Latin American treats such as tortillas, empanadas and the typical Latin favorite - Tamal! Traditionally, making tamales is an all-day affair. That's why Costa Rican families reserve them for special occasions such as Christmas. After your hard work, enjoy a tamale feast before continuing to your hotel where you will stay the last night. Farewell Dinner. (BLD)

Day 8: Depart San Jose

Transfer to Juan Santamaria international Airport in time for your return flight. (B)