Arenal Volcano , La Fortuna |
visit a local elementary school , supported in part by Grand Circle Foundation , as well as stop by a women ’ s association followed by a Home- Hosted Lunch with a local family .
Meals : B , L , D | El Tucano Resort and Thermal Spa or similar
DAY 7 • La Fortuna • Arenal Volcano National Park
• Optional Forest Canopy Ride
Today , we travel to La Fortuna , stopping at Arenal Volcano National Park for a nature walk along the Peninsula Trail . Then , we depart for our hotel in La Fortuna , the “ front yard of the Arenal Volcano ,” a town of thermal spas and verdant hills . This afternoon is free for your own discoveries , or you can fly above the rain forest on an optional Forest Canopy Ride .
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DAY 13 • Rio Tarcoles crocodile cruise
• San José
This morning , enjoy a cruise through a mangrove forest on the Tarcoles River to discover the many ways in which mangroves contribute to their environment . Later , drive to San José and enjoy a Farewell Dinner .
Meals : B , L , D | Parque del Lago Boutique Hotel or similar
DAY 14 • Return to U . S Return to the U . S . or begin your Costa Rica ’ s Caribbean Coast : Tortuguero National Park post-trip extension .
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Meals : B |
SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA |
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Meals : B , L | Villas Eco Arenal or similar |
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River rafters , Río Sarapiquí
to a mask-making workshop . Return to San José for a Welcome Lunch followed by a panoramic city tour .
Meals : B , L | Parque del Lago Boutique Hotel or similar
DAY 3 • Explore Poás • Visit coffee finca
• Sarapiquí
Begin the day exploring the town of Poás . Then , enjoy a tour of a family-owned coffee finca , or farm , located on the fertile slopes of Poás Volcano . Later , we ’ ll depart for Sarapiquí .
Meals : B , L , D | La Quinta Sarapiquí Lodge or similar
DAY 4 • River rafting • Controversial Topic : The dangers of monoculture crops • Optional pineapple farm tour
We ’ ll drive to the nearby Río Sarapiquí for elective white-water rafting along Class I-III rapids — challenging enough to be fun , but mild enough to be enjoyed by first-timers . Later , we ’ ll discuss the dangers of monoculture during a Controversial Topic , and you ’ ll have the option to learn more in-depth about this issue during an optional tour to a pineapple farm .
Meals : B , L , D | La Quinta Sarapiquí Lodge or similar
DAY 5 • Tirimbina nature walk • Chachagua Enjoy a nature walk along the woodland trails of the Tirimbina Biological Reserve . Then , depart for Chachagua , stopping en route at a local market .
Meals : B , L , D | El Tucano Resort and Thermal Spa or similar
DAY 6 • A Day in the Life of San Juan de Peñas Blancas village • GCF visit : San Juan de Peñas Blancas school • Home-Hosted Lunch
Today , we ’ ll drive out to San Juan de Peñas Blancas to spend A Day in the Life of a Costa Rican village . We ’ ll
DAY 8 • Cruise the Río Frío Travel to the Río Frío , where we board a small boat to explore this inland waterway . Keep an eye out for birds , sloths , caimans , turtles , and butterflies during our cruise . Later , we ’ ll learn to make a typical Costa Rican bocas ( appetizer ).
Meals : B , L | Villas Eco Arenal or similar
DAY 9 • La Fortuna • Cacao farm visit • Alajuela On our way to Alajuela , we ’ ll stop at a local organic cacao farm to learn about the production of one of Costa Rica ’ s most prized agricultural products . We ’ ll arrive at our lodge in the foothills of Rincón de la Vieja Volcano by late afternoon .
Meals : B , L , D | Blue River Resort or similar
DAY 10 • Alajuela • Horseback ride to waterfall • Visit a local cantina
Today , we saddle up for an elective horseback ride that takes us through the jungle to a cascading waterfall and natural pool near our lodge . This afternoon , you can enjoy the surrounding nature trails or spend some time at your own leisure . Later , visit a local cantina for an opportunity to interact with the locals .
Meals : B , L , D | Blue River Resort or similar
DAY 11 • Pacific Coast Transfer to Puntarenas and the Pacific Coast . We ’ ll arrive at our hotel in Puntarenas later this afternoon .
Meals : B , D | Hotel Punta Leona or similar
DAY 12 • Outriggers canoe ride • Punta Leona nature reserve
Visit Agujas Beach , a protected cove where we ’ ll board an outrigger canoe to catch the spirit of pre- Columbian Costa Rica . We ’ ll disembark along the white sands of Limoncito Beach where you ’ ll have some free time . Spend the afternoon in Punta Leona ’ s private nature reserve , home to more than 300 species of bird , including the endangered scarlet macaw . Then , you may want to visit Punta Leona ’ s butterfly garden to see the rare and colorful species that reside here .
Meals : B , L , D | Hotel Punta Leona or similar
For departure dates & prices , visit www . oattravel . com / rac2024pricing
PERSONALIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS
Antigua & Tikal : Guatemala ’ s Colonial Capital and Mayan Ruins
PRE-TRIP : 5 nights from $ 1,495
Costa Rica ’ s Caribbean Coast : Tortuguero National Park
POST-TRIP : 3 nights from $ 895
ARRIVE EARLY We recommend that you relax after a long flight or explore more in depth before your trip . Prices shown include accommodations and private airport transfer .
• Arrive early in Guatemala City before your Guatemala pre-trip extension from $ 100 per room , per night
• Arrive early in San José before your main adventure from $ 100 per room , per night
Information & Reservations 1-800-955-1925 www . oattravel . com / rac 181