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Costa Rica's Natural Heritage

From $4,181
total price from Miami
$3,795 air & land inclusive plus $386 airline taxes and fees
Tour Days
11 days
Tour Membership
12-18 guests
Pre-Tour Option

Physical Activity Level:

Overview

In this small Central American democracy kissed by nature, our small group discovers a nation’s wealth in four distinct regions, from cloud forest to rainforest and Central Valley to Pacific Coast.  As Costa Rica presents its staggering display of biodiversity – pristine landscapes, unique microclimates, exotic flora and fauna – we enjoy a relaxed yet comprehensive exploration that celebrates the country’s wide-ranging natural resources.

Tour Details

Costa Rica's Natural Heritage

From $4,181

total price from Miami
$3,795 air & land inclusive plus $386 airline taxes and fees

Tour Days
11 days

Tour Membership
12-18 guests

Optional Extension

Physical Activity Level:

Tour Days
11 days

Tour Membership
12-18 guests

Optional Extension

Physical Activity Level:

Overview

In this small Central American democracy kissed by nature, our small group discovers a nation’s wealth in four distinct regions, from cloud forest to rainforest and Central Valley to Pacific Coast.  As Costa Rica presents its staggering display of biodiversity – pristine landscapes, unique microclimates, exotic flora and fauna – we enjoy a relaxed yet comprehensive exploration that celebrates the country’s wide-ranging natural resources.

Small Group Highlights

  • Irazú Volcano excursion
  • Doka Coffee Estate
  • Carrizal’s Botanical Orchid Garden
  • Visit with schoolchildren
  • Ecocentro Danaus Biological Reserve
  • Arenal hanging bridges guided walk
  • Night viewing of Arenal Volcano
  • Monteverde Cloud Forest biological reserve
  • Tempisque River float safari
  • Three-night Guanacaste stay at a beachfront resort

Day-by-Day Itinerary

B
= Breakfast Included
L
= Lunch Included
D
= Dinner Included
1
Depart for San Jose, Costa Rica
Depart for San Jose, Costa Rica

We arrive in the Costa Rican capital and transfer to our hotel located in the Escazu area outside the city.  This afternoon and evening are at leisure.

We arrive in the Costa Rican capital and transfer to our hotel located in the Escazu area outside the city.  This afternoon and evening are at leisure.

2
San Jose
B
L
D
B
L
D
San Jose

After meeting our Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director and fellow travelers at this morning’s breakfast briefing, we embark on an excursion to Irazú National Park, whose active volcano last erupted in 1994.  At 11,260 feet, Irazú stands as Costa Rica’s  tallest volcano, as well as its largest; and presents a spectacle of nature, as it rises from a flat, bare landscape coated in ash.  We return to our hotel late this afternoon; tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner there.

After meeting our Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director and fellow travelers at this morning’s breakfast briefing, we embark on an excursion to Irazú National Park, whose active volcano last erupted in 1994.  At 11,260 feet, Irazú stands as Costa Rica’s  tallest volcano, as well as its largest; and presents a spectacle of nature, as it rises from a flat, bare landscape coated in ash.  We return to our hotel late this afternoon; tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner there.

3
San Jose/Arenal Region
B
L
D
B
L
D
San Jose/Arenal Region

We leave this morning bound for the Arenal region, passing picturesque villages along the way.  We stop at the Doka Coffee Estate, located on the fertile slopes of Poás Volcano, where we learn about coffee making and Costa Rica’s coffee crop, one of the country’s largest exports.  Continuing on, we stop in Carrizal at the family-owned Botanical Orchid Garden, with tropical trails, exhibits, nurseries, and gardens all dedicated to the wondrous orchid plant.  After time to explore here, we travel on to Arenal and our hotel, which offers magnificent views of Arenal Volcano and where we dine tonight.

We leave this morning bound for the Arenal region, passing picturesque villages along the way.  We stop at the Doka Coffee Estate, located on the fertile slopes of Poás Volcano, where we learn about coffee making and Costa Rica’s coffee crop, one of the country’s largest exports.  Continuing on, we stop in Carrizal at the family-owned Botanical Orchid Garden, with tropical trails, exhibits, nurseries, and gardens all dedicated to the wondrous orchid plant.  After time to explore here, we travel on to Arenal and our hotel, which offers magnificent views of Arenal Volcano and where we dine tonight.

4
Arenal Region
B
L
D
B
L
D
Arenal Region

This morning we visit a local elementary school to enjoy a cultural exchange with the children and learn about Costa Rica’s vaunted educational ­system – the country boasts a literacy rate of more than 95%.  We continue on to Ecocentro Danaus, a biological reserve focused on conservation, environmental education, and sustainability.  A series of trails winds through the secondary forest, where we see diverse flora, including orchids, bromelia, and heliconia, along with some of the preserve’s 150 species of birds, sloths, and bats, among other fauna.  Highlights include a butterfly farm with 30 different species and a natural water spring that attracts waterfowl, alligators, and iguana.  Later today there’s time for more volcano viewing before and after dinner from a comfortable perch at our hotel.

This morning we visit a local elementary school to enjoy a cultural exchange with the children and learn about Costa Rica’s vaunted educational ­system – the country boasts a literacy rate of more than 95%.  We continue on to Ecocentro Danaus, a biological reserve focused on conservation, environmental education, and sustainability.  A series of trails winds through the secondary forest, where we see diverse flora, including orchids, bromelia, and heliconia, along with some of the preserve’s 150 species of birds, sloths, and bats, among other fauna.  Highlights include a butterfly farm with 30 different species and a natural water spring that attracts waterfowl, alligators, and iguana.  Later today there’s time for more volcano viewing before and after dinner from a comfortable perch at our hotel.

5
Arenal Region
B
B
Arenal Region

On this morning’s visit to Arenal’s Mistico hanging bridges, we have the special opportunity to experience the rainforest from the canopy level as we traverse a series of five suspension bridges high above the forest floor.  While we observe the rainforest from a unique perspective, our naturalist guide will point out some of the flora and fauna that thrive here.  Then we return to our hotel, where the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax amidst the beautiful grounds and thermal waters.  Lunch and dinner today are on our own.

On this morning’s visit to Arenal’s Mistico hanging bridges, we have the special opportunity to experience the rainforest from the canopy level as we traverse a series of five suspension bridges high above the forest floor.  While we observe the rainforest from a unique perspective, our naturalist guide will point out some of the flora and fauna that thrive here.  Then we return to our hotel, where the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax amidst the beautiful grounds and thermal waters.  Lunch and dinner today are on our own.

6
Arenal Region/Monteverde Cloud Forest
B
D
B
D
Arenal Region/Monteverde Cloud Forest

We travel today to the “green cathedral” of Monteverde.  En route, we stop to visit a nonprofit handicrafts cooperative dedicated to enhancing the economic and social well-being of local women artists.  After lunch on our own in Santa Elena, we continue on to our hotel, arriving late afternoon.  We dine tonight at a local restaurant in Monteverde.

We travel today to the “green cathedral” of Monteverde.  En route, we stop to visit a nonprofit handicrafts cooperative dedicated to enhancing the economic and social well-being of local women artists.  After lunch on our own in Santa Elena, we continue on to our hotel, arriving late afternoon.  We dine tonight at a local restaurant in Monteverde.

7
Monteverde
B
L
D
B
L
D
Monteverde

This morning we embark on a guided walk through Monteverde’s biological reserve, learning about the amazing biodiversity in this relatively small area.  After lunch together, we visit the Monteverde Bat Jungle to learn about Costa Rica’s diverse – and important – bat population.  Late this afternoon we return to our hotel for time at leisure before visiting with a local resident who will share stories of how Quakers have influenced the region, including their founding of Monteverde’s biological reserve. We dine together this evening.

This morning we embark on a guided walk through Monteverde’s biological reserve, learning about the amazing biodiversity in this relatively small area.  After lunch together, we visit the Monteverde Bat Jungle to learn about Costa Rica’s diverse – and important – bat population.  Late this afternoon we return to our hotel for time at leisure before visiting with a local resident who will share stories of how Quakers have influenced the region, including their founding of Monteverde’s biological reserve. We dine together this evening.

8
Monteverde/Guanacaste
B
L
D
B
L
D
Monteverde/Guanacaste

We depart by coach this morning for Guanacaste, Costa Rica’s stunning northwest Pacific coastal region.  After a stop for lunch, we reach our resort hotel overlooking the Pacific mid-afternoon.

We depart by coach this morning for Guanacaste, Costa Rica’s stunning northwest Pacific coastal region.  After a stop for lunch, we reach our resort hotel overlooking the Pacific mid-afternoon.

9
Guanacaste
B
L
B
L
Guanacaste

A float safari on the Tempisque River highlights this morning’s excursion to the Palo Verde region, which is both an extraordinary wetland and also one of the world’s last tropical dry forests.  In this unique ecosystem, we can expect to see abundant bird- and wildlife, including monkeys, iguanas, and caimans.  After lunch together, we return to our hotel mid-afternoon, with the remainder of the day at leisure along one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful Pacific Coast settings.

A float safari on the Tempisque River highlights this morning’s excursion to the Palo Verde region, which is both an extraordinary wetland and also one of the world’s last tropical dry forests.  In this unique ecosystem, we can expect to see abundant bird- and wildlife, including monkeys, iguanas, and caimans.  After lunch together, we return to our hotel mid-afternoon, with the remainder of the day at leisure along one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful Pacific Coast settings.

10
Guanacaste
B
D
B
D
Guanacaste

Today is at leisure to enjoy the beautiful beach and other amenities of our hotel, including an outdoor infinity pool.  Optional activities include kayaking, hiking, or visiting the lively town of Tamarindo.  This evening we gather at a farewell dinner to celebrate our Costa Rican adventure.

Today is at leisure to enjoy the beautiful beach and other amenities of our hotel, including an outdoor infinity pool.  Optional activities include kayaking, hiking, or visiting the lively town of Tamarindo.  This evening we gather at a farewell dinner to celebrate our Costa Rican adventure.

11
Depart for U.S.
B
B
Depart for U.S.

We transfer to the airport this morning for our return flights to the U.S.

We transfer to the airport this morning for our return flights to the U.S.

Tour Price Includes

  • Round-trip air transportation from listed cities
  • 10 nights’ accommodations in Superior First Class and First Class hotels
  • 23 meals: 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
  • Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees
  • Services of an expert Costa Rican naturalist as your Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
  • Private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip
  • Luggage handling for one bag per person
  • Gratuities for dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers
  • $100 frequent traveler credit towards your next Odysseys Unlimited tour ($200 after 3 tours; $300 after 10 tours)

Average Daily High by Month (°F )

  Jan Feb Mar Apr Oct Nov Dec
San Jose 75 76 79 79 77 77 75
Guanacaste 88 89 89 90 84 85 87

Average Temperature (°F )

  Jan Feb Mar Apr Oct Nov Dec
San Jose 75 76 79 79 77 77 75
Guanacaste 88 89 89 90 84 85 87

Dates & Prices

Please wait while we retrieve this information.

Pre-Tour Option

Tortuguero National Park

4 days, 3 nights
From
$895
+ $195 Single Supplement

Tortuguero National Park

4 days, 3 nights
From
$895
+ $195 Single Supplement

Encounter exceptional biodiversity, from rainforest to marsh, where fresh water meets the sea to form canals, lagoons, and wetlands; and also to provide an important turtle nesting reserve. An ecological tour de force!

Pre-Tour Option Price Includes

  • Round-trip transfers San Jose/Tortuguero by van and boat
  • 3 nights’ accommodations: 1 night in San Jose at InterContinental Costa Rica (Superior First Class); 2 nights in Tortuguero National Park at Mawamba Lodge (First Class)
  • 8 meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
  • Included sightseeing: Tortuguero town and Sea Turtle Conservancy; two boat safaris along the Tortuguero canals
  • Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
  • Gratuities for dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers.

Accommodations

Tour Directors

Olivier Esquivel

“We cannot praise Ollie enough! He was delightful, knowledgeable, unbelievably helpful, and he is an incredible ambassador for both Costa Rica (which he obviously loves) and Odysseys.”

Peg & Ray Dutcher
Wellesley, MA

Olman Vargas

“Don’t let go of Olman Vargas. He is a gem of a tour director; passionate about his country and his work. He is beyond outstanding.”

Stephanie Belvedere
Pine, AZ

Odir Morales

“You have a reputation for excellent tour directors, and certainly Odir fits easily into this category. He is knowledgeable, articulate, organized, and caring.”

David Jacobsohn
Rockville, MD

Herman Medford

“[Herman’s] knowledge about all we saw and the history of Costa Rica was amazing! Sense of humor and a caring nature, spirituality, and kindness describes Herman – lucky you!”

Dr. & Mrs. W.R. Blevins
St. Thomas, KY

Allan Oporta

“Allan deserves a rating beyond ‘excellent’! His knowledge and obvious love for his country was amazing. He was in a perpetually good mood and so helpful at all times.”

Richard & Donna DeFrancesco
Lynnwood, WA

Dennis Saenz

"I simply can’t say enough good things about Dennis: knowledgeable, personable, cheerful, kind, compassionate, and attentive don’t even begin to cover everything. Simply exceptional in every way."

Rex Matthews
Decatur, GA

Oliver Acosta

“Oliver was outstanding as a tour director in every way! He was very professional, knowledgeable, efficient, thoughtful, had good communication skills, and was enjoyable to be with!”

Jane Jenkins
Dubuque, IA

Jose Barquero

“So calm, helpful, and knowledgeable. He provided great information, but wasn’t intrusive. He checked in frequently to see how we were doing.”

Kate Murphy
Dansville, NY

Randall Obsney

“Randall’s love for and knowledge about Costa Rica was extraordinary. He was efficient in making arrangements and making sure they were carried out.”

Lisa Keir
Reisterstown, MD

Tour Directors

Dennis Saenz

"I simply can’t say enough good things about Dennis: knowledgeable, personable, cheerful, kind, compassionate, and attentive don’t even begin to cover everything. Simply exceptional in every way."

Rex Matthews
Decatur, GA

Randall Obsney

“Randall’s love for and knowledge about Costa Rica was extraordinary. He was efficient in making arrangements and making sure they were carried out.”

Lisa Keir
Reisterstown, MD

Allan Oporta

“Allan deserves a rating beyond ‘excellent’! His knowledge and obvious love for his country was amazing. He was in a perpetually good mood and so helpful at all times.”

Richard & Donna DeFrancesco
Lynnwood, WA

Oliver Acosta

“Oliver was outstanding as a tour director in every way! He was very professional, knowledgeable, efficient, thoughtful, had good communication skills, and was enjoyable to be with!”

Jane Jenkins
Dubuque, IA

Olivier Esquivel

“We cannot praise Ollie enough! He was delightful, knowledgeable, unbelievably helpful, and he is an incredible ambassador for both Costa Rica (which he obviously loves) and Odysseys.”

Peg & Ray Dutcher
Wellesley, MA

Olman Vargas

“Don’t let go of Olman Vargas. He is a gem of a tour director; passionate about his country and his work. He is beyond outstanding.”

Stephanie Belvedere
Pine, AZ

Herman Medford

“[Herman’s] knowledge about all we saw and the history of Costa Rica was amazing! Sense of humor and a caring nature, spirituality, and kindness describes Herman – lucky you!”

Dr. & Mrs. W.R. Blevins
St. Thomas, KY

Odir Morales

“You have a reputation for excellent tour directors, and certainly Odir fits easily into this category. He is knowledgeable, articulate, organized, and caring.”

David Jacobsohn
Rockville, MD

Jose Barquero

“So calm, helpful, and knowledgeable. He provided great information, but wasn’t intrusive. He checked in frequently to see how we were doing.”

Kate Murphy
Dansville, NY

Destination Insights

Exploring...

Recommended Books & Films

Exploring...

Guest Photos & Testimonials

Saw things from flora to fauna that I'd only see in Costa Rica. Great tours and great guides. The entire trip was outstanding. This is a beautiful country and I believe we saw the best of it.
Katherine Sullivan & Michael Foley
Greeley, CO
Great guide, beautiful hotels, and some wonderful experiences…especially the float safari and the hanging bridges Sky Walk.
Constance Hokanson
Seattle, WA
Our guide was excellent. Tour was well planned, giving us the opportunity to experience diverse regions of Costa Rica.
Michelle Little
Wakefield, RI
Having traveled around the world, I have to say this was one of the most interesting and fun [trips] I’ve been on. I highly recommend this tour to others.
Darleen Baldinelli
Bowie, MD
Saw things from flora to fauna that I'd only see in Costa Rica. Great tours and great guides. The entire trip was outstanding. This is a beautiful country and I believe we saw the best of it.
Katherine Sullivan & Michael Foley
Greeley, CO
Great guide, beautiful hotels, and some wonderful experiences…especially the float safari and the hanging bridges Sky Walk.
Constance Hokanson
Seattle, WA
Our guide was excellent. Tour was well planned, giving us the opportunity to experience diverse regions of Costa Rica.
Michelle Little
Wakefield, RI
Having traveled around the world, I have to say this was one of the most interesting and fun [trips] I’ve been on. I highly recommend this tour to others.
Darleen Baldinelli
Bowie, MD
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET

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