Affordable Costa Rica (9 Days) 

     Our journey begins in San Jose at a delightful casino hotel. You may have time for a swim or massage before dinner in one of the hotel’s gourmet restaurants as your busy schedule fades into Costa Rica’s mystical tropical paradise. (D)

     In Tortuguero Natural Park, we live in a charming jungle lodge with home comforts and vast green vistas. For two days we explore different areas of the park by boat. Floating down serpentine canals, we experience its 11 different habitats ranging from rainforests to wave-swept beaches. In this bird-watchers’ heaven, colorful toucan, great, green macaw and other tropical birds serenade jaguars, cougars and howler monkeys that live up to their name. We may spot crocodiles and giant iguanas while manatees laze in the clear waters beneath us. On the beach we can see one of the few remaining nesting sites of endangered turtles. (B, L, D both days)

     A volcano in the front yard? That’s what the village of La Fortuna boasts. So you can see its awe-inspiring cone first thing in the morning and the last thing at night, as your room for two nights has a private terrace with a view of the Arenal Volcano. In addition to the volcano, the area is rich in natural wonders. On our arrival day, we see hot springs and beautiful waterfalls, hike easy, fragrant trails, swim or just dangle our feet in shady pools fed by waterfalls and surrounded with lush, tropical greenery. The village of La Fortuna is ringed by mountains and inhabited by friendly folk whose little shops may offer the perfect memento.

There are few places on earth where you can observe an active volcano, and we will spend a day on Arenal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the Americas. Since it erupted 400 years ago, it has continued to light up the night sky. From our observation point, we feel the ground tremble and see smoke that billows from the earth’s molten core rise to join the clouds.
(Day 4: B, L; Day 5: B)

     We move on to the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. An aerial tram tour in a gondola gives us an eagle’s eye view of the rainforest and the lush hanging gardens of one of the most interesting and exuberant forests in the Americas. Tropical flowers, scenic views of waterfalls, streams, the Pacific and glimpses of wildlife combine to give you the total rainforest experience in comfort and safety.

Our resort is surrounded by 750 acres of luxuriant tropical rainforest. White-faced monkeys frolic among giant trees in this private wildlife preserve with well-tended paths. Here you will see some of the 330 species of birds, including brilliant scarlet macaws that wake you in the morning with their joyous chorus. A private white and gold sand beach rims the Pacific Ocean and invites a refreshing swim. For an unforgettable memory, stroll along the beach during one of its legendary sunsets. (B)

     Spend the next day your way. You may choose to relax on the beach, stroll through the forest or join new companions on an excursion. There will be time to swim and snooze in the sun, time to snorkel or play beach volleyball, time to venture into the forested hills. (B)

     We have a delightful wake-up call for our last full day -- Café Britt’s coffee and award-winning Coffee Plantation Tour. Professional actors and guides lead us on an entertaining multimedia stroll through the beautiful, volcano-fringed coffee fields and roasting facilities. Turn your penchant for coffee into a passion as you see how coffee moves from plantation to cup and sample coffees to select your favorite. Here, you will discover coffee’s vital role in forging Costa Rica’s democracy. The day ends back in San Jose for an evening of relaxation or festivities before tomorrow’s flight home. (B, L)

     After breakfast, transfer to San Jose Airport for flights home. (B)