Our Private Week in Costa Rica With Monteverde

Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to the deluxe Grano de Oro, an award-winning boutique hotel set in a restored Victorian mansion in the heart of the capital.

After an early breakfast, we'll take you to the airport for your flight to Tortuguero, where you'll meet your private boat which will take you to the Manatus Hotel. With only 12 air-conditioned rooms, our boutique hotel is the finest in the region. You can take some time this morning to relax by the pool or explore the lush garden grounds of our hotel. After lunch, join other Manatus guests for a guided tour of Tortuguero, a small village that offers a glimpse into daily life along Costa Rica’s lush Caribbean coast. Meals B+L+D

Often referred to as “The Amazon of Costa Rica,” Tortuguero is a verdant tropical wetland filled with exotic flora and fauna waiting to be discovered. Spectacled caiman, Southern River otter, a variety of freshwater turtles, and West Indian manatee are among the marine creatures that inhabit these waterways. Along the shores, you might observe Spider, Howler and Capuchin monkeys as well as a wide variety of tropical birds. Today you’ll join other hotel guests on morning and afternoon expeditions along the pristine canals of Tortuguero National Park. Of course, our expert naturalists are onboard to deepen your understanding and appreciation of this unique eco-system and its diverse flora and fauna. Meals B+L+D

A return transfer by water brings you to the airport for for your journey to Arenal. On arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to your luxury resort, set in the lush forests at the base of the Arenal Volcano. Settle in to your spacious private cabin and take the rest of this day to enjoy the idyllic setting and fine amenities here at Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa. Meals B

Tailor your stay at Arenal to your personal interests and taste for adventure. We include a wide variety of excursions, all accompanied by your own private expert naturalist… Just pick the adventure you want to enjoy this morning:

• Hanging Bridges through the Forest Canopy: Appropriate for all ages, this exciting adventure explores different levels of the forest from the undergrowth all the way to the lush canopy 100 feet above the shadowy forest floor. Explore 2 miles of fixed and hanging bridges that wind through the forest reserve as your personal guide shares insight into the various eco-systems and their unique flora and fauna. Tour Duration 3 Hours
• Nature Hike in Arenal Volcano National Park: Enhanced by the deep knowledge of your private naturalist guide, you’ll explore the varied volcanic landscapes of Arenal, from petrified lava flows to areas where the forest is regenerating after past eruptions. Along with terrific views of the region, this tour offers a chance for up-close observation of plants, wildlife and unusual geological formations. Tour Duration 3.5 Hours
• Birdwatching Expedition: Available in the early morning or afternoon, this excursion with your own naturalist guide can be tailored to your personal interests and experience. Exploring various ecosystems offers the chance to observe different bird groups including aquatic, highland and lowland species. Colorful Toucans, Parrots and Orioles are among the birds most commonly observed. Experienced birders will be thrilled by the chance to see rarer species including the Amazonian Royal Flycatcher and Cinnamon Woodpecker. Tour Duration 3 Hours
• Safari Float on the Peñas Blancas River: With our experienced river guide to paddle and guide your raft down a gently flowing stretch of the Peñas Blancas River, this activity is perfect for travelers who simply want to relax as they experience the tranquility and natural beauty of the forest. Enjoy the opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife including monkeys, sloths, basilisk lizards, caimans, herons and cormorants, this is also the ideal tour for nature lovers. Tour Duration 4 Hours
• Sloths and Birds Expedition: With its starring role as Flash Slothmore in the Disney film Zootopia, the sloth is one of the Costa Rica’s most famous animal residents. It’s also one of the most elusive, hiding in the dense jungle vegetation. But with our sharp-eyed naturalist guide at your side, this 1.25-mile guided walk is your best chance to come face-to-face with this marvelous creature. The trail also takes you into an area rich with birdlife.  Tour Duration 1.5 Hours
• Mountain Biking on Forest Trails along Lake Arenal: Covering about 16 miles in total, this privately guided mountain biking tour does not require extensive cycling experience. You’ll travel a low-traffic route through pastoral towns and virgin forests, with spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. Along with your private cycling guide, an assistance van will be near at hand to provide assistance if needed.  Tour Duration 3 Hours
• Kayak Adventure on Lake Arenal: Enhanced by the broad knowledge and paddling expertise of your personal naturalist guide, this kayaking adventure takes you across the tranquil waters of Lake Arenal with its secluded bays and verdant peninsulas. Aquatic birds including kingfishers and cormorants are often spotted along with ospreys and toucans and the sounds of howler monkeys and other animals pierce the air. No prior kayaking experience is needed.  Tour Duration 3 Hours
• Rio Balsa White Water Rafting Class II-III: The intermediate level of the Rio Balsa’s white water rapids makes this the perfect adventure for thrill seekers of all types, from amateur to expert rafters. This private tour begins with a scenic 1-hour transfer to the riverbank where equipment and a safety briefing will be provided. An expert river guide will control the direction of your craft and give paddling commands to guide you safely through each set of rapids. The final stretch of the river is notably gentler, allowing time to observe local wildlife including sloths, monkeys and toucans. There will be time for a swim, and lunch at a local restaurant is included.  Tour Duration 5 Hours
• Zip Line Adventure through the Forest Canopy: With 11 different platforms and extensive stretches of 8 cables winding through the soaring forest canopy, this privately guided adventure is an adrenaline-rushing way to experience the unique flora and fauna of the rainforest including 3 species of monkey, sloths, toucans and hummingbirds. A 120 foot-high rappel offers spectacular views of the Arenal River Canyon.  Tour Duration 2 Hours
• Horseback Riding Arenal Volcano Viewpoint: With your own private experienced equestrian guide leading the way, this memorable adventure can be tailored to your level of prior horseback riding experience. Exploring the trails of the El Silencio Reserve, you’ll ascend gradually through pastoral cattle grazing fields into the shade of the forest. You’ll discover impressive geological formations produced by past eruptions and visit the Arenal Volcano Viewpoint. This is a terrific place to capture a photograph of your horse with the mighty volcano as your backdrop.  Tour Duration 2 Hours

Enjoy a chauffeured, early afternoon transfer from Amor Arenal into the cool highlands of Monteverde. On arrival, check in to the Koora Hotel where your private bungalow features a spacious balcony with captivating views of Monteverde’s pristine Cloud Forest. The rest of this day is yours to enjoy the idyllic forest setting of our eco-lodge.  Meals B

With moisture-laden trade winds blowing upward along the mountain slopes of the region, you’ll find clouds and fog hovering almost continuously in the upper canopy of the forest. Condensing onto the leaves and plants below, the moisture contributes to the extraordinary biodiversity of the Cloud Forest. Today you can tailor your exploration to your personal interests and taste for adventure with one of our included, privately-guided excursions:

• Curi Cancha Reserve Hike: Accompanied by your own personal naturalist guide, visit Curi Cancha, a 205-acre reserve and paradise for birdwatchers, home to over 200 bird species, including the Resplendent Quetzal and Three-Wattled Bellbird. You may also spot mammals such as armadillos, coatis, monkeys, and sloths. The reserve is committed to sustainable practices, ensuring a healthy habitat for wildlife while providing a responsible and enriching experience for visitors.  Tour Duration: 3 Hours
• El Trapiche Tour: Gain insight into local life at El Trapiche, a family run operation that includes sugar cane, coffee and cocoa plantations. Learn with your guide about the many steps that bring these products from the fields to your kitchen table and delight in the experience of riding in a traditional Costa Rican ox cart.  Tour Duration 2 Hours
• Monteverde Cloud Forest Hike: Explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the last pristine cloud forests in Central America, with our expert guide on a scenic hike. This tour is essentially a natural history walk, where you’ll uncover the remarkable variety of flora and fauna and explore the unique relationships many cloud forest species share with one another.  Tour Duration 3 Hours
• Santa Elena Reserve Hike: Accompanied by your own personal naturalist guide, you’ll learn about the myriad species that thrive in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest: More than 2,000 varieties of plants (420 of which are orchids!), 400 different birds, and literally thousands of types of moths, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. With sharp eyes, you’ll even observe many of these forest denizens.  Tour Duration 3 Hours
• Children's Eternal Rainforest Tour: The Children's Eternal Rainforest (BEN) covers over 22,000 hectares of protected forest, including areas in regeneration. This unique reserve has been preserved through the efforts of individuals and organizations from over forty countries. As the largest private reserve in Costa Rica and part of the UNESCO Water and Peace Biosphere, it remains one of the less crowded areas in the Monteverde region. Tour Duration 3 Hours.
• Nocturnal Wildlife Hike: Enhanced by the deep knowledge of your private naturalist guide, this tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the vibrant activity of wildlife during the sunset hours. At this time, diurnal animals are seeking a place to rest, while nocturnal creatures begin their activities. Common sightings include sloths, coatis, agoutis, porcupines, gray foxes, tarantulas, frogs, various species of insects, and many birds settling in for the night. Tour Duration 2 Hours
• Horseback Riding Tour: Experience Costa Rican culture on a privately-guided horseback ride through scenic landscapes, including coffee, sugar cane, and banana plantations, as well as dairy farms and livestock areas. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Gulf of Nicoya and surrounding mountains. The tour ends at our farm.  Tour Duration 3 Hours
• Monteverde Hanging Bridges Hike: With 8 suspension bridges, this privately-guided adventure takes you deep into the heart of the forest's natural beauty. The longest bridge stretches an impressive 170 meters (560 feet), offering breathtaking views and a truly unforgettable experience. Discover the magic of Monteverde from a whole new perspective: suspended among the treetops of this enchanting cloud forest.  Tour Duration 2 Hours

After breakfast, you’ll be chauffeured by private car to your luxury hilltop resort in Manuel Antonio. As an A+R guest, you’ll enjoy a Premium Room with a private balcony that offers breathtaking ocean and jungle views.  Meals B

With its dense forests, spectacular ocean beaches and dramatic rocky headlands, Manuel Antonio is widely hailed as the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s National Parks. Today, you can personalize your exploration of Manuel Antonio with the included excursion of your choice. All adventures are accompanied by your own personal naturalist guide:

• Nature Hike in the National Park: With our experienced naturalist, this privately guided hike takes you along a 2-mile loop through Manuel Antonio. There are no steep ascents or descents, making this a great excursion for travelers of all ages. With stops to take in the views and a chance to swim in the ocean, this excursion offers a chance to observe the Park’s wildlife including sloths, monkeys, reptiles, and a wide variety of birds and butterflies.  Tour Duration 4 Hours
• Boating Excursion through the Mangrove Estuaries: In the impressive estuary of the Paquita River, 25 minutes from Manuel Antonio Park, this is a top tour for observing wildlife. The mangrove trees that thrive in the estuary waters of Manuel Antonio’s Pacific coast are an important habitat for a rich variety of birds, reptiles and mammals. Exploring in a covered boat with your own personal naturalist is a comfortable and relaxing way to enjoy the scenery – and to observe and learn about the unique flora and fauna. Lunch is included.  Tour Duration 3 Hours
• Nature Hike & Canopy in Rainmaker Park: Discover the rich biodiversity of Rainmaker Park, a private biological reserve 30 minutes from Manuel Antonio, with our experienced naturalist guide. Hike through rainforest trails, spot wildlife, and cross hanging bridges for stunning views. Experience the 250-meter Canopy Bridge system and enjoy a scenic river with waterfalls. End the tour with a refreshing dip in a beautiful waterfall.  Tour Duration 4 Hours
• Jungle Nocturnal Hike: Explore Costa Rica’s nocturnal wildlife on a night walk in Rainmaker Park. Many species, such as frogs, bats, lizards, and insects, are most active during the early hours of the night, making this tour a unique opportunity to observe them. Led by your expert guide, you'll explore easy-access trails and use flashlights to enhance your experience. Rainmaker Park, known for its rare harlequin frogs, is a key site for scientific research on amphibians. Tour Duration 2 Hours
• Manuel Antonio Surf Lesson: Your personal instructor will begin with a warm-up and a 15-minute safety briefing, covering surf positions and posture. After that, it’s time to hit the waves! Breaks with fresh fruit and drinks are included, and each instructor will provide individualized feedback to help you improve. This personalized lesson ensures you get exclusive coaching for the best surfing experience, with hotel pick-up and drop-off included.  Tour Duration 3 Hours
• Kayak Adventure through the Mangrove Estuaries of Damas Island: This adventure begins as you kayak down the gently flowing Paquita River under a verdant forest canopy – with your private naturalist guide on hand to offer insight into the riverine flora and fauna. Reaching the lush mangrove estuaries of Damas Island, you’ll continue to paddle along the channels and through natural tunnels created by the mangroves – prime habitat for a variety of birds. At the end of the tour, have a delicious typical lunch. Tour Duration 3 Hours

You’ll be chauffeured to the airport in San Jose. Meals B