Coast to Coast

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: San Jose

Depart from the USA. Arrive in the Costa Rican capital of San José, meet your ACIS Tour Manager, and begin to discover the country's famous Tico hospitality.

Day 2: Tortuguero

Begin today with an early drive through the spectacular cloud forest in Braulio Carrillo National Park, one of the few places in Costa Rica where a road winds through the rain forest. Keep your eyes peeled for sloths and quetzals as you go. Continue on a riverboat journey, which will take you to your lodge in Tortuguero. Enjoy spotting the wildlife as you travel, looking out for the West Indian manatee, caimans or spider monkeys hanging down over the river! All meals are included while in Tortuguero.

Day 3: Tortuguero

Wake up in Tortuguero National Park, home to the most important green sea turtle nesting ground in the Western Caribbean. Today's sightseeing adventure within the park includes boat tours and hiking. The park is comprised of a series of canals, mangroves, swamps and lagoons that create perfect opportunities to study not only the vegetation but also the multitude of wildlife.

Day 4: San Carlos

Leave Tortuguero and drive inland to the northern plains region of San Carlos. Arrive in the small town of La Fortuna, a sunny and charming little town a mere 4 miles from the Arenal Volcano. The volcano is a perfect cone more than 5,000 feet high.

Day 5: San Carlos

Today discover the beautiful La Fortuna Waterfall and hike to the swimming hole below. The water here is clear and cold, so in the evening, visit the nearby hot springs where you can take a dip in the hot pools. As you relax in the therapeutic, geothermal waters, look up at their source, the Arenal volcano, above!

Day 6: Guanacaste Coast

Journey to Guanacaste on the northwest side of Costa Rica, an area containing one of the last tropical dry forests on the planet. You’ll travel by Arenal Lake. The lake is important for both producing 12% of the country’s energy and as a popular destination for windsurfing, kayaking and fishing. In the late afternoon, arrive at your seaside hotel and its pristine white beaches.

Day 7: Guanacaste Coast

Enjoy a free day at the beach. Development projects are limited along the coastline to preserve the ecosystem, making this a wonderful place to enjoy Costa Rica's sun and surf.

Day 8: San Jose

Journey back to San José today, stopping en route in Sarchí, the hub of Costa Rica's arts and crafts trade. Be sure to see the famous Sarchí ox-carts and leather rocking chairs. Arrive in San José in time for a Costa Rican folklore show and dinner to celebrate your last night in this wonderful country.

Day 9: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Further immerse yourself in the culture and wonders of Costa Rica with an extra night in San José, including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager.