Insider's Costa Rica

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Friday March 14: San Jose

Depart from the USA. Arrive in the Costa Rican capital of San José, where you'll meet your ACIS Tour Manager and begin to explore, discovering how history has shaped this vibrant city both architecturally and socially.

Day 2, Saturday March 15: Monteverde

Journey to Sarchí, the hub of Costa Rica's arts and crafts trade, known for its ox-carts and leather rocking chairs. You'll participate in a craft workshop, learning about the history and the methods of creating this brightly colored furniture before painting your own small souvenir to take home. Then continue to Monteverde for overnight stay. (B,D)

Day 3, Sunday March 16: Monteverde

Today explore this important and fascinating cloud forest. Originally settled in the 1950s by a group of Quakers from Alabama, Monteverde Cloud Forest is home to more than 400 species of birds, 100 species of mammals and 2,500 species of plants including the jaguar, ocelot, Baird's tapir, three-wattled bellbird, bare-necked umbrellabird, and the famously elusive resplendent quetzal. Get ready for a different perspective on the forest, as this afternoon you will swing far above the forest floor on the world famous Monteverde Canopy Tour and Hanging Bridges. You will have views from a series of platforms, suspension bridges and thrilling zip-lines. Then take a slower pace as you enjoy a horseback ride. In the early evening, you're back on solid ground with more earthly delights: a Costa Rican cooking lesson. Learn about the ingredients and techniques used in traditional meals before joining together to prepare a sample dish. (B,D)

Day 4, Monday March 17: San Carlos

This morning saddle up for a horseback ride in the lush cloud forest of Monteverde. You'll gain a fresh perspective on how the indigenous communities once traveled and develop a profound appreciation for the breathtaking beauty of Costa Rica. Then you will travel inland to the San Carlos region in the shadow of the Arenal Volcano. (B,D)

Day 5, Tuesday March 18: San Carlos

Embark on an unforgettable adventure while exploring the Venado Caves, where you will see a variety of exotic animals as well as an underground river, and waterfall. Return to San Carlos for the evening. (B,D)

Day 6, Wednesday March 19: Puntarenas Region

This morning, experience the excitement of rappelling down waterfalls, followed by a peaceful bus ride shiftting landscapes as you travel from the plains and mountainous regions to the beaches and Pacific breezes of the Puntarenas region on the Golfo de Nicoya. This area draws visitors from around the world, and, once you see the curving coastline dotted with bays and islands, you will understand why. Enjoy time to relax and settle in to your new neighborhood before enjoying dinner together. (B,D)

Day 7, Thursday March 20: Puntarenas Region

Although you may not want to leave, this morning's excursion to Manuel Antonio National Park brings you to one of the most stunning parks in Costa Rica. A series of small beaches with lush forests and well-maintained trails are yours to discover for the day. Explore the park and its wildlife (Capuchin monkeys play in trees just behind the beach) before returning to Puntarenas for the evening. (B,D)

Day 8, Friday March 21: San Jose

Before saying adiós to the coast enjoy a ride on a catamaran and explore the world under water by snorkeling. In the afternoon, drive through lush vegetation back to San José for your last night in this beautiful country.(B,D)

Day 9, Saturday March 22: 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, at the beginning or end of your tour. (B)