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, Wednesday April 5: San Jose

Depart from the USA. Arrive in the Costa Rican capital of San José, meet your ACIS Tour Manager and get out to explore this vibrant and bustling city full of Spanish colonial architecture and the friendliest people you may ever meet.

Day 2, Thursday April 6: San Carlos

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 the San Carlos region in the shadow of the Arenal Volcano. In the afternoon visit a local school to practice your Spanish with the students, discovering the similarities and differences between their typical school day and yours at home. This evening view the Arenal Volcano, a perfect cone more than 5,000 feet high while you swim in the natural hot springs below. (B,D)

Day 3, Friday April 7: San Carlos

Today travel north to the Río Frío. Enjoy a boat trip on the calm river while you share company with exotic creatures such as osprey, storks, caimans, monkeys and freshwater sharks. Lunch will be included today on the excursion instead of dinner. Return to San Carlos for the evening, where you will engage in a cooking class to learn more about the Tico culture and best part is to eat the delicious food at the end! (B,L,D)

Day 4, Saturday April 8: Monteverde

This morning you will make your way from the Arenal area over to the mountains of Monteverde.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 of the forest, by walking through as you look up and all around for animals and flora native to Costa Rica. Feel the sway as you cross some Hanging Bridges as if you are floating in the clouds of the forest. (B,D)

Day 5, Sunday April 9: Monteverde

This morning get another perspective of the cloud forest visiting the world famous Monteverde Canopy Tour, where you will have views from a series of platforms, suspension bridges and thrilling zip-lines. After lunch, you will be riding horseback in the lush cloud forest as you reach to some of the top peaks, you will get a view of the Pacific coastal areas.You will end your time with a new understanding of how the local native populations traveled and a deep appreciation of just how spectacularly beautiful Costa Rica can be. This evening you will attend Easter Mass and get an understanding of the cultural similarities and differences on celebrating Easter. (B,D).

Day 6, Monday April 10: Puntarenas Region

Observe the shift in landscape as you travel from the mountainous inland cloud forest 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 on the beach and settle in to your new neighborhood. (B,D)

Day 7, Tuesday April 11: 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, Wednesday April 12: Puntarenas Region

Today you will sail the rich coast of Manuel Antonio, where you can snorkel and see the life below the turquoise waters. (B,L,D)

Day 9, Thursday April 13: San Jose

Say adiós to the coast and drive through lush vegetation back to San José. Celebrate the Tico culture of music and movement during a Costa Rican dance lesson with a local expert—a festive and fun way to spend your last night in this beautiful country.(B,D)

Day 10, Friday April 14: 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)