Costa Rican Adventure

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, Monday July 10: San Jose

Depart from the USA. Fly into Costa Rica's capital, San José, a city surrounded by lush mountains. 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, Tuesday July 11: San Carlos

Today drive to the beautiful province of Alajuela with a stop at Jauri Tropical Farm, an ecological farm owned by a retired school principal. This evening view the Arenal Volcano and swim in the therapeutic waters of the hot springs at it's base. Spend the night in San Carlos, also known as Ciudad Quesada, the agriculture capital of the north. (B,L,D)

Day 3, Wednesday July 12: San Carlos

Today travel north to Caño Negro and the Río Frío. Comprised of swamp and marshlands, the area covers about 1,977 acres in the wet season. Enjoy a boat trip on the river while you share company with exotic creatures such as osprey, storks, caimans and monkeys, as well as the unique gars, which have lungs, gills and a nose. Lunch will be included today instead of dinner. Return to San Carlos for the evening. (B,L)

Day 4, Thursday July 13: San Carlos

Depart this morning on a full-day excursion to the Maleku Indigenous Reserve, which comprises three different settlements. Our trip includes hiking with a Maleku guide through the village and forest to learn more about the ways they co-exist with the abundant natural resources around them. Later, the Maleku perform a traditional fire dance ceremony in their native Maleku language and dress. In the evening, we return to San Carlos. (B,D)

Day 5, Friday July 14: Guanacaste Coast

This morning before taking off 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. We also stop at the Santa Rosa National Park, founded in 1971 as the nation's first national park and a beautiful site for extensive environmental research.You also get another perspective of Costa Rica's wild life by ziplining through the trees and hopefully catch a glimpse of a couple of monkeys. In the late afternoon, arrive at your seaside hotel and its pristine white beaches. (B,D)

Day 6, Saturday July 15: 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 beautiful sun and surf. (B,D)

Day 7, Sunday July 16: Guanacaste Coast

Rest and relax at the beach today or explore more of the region's ecosystem and culture in your own way. (B,D)

Day 8, Monday July 17: 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 of your tour. (B)