Summer Adventure to 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 July 14: 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, Thursday July 15: 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, Friday July 16: 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, Saturday July 17: 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, Sunday July 18: 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. 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. In the late afternoon, arrive at your seaside hotel and its pristine white beaches. (B,D)

Day 6, Monday July 19: Guanacaste Coast

This morning's excursion takes you to the tropical dry forest, where you can ride the zip-lines and experience a unique ecosystem up-close on a canopy tour. Return to the shore after with time to relax at the beach. This is a wonderful place to learn about how conservation can go hand-in-hand with development projects as you soak up Costa Rica's beautiful sun and surf. (B,D)

Day 7, Tuesday July 20: Guanacaste Coast

Today discover local marine life first-hand as you enjoy a boat cruise along the coast and snorkeling in the warm Pacific waters. In the afternoon perhaps return to the beach or explore more of the region's ecosystem and culture in your own way. (B,D)

Day 8, Wednesday July 21: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)