Tico Trek

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, Thursday February 11: 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, Friday February 12: San Carlos

Journey to Sarchí, the hub of Costa Rica’s arts and crafts trade, known for its ox-carts and leather rocking chairs. 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. (B,D) In the evening view the Arenal Volcano as you swim in the therapeutic waters of the hot springs at the base of the volcano. Spend the night in San Carlos, also known as Ciudad Quesada, the agriculture capital of the north. (B,D)

Day 3, Saturday February 13: 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, Sunday February 14: Monteverde

This morning is something truly special: riding horseback from the Arenal area along the shores of Lake Arenal toward the lush cloud forest of Monteverde. Your bags will travel by bus and will meet you in Monteverde. If you choose not to ride, you may travel on the touring bus. Arrive at your destination with a new understanding of how the local native populations traveled and a deep appreciation of just how spectacularly beautiful Costa Rica can be. (B,D)

Day 5, Monday February 15: 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. (B,D)

Day 6, Tuesday February 16: Manuel Antonio

Journey to Manuel Antonio, where the forest meets the Pacific coastline. Spend the rest of the day getting a feel for the local culture and relaxing in beautiful natural surroundings. (B,D)

Day 7, Wednesday February 17: Manuel Antonio

Enjoy a full day in Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most stunning parks in Costa Rica. A series of small beaches with lush forests and well-maintained trails are yours to explore for the day. Explore the park and its wildlife (Capuchin monkeys play in trees just behind the beach) before returning to your hotel tired and happy. (B,D)

Day 8, Thursday February 18: San Jose

Enjoy a free morning on the white sand beach. In the afternoon return to San José for your last night in this beautiful country.(B,D)

Day 9, Friday February 19: 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. (B)