Las Selvas de 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, Saturday March 23: San Jose

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

Day 2, Sunday March 24: Monteverde

The day begins with a tour of Doka Estate, a working, sustainable coffee plantation and roastery. Here you’ll learn about the life cycle of growing gourmet coffee beans and participate in a “cupping,” or coffee-tasting, session. Then it’s on to Sarchí, a small artisan town renowned for its brilliantly colored arts and crafts, particularly its ox-carts. Your journey then continues on to Monteverde, where you’ll begin to explore this lush rainforest region, recognized for its diverse flora and fauna. (B,D)

Day 3, Monday March 25: Monteverde

Today explore the important and fascinating Santa Elena 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. You will have views from a series of platforms and thrilling zip-lines that carry you above and through the canopy. Later perhaps stroll the small town center of Monteverde, chock full of restaurants and shops, or stop to savor a taste of the national dish, gallo pinto, a mix of fried rice and black beans. (B,D)

Day 4, Tuesday March 26: San Carlos

The morning starts with a journey to the San Carlos region, gateway to the world-famous, 5,357-foot-high Arenal Volcano. After arriving, you'll visit with students at a local school—a great opportunity to practice your Spanish skills as well as compare notes on typical school days, customs and lifestyles. Later don your bathing suit and take an invigorating dip in one of the hot springs, for which the area is famous, at the base of the volcano. (B,D)

Day 5, Wednesday March 27: Sarapiqui

Lace up your sneakers this morning for a fascinating hike through the Arenal Volcano’s closest private reserve, which features a geographically diverse landscape that veers from lava fields to thick forests. Then say adios to San Carlos and head for Sarapiquí, a beautiful region that's gaining a reputation for top-notch adventure tourism. (B,D)

Day 6, Thursday March 28: Sarapiqui

Come together this morning to help the community during a reforestation service project on a nearby farm. Learn about local agriculture as you plant indigenous trees needed to sustain the region's ecosystem. In the afternoon, burnish your ethnic-culinary credentials with a Costa Rican cooking lesson, where you'll learn how to make a regional dish using traditional techniques and locally grown ingredients. Bonus: You also get to snack on the results! (B,D)

Day 7, Friday March 29: San Jose

Depart for the cloud forest in Braulio Carrillo National Park, a nature lover’s paradise named for the country’s third president, Dr. Braulio Carillo. Keep your camera handy as you sit back and relax during a breathtaking ride on the park’s Aerial Tram. Keep an eye out for toucans, quetzals and hummingbirds, not to mention the white-faced capuchin monkeys and other wildlife. Continue back to San José for the evening. (B,D)

Day 8, Saturday March 30: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)