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, Saturday February 15: San Jose

Depart from the USA. Arrive in the Costa Rican capital of San José, meet your ACIS Tour Manager, and begin to discover the country's famous Tico hospitality.

Day 2, Sunday February 16: San Carlos

Today drive to the beautiful province of Alajuela with a stop at Jauri Tropical Farm Jauri Tropical Farm With characteristic Tico hospitality you will be welcomed at this self-sustaining organic farm in the Costa Rican rainforest started by retired school principal Don Juan. Keep an eye out for tropical plants, birds and other animals as you learn about the planting and harvesting of native produce using environmentally-friendly methods, its various medicinal and cooking uses, and how to process sugar cane (including a sample of the fresh pressed juice, agua dulce).

Close , 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, Monday February 17: 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, Tuesday February 18: San Carlos

Depart this morning on a full-day excursion to the Maleku Indigenous Reserve Maleku Indigenous Reserve Tour The Maleku are an indigenous Costa Rican tribe whose population has diminished drastically in past century. As you tour the Reserve and learn about their culture, language and traditions, you will help play a role in keeping this important part of Costa Rica's history alive. Adept at rainforest living, a hike through the vegetation with your Maleku guide (narrated in the tribe's native language, maleku jaica, and translated into English) will take you past pre-Columbian burial grounds, show you medicinal plants, and help you understand how the Maleku live in harmony with the surrounding ecosystem. In the community house at the Reserve, the tribe will show you some of the traditional crafts they produce, such as weavings, colorful masks, drums and other carvings, before performing a ritual fire dance ceremony composed of dances, legends and stories native to the tribe.

Close , 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, Wednesday February 19: 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, Thursday February 20: Guanacaste Coast

Enjoy a free day 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, Friday February 21: 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, Saturday February 22: 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)