Home - Costa Rica 2026

Discover the natural wonders of Costa Rica—a land of lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, active volcanoes, and pristine coastlines. Take in serene views of the majestic Arenal Volcano from your hotel, then set out on a riverboat adventure through the 20,000-acre Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. Spend two nights surrounded by the misty beauty of Monteverde’s cloud forest, where you’ll have the choice to explore the treetops on a peaceful hanging bridges walk or feel the thrill of zip lining through the canopy. End your journey in Guanacaste, relaxing on the sun-soaked shores of Playa Carrillo, famous for its golden sands and spectacular scenery. In Costa Rica, every moment reveals another piece of paradise.

Day 1: Monday, November 30, 2026

San Jose, Costa Rica

We will meet in Bloomington to take a motorcoach together to Chicago O'Hare International Airport to San Jose, Costa Rica. San Jose is the colorful Capital of Costa Rica. Once you arrive the day is yours to explore on your own.

Day 2: Tuesday, December 1, 2026

San Jose to Arenal

Welcome to the Central Valley. Begin with a tour of a local coffee plantation highlighting the history and cultivation of this driver of the Costa Rican economy. This afternoon, check in for a leisurely 3-night stay at a lodge overlooking the majestic Arenal Volcano. (B, D)

Day 3: Wednesday, December 2, 2026

Arenal & Cano Negro

Embark on a Cano Negro guided riverboat trip in a covered canoe known as a panga. These 20,000 acres are home to the largest viewable collection of indigenous wildlife in all of Costa Rica. Go in search of caimans, river otters, sloths, monkeys, river turtles, exotic birds and rare butterflies. Later, return to Arenal for the chance to relax at your resort. (B)

Day 4: Thursday, December 3, 2026

Arenal

Today, explore a family-owned farm, getting a peek into the daily lives of the locals. During a tour of the gardens, learn how the plants are organically grown through the concept of sustainability. The farm considers itself a “classroom without borders.” Taste the exotic fruit harvest and experience the traditional way to process sugar cane. Enjoy a sip of cane liquor before engaging in a culinary demonstration and a farm-to-table lunch. (B, L)

Day 5: Friday, December 4, 2026

Arenal & Monteverde

Enjoy a delightful cruise on Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest and most important lake. Then, it’s off to the secluded Monteverde Cloud Forest, a place you have to see to believe, where trees grow to heights of 100 feet! Set off on a nature walk through this spectacular ecosystem, where you’re sure to encounter many incredible species of flora and fauna. (B, D)

Day 6: Saturday, December 5, 2026

Monteverde

This morning, join an expert for a leisurely paced “Hanging Bridges” walking tour to gain a different perspective of the cloud forest’s lush ecosystem -OR- take an exhilarating ride on one of the longest canopy zip line tours in Costa Rica. Your afternoon is at leisure, or, if you would like to do both the hanging bridges and the zip line tour, you may purchase the second as an option on tour. This evening, take part in an expert-led discussion about the migratory birds that flock to Costa Rica. (B, D)

Day 7: Sunday, December 6, 2026

Monteverde & Guanacaste

Today we make our way to breathtaking Guanacaste, known for its fine sandy beaches. Settle in for a relaxing 2-night stay at your resort and take in the mesmerizing ocean views. (B, D)

Day 8: Monday, December 7, 2026

Guanacaste

Fun in the sun is in store today as you explore the nearby beaches, or simply relax by the pool and take advantage of your resort’s lovely amenities. This afternoon, visit the delightful beach town of Samara for some local culture. Return to your hotel in time to catch a Costa Rican sunset and soak in the spectacular colors as the sun illuminates the natural landscape before your final dinner. (B, D)

Day 9: Tuesday, December 8, 2026

Tour Ends

Today you depart for home with fabulous memories of your Costa Rican adventure. (B)

(B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

Day 1: November 27, 2026

San Jose, Costa Rica

Meet in Bloomington to ride the motorcoach to Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Fly to San Jose, Costa Rica's capital city for an overnight stay.

Day 2: November 28, 2026

San Jose & Tortuguero National Park

This morning set out for an exciting soft-adventure jungle experience in Tortuguero, the Amazon of Costa Rica, in search of wildlife such as macaws, sloths, monkeys, falcons and other native species. Depart your San Jose hotel via private transportation for a transfer to the dock where you board an open-air boat with other travelers to journey into Tortuguero’s unspoiled paradise. Check into an ecolodge built in harmony with nature using the best sustainability practices – where fans create breezes instead of air conditioning and meals feature locally sourced ingredients prepared with Caribbean flair. (B, L, D)

Day 3: November 29, 2026

Tortuguero National Park

An early morning bird watching excursion* is offered so you may learn about the variety of local species and migratory birds that flock to this area. Join your fellow lodge guests on a spectacular boat cruise through the various canals and be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife including howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, aquatic birds, bats and caimans, as well as exotic flora. Tortuguero National Park is a study in rainforest, freshwater, and marine biology. It protects over 350 species of birds and mammals including green macaws; 57 species of amphibians; 111 species of reptiles; and 60 mammal species, including 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered species including jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters and manatees. (B, L, D)

Day 4: November 30, 2026

Tortuguero National Park to San Jose

Depart Tortuguero National Park today to return to San Jose where the rest of your adventure awaits you. (B,L)

You’re an on-the-go traveler. You don’t want to miss a thing, so walking and standing for longer periods of time (2-3 hours) isn’t a big deal. A moderately paced two-and-a-half-hour walking tour, covering several miles, hills, and uneven surfaces, is no problem for you. Walking four miles over the course of a day is very doable, as is climbing into and out of various modes of transportation (tuk-tuk, cable car, zodiac, etc.). You can climb three flights of stairs easily and handle altitudes between 6,000 and 9,000 feet. Expect some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure. This level is not a fit for travelers who require mobility assistance devices.

The overall activity level of this extension is a level 3. This means walking and standing for longer periods of time (2-3 hours) isn’t a big deal for you. You can navigate hills and uneven ground, climb into various modes of transportation (tuk-tuk, cable car, zodiac, etc.), and could possibly anticipate changes in elevation. Walking four miles over the course of a day is very doable as is climbing 3 flights of stairs. You can handle altitudes between 6,000 and 9,000 feet. You can expect some longer days balanced with free time. This level is not a fit for travelers that require mobility assistance devices.

Fully-guided extensions are a great way to explore a new destination. Enjoy sightseeing and local experiences led by a Tour Manager or local expert.

We reserve the right to cancel this extension if a minimum of 4 travelers is not met to operate.

Extensions are subject to availability and applicable charges at time of request.

River boats are used throughout the stay in Tortuguero National Park. Travelers must be willing and able to step on and off the deck of a docked boat.

If you require any special assistance while on tour, please make us aware at time of reservation so the necessary request form can be sent to your attention.

Your transfer from the San Jose hotel to the dock and on the land return back to the San Jose hotel is private. Upon arrival at the dock, the boat transfer is provided by your Eco Lodge, which you will be joined by other like-minded adventurous travelers of the lodge.

*Morning bird watching excursion is weather-dependent.

Order of sightseeing is subject to change.

In keeping with best practices for sustainability and responsible tourism set forth by the Rainforest Alliance, the hotel in Tortuguero does not offer air conditioning.

During our stay in Tortuguero, you will be staying in an Eco Lodge. This is an experiential stay that will expose you to amazing wildlife. The rooms are rustic and basic but comfortable. There is a ceiling fan but no air conditioning available. Tortuguero National Park lodges can only be accessed by motorboat.