Transfer from San José to Carara National Park, Pacific Coast, 5 miles, easy to moderate. Arrival in Monteverde, Puntarenas Province

After meeting your guides and group in San José, you set off for the Pacific Coast, approximately a 1½-hour drive, where a walk introduces you to the Carara National Park, a tropical forest. Located between the dry Guanacaste region and the humid climate of the southern coast, the transitional climate of the park has wildlife common to both. Owing to the size and remote location of the park, it houses a very diverse wildlife community. Over 100 pairs of scarlet macaws, perhaps the most beautiful birds on the Pacific side of Costa Rica, live and nest in this forest. Keep your eyes and ears alert for howler monkeys, collared peccaries, American crocodiles, great egrets, roseate spoonbills, and a wide variety of other exotic species.

This afternoon, we continue the drive to the Monteverde region (2½ hours), set high in the cloudforest. Located in the Tilaran mountain range in Puntarenas Province, Monteverde is well known worldwide for its cloudforest, the ecology of which has been the subject of ongoing research for more than 40 years. It is also known for its settlement of Quakers, immigrants from the United States who came to live in Costa Rica in the 1950s for its tradition of peace. The cloudforest is made up of enormous trees, hanging from which are innumerable epiphytes, enveloped in a constant mist practically year-round. This habitat is home to resident birds like the resplendent quetzal, prong-bill barbet, emerald toucanet, violet sabrewing, green-crowned brilliant, and collared redstart. Mammals that make their home here are sloths, monkeys, kinkajous, coatis, porcupines, agoutis, and foxes.

Your home for the next two nights is a comfortable lodge surrounded by virgin rainforest, lush green fields, and a network of walking paths. There is time to relax or stroll the grounds before a welcome dinner of Costa Rican and continental cuisine.

Monteverde Cloudforest Biological Reserve; 4-5 hours, 5-6 miles, moderate. Santuario Ecologico de Monteverde trails; 2 hours, 3-5 miles, easy to moderate

This morning you encounter a wide range of fascinating bird life in a walk through the cloudforest. Situated on the Continental Divide, Monteverde is home to over 60 different species of altitudinal migrating birds. Most sought after are the resplendent quetzal, the blue-crowned motmot, and the swallow-tailed kite. You are also likely to spot several varieties of hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and raptors. The Monteverde Reserve is one of the richest and most diverse tropical cloudforests in the world. You follow an intricate path along the Continental Divide, which guides you through rainforests on the Pacific side of the Tilaran range, where approximately 400 species of birds, 100 species of mammals, and over 2,500 species of plants have been identified.

The afternoon is spent walking the extensive networks of trails at Santuario Ecologico de Monteverde. At the sanctuary, the route follows a series of loop trails past waterfalls and banana and coffee plantations, providing excellent opportunities for viewing some of the larger mammals of the area, including white-faced monkeys and agoutis.

Later, there may be time to visit the Women’s Craft Cooperative, the Monteverde Cheese Factory, or the Monteverde Coffee Roasters—three local initiatives that contribute to the success of this thriving community.

Treetop Walk; 3 hours, 3 miles, easy to moderate. Transfer to Arenal region

This morning you have the opportunity to view the Monteverde Cloudforest from a different perspective—from the top down! On this treetop walk, you cross a series of eight suspension bridges, walking above the tree canopy and looking down on the enormous ferns and majestic trees that make up the dense vegetation of this primary rainforest. A network of suspended bridges, platforms, and paths permit observation of flora and fauna from ground level all the way to the tree tops. The thrill of the zipline awaits those who are interested.

Following lunch, you depart Monteverde by bus for the region of the Arenal Volcano. En route you may spot coatimundis, monkeys, and a wide diversity of birds, including keel-billed and chestnut-mandibled toucans and crested guans. A short scenic boat ride crosses Lake Arenal, after which you continue by bus through the countryside and gain another glimpse into rural Costa Rican life. Later, the journey continues on foot. Several species, including blue-gray and scarlet-rumped tanagers, clay-colored robins (the national bird of Costa Rica), and the flashy Montezuma oropendola, are among the birds that may be sighted along the way. This walk provides sweeping views of Lake Arenal and the volcano—the fascinating geology translated into a ruggedly beautiful area.

Your accommodation is a mountain lodge, the only one situated next to the Arenal National Volcano Park, at the base of the Arenal volcano amidst a primary rainforest. Arenal Volcano suddenly awoke in 1968 when it erupted after 400 years of dormancy. The small country of Costa Rica is home to an incredible 300 volcanic centers—only five of which are currently active. From this cozy home base, you have exclusive views of the volcano and Lake Arenal, and, on a clear day, the volcano’s impressive cone. Before a welcome drink and dinner at the lodge, you have time to enjoy the beautiful grounds.

Arenal area, rainforest walk; 4-5 hours of walking, 5-6 miles, easy with short, moderate sections

This morning begins with an optional pre-breakfast walk to the Rio Danta. This enchanting narrow trail weaves through dense forest to a hidden, unspoiled waterfall. After a short, steep descent to the base of the falls, you are enveloped in a cooling mist produced by the pounding water. Refreshed, you climb back to the main trail and return to the lodge for an ample breakfast.

Arenal Volcano is located on the north plains of Costa Rica, in the Alajuela province. Volcanic activity is evident in fields of lava rocks and occasional eruptions have occurred in the last 40 years. The area is one of lush rainforest and second growth covering the old lava flows and riversides. Wildlife is abundant in the area—some of the animals that may be seen are spider, howler, and white-faced monkeys, as well as coatis, agoutis, and peccaries. Among the many bird species are keel-bill toucans, jacamars, tanagers, honey creepers, and hummingbirds. Today’s walk leads through the heart of Arenal National Park along the Ceibo Trail, following old lava flows—a perfect introduction to the geology of the region.

This afternoon you visit hot springs heated by the Arenal Volcano. This authentic retreat provides the opportunity to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. If you choose to forego this activity, you have time to enjoy the pool, Jacuzzi, and grounds of your superbly situated lodge. This evening another satisfying dinner is served at your hotel, featuring local favorites such as tilapia and sea bass.

El Silencio; 3-4 miles, easy to moderate. Transfer from Arenal to Tenorio Volcano National Park and Rio Celeste

Today’s walk is a tranquil journey through lush secondary rainforest. Here on the north side of Arenal, at Silencio Farm, you are exposed to the unique ecosystem of the Caribbean rainforest. Once in the forest, if you listen carefully, you may hear the raucous howler monkeys. This easy-to-moderate path introduces you to the diversity of the rainforest and the habitats it creates. Your guides provide insight into creatures big and small from slow-moving sloths to leaf-cutter ants.

Following your walk, you depart the Arenal region and head northwest to the Tenorio Volcano National Park and Rio Celeste. En route to your next lodge, a planned educational stop takes you to the Maleku Reservation. The Maleku Tribe of Costa Rica is a unique group with their own language and traditions and, with only a few hundred left on the reservation, they are facing the modern day struggle of keeping their heritage alive. The Maleku are especially known for their beautiful artwork—these intricately carved and painted pieces are on display throughout the country. Their intent is to use sustainable tourism to share their story and support their efforts—you will be extended a warm “kapi kapi” or welcome.

Later this afternoon you arrive at your home for one night, a luxury boutique hotel featuring individual casitas or bungalows. Each one is colorful and gracious; a secluded sanctuary. Time will permit your choice of activities; you may take a dip in the pool or indulge in a massage. Dinner this evening is at the hotel’s colorful restaurant, well known for combining traditional ingredients with international flair.

Rio Celeste, 2-5 miles, moderate with challenging sections. Transfer to Rincón de le Vieja Volcano, Guanacaste Province; 4-hour transfer

A treat is in store for you this morning. The Tenorio Volcano National Park includes one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful waterfalls, natural hot springs, as well as the unique phenomenon of the Rio Celeste, or “light blue river,” a beautiful clear river that turns turquoise because of a chemical reaction. This mysterious phenomenon is due to the river’s extraction of volcanic compounds from deposits in the riverbed; the compounds are then suspended in the water and tint it blue. The walk to the Rio Celeste begins in a primary forest past a geothermally heated stream, which then leads to the spectacular Rio Celeste Waterfall, descending into a picturesque blue lagoon surrounded by lush vegetation. Birdlife in the region includes a number of raptors such as the white hawk, laughing falcon, barred forest-falcon, and bat falcon, as well as crimson-fronted parakeet, brown-hooded parrot, and golden-hooded tanager. Howler and white-faced capuchin monkeys are in the area as are two- and three-toed sloths.

Following lunch you depart for the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica. After several days on the Caribbean side of the Continental Divide, you will now experience the Pacific side. You continue your final 2½-hour drive to the secluded, picturesque mountains of Guanacaste and the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. Guanacaste has sometimes been called Costa Rica’s “Wild West” and here the campesino life revolves around the horse and cattle ranch. It is not uncommon to spot the sabaneros (local cowboys) riding their fields or herding their cattle. This area is also famous for its corridas de toros (bullfights) and topes (colorful horse parades). The region has a six-month dry season characterized by warm and sunny weather that generally starts in late November and ends in May. Guanacaste has several mildly active volcanoes that simmer continuously and erupt occasionally. The region has diverse habitats from the mountains down to the coast. Moist, cool, windswept cloudforests grow below the volcanic peaks in Rincón de la Vieja, Miravalles, and Tenorio National Parks and contrast sharply with arid tropical dry forests of the lowlands found in Santa Rosa and Palo Verde National Parks. Your home tonight is a tranquil mountain resort. Here, you enjoy spacious, deluxe bungalows, a beautiful swimming pool, natural hot spring pools, a thermal sauna, and mud bath. Upon arrival there is time to enjoy the hotel’s amenities or perhaps explore the Fumaroles Trail; an easy walk along a river that passes a number of fascinating active fumaroles (volcanic vents) and bubbling mud pools. You dine on excellent fare this evening in the hotel’s restaurant.

Rincón de la Vieja National Park, Las Pailas, 2-3 miles, moderate with some challenging sections

This morning, fueled by flavorful Costa Rican coffee and a full breakfast of eggs, fresh fruit, granola and gallo pinto (rice and beans), a 1½-hour drive brings you to Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Created to protect an extraordinary environment, this park is considered the “Yellowstone” of Costa Rica. This volcanically active area has numerous steaming fumaroles, which can be detected at a distance by rising steam clouds through the trees and the odor of sulfur. Numerous rivers in the region have geothermically heated acidic waters, and in one section, there are hot mud boils and bubbles, known as “Las Pailas” or mud pots. This fascinating volcanic activity is now relatively quiet; however, rocky terrain in the park is clear evidence of former ancient violent eruptions, and the area is constantly monitored for its seismic activity. With an area of 35,000 acres, the park includes open savannah, semi-deciduous forest in the lowlands, and moister cloudforests below the volcanic summits, and several volcanic craters at the peaks. Park altitudes range from a little under 2,000 feet to just over 6,500 feet above sea level, and the park stretches from the drier Pacific region over the Guanacaste Volcanic Mountain Range into the moister Caribbean side.

Today’s walk takes you along mostly level terrain to visit the region of fumaroles and mud pots, and also to walk through sections of old growth forest with trees that may be centuries old. The route also traverses open areas on rocky terrain and continues to a waterfall about 195 feet high. Animals that may be encountered are monkeys, toucans, leaf-cutter ants, and a number of birds of the dry North Pacific region such as turkey vultures, various species of falcons and kites, several species of antbirds, flycatchers, wrens, and sparrows.

This afternoon you may continue your exploration of the Borinquen property—perhaps on foot or on horseback! Or simply enjoy the pool if the mood strikes you. The afternoon is yours to enjoy and realize what it is to experience Costa Rica’s “pura vida.” In the evening, you gather for a festive farewell dinner in the hotel’s restaurant—featuring perhaps local beef with fig and feta salad or fresh ceviche and sea bass.

Departure and transfer to airport

This morning you transfer to the Liberia International Airport where you bid your newfound friends adios.