Colours of Costa Rica - Wendy Wu

Day 1  Fly to San José    
Fly to San José and transfer to your hotel in Santa Ana, where you can spend the rest of the day at leisure. In the evening, enjoy an authentic welcome dinner with your group.

Day 2  San José    
This morning, discover this vibrant capital on a walking tour of the city centre. Passing main streets and downtown neighbourhoods, learn about the history of the city. Continue to the charming town of Escazú, offering a glimpse into Costa Rican life with colonial heritage and traditional character. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting an artisan to discover the colourful tradition of ‘mascaradas’, elaborate handmade masks that are traditionally used in festivals and celebrations. Complete your visit at a traditional sugar cane mill and learn how sugar cane is processed using time-honoured techniques.

Day 3  San José to Tortuguero NP    
Today, journey to the remote wilderness of Tortuguero National Park, passing rural communities surrounded by banana and cacao plantations. Continue by boat, travelling along the rivers to the lush jungle of Tortuguero. Meet a local elder who will share the fascinating history of this beautiful region, including its transformation from a small lumberjack community into one of Costa Rica’s most important wildlife protection areas.

Day 4  Tortuguero NP    
This morning, cruise along the waterways of the national park, exploring the lush rainforest and discovering the incredible flora and fauna that thrive here. Keep an eye out for a variety of wildlife including colourful tropical birds, monkeys and caimans. With luck, you may even catch a glimpse of the elusive jaguar, one of Costa Rica’s most iconic predators. Continue to the village where you’ll take a leisurely walk through the colourful streets, learning more about the community and its way of life. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to relax at the hotel.

Day 5  Tortuguero NP to Arenal    
Leave the Caribbean coast behind and venture inland towards the imposing Arenal volcano, passing a changing landscape of mountains, rivers and lush forests. In Sarapiquí, visit the home of a local farmer and learn about life in this rural region while sampling the local delicacy of freshly harvested heart of palm. Upon arrival in Arenal, the rest of the day can be spent at leisure.

Day 6  Arenal    
Visit Eco Centro Danaus, a local project dedicated to wildlife protection and conservation. The reserve protects around three hectares of secondary forest and provides a haven for plants and wildlife. This afternoon, hike Arenal 1968 Park, the landscape shaped by the volcano’s eruption. Follow trails formed by ancient lava flows and enjoy panoramic views of the volcano and Arenal lake. Later, unwind at a family-owned hot spring, heated by the volcanic activity beneath Arenal.

Day 7  Río Peñas Blancas    
Today, embark on a tour along the scenic Río Peñas Blancas. Drift downstream on an inflatable boat accompanied by naturalist guides who will point out the diverse wildlife and vegetation along the banks. Stop to share a cup of coffee with a local farmer who lives in this remote riverside community. After lunch, visit a local cocoa farm to discover the history and cultivation of one of Costa Rica’s most important crops.

Day 8  Arenal to Monteverde    
Leave the volcano behind and drive into the cloud forests of Monteverde. Enjoy a magical cloud forest night walk, venturing into the forest after dark to discover the fascinating nocturnal wildlife that emerges after sunset.

Day 9  Monteverde    
This morning, experience one of Monteverde’s most iconic walks at the Hanging Bridges. Follow a network of natural trails through the enchanting cloud forest, crossing a series of suspension bridges that offer spectacular views into the forest canopy. Discover the remarkable flora and fauna found at different levels of this unique ecosystem, from the forest floor to the treetops. Spend the afternoon at leisure before meeting a local host who will share the story of Monteverde’s Quaker community, whose arrival in the 1950s helped shape the character of the region.

Day 10  Monteverde to Manuel Antonio NP    
Drive to Manuel Antonio on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast. This beautiful region boasts tropical coastal landscapes with an abundance of wildlife.

Day 11  Manuel Antonio NP    
This morning, take a picturesque walk through the national park, looking out for monkeys, sloths, birds, reptiles and butterflies.

Day 12  Manuel Antonio NP    
Enjoy a leisurely morning before setting out into the Isla Damas mangroves, one of Costa Rica’s most fascinating ecosystems. Board an open river boat and glide peacefully through the mangrove canals, with a naturalist guide pointing out wildlife on the way, from white-faced monkeys, sloths, crab-eating raccoons and iguanas.

Days 13-14  Fly home    
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.