Next Jaunt: Costa Rica

San Jose – Settle In & Sip Up
Welcome to Costa Rica, where the air is warm, the coffee is world-class, and the sloths are (mostly) off-duty. Your adventure kicks off in the capital city of San Jose. After you touch down, Bryan or Lisa will whisk you away to your hotel to get settled.

This evening, you’ll meet your fellow travelers and then head out together to dine like a local. Expect good food, great company, and a delicious intro to the city’s history, culture, and culinary scene. If you arrive early, follow the scent of fresh-roasted coffee and grab a cup from one of the city’s beloved cafés. You’re officially on Tico time.

La Fortuna – Volcano Views & Farm-Fresh Feasting
Wave goodbye to the city and head north to La Fortuna, a laid-back little town famous for hot springs, lush forests, and the mighty Arenal Volcano looming in the background. First stop? Arenal Vida Campesina, where local traditions and sustainable farming go hand in hand. You’ll tour the farm, get a hands-on intro to sugarcane milling, and sit down to a homegrown lunch that tastes as good as the project’s mission feels.

After lunch, stretch your legs on the Arenal 1968 trail, a gentle walk through tropical landscapes and hardened lava fields. Your leader will point out wildlife (keep your eyes peeled for howler monkeys and parrots) and tell the tale of Arenal’s big eruption days.

By afternoon, you’ll check into a lush little hideaway complete with a garden terrace and a front-row seat to the volcano. Linger by the pool, listen to the birds, and soak it all in before heading out for dinner at a local spot. Yes, you’re still only on Day 2.

Cano Negro Wetlands – Creatures, Caimans & Christ Lizards
Today’s all about wildlife—no hiking boots required. You’ll start with a scenic drive past fields of yucca, papaya, and plantain on your way to the Cano Negro Wetlands, one of the most biodiverse regions in the country. Once there, hop aboard a raft and let the Frio River do the work while you glide through this lush ecosystem with a naturalist guide.

Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys leaping overhead, caimans sunbathing on the banks, and the always-entertaining Jesus Christ lizards doing their gravity-defying water run. Your guide will help you spot the good stuff and fill you in on who’s who along the way.

After a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant, head back to La Fortuna. The evening’s yours to enjoy—maybe find a hot spring, take a soak, and stargaze your way into total tranquility.

Monteverde – Cloud Forests & Sky-High Thrills
This morning, hit the road for Monteverde, skirting the shores of Lake Arenal with the volcano putting on a show in the rearview mirror. It’s a scenic ride—lush, dramatic, and full of wildlife sightings if you know where to look (your leader does).

By early afternoon, you’ll arrive in Monteverde, a misty mountain town known for its cloud forests, cool temps, and just... an absurd amount of biodiversity. Want to chill? Wander the town and sip a local brew. Total we will also zipline through the forest canopy—it’s equal parts flying and screaming (in a good way).

Monteverde – Orchids, Quetzals & Cloud-Kissed Trails
Lace up—this morning, you’re heading into the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, a lush, misty wonderland where every rustle in the trees could be a monkey, and every flash of color might just be a quetzal. With over 400 bird species and more than 100 types of mammals, this place is the real deal for wildlife lovers.

Your leader will help you tune into the forest’s hidden soundtrack—from the throaty calls of howler monkeys to the surreal bong of the three-wattled bellbird. Oh, and orchids? There are nearly 500 species here, which is more orchid diversity than anywhere else on Earth. Humbling, right?

After a magical morning with your head in the clouds (literally), the rest of the day is yours. Take it slow, go zip again, or just find a café with a view and stay awhile.

Manuel Antonio – Ocean Views & Jungle Vibes
This morning, trade the misty mountains for sea breeze and sunshine as you head to the Pacific coast and the beachy paradise of Manuel Antonio. This region is a tropical dream—think white-sand beaches, lush rainforest, and a national park that’s practically bursting with wildlife.

When you arrive, check into your Feature Stay: a swoon-worthy resort perched above the ocean with sweeping views of the coast and the park below. Take a dip in one of the pools, stroll down to the beach, or just exhale—you’ve landed somewhere special.

Later, you might want to join your group for dinner at one of the hotel’s open-air restaurants. Sunset optional but highly encouraged.

Manuel Antonio – Sloths, Surf & Surprise Raccoons
This morning, step into one of Costa Rica’s true gems—Manuel Antonio National Park—with a local naturalist guide leading the way. These lush trails are home to all kinds of characters: sloths (both two- and three-toed), white-faced monkeys, anteaters, iguanas, and the occasional curious raccoon. Keep your camera ready, your snacks zipped up, and your eyes on the treetops.

After your guided walk, the day is yours. Feel like amping it up? Ask your leader about snorkeling, kayaking, or another round of ziplining. Prefer to slow down? Stake out a stretch of sand, sip something cold from a coconut, and let the ocean do its thing. Even on the beach, don’t forget to look up—there’s a good chance a monkey or sloth is watching you.

San Jose – Markets, Museums & Macadamia Ice Cream
This morning, say goodbye to the coast and make your way back to San Jose. After arriving and grabbing some lunch, head out with your leader for a final wander through the capital’s vibrant downtown. From historic government buildings to contemporary art spots, city parks to colorful markets—this tour offers a final dose of Costa Rican culture, past and present.

One essential stop? The Central Market for a scoop of cajeta—Costa Rica’s beloved traditional ice cream. Try flavors like coconut, peanut, or tapa de dulce (a rich, caramelly sugarcane). Locals have strong opinions about their favorite, so choose wisely.

Tonight, you’ll sit down for a farewell dinner with your crew. Raise a glass, swap stories, and toast to the incredible week you’ve just had—one filled with wild jungles, misty mountains, warm waves, and maybe even a few new travel buddies.

San Jose – One Last Coffee
After breakfast this morning, your Costa Rican adventure officially wraps up. If you’re not ready to say adiós just yet, feel free to extend your stay—San Jose has more to explore, and we’re happy to help with extra accommodation if you’d like to linger a little longer.

Either way, take one last sip of strong coffee, breathe in that warm tropical air, and carry the Pura Vida spirit with you wherever you go next.