Costa Rica In-Depth Tour

Escorted or Guided Tour Costa Rica 14 Days Tour
Costa Rica In-Depth Tour

Tour Date: February 28th – March 12, 2024

This tour not only explores rainforests, volcanoes, jungles, and the flora and fauna that flourish in Costa Rica – but also puts you in touch with ordinary people during visits to a farm, a primary school, and a research station. Thermal baths, hanging bridges, and everything you would expect to experience during a visit to this amazing country are included! 

San Jose (2 nights), Sarapiqui (2), La Fortuna (3), Dominical (3), San Gerardo de Dota (2), San Jose (1) 

Costa Rica Highlights:
  • Learn about coffee harvest and production
  • During your jungle lodge stay see monkeys, toucans, sloths, caimans and a plethora of other wildlife
  • Travel by boat through water canals in the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge
  • Walk under the tree-top canopy on hanging bridges
  • Rejuvenate in natural hot springs
  • Enjoy an entertaining cooking class learning how to cook 'Tico' style at a private lodge located in a cloud forest
  • Climb on board a tractor-pulled trailer for a fun and informative visit to a pineapple farm
  • Experience the rainforest, mountains and coast of this natural paradise
  • Walk on active and dormant volcanoes
  • Walk, swim, climb and enjoy the freshness of the incredible El Pavon Falls
  • Visit La Selva Biological Research Station
  • Be welcomed by a farmer and his family at a private farm and experience Tico hospitality
  • Visit a Pre-Columbian Gold Museum underground
  • Stay in Savegre, a verdant tropical cloud forest and bounded by gardens overflowing with colorful flowers
  • Fully escorted by an experienced Canadian Tour Leader and an expert Costa Rican naturalist for a full two week

2024 Costa Rica In Depth Tour Dates & Prices

February 28th to March 12th, 2024 
Tour Cost per person based on double occupancy $3990.00 CAD 
Air Fare: Direct flights to Costa Rica are available from many Canadian cities. Contact our office for air fares and flight information. Call for air fares from your city. 

Single supplement $1000.00 
In order to make each tour a special experience space is limited to 20 people. We encourage you to book early to avoid disappointment and for the best air fares. 
Flights: Call us for flight and air fare information from your closest airport in Canada as we can often access flights not easily found on the Internet and offer alternatives.
 
Tour price includes:
  • 13 nights’ accommodation based on double occupancy
  • Meals: all breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners
  • All admissions and cultural visits listed in itinerary
  • Air conditioned motor coach transportation
  • Fully escorted by a Canadian Tour Leader and Costa Rican (naturalist) guide
Not included: Travel insurance, Costa Rican departure tax $31 USD, air fare.
 

Itinerary:


Day 1 - February 28th - San Jose: Hotel Presidente - 2 nights

Arrival and transfer to your hotel.
 


Day 2 - February 29th - San Jose: Hotel Presidente

Following an orientation we begin with a walking tour of the historical centre of San Jose, including a visit to the National Theatre, Gold Museum and market. San Jose’s downtown is a bustle of activity and your hotel is centrally located within blocks of the main square. 

Breakfast and Dinner Included


Day 3 - March 1st - Sarapiqui: Ara Ambigua Lodge - 2 nights

Today we drive to Sarapiqui. Surrounded by lush green forests and banana plantations, it is known throughout Costa Rica for its amazing and rich biodiversity. Along the way we will stop to visit a local orphanage. The organization provides comprehensive care to minors at social risk (violence interfamilial, child labor, parental negligence, abandonment, among others), with the mission to provide them the means so that they can develop positively in society.  

In the evening we have the opportunity to learn how to make traditional Costa Rican dishes from a local community member. You will learn about the history, botanical names and cultivation of each fresh ingredient. Enjoy trying all of your culinary creations at the end of the class.
 

Breakfast and Dinner Included


Day 4 - March 2nd - Sarapiqui: Ara Ambigua Lodge

La Selva Biological Station, developed in 1953, was a pioneer site for education, research, conservation, and eco-tourism and is one of the world’s most important centers for tropical ecosystem research. On a hike here, a specialist points out species only seen in this area that are in danger of extinction and explains the steps that are being taken to protect them. 
 

Breakfast and Lunch Included 


Day 5 - March 3rd – La Fortuna: Montana de Fuego Hotel & Spa - 3 nights

This morning we climb on board a tractor-pulled trailer and head out to the vast fields of the Corsicana Pineapple Farm for a fun-filled morning learning everything there is to know about growing pineapples organically. This is followed by a visit to the factory where they are processed and a chance to taste sample “fresh” pineapples. Many have commented that they are the “best” pineapples they have ever tasted! 
We continue to La Fortuna located in the Arenal Volcano National Park which protects the Arenal Volcano – an active and perfectly cone-shaped volcano that has constant moderate explosions accompanied by a roar, gas and ash emissions that billow high above the crater. Your resort offers a fantastic view of it. 
This evening before dinner relax in the soothing waters of the natural hot springs at Ecotermales. Unlike some of the other crowded hot springs in the area, these lesser known pools are made of river rock which provides a “natural” feeling to the experience as you move from pool to pool, feeling the difference in the water temperature. Once you are completely “chilled out” and changed back into street clothes, enjoy dinner at the restaurant located onsite.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

March 3rd – La Fortuna: Montana de Fuego Hotel & Spa - 3 nights

Day 6 - March 4th - La Fortuna: Montana de Fuego Hotel & Spa

Today we travel by boat through the various water canals in the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge set near the Nicaraguan border. This area is often submerged in water by flooded rivers and is home to hundreds of different species of birds, as well as mammals, reptiles and amphibians. 

Breakfast and Lunch Included 


Day 7 - March 5th – La Fortuna: Montana de Fuego Hotel & Spa

This morning we view the forest from a different view as we walk on a series of hanging bridges hung just below the forest canopy. By doing so, we are able to see the flora and fauna without disturbing it as we traverse the trails formed by these bridges. 

Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore. With a diverse landscape that features erupting volcanoes, rainforests full of life, and cascading waterfalls, it’s a land perfect for active explorers. 

Breakfast Included 

March 5th – La Fortuna: Montana de Fuego Hotel & Spa

Day 8 - March 6th – Dominical: Cuna de Angel - 3 nights

Say good-bye to the volcano region as we travel to the Pacific Coast. The drive takes us through the Tilaran Mountains and onto the Panamerican Highway to the small beach front village of Dominical. The town recalls the mythical ‘old Costa Rica’ – the days before the roads were paved, and when the coast was dotted with lazy little towns that drew a motley crew of surfers, backpackers and affable do-nothings alike. 

With its stunning backdrop of lush green forests and palm trees, it’s truly a piece of paradise surrounded by plantations, estuaries, mangroves and marshes. Birder beware, you may not want to leave.  

Breakfast and Dinner Included 


Day 9 - March 7th – Dominical: Cuna de Angel

Enjoy your day sunbathing in the swimming pool or on the beautiful Playa Dominical Beach which is a 10 minute walk away. 

Breakfast Included 

March 7th – Dominical: Cuna de Angel

Day 10 - March 8th – Dominical: Cuna de Angel

Tucked away in the dense jungle of Dominical are the waterfalls of El Pavon. The canyon is surrounded by gorgeous tropical rainforests and several waterfalls created from the Barucito River. After a short hike to the falls, enjoy time swimming in the natural pools while admiring this stunning environment. 

Your afternoon is at leisure to explore the tropical jungle and spot exotic wildlife, canopy tours, horseback riding, deep sea fishing, sea kayaking, scuba diving and snorkeling. 

Breakfast and Lunch Included 


Day 11 - March 9th – San Gerardo de Dota: Mirador/Paraiso de Quetzales Lodge - 2 nights

This morning our drive takes us into the highlands of the San Jose Central Valley, past carrot & potato plantations to a small community of San Gerado. It is part of the Los Santos Forest Reserve, a biological corridor for a great array of wildlife including the resplendent quetzal. 

At an altitude of 7,000 feet above sea level (2200 meters) and surrounded by the unspoiled ecology of the area, our Lodge sits amidst dazzling flowers, showing amazing shades of colors and where centennial oak trees show their impressive roots.  

After checking in at the hotel, you will have free time to explore the lodge’s trout ponds and nature trails before dinner. 

Breakfast and Dinner included 


Day 12 - March 10th – San Gerardo de Dota: Mirador/Paraiso de Quetzales Lodge

After breakfast we travel to the small town of Santa Maria de Dota to learn about the process of making of coffee. One of the community’s biggest claims to fame is the shade-grown Tarrazu coffee that thrives in the volcanic soil of the area. At the local cooperative, you will learn about the different projects of environmental sustainability and have a chance to enjoy a cup of coffee. Since 1865, unique blends have been regarded world-wide as some of the finest. 

Breakfast included

March 10th – San Gerardo de Dota: Mirador/Paraiso de Quetzales Lodge

Day 13 - March 11th – San José: Hotel Presidente- 1 night

On our drive back to San Jose we stop for a short visit in the city of Cartago, Costa Rica’s first capital and one of the oldest communities. Ruins dating back to the 16th century can be found in the city’s central park. It is here that Cartago’s first basilica was destroyed several times due to the close proximity of the Irazú Volcano, just 24 miles away. Several rebuilding attempts ended in the same result and efforts to repair the basilica were eventually abandoned. Now, the area’s largest religious center is the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, a massive grey and white Byzantine church that pilgrims from all over Central America visit. 
This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner where we have a chance to reflect on what we have seen and learned during the past two weeks. 

Breakfast and Dinner included 


Day 14 - March 12th

Transfer to airport for your return flight home or perhaps you have decided to extend your vacation. We can arrange for a longer stay as well. 

Breakfast included 

Singles wishing to share: We often get requests for single travellers wishing to share accommodation. If you are interested in traveling with a companion please let us know and we can try to match you up with a suitable traveling partner.

Transfers: To and from the airport to your hotel are included on the tour dates. Airport transfers can be arranged for a cost when you purchase extra nights before or after the vacation.

Insurance: Medical insurance is mandatory. Cancellation and trip interruption insurance is optional. Premiums depend on your age, the length of time away and the cost of your tour and insurance will be discussed and quoted at the time of booking.

Payment Schedule:

Tour Deposit: $300.00 per person.

Forms of Payment: Cheque, Visa and Master Card or by e-mail. Payments made by credit cards will be subject to a 3 percent processing fee. For information regarding e-mail payments contact your financial institution. It is easy and convenient.

Cancellation Policy: In the event that you have to cancel you must notify Discovery Tours immediately in writing. The following scale of charges will apply according to the date that notice is received. Air fare penalties may differ and will be discussed at the time of ticket purchase.

Notification: Penalty:
65 days or more Deposit Only
64 to 30 days 50% of Tour cost
29 days or less 100%