Costa Rican Adventure (8 Days) 

     Expedition begins at 6 p.m. at the Real InterContinental in San José. A transfer from the airport to your hotel is included. Meet your tour director and travel companions at the welcome reception and dinner as you prepare to begin your Costa Rica travel adventure. (D)

     Enter the cooler climactic zone in Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. Challenge yourself on the Sky Walk, crossing high suspension bridges through the treetop canopy and over ravines. There are 400 bird species in the reserve, including 30 hummingbird species, but most are quite shy. You can rely on your experienced naturalist to point out any that reveal themselves. (B,L,D)

     See more than 50 native butterfly species, including the stunning blue morpho, at the enclosed Butterfly Garden, within the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Our naturalists pass along their expert insights on the butterflies' complex life cycles. Throughout your stay at Monteverde, keep your binoculars at the ready to spot wildlife that may reveal themselves. (B,L,D)

     Take in coffee plantation vistas on the way to Arenal Volcano, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Enjoy a short cruise across Lake Arenal, and soak in hot springs rich with therapeutic minerals. Spend the next two nights at a tropical resort nestled in a rainforest overlooking the San Carlos River. (B,L,D)

     Float down the scenic Penas Blancas River aboard a raft, perhaps viewing wildlife ranging from sloths to giant iguanas along the shore. Spend time enjoying all there is to see and do at your resort in the heart of one of Costa Rica's most richly diverse ecosystems. (B,L,D)

     On Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, visit E.A.R.T.H., a tropical agricultural university. No Costa Rica travel adventure is complete without a visit to Tortuguero National Park, one of the world’s most important green sea turtle nesting sites. Cruise through jungle-lined canals to get to your remote riverfront lodge, reachable only by boat. Keep an eye out for a roseate spoonbill, or perhaps crocodile or howler monkeys with the help of expert naturalists. (B,L,D)

     Spend the day as you please with a choice of optional excursions in Tortuguero National Park. Explore the network of waterways on a private cruise with a naturalist, opt for a walking tour through the coastal jungle ecosystem, or visit sleepy Tortuguero village and the Caribbean Conservation Learning Center. There will be plenty to talk about tonight at the farewell reception and dinner! (B,L,D)

     Fly to San José in the morning on a private charter flight, and catch your flight home. Journey ends at 10 a.m. at San José Santa Maria International Airport. Some flight schedules may require additional nights in San José; inquire at booking. (B)