Explore Costa Rica - United States Tour Package

Arrive in San José and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day is free at leisure. Overnight in San Jose.

Stop at Nectandra Botanical Garden for lunch en route to Monteverde and its nearby Cloud Forest. Founded by a group of Quakers in 1954, Monteverde is a peaceful community of dairy farmers, naturalists and tourism service providers who joined together to create a model for sustainable development and environmental protection. Tonight, meet for a private wine and cheese reception and presentation showcasing Monteverde's history, flora and fauna, preparing you for your cloud forest visit tomorrow.

Visit the enchanting Butterfly Garden, located in the scenic Tilarán Mountains, where you have the chance to closely observe these wonderful creatures. This afternoon, explore the unique and spectacular Cloud Forest Reserve, containing six ecologically diverse habitats. As many as 400 species of birds, 490 butterfly species, 100 species of mammals and a staggering 1,500 species of plants are at home here. Later, meet with one of the original Quaker settlers of the area, Marvin Rockwell.

Travel along scenic gravel roads to Rio Chiquito; then cruise across Lake Arenal on the way to Fortuna. Settle in to your hotel, set on 100 acres overlooking the Arenal Volcano and Arenal River Gorge. You have time to relax before your visit to the Hidalgo family's hot springs for a traditional dinner and a swim. Giant strangler fig and kapok trees provide shade as you enjoy a natural massage from the small cascade of hot spring water.

Explore the Arenal region on an excursion with a bird's eye view from a vantage point of 15 hanging bridges poised above the trees. Observe the natural beauty of flowers, lush vegetation and birds as you walk along the beautiful trails that were designed to blend in with the natural environment. Later, embark on an afternoon float trip down the slow-moving Peñas Blancas River in search of howler monkey, caiman, toucan, sloth and blue jean frog.

Fly to the Caribbean coast this afternoon. Slow moving tropical rivers define the essence of Tortuguero, and you explore its narrow canals by boat in search of wildlife often hidden by thick vines and other flora that engulf your path. Originally intended to protect a major nesting beach of the Atlantic green sea turtle, Tortuguero National Park now protects over 50,000 acres, one of the last large areas of tropical rainforest in Central America.

Continue exploring the canals by boat and visit the Caribbean Conservation Corporation (CCC) Museum to learn about the Atlantic green sea turtle. You may wander the beach where thousands of sea turtle nest from June through October. It is thought that these gentle vegetarians return to nest on the beach where they were born. Optional kayaks and canoes are available to access the most remote areas of Tortuguero National Park at your leisure.

Return this morning to San José. On arrival, transfer to the Britt Coffee Plantation for a tour. View the production process from the seed to the roasting plant. This evening, gather with your fellow travellers for a festive farewell dinner.

Board your homebound flight or continue to your next Latin American destination.