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Ann Teget
Costa Rica Rainforests,...
 

Costa Rica Rainforests, Hot Springs, Wildlife and Wellness with Postcard Jar

10 days
OverviewItineraryTour priceHotels, flights & FAQ
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Costa Rica is a real-life paradise.

From misty cloud forests and lush jungles to volcanic landscapes and organic farms, there’s so much to love about this Central American hot spot. Join Steve and Ann from PortcardJar as you learn about la pura vida by visiting a toucan rescue ranch, trying locally made food, and taking part in a tree planting. As you travel across the country, you'll discover that there’s also no wrong way to spend time in paradise.

Your tour package includes

  • 9 nights in handpicked hotels
  • Breakfast daily
  • 3 lunches
  • 5 dinners with beer or wine
  • 2 tastings
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Included highlights

  • Coffee plantation
  • Arenal Volcano National Park
  • Hot spring visit
  • Arenal Lake cruise
  • Heliconia Ranch
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Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
San José1 night
Day 1: Arrival in San José
Included meal: Light dinner

Welcome to Costa Rica! Settle in to your hotel in San José.

Arenal Region3 nights
Day 2: Arenal via coffee farm
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Lunch, Welcome dinner

En route to the lush rainforest of the Arenal region, visit a coffee plantation to learn how the country produces some of the world’s best coffee beans.

  • Tour the family-owned coffee estate to learn how coffee seeds grow into beans and become the flavorful drink in your cup
  • Learn how the estate protects and preserves the biodiversity of the area
  • See the traditional ways of cultivating coffee and sample a few varieties

Sit down for an included lunch at a local restaurant in the Fraijanes region. Then, make a photo stop at the mighty La Paz Waterfall in La Fortuna.

Continue to your hotel in Arenal. Later, get to know your Tour Director and fellow travelers during tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Hiking tour of Arenal & hot springs
Included meal: Breakfast

Hike through Arenal Volcano National Park with your Tour Director.

  • View the mile-high volcano, a near-perfect conical shape that emerges from the Sierra de Tilarán mountain range
  • Keep watch for wildlife like capuchin monkeys, coati, and over 500 species of birds that call the park home

Please note: Travelers should be able to hike around two miles over uneven terrain and hardened lava.

Spend a free afternoon in the Arenal region or add an excursion.

The evening is yours to explore an array of heated pools, kept warm by geothermal activity surrounding Arenal Volcano.

Costa Rican Farm Tour with Lunch

$75 per person

Day 4: Free day in the Arenal Region
Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a full free day in the Arenal region or add an excursion.

Kayaking in Arenal Volcano National Park

$45 per person

Monteverde2 nights
Day 5: Monteverde via Heliconia Ranch & coffee, cocoa, and sugarcane tastings
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tasting

Start your journey to Monteverde with a boat ride across Lake Arenal, spotting iguanas and birds as you cruise along. Then, enjoy dramatic mountain, valley, and cloud forest views as you make your way to Heliconia Ranch aboard your coach.

  • Talk with a rancher to find out what circumstances have led to deforestation in Costa Rica
  • Make your own contribution to reforestation efforts by planting a native tree at the ranch
  • Enjoy lunch at the ranch, with dishes featuring lamb, chicken, rice, beans, coffee, and other items and ingredients grown or produced on-site
  • Watch traditional Costa Rican dances performed by the ranch’s staff

This afternoon, head to a nearby coffee plantation to learn about the history and production of coffee, as well as chocolate and sugarcane, in Costa Rica.

  • Get to know different kinds of coffee beans and roasting techniques, and sample a freshly brewed cup made from the plantation’s own beans
  • Discover how cocoa is cultivated and transformed into various types of chocolate treats
  • Try your hand at making drinking chocolate, and sample ready-to-eat chocolate made on-site
  • Watch a farmer or plantation worker cut and press stalks of sugarcane to extract fresh juice, and enjoy a refreshing taste
Day 6: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve & yoga class
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Join a local guide this afternoon for a one-and-a-half-mile nature walk along a series of suspended bridges in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

  • Walk high above the floor of the misty forest as you explore this rare ecosystem, which gets its name from the constant cloud coverage
  • Try to spot wildlife such as howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, keel-billed toucans, and the elusive resplendent quetzal
  • See the flora of the forest, home to the world’s highest concentration of orchids, as you cross a series of six bridges

This afternoon, take part in a guided beginner-level yoga class. Breathe in the fresh air and listen to the calming sounds of the rainforest as you enjoy this relaxing form of exercise.

Later, head to a local restaurant for an included dinner served with beer or wine.

Guanacaste Province3 nights
Day 7: Guanacaste Province via Palo Verde National Park
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Travel north to the coastal province of Guanacaste. Along the way, stop in Palo Verde National Park.

  • Join a naturalist guide for a tour of the wetlands
  • Look for crocodiles, roseate spoonbills, and other animals as you explore the Tempisque River by boat
  • Enjoy an included buffet-style lunch at local restaurant

Continue on to the Guanacaste province and enjoy a free evening.

Day 8: Costa Rican cooking class
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend a free day enjoying the beaches of the Guanacaste Coast.

Later, try your hand at Costa Rican cooking during a lesson with a local chef. Learn how to make local specialties during a cooking class, then enjoy your meal paired with beer, wine, or soft drinks.

Day 9: Free day on the Guanacaste Coast
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Spend one last free day in Costa Rica on the Guanacaste Coast or add an excursion.

This evening, celebrate your trip with your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner.

Guanacaste Sailing & Snorkeling with Lunch

$119 per person

Flight Home
Day 10: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the Liberia airport for your flight home.

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Hotels, flights & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
Holiday Inn San José-Aurola
Holiday Inn San José-Aurola

This centrally located hotel is steps away from San José center in Costa Rica. Guests enjoy an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, and casino. Nearb...

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Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa

This upscale hotel is located within Arenal’s rainforest. Guests enjoy the on-site hot springs within Shangri-La Gardens, a luxury spa, and the swim-u...

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El Establo Mountain Hotel
El Establo Mountain Hotel

This contemporary hotel is located in Monteverde. Guests enjoy a tennis court, indoor pool, and a spa. Nearby, you'll find the Monteverde Butterfly Ga...

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Wyndham Tamarindo
Wyndham Tamarindo

This serene hotel is located perched on a hillside of Tamarindo on the Guanacaste coast. Guests enjoy sweeping ocean views, outdoor infinity pool, a l...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
Add our airfare package and you'll get:
  • Round-trip flight for your tour
  • Airport transfers at your destination
  • A great price locked in today
  • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
  • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
  • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
  • Find out more about flights

Local weather

San Jose, Costa Rica
Weather averages
Today
High 78 °FLow 58 °F
/
76°78°80°79°76°75°75°75°75°74°73°75°58°58°59°61°62°62°61°61°61°61°60°59°
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Monteverde, Costa Rica
Weather averages
Today
High 92 °FLow 69 °F
/
87°90°92°93°90°86°86°86°85°84°84°85°72°72°73°75°76°74°73°73°73°72°72°72°
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Weather averages
Today
High 84 °FLow 69 °F
/
79°81°84°86°84°82°81°82°83°81°79°79°67°68°68°70°71°71°70°71°72°71°69°68°
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

FAQ

Print FAQ
  • In order to enter Costa Rica, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
  • We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
  • There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
  • If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
  • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/myaccount.
  • You will walk for at least 2.5 hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, including paved roads, unpaved trails, and muddy paths, with some hills.
  • Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
  • You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of boats.
  • Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
  • If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
  • Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in San José and depart from Liberia. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
  • Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
  • Boat rides in Monteverde and Palo Verde National Park are included in the price of your tour.
  • All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
  • Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
  • Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
  • Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
  • Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
  • We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered. Comfortable, casual clothing and a sturdy pair of walking shoes are a must for sightseeing.
  • A lightweight jacket is recommended, as the temperatures will change with the elevation throughout your tour.
  • A sun hat, sunglasses, and rain gear will help you stay comfortable in all types of weather. You may also wish to pack a swimsuit.
  • A small bottle of hand sanitizer may be helpful when other facilities are not readily available while on the road.
  • Binoculars are handy for a closer look at local wildlife and scenery.
  • You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
  • At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
  • Take proper care with sun exposure, as the sun can be especially strong in some of the regions on this tour.
  • There are inherent risks associated with snorkeling and other water sports, particularly for those with pre-existing medical conditions. Discuss your planned activities with your doctor or healthcare provider for the best advice on participation.
  • Drink bottled water only. Refrain from ingesting tap water, including when brushing your teeth.
  • Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables unless they’re cooked or washed in clean water and peeled.
  • Travelers prone to seasickness should note that this tour includes boat rides.
  • If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour and any possible delays encountered.
  • If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
  • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/myaccount.
  • Costa Rican cuisine is based on staples like rice, black beans, and corn with beef, chicken, or fish. Fresh, locally grown fruit includes bananas, mangoes, pineapples, and avocados. Traditional desserts include custards, puddings, and simple cakes. Locally grown coffee is served strong and black, but hot milk is often available if you ask.
  • Costa Rica operates on 120 volts and uses Types A or B plugs with two flat pins or two flat pins and one round pin, respectively.
  • We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
  • The strength of the air conditioning in some hotels in this region may not be as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
  • Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
  • Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply. In more remote locations, internet access may be limited and is not guaranteed.
  • There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches
  • Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
  • Costa Rica is six hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and one hour behind Eastern Time (ET). Costa Rica does not observe Daylight Saving Time.
  • When it’s noon in New York City, it’s 11am in Costa Rica from November through March and 10am from April through October.
  • You will use the Costa Rican colón on this tour.
  • Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
  • We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
  • You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
  • Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
  • International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
  • At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
  • We recommend tipping the equivalent of $8USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
  • If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
  • Tips can only be paid in cash.
Upcoming tour
May 23–Jun 01, 2025
Costa Rica Rainforests, Hot Springs, Wildlife and Wellness with Postcard Jar
Costa Rica is a real-life paradise.