April 20, 2028 for 8 nights, hosted by M&K (Max 28 guests main trip & optional pre extension, 18 guests max on optional post extension), as we tour this paradise by land!
Lush forests and stunning waterfalls… rumbling volcanoes and endless coastlines… Costa Rica is a paradise teeming with exotic plants and incredible animals. Enjoy the tranquil views of Arenal Volcano from your hotel. Explore part of the 20,000-acre nature preserve of Cano Negro on a riverboat adventure. Spend two nights in Monteverde’s lush cloud forest. Experience the forest canopy on your choice of a hanging bridges nature walk or an exhilarating zip lining tour. Soak in the sunshine at Playa Carrillo, Guanacaste, known for its breathtaking beauty and fine sandy beaches. You will find a slice of paradise and so much more.
You don’t want to miss a thing, so walking and standing for longer periods of time (2-3 hours) isn’t a big deal. A moderately paced two-and-a-half-hour walking tour, covering several miles, hills, and uneven surfaces, is no problem for you. Walking four miles over the course of a day is very doable, as is climbing into and out of various modes of transportation (tuk-tuk, cable car, zodiac, etc.). You can climb three flights of stairs easily and handle altitudes between 6,000 and 9,000 feet. Expect some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure. This level is not a fit for travelers who require mobility assistance devices.
Join an engaging talk led by a local birding expert, exploring the fascinating migration patterns of the county’s avian visitors.
Catch a glimpse of local life as you explore a family-owned farm.
OPTIONAL PRE-TOUR EXTENSION ITINERARY ($999 per person add-on)
Apr 17, 2028: San Jose, Costa Rica
Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital city, for an overnight stay.
Apr 18, 2028: San Jose – Tortuguero National Park
breakfast & lunch & dinner
This morning, set out for an exciting soft-adventure jungle experience in Tortuguero, the Amazon of Costa Rica, in search of wildlife such as macaws, sloths, monkeys, falcons, and other native species. Depart your San Jose hotel via private transportation for a transfer to the dock where you board an open-air boat with other travelers to journey into Tortuguero’s unspoiled paradise. Check into an eco-lodge built in harmony with nature using the best sustainability practices – where fans create breezes instead of air conditioning, and meals feature locally sourced ingredients prepared with Caribbean flair.
Apr 19, 2028: Tortuguero National Park
An early morning bird watching excursion* is offered so you may learn about the variety of local species and migratory birds that flock to this area. Join your fellow lodge guests on a spectacular boat cruise through the various canals and be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife, including howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, aquatic birds, bats, and caimans, as well as exotic flora. Tortuguero National Park is a study in rainforest, freshwater, and marine biology. It protects over 350 species of birds and mammals, including green macaws; 57 species of amphibians; 111 species of reptiles; and 60 mammal species, including 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered species, including jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters, and manatees.
Apr 20, 2028: Tortuguero National Park – San Jose
breakfast & lunch
Depart Tortuguero National Park today to return to San Jose, where the rest of your adventure awaits you on the main, primary itinerary.
Apr 20, 2028: San Jose, Costa Rica
Doubletree Cariari Hotel
Your trip to Costa Rica opens in the colorful capital city of San Jose, the perfect place to relax and soak up the sights as your adventure begins. As travelers’ arrival times will vary, we have not included any sightseeing or meals today.
Apr 21, 2028: San Jose – Coffee Plantation – Arenal
Montana de Fuego Hotel and Spa
breakfast & dinner
Welcome to the Central Valley. Begin with a private tour of a local coffee plantation highlighting the history and cultivation of this driver of the Costa Rican economy. This afternoon, check in for a leisurely 3-night stay at a lodge overlooking the majestic Arenal Volcano.
Apr 22, 2028: Arenal – Cano Negro – Arenal
Embark on a Cano Negro guided riverboat trip in a covered canoe known as a panga . These 20,000 acres are home to the largest viewable collection of indigenous wildlife in all of Costa Rica. Go in search of caimans, river otters, sloths, monkeys, river turtles, exotic birds, and rare butterflies. Later, return to Arenal for the chance to relax at your resort.
Apr 23, 2028: Arenal
Today, explore a family-owned farm, getting a peek into the daily lives of the locals. During a tour of the gardens, learn how the plants are organically grown through the concept of sustainability. The farm considers itself a “classroom without borders.” Taste the exotic fruit harvest and experience the traditional way to process sugar cane. Enjoy a sip of cane liquor before engaging in a culinary demonstration and an exclusive farm-to-table lunch. After lunch, head back to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day as you wish.
Apr 24, 2028: Arenal – Monteverde
El Establo
Today, it’s off to the secluded Monteverde Cloud Forest, a place you have to see to believe, where trees grow to heights of 100 feet! Set off on a nature walk through this spectacular ecosystem, where you’re sure to encounter many incredible species of flora and fauna.
Apr 25, 2028: Monteverde
It’s your choice! This morning, join your Tour Manager for a leisurely paced “Hanging Bridges” walking tour to gain a different perspective of the cloud forest’s lush ecosystem -OR- take an exhilarating ride on one of the longest canopy zip line tours in Costa Rica. Your afternoon is at leisure, or if you would like to do both the hanging bridges and the zip line tour, you may purchase the second as an option on tour. This evening, take part in an expert-led discussion about the migratory birds that flock to Costa Rica.
Available Option: Canopy Adventure $89
Available Option: Monteverde Hanging Bridges $79
Apr 26, 2028: Monteverde – Guanacaste
Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows
Today, we make our way to breathtaking Guanacaste, known for its fine sandy beaches. Settle in for a relaxing 2-night stay at your resort and take in the mesmerizing ocean views.
Apr 27, 2028: Guanacaste
Fun in the sun is in store today as you explore the nearby beaches, or simply relax by the pool and take advantage of your resort’s lovely amenities. This afternoon, visit the delightful beach town of Samara for some local culture. Return to your hotel in time to catch a Costa Rican sunset and soak in the spectacular colors as the sun illuminates the natural landscape before your final dinner.
Available Option: Dolphin Watching & Snorkel Experience $70
Available Option: Mangrove Kayaking on the Ora River $69
Apr 28, 2028: Guanacaste – Primary Tour Ends
breakfast
Today, you depart for home with fabulous memories of your Costa Rican adventure OR extend your trip and join us at an exclusive private villa for 5 nights!
OPTIONAL POST-TOUR EXTENSION ($2320 per person, limit 18 guests)
April 28th, 2028 for 5 nights at the Hacienda Vista Grande featuring stunning views of the Pacific Ocean & lush green mountains. Includes Breakfast & Dinner every day + unlimited beverages, including adult libations. We will ask for your favorite libations and have them stocked!
A newly designed modern floor print, the third floor of the Main House offers a large open plan lounge, generous balcony & a fully equipped kitchen plus butler kitchen for our private chef. The Master Suite with a King bed & large en-suite also sit on the top floor, boasting gorgeous views of the Pacific from a balcony space.
On the second a smaller lounge with an entertainment center sits between a second Master Suite with full bath, 2 additional King Suites with full baths, & 1 bunk room. All King bedrooms on this floor have a large terrace with views of the Pacific Ocean.
Outside on the ground level you’ll find a private enclosed pool alongside a dining area & luxurious lounge spaces. All floors can be easily accessed by elevator. Just minutes from the beach, this spacious, modern home boasts stunning 360° ocean and mountain views. Two private pools, a stunning three-level main house with an elevator, and jaw-dropping interior design. Built-in speakers throughout the home let you choose the vibe in every room—chill indoors, soul outdoors.
If the group grows to max size of 18 guests, Hacienda Vista Grande features two private Casitas separate from the Main House. Each Casita offers two king suites with two bathrooms, and a kitchenette. Between the Casitas is a shared outdoor kitchen & lounge next to a sun-drenched terrace with private pool, alongside a private courtyard all within a 10-minute walk to the beach.
Standout Features:
ALL WITHIN A 10-MINUTE WALK FROM HACIENDA VISTA GRANDE__Start your day with a quick 10-minute walk to Playa Grande Beach (or just 5 minutes by car!) to catch the best waves around. Then, enjoy a healthy and delicious breakfast at Pots and Bowls, just a 3-minute walk from the house.
After fueling up, head to Frijoles Locos—an 8-minute walk from Hacienda Vista Grande—to rent surfboards and hit the waves, or grab a bike to explore the outdoors. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, stroll over to Beach Break Surf Café, just a 4-minute walk away, for some fresh bagels. For some sports action, check out the nearby tennis and pickleball courts. If fitness is your thing, the Unity Center gym, just a 6-minute walk away, is open all day.
Wrap up your day with a cold craft beer at Las Olas Brewing, only a 6-minute walk from the villa. Catch a breathtaking sunset at Dante’s Rock, just a 10-minute walk away. For dinner, head to Rip Jack Inn for great food and live music on Fridays, just a quick 4-minute drive. Or, for an Italian touch, try El Huerto, just a 4-minute walk away.
LUXURY SERVICES INCLUDED__Elite Service Standard (Mon-Sat) – your stay includes:
__Elite Service Premium(Minimum 10 guests & 5 nights)
With our Elite Service Premium, simplify your life with just one click! For only $29 per person per day (+taxes), relieve yourself of the stress associated with organizing key vacation elements. Upgrade your stay with our exclusive service, by clicking on this optional add-on during your booking process.
Per person pricing, based on double-occupancy and availability. The exception is the SOLO category, which is priced for 1 guest, and has limited availability. Minimum must be met on each portion (pre/primary/post) for that activity to be a go.
Pricing includes the Tours including taxes. Does not include Airfare. Optional insurance available (for residents of most states) but may need to be adjusted for airfare. Prices and fares are non-refundable so you will need the insurance to cancel. The insurance is not “cancel for any reason”; cancellation is only reimbursed for a covered reason.
Want to go? Simply complete this Secure Payment Form to authorize nonrefundable deposit of [total deposit as added above, per person] (plus recommended insurance, which will be quoted). For the name of the trip put “Tropical Costa Rica” and indicate the type of suite you’d like. Deposits for Solo passengers may be different.
Final Payment is due by August 19th, 2027.
Unless we already have it, please complete this Secure Passport Form for each passenger. Questions simply call us 843-279-0310 or email office@mgatravel.com .
* notes regarding the optional PRE EXTENSION:
Fully-guided extensions are a great way to explore a new destination. Enjoy sightseeing and local experiences led by a Tour Manager or local expert.
We reserve the right to cancel this extension if a minimum of 4 travelers is not met to operate.
Extensions are subject to availability and applicable charges at time of request.
River boats are used throughout the stay in Tortuguero National Park. Travelers must be willing and able to step on and off the deck of a docked boat.
If you require any special assistance while on tour, please make us aware at time of reservation so the necessary request form can be sent to your attention.
Your transfer from the San Jose hotel to the dock, and on the land return back to the San Jose hotel, is private. Upon arrival at the dock, the boat transfer is provided by your eco-lodge, which you will be joined by other like-minded adventurous travelers of the lodge.
Order of sightseeing is subject to change.
*Morning bird watching excursion is weather-dependent.
Due to luggage size and weight restrictions on the boats, please bring an overnight bag for the 2-night stay in Tortuguero National Park. Please make arrangements with the concierge’s desk at the hotel in San Jose for luggage pick-up and for storage until your return from Tortuguero.
In keeping with best practices for sustainability and responsible tourism set forth by the Rainforest Alliance, the hotel in Tortuguero does not offer air conditioning.
During our stay in Tortuguero, you will be staying in an eco-lodge. This is an experiential stay that will expose you to amazing wildlife. The rooms are rustic and basic but comfortable. There is a ceiling fan but no air conditioning available. Tortuguero National Park lodges can only be accessed by motorboat.
Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Single rate subject to change based on availability.
The transfer from San Jose to Tortuguero National Park by coach, and then by boat, will take approximately 5 hours in total.
Air inclusive rate is valid for travelers who have purchased our air package for the full tour, depending on the air schedule selected. Rate may vary for those who have purchased their own air.
For air-inclusive reservations, the name provided at time of booking must match your government-issued ID that will be used during travel. Name changes are subject to penalties.
Prepaid tipping is not available on our tours therefore payment of customary end-of-trip gratuities for your Tour Manager, driver, local guides, hotel housekeepers, and cruise ship waitstaff should be handled individually when applicable during the course of your tour.
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