Costa rica 2

Day 01: Embark on a journey in San Jose on day one.

Welcome to San Jose. At an elevation of 1150 meters, the capital city of Costa Rica is nestled in a rich valley. Two major businesses exist here: sugar cane and coffee. Coffee can even be found growing between new buildings and on the sides of highways well outside downtown. The welcoming gathering will begin at 7 p.m. for those who arrive on time, and those who choose to dine out can do so at the hotel lobby.

Day 02: Volcano Poas

In the morning, we'll travel an hour to Poas Volcano National Park to see the spectacular smoke rising from one of Costa Rica's most active volcanoes.

The main crater is one of the biggest in the globe, measuring over a mile in diameter. There is a 20-minute time limit at the crater viewpoint because of recent volcanic activity. In the event that the park is forced to close due to overcrowding, you will be taken to the Doka coffee farm for a tour and tasting of Costa Rica's best export. The village of Sarchi, recognized throughout Costa Rica for its exquisite handicrafts, will be our next stop after Poas.

Day 03: Arenal Volcano Hike; Optional Wildlife Spotting in the afternoon.

We'll start our day by visiting Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano National Park, which is home to one of the country's most impressive natural landmarks. We'll hike up to a viewpoint for a better look of the volcano and hear more about its science and history along the way.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to do as you like. There are local excursions to waterfalls and lava trails, as well as volcanic mud bath treatments, for those who want to unwind after a full day of hiking.

There is a wildlife spotting excursion for those who want to observe the famed sloth, the dangerous blue denim dart frog, and the multi-colored toucan in their natural habitat.

Day 04: lunch in Nuevo Arenal

We'll stop in Nuevo Arenal for lunch before heading to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve for the afternoon.

A local family owns a'soda shop' in Nuevo Arenal, which we visit this morning (a typical restaurant). This is complemented by equine therapy in the community and training damaged horses in the Costa Rican paso tradition (a type of dressage step).

After that, we'll head to the Monteverde cloud forest, one of the best areas in Costa Rica to watch animals. Even though the last leg of our journey is spent on winding back roads, we're rewarded with a two-night stopover to take advantage of everything this region has to offer.

On our night hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, we'll be on the lookout for nocturnal species that lurk in the dense undergrowth at this hour.

Day 05: Searching for animals on a nature walk in the cloud forest in the afternoon.

In the morning, our guide will take us on a tour of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, where we'll meander along fern-filled pathways while dodging lichen and moss-covered trees. There's a carpet of color on the forest floor thanks to blooms that come down from the treetops and land on the ground. One of the few remaining areas in Central America where the resplendent quetzal's habitat has been maintained is in this area. It is one of the world's most beautiful birds, and the ideal time to observe it is during its nesting season in March and April when it was revered by the ancient Maya and Aztec peoples. The remainder of the day is free for you to partake in any number of the nearby extracurricular activities. Walking the reserve's hanging bridges, which give you a bird's eye perspective of the forest canopy, is a favorite pastime in the region. The adrenaline rush of zipping through the treetops on a zip wire adds to the excitement.

Day 06: Manuel Antonio National Park

We depart the cloud forest this morning and make our way to the Pacific Coast, where we are greeted with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the Peninsula of Nicoya. After passing Rio Tarcoles Bridge, where large crocodiles are frequently spotted, we continue south. Afterward, we stop at Carara Biological Reserve, which is known for its scarlet macaws and abundance of wildlife. Final destination: Manuel Antonio National Park, where the following two nights will be spent.

Day7: Take a nature and beach tour in Manuel Antonio.

In the morning, we'll take a tour of the nearby Manuel Antonio National Park, which is well-known for its stunning beaches and diverse animal population. White-faced capuchin monkeys, coatimundis (raccoons), and squirrel monkeys are all possible sightings in the park. This is also a great site to watch sloths in Costa Rica. Buds and leaves make up the bulk of a sloth's diet.

Sloths only move when absolutely required, and even then, they do it very slowly, making them easy to recognize. For the remainder of the day, laze on the white sand beaches and cool down in the clear, refreshing seas. This coast's sunsets are breathtaking and must be witnessed to be believed.

Day 08: Free day in Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio has a day off today, so you may spend it relaxing. You may return to the park, or you could rest on the nearby beaches. If you're not a fan of soaking up the sun on the beach, there are plenty of other things to choose from, like white water rafting and snorkeling excursions.

Day 09: To wrap things off, we'll take a flight back to San Jose International Airport