Costa Rica

SAN JOSÉ. Welcome to Costa Rica. Upon arrival in San José, you will be met by your Cosmos representative, who will help you get acquainted with this fascinating city.

SAN JOSÉ. EXCURSION TO DOKA COFFEE ESTATE & POÁS VOLCANO. Start your day at POÁS VOLCANO, considered the largest active crater in the world, with frequent geyser-like eruptions. A walk along the incredible trails leads you through cloud forests filled with stunted and twisted vegetation from the volcanic emissions and cold, windy, high-altitude habitat. If weather conditions allow, you will have the chance to see Lake Botos, which fills an extinct crater. The area is also home to many cloud forest birds, like hummingbirds, tanagers, flycatchers, toucanets, clay-colored robins, and the resplendent quetzal. Next, visit DOKA ESTATE, one of Costa Rica’s premium coffee plantations and producer of internationally acclaimed coffees. From the picking of the coffee berries to the roasting and grinding of the coffee beans, you will see how Costa Rican premium coffees are processed and prepared. Be sure to take a walk through the BUTTERFLY GARDEN, home to 15 species that undergo the complete metamorphosis within these walls. (B,L)

SAN JOSÉ–SARCHI–ARENAL. Your journey continues to the Arenal area, with a visit of Sarchi town, known as the center of Costa Rican handcrafts and where you will see the artists in their workshops making the famous oxcarts. Along the way, enjoy amazing views of the mountains as well as a major source of revenue in the area: agricultural crops that include pineapple, bananas, and sugar cane. This afternoon, arrive at La Fortuna Village, situated in the shadow of mighty Arenal Volcano. The evening is at leisure to do as you please. Breakfast

ARENAL. Nature lovers from around the world come to visit the ARENAL HANGING BRIDGES. Journey through the rainforest with an expert Naturalist to learn about the surrounding wildlife and vegetation, and take in nature’s beauty at its most pristine state. With 15 bridges ranging from 5 to 100 meters long, one at a height of 45 meters, you will get a 360-degree view of the tropical rainforest. Plus, if the weather is on your side, you will see the most amazing views of Arenal Volcano. Tonight, you may opt to spend time relaxing in the thermal, healing waters at Tabacón Hot Springs. These natural springs are heated by magma found in the earth’s core and they carry minerals found in the earth’s rocky stratus, which your body absorbs as you soak in the natural pools here. Breakfast

ARENAL–MANUEL ANTONIO. Depart Arenal towards the Pacific Ocean to the Manuel Antonio area. Dense mangrove swamps, sheltering a variety of wildlife, back up to the pristine beaches in this area. It is not uncommon to see iguanas and white-faced monkeys on the beach. For the more active, there are jungle hikes suited to all levels. Other local activities include canopy tours, deep-sea fishing, diving, sea kayaking, and mountain biking. Breakfast

MANUEL ANTONIO. Enjoy a Naturalist-guided WALK on the trails of MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK, considered one of the most beautiful areas in Costa Rica. It combines a beach of crystal-clear waters with coral reefs bordered by exuberant tropical vegetation and rainforest. Once in the park, your Naturalist guides you along different trails to observe the abundant flora and fauna of the tropical forest. In particular, several species of monkeys, iguanas, birds and, possibly, even the three-toed sloth can be seen. One of the trails borders Cathedral Point, where the view of the park and the sea is spectacular. During the afternoon you can relax at your hotel, or you can participate in one of the optional activities offered in the area. Breakfast

MANUEL ANTONIO–SAN JOSÉ. This morning, bid adios to Manuel Antonio and travel back to San José for your homebound flight. The tour ends at the Juan Santamaria International Airport. Please schedule flights after 1 pm. Breakfast