Compelling Costa Rica

Depart from Minneapolis/St. Paul, or your home city, to Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia, Costa Rica. You are in the tropics now! We will be met at the airport and enjoy a private transfer through the Costa Rican countryside to our hotel in La Fortuna (about 3 hours). Dinner at our hotel before settling into our home for the next 3 days.
Overnight at Mountain Paradise Hotel, La Fortuna

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will visit La Fortuna´s most spectacular waterfall. For those with lots of energy, engage with the 500+ steps to get the best pictures and, if weather allows, take a dip in its pond. Or, stay at the top taking pictures from the lookout, and visiting the short orchid-trail and souvenir shop. Then, we will enjoy some free time to roam in town and chose from the different local restaurants for lunch on own. This afternoon, we will learn about the rainforest’s flora and fauna from a birds-eye perspective with a Natural History guided tour of the Mistico Hanging Bridges Park and watch several rain forest species from the forest canopy, undergrowth, and floor. This is followed by a relaxing time at Eco Termales hot springs with dinner included. Overnight at Mountain Paradise Hotel, La Fortuna

A couple of options to choose from today!

A) Morning tour and volunteer at Proyecto Asis, a great balance between cultural immersion, community service, conservation and a touch of adventure. This is a wild animal rescue center where you will get up close to Costa Rican animals and to learn about wildlife protection. (8:00 am to noon, approximately.)

B) White Water Rafting in Balsa River. Not only will we enjoy the thrill of exciting whitewater rafting, we will also pass through scenic forests and have the opportunity to see wildlife active on the river banks. We will paddle through rapids and emerge on the other side on a natural high! (10:30 am to 4:00 pm, approximately.)

The rest of the day is free to enjoy the surroundings.

Lunch and dinner on own.   Overnight at Mountain Paradise Hotel, La Fortuna

After breakfast, drive to Guanacaste plains arriving at Hacienda El Viejo (3 hour drive, approximately). Hacienda El Viejo is a Costa Rican, family-owned property that encompasses a sugar cane plantation as well as a 5,000-acre private wildlife refuge that borders the Palo Verde National Park.

Your choices today include enjoying a wildlife viewing river boat tour at Tempisque River seeing birds, monkeys, and more on this serene boat ride OR a rum tour to discover the whole process of producing high-quality rum from the purest sugarcane OR a Sabanero experience, to re-live the precious traditions such as the “ox-operated sugar mill” (trapiche), hand made tortillas, aromatic fresh coffee and some guanacastecan appetizers made of corn. All followed by lunch at La Casona.
Overnight at Wyndham Tamarindo

After breakfast you will enjoy a morning of snorkeling and beach hopping on board a private local catamaran.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy the surroundings or visit the little town of Tamarindo.
Overnight at Wyndham Tamarindo

Free day to enjoy the surroundings, explore nearby beaches, Independently book a surfing class, spa services or a one-day adventure.
Overnight at Wyndham Tamarindo

Another free day to relax on the beach or explore the area on own.
Tonight we gather for a farewell dinner and regale each other with memories and stories of our shared adventure.
Overnight at Wyndham Tamarindo

Breakfast and hotel check out. Group transfer to the Liberia International Airport for the return flight to Minneapolis/St. Paul. Buen viaje!