Your Costa Rica adventure begins! You'll fly to San José, the capital city. Your tour guide will meet you at the airport. Afterwards, you'll head to your hotel, where you can relax after your flight and enjoy a light snack. A small snack is available at the hotel to give you a boost. The journey is approximately 15 km. Studio Hotel: At the Studio Hotel, you'll feel like you're in an art gallery – the building is tastefully decorated with works by Costa Rican artists. Only the National Museum's collection is larger. Conveniently located in the heart of the Santa Ana district, the hotel offers stunning views of San José and the surrounding Central Valley.

The day begins after breakfast with a visit to the farmers' market in Zapote, where you can sample the most delicious fruits. Afterwards, you'll visit the National Museum to learn more about Costa Rican history. In the "Witch City" of Escazú, at the Mascarada Santa Cecilia project, your hosts will treat you to regional delicacies, accompanied by fabulous stories and ancient legends. These are a central element of the private mask-making workshop, where you can explore to your heart's content. Breakfast and lunch are included today. The journey distance is approximately 45 km. You will stay in the same accommodation as the previous day.

You'll travel to Irazú, Costa Rica's highest volcano at 3,442 meters. Tropical mountain vegetation, a bizarre volcanic landscape, and fantastic views await you. From there, you'll continue to Cartago and the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles, a beautiful cathedral. You'll then travel along the Pan-American Highway into the mountains to the Savegre Valley. Here you'll find the greatest diversity of endemic plant species in all of Central America. Your lodge is located near Cerro de la Muerte, the once infamous Death Mountain. Breakfast and dinner are included today. The route is approximately 170 km long. The highest point is at an altitude of 3,400 m. It can get chilly at night here in the mountains. However, your accommodation provides heaters and extra blankets, which you can pick up at reception. Trogon Lodge: The Trogon Lodge is nestled in a virtually untouched valley at the foot of the over 3,000-meter-high Cerro de la Muerte. The surrounding cloud forests boast the greatest diversity of native plant species – and the resplendent quetzal, the sacred, colorful bird of the Maya and Aztecs. Here, it's easy to immerse yourself in nature. Even in the rooms, wood and colors create a natural atmosphere. And because it can get quite chilly in the evenings, the hotel team will provide you with a hot water bottle in your bed.

Early in the morning, the forest awakens, and you set out on a wildlife safari. You search for the elusive quetzal, the sacred bird of the Maya and Aztecs, with its fluffy crest and long tail feathers. The fertile Savegre River valley is particularly known for its trout farming, with fish thriving in the ponds. Here, we invite you to a delicious lunch, with freshly caught trout naturally available. In the afternoon, you can explore the area around the lodge on your own or simply relax in your accommodation. Breakfast and lunch are included today. You will stay overnight in the same accommodation as yesterday.

You'll start your journey on the Pan-American Highway into the Pacific lowlands. At Dominical beach, you'll reach the ocean. Enjoy the sound of the waves or take a dip. There will still be time to admire the mysterious granite spheres from pre-Columbian times. They are among the most impressive archaeological relics in South America, with diameters of up to two meters and weights of 15 tons. In the evening, you'll arrive at your accommodation in southern Costa Rica. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price. The journey distance is approximately 230 km. Esquinas Rainforest Lodge: Nestled within the dense lowland rainforest of Piedras Blancas National Park, Esquinas Rainforest Lodge offers a tranquil escape. The lodge's private reserve and the adjacent national park provide habitat for 300 bird species, easily observed from your veranda. Coatis, monkeys, caimans, and many other animals roam the beautifully landscaped gardens. The lodge comprises nine cabins, each with two rooms, all decorated in vibrant colors. The fabrics were woven by Guaymí and Boruca, supporting the local indigenous community.

On a hike through the Esquinas Rainforest of Piedras Blancas National Park, you'll explore the unparalleled flora and fauna. The "Austrian Rainforest" conservation project, established here in 1991, protects the Esquinas Forest from deforestation. Here, you'll visit the La Gamba Biological Station, where you'll learn about the efforts being made to protect this fragile ecosystem. The University of Vienna's Tropical Research Station not only protects the rainforest from deforestation but also serves as a teaching institution for students and research groups. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in the price. The journey is approximately 15 km. You will stay in the same accommodation as the previous day.

You'll explore the Golfo Dulce. It's quite possible that dolphins will accompany your boat. Enjoy the fantastic views of the jungle-clad, rocky coastline. The clear waters are usually teeming with colorful coral fish and occasionally manta rays. The mouth of the Rio Coto also offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Thanks to the nutrient-rich river delta, the biodiversity here is exceptional. Afterward, you'll travel along the Pacific coast through vast oil palm plantations to the beach resort of Manuel Antonio. After so many new experiences, your hotel offers relaxation. Breakfast and a snack are included in today's price. We recommend you wear light, water-resistant shoes, as the ground may be wet and stony when getting out of the boat. Parador Resort & Spa: The Parador Resort & Spa in Punta Quepos is located very close to the renowned Manuel Antonio National Park. Its hilltop location in the heart of the rainforest offers breathtaking views of Manuel Antonio Bay. The resort is just a 15-minute walk from Playa Biesanz, a small, secluded beach accessible via a jungle trail. Shuttle buses also run regularly to the equally beautiful main beach of Manuel Antonio.

In Manuel Antonio National Park, rainforest and idyllic sandy beaches have formed a unique symbiosis. You'll start your day with a hike in the biodiverse national park: you might encounter representatives of Costa Rica's four monkey species, as well as coatis, iguanas, or sloths. To round off the day, you can enjoy the sea and sun on the white sandy beach – and admire the wildlife, as monkeys and iguanas sometimes venture right up to the shore. Relax in the afternoon at your accommodation or on the nearby beach. The included meals consist of breakfast. During peak season, especially on weekends, Manuel Antonio National Park is very popular. Local authorities have limited the number of visitors. However, a visit is still highly recommended, as the chances of spotting animals, particularly the rare sloths, are especially high. Don't forget your swimsuit: a swim at one of the park's stunning beaches is sure to win you over. To enable you to visit the national park, your guide will meet you at the park entrance early in the morning. Be prepared for an early departure from the hotel. The Pacific Ocean is rough. Sometimes there are high waves with corresponding currents, which vary depending on the season. From January to March, strong winds tend to blow, and the waves are generally rougher. You will stay in the same accommodation as the previous day.

We'll head north, crossing the Río Tárcoles. From the bridge, we'll keep an eye out for the often impressive number of crocodiles that congregate along the riverbanks. Then we'll continue into the verdant mountains of Monteverde. After a short break, you'll experience an evening hike through the cloud forest at dusk, where you'll discover the nocturnal flora and fauna. Breakfast is included in the price today. The journey distance is approximately 210 km. El Establo Mountain Hotel: Nestled in the mountains of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, El Establo Mountain Hotel offers breathtaking panoramic views down into the valley. The individually decorated rooms are comfortably furnished in warm earth tones and feature balconies, attractive wood décor, and carpeted floors. This family-run hotel boasts the Green Leaf Spa with an outdoor pool and restaurants serving Costa Rican cuisine with views of the lake and gardens.

It's hard to imagine a greater biodiversity than in the Monteverde and Santa Elena cloud forest reserves: over 2,500 plant species, 100 mammal species, around 400 bird species, and 10,000 insect species live here. A walk across the suspension bridge system lets you experience life in the cloud forest canopy up close. Despite the height, you can feel safe, as the suspension bridges barely sway due to their tension. Afterwards, your guide will lead you into the mysterious world of bats. You'll learn amazing facts about them and their extraordinary sensory abilities – at the giant ear cone, you'll get a sense of the sensitivity of their hearing. Breakfast is included today. The journey distance is approximately 30 km. Depending on the weather conditions, the suspension bridge hike can also take place in the morning. You will stay in the same accommodation as the previous day.

Visit a butterfly garden where you can see many colorful butterflies up close. Price approx. USD 25 per person (can be arranged locally through your tour guide). Or take a canopy tour. Seated in a harness, you'll zip through the cloud forest secured by a steel cable. Price approx. USD 90 per person (can be arranged locally through your tour guide).

The Bello family runs a small coffee farm. A family member will tell you all about the cultivation and its history during a tour of the farm. After the theory comes the practice: Deliciously fragrant coffee awaits you in the main house, accompanied by homemade traditional specialties. Then it's off to the Arenal Volcano. It feeds hot springs all over the area, including at your accommodation. Enjoy a warm bath and, weather permitting, the view of Arenal. Breakfast and local delicacies at the Bello family's home for lunch are included today. The journey distance is approximately 110 km. Arenal Manoa: The Arenal Manoa hotel is situated at the foot of the Arenal volcano in a lush tropical garden, enlivened by the chirping of colorful birds. The rooms in this expansive complex on the farm grounds are very spacious, and on clear days, the balconies offer a magnificent view of the majestic volcano. You can relax in the large pool, in the hot springs, or by strolling through the beautiful grounds.

Today we drive to the foot of the volcano. In an hour and a half, you'll hike through Arenal National Park to the viewpoint. In good weather, you'll have a magnificent view, but even in mist, the hike is worthwhile. Afterward, you'll visit the Maleku, an indigenous community living nearby. Today, there are only about 300 Maleku left; their customs and traditions are threatened with extinction. By visiting, you'll support the village in preserving its culture. The Maleku will tell you about the challenges of living a traditional life in a modern world. At the farewell dinner this evening, you and your fellow travelers can reminisce about the many impressions and experiences of the trip. Breakfast, lunch, and the farewell dinner are included in the price. Lunch is traditionally cooked and served on a banana leaf. You will be eating with the Maleku people. The journey distance is approximately 100 km. We recommend wearing good footwear and mosquito repellent during the day for today's hike. If you don't want to do the whole hike, you can rest on a lava slope and wait for the others. The activity of Arenal is subject to natural fluctuations. Currently, Arenal is unusually quiet. Therefore, lava flows are only very rarely visible. Should the trip to the volcano not be possible due to bad weather conditions, it will be postponed to the next day. You will stay in the same accommodation as the previous day.

Before saying goodbye, we'll make a stop in Sarchi, where you'll witness the traditional making and painting of the oxcarts so famous in Costa Rica. Afterwards, you'll arrive at San José airport. Breakfast is included today. The journey distance is approximately 130 km.

You return with a wealth of impressions. Welcome home!