Costa Rica: Tortuguero, La Fortuna & Rio Celeste

Feel the warm air hit your face as you step out of the plane in Costa Rica. Fall into the pace of the traffic and beeping car horns as you take in the sights and sounds of this vibrant Central American country en route to the city centre. We welcome you to San José, and while technically not quite in the jungle just yet, we invite you to embrace all of the new and exciting things that await.
Arrive to Costa Rica at any time and transfer to the hotel. Meet your fellow group members at the welcome meeting in the evening and get all the important information about the adventure ahead. Afterwards, head to a nearby restaurant for a delicious welcome dinner with new friends.

Meals included: Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - Delta Hotel

See the landscape dramatically change as you head out of the city and through the lush Braulio Carrillo National Park en route to the coast. Before long you'll be gliding through the canals of Tortuguero in a kayak, keeping a lookout for tropical birds, reptiles and monkeys that call this place home. Settle into the comfortable lodge for the night and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle.
Travel by minibus and boat from San José to Tortuguero National Park. After lunch, take the first of 2 kayaking excursions to the nearby canals to spot wildlife.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Sit back and relax as you travel by boat from La Pavona to the lodge in Tortuguero.Free_time - Spend a free evening relaxing before dinner at the lodge. Enjoy the various amenities on the property.Activity - Grab a paddle and prepare to witness a parade of tropical birds, reptiles, and mammals as you kayak through the black water canals of Tortuguero. Scan the trees for toucans, watch the shores for caimans, otters, iguanas, frogs, and look up to see monkeys sharing space with sloths. Bring your binoculars and bug spray. Be prepared for hot, humid, and possibly wet weather.Accommodation - Aninga Lodge

Wake early and prepare for more exploration of Tortuguero's waterways to spot wildlife. Catch the light glinting off of a Morpho butterfly's blazing blue wings as you paddle along the canals and listen to the calls of the forest. In the evening, you could take an excursion to visit the nesting grounds of green and leatherback turtles for which the national park was named, and perhaps spot the females laying eggs on the beach (seasonal, July to October).
Take an optional morning boat safari to spot wildlife at dawn when things are most active. After breakfast head out again by kayak to explore some of the secondary canals and waterways. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to visit the nearby town or to relax by the pool.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - The afternoon is free for optional activities in the area or to take advantage of the amenities at the lodge. Later in the evening opt to visit a turtle nesting ground (seasonal, July to October).Activity - Hop back into a kayak and set off onto the calm morning waters to explore some secondary canals and waterways in the national park. Try to spot wildlife like, tropical birds, reptiles, and mammals as the sun warms the day. Keep watch for toucans, monkeys and sloths in the canopy above you as you glide through the water.Accommodation - Aninga Lodge

Leaving the coast behind, we'll head inland with a stop at a G Adventures-supported coffee cooperative along the way. Learn all about how coffee is harvested and produced as you sip a delicious cup of one of Costa Rica's most tasty indulgences. Stretch your legs and soak in the scenery on a walk to a nearby waterfall before a typical lunch and then continue onwards towards Caño Negro, one of the most dynamic and biodiverse ecosystems in Costa Rica.
Travel by boat and bus from Tortuguero to Caño Negro with a stop en route at a coffee cooperative. Arrive to Caño Negro in the evening and enjoy an included dinner with the group.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Climb aboard and get your float on.Transport - Enjoy the scenery on the drive from Tortuguero to Caño Negro with a stop along the way to Mi Cafecito.Activity - Find out where your cup of java comes from. Visit the Mi Cafecito coffee cooperative in San Miguel de Sarapiqui, see shade-grown coffee plants, learn about everything from harvesting, to husking, drying, and roasting the beans before enjoying the best part – a fresh cup! Before lunch set out on a short hike short hike near Mi Cafecito to a waterfall. Enjoy a typical lunch of plantains, beans, and freshly caught tilapia fish. Feel good about all this eating and drinking knowing that you are supporting a G Adventures for Good project that helps 200 farmers and their families.Accommodation - Tocu Tent Camp

Discover the rich biodiversity and cultural traditions of Caño Negro today. Cruise along the Rio Frio and through the Caño Negro Wetlands in search of wildlife, then visit a local island community to enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch and learn about the region's heritage. This evening, delve into the culinary traditions of the Maleku people during an interactive gastronomic demonstration, followed by a tasting dinner featuring the flavours of northern Costa Rica.
Visit the Caño Negro Wetlands on a wildlife-viewing boat excursion, followed by lunch and a cultural visit with a local community. In the evening, learn about Maleku culinary traditions during a gastronomic demonstration and tasting dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Set out by boat from the private dock of Hacienda Caño Negro and explore the peaceful waterways of the Rio Frio and Caño Los Patos. As you glide through this rich wetland ecosystem, keep an eye out for the incredible wildlife that calls the region home, including caimans, crocodiles, monkeys, sloths, turtles, iguanas, and a remarkable variety of resident and migratory bird species. Continue to the Caño Negro Wetlands, one of Central America's most important wildlife refuges and biodiversity hotspots. From the observation tower, take in sweeping views of the wetlands while learning about the ecological significance of this unique and thriving ecosystem.Activity - Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch on a small island community in the heart of Caño Negro. Prepared by local families using recipes passed down through generations, the meal offers a delicious introduction to the region's culinary heritage. Following lunch, connect with community members as they share stories about the history, traditions, and daily life of Caño Negro. Round out the experience with a visit to a local butterfly garden and a traditional crafts workshop, providing a deeper understanding of the culture and way of life that have shaped this unique corner of Costa Rica.Activity - Enjoy dinner featuring flavours inspired by the traditions of the Maleku, one of northern Costa Rica's Indigenous communities. The meal highlights local ingredients and culinary influences that have shaped the region's food culture.Accommodation - Tocu Tent Camp

Set out for Volcán Tenorio National Park and hike through lush rainforest trails to the stunning turquoise waters of Rio Celeste Waterfall. Continue to Maleku territory to connect with the local community and enjoy a traditional lunch before ending the day in La Fortuna, near the base of Arenal Volcano.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - North of Lake Arenal lies another spectacular protected area called Volcán Tenorio National Park. We'll set off on foot from the main entrance and hike along jungle trails and down a series of stairways to the brilliantly blue Rio Celeste Waterfall. Take in the scenery and watch for wildlife like monkeys and birds in the canopy above before hiking out on the same trail.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Learn about the Maleku community, Costa Rica's smallest Indigenous group with a population of approximately 650 people, and discover their history, traditions, and cultural connection to cacao before enjoying a traditional lunch prepared with local ingredients and recipes.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Hotel Lomas del Volcán

Today is all about you. Fly through the lush forest canopy on a series of zip-lines and platforms or hanging bridges, walking along and trying to spot wildlife. Whichever option you choose, your muscles will appreciate a soak in the restorative thermal springs and waterfalls of Eco Termales Resort, a luxurious and relaxing way to spend the evening.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Option 1: Soar through the lush jungle forest on ziplines and enjoy the views from the canopy. Option 2: Walk along Hanging Bridges and try to spot wildlife from the canopy. Both excursions begin and end at the hotel in La Fortuna.Free_time - Enjoy free time at the hotel in La Fortuna. Relax or find some hot springs to soak in and let the day pass luxuriously.Activity - Indulge yourself and soak those weary muscles in Costa Rica's largest network of naturally flowing thermal springs surrounded by beautiful gardens. Move from pool to pool of varying temperatures and with cascading waterfalls and get revitalized with the mineral water, naturally heated by the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy a delicious dinner before returning to the hotel.Accommodation - Hotel Lomas del Volcán

Today your adventure comes to an end, but the memories made during your time in Costa Rica will live on.
Travel by minibus from La Fortuna directly to the San José airport, arriving around midday where the tour ends.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.