Day 1 – Departure to Costa Rica

Fly to San Jose.

Welcome to Costa Rica. You arrive in the evening and will be met at San José airport by
your Earth Trip representative and driven to your hotel – Poas Volcano Lodge set right next
to Poas Volcano national park, with its caldera, lakes and pristine rainforest.

Location: – Poas National Park | Hotel: Poas Volcano Lodge |

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 2: The Crater’s Edge – Poás to Arenal

Your morning begins with a visit to Poás Volcano National Park, home to one of the most impressive and easily accessible active craters in the world. Standing at the edge of the 300-meter-deep caldera, you can witness steaming fumaroles and geysers that can reach heights of 250 meters. The park is crisscrossed with trails perfect for spotting high-altitude wildlife; keep a sharp eye out for the shimmering Emerald-green Hummingbird and the unique Prong-billed Barbet, a bird found only in the highlands of this region. You might also hear the fluting, melodic song of the Clay-colored Robin, which is widely considered to have one of the most beautiful songs in the neotropics. You are free to stay and soak in the views as long as you like before your private transfer carries you toward the iconic silhouette of Arenal.

Location: – Arenal Volcano |   Hotel: Lomas del Volcan |

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 3: Volcanic Hikes and Canopy Thrills

Today is dedicated to exploring the raw power and beauty of Arenal Volcano. You will be taken on a guided hike through the wild trails that wind around the volcano’s base, crossing over rugged terrain that is home to peccaries and white-tailed deer. The adventure continues as you head into the clouds on the Sky Tram, a gondola ride offering panoramic views of the vast Arenal Lake, before an exhilarating Zip Line experience through the rainforest canopy. As you fly through the trees, look for Rainbow Beak Toucans, Motmots, and playful Capuchin monkeys. After a day of adrenaline, you can choose to unwind by swimming under the stars in a natural hot river, where the mineral-rich waters are heated by the volcano’s internal magma.

Location: – Arenal Volcano |   Hotel: Lomas del Volcan |

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 4: Rainforest Serenity and Hidden Trails

Spend your final day in the Arenal region enjoying the “Pura Vida” lifestyle at your own pace. Your home for these few days, Lomas del Volcán, features private bungalows nestled within a lush garden filled with vibrant heliconias and surrounded by primary rainforest. You can spend the morning walking the myriad of nature trails that run directly from the lodge, where you are likely to spot Trogons, Tanagers, and Northern Emerald-Toucanets. If you’re still craving exploration, you can hike the forest trails to nearby hidden waterfalls for a refreshing dip in the cool mountain water. Whether you are birdwatching from your deck or trekking through the pine forests, today is about savoring the incredible biodiversity of this volcanic wonderland.

Location: – Arenal Volcano |   Hotel: Lomas del Volcan |

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 5: Crossing the Great Lake

After breakfast, you’ll trade land for water with a scenic boat transfer across Lake Arenal. This journey offers the most striking view of the volcano’s perfect cone, reflected in the deep blue water. Once across, a driver will wind you up into the Tilarán mountain range toward Monteverde.

Check into Hotel Poco a Poco, a cozy retreat known for its heated pool and proximity to the charming village of Santa Elena. In the afternoon, you’ll head to a local Coffee Hacienda. You’ll follow the journey of the bean from the high-altitude volcanic soil to your cup, learning why this “golden grain” is so vital to Costa Rican culture—and yes, the tastings are incredible.

Location: – Monteverde Cloud Forest |  Hotel: Poco a Poco |

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 6: The Quest for the Quetzal

Today, you enter the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Shrouded in mist and draped in moss, orchids, and lichens, this forest feels like a prehistoric world. Accompanied by an expert naturalist guide, you’ll go in search of the Resplendent Quetzal, a bird once worshipped as a god by the Aztecs.

The biodiversity here is staggering. While you keep an eye out for the Quetzal’s long emerald tail feathers, you may also encounter:

• The Hummingbird Chorus: Over 30 species, including the Violet Sabrewing and the Purple-throated Mountain-gem, zip through the glades.

• Primates & Mammals: Watch for playful Capuchin monkeys and the raccoon-like Coatis.

• Nocturnal Wonders: If you choose an optional night walk later, listen for the calls of the Olingo or look for the glowing eyes of a Kinkajou in the canopy.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 7: A Spectacular Flight to the Caribbean Wilds

Your adventure reaches a new height today as you leave the misty cloud forests and transfer to San José for a breathtaking domestic flight. You’ll soar over the rugged, emerald peaks of Costa Rica’s Central Cordillera mountains, eventually descending into the lush Caribbean lowlands. From the airstrip, you’ll head deep into the vine-draped forests of Bananito, located on the untamed edge of Chirripó National Park. This is one of Central America’s largest stretches of wilderness, where the air is thick with the sounds of the tropics and the scenery is purely prehistoric. You’ll settle into Selva Bananito Jungle Lodge, a retreat so isolated and pristine that you’ll feel like one of the first explorers to discover it.

Location: – Chirripó National Park |  Hotel: Selva Bananito

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 8: Rainforest Immersion & Ancient Canopy

Wake up to the haunting call of Howler Monkeys echoing through the trees. Today is dedicated to exploring this biological hotspot with a guided wildlife-watching hike. Led by an expert naturalist, you’ll trek through cathedral-like primary forests that serve as a vital corridor for pumas and jaguars. While the big cats are elusive, the birdlife is a constant parade of color; watch for the dancing Manakins and dozens of vibrant hummingbird species flitting through the undergrowth. With all your delicious, locally-sourced meals included, you can spend your downtime relaxing in a hammock, surrounded by eight square miles of protected jungle that has remained unchanged for centuries.

Location: – Chirripó National Park |  Hotel: Selva Bananito

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 9: The Ultimate Eco-Experience

Today offers a chance to truly connect with the lodge’s world-renowned philosophy of genuine ecotourism. Spend your final full day in the Chirripó foothills learning about—and living within—one of the most sustainable projects in the Americas. You’ll see firsthand how the lodge operates entirely without plastic, uses ingenious water-lily filtration systems, and was built using recycled wood and repurposed banana plantation materials. Whether you choose to take another hike, visit the reforested jungle areas, or simply enjoy the serenity of a “zero-waste” lifestyle, this is a day to recharge your spirit in a place that gives back to the earth as much as it gives to its guests.

Location: – Chirripó National Park |  Hotel: Selva Bananito

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 10: Coast-to-Coast Flight to the Deep Jungle

After breakfast, you’ll take a spectacular domestic flight from Limón, soaring across the country from the Caribbean to the Pacific. This aerial journey offers a bird’s-eye view of the vast mountain ranges and dense rainforests that define Costa Rica. Upon landing, you’ll be transferred to Drake Bay, a remote, beach-fringed paradise accessible mainly by boat. After settling into your lodge—perfectly positioned where the forest meets the ocean—spend your afternoon relaxing in a hammock or exploring the resort’s trails, where Scarlet Macaws and White-faced Capuchins are frequent visitors.

Location: – Osa Pen | Hotel: Drake Bay Wilderness Resort

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 11: The Secrets of Corcovado – Sirena & San Pedrillo

Today is a deep dive into the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s park system: Corcovado National Park. You’ll travel by boat to two distinct ranger stations to experience the park’s immense variety. At Sirena, you’ll walk through secondary forests known for the highest density of large mammals—keep your eyes peeled for the endangered Baird’s Tapir, sloths, and all four species of Costa Rican monkeys. Later, you’ll visit San Pedrillo, where ancient primary rainforest looms large with giant trees and hidden waterfalls. Your expert guide will help you spot everything from the tiny Orange-collared Manakin to the elusive Agami Heron.

Location: – Osa Pen | Hotel: Drake Bay Wilderness Resort

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 12: Underwater Paradise at Caño Island

Today, you trade the jungle canopy for the turquoise waters of the Caño Island Biological Reserve. Located about 45 minutes offshore, this protected marine park is a world-class snorkeling destination. You’ll plunge into the Pacific to swim alongside sea turtles, white-tipped reef sharks, and massive schools of tropical fish. During the boat ride, keep a sharp lookout for the “resident” dolphins and, depending on the season, migrating Humpback Whales. After your underwater adventure, enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach before returning to the lodge for a final sunset over the bay.

Location: – Osa Pen | Hotel: Drake Bay Wilderness Resort

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 13: Jungle Leisure & Hidden Trails

Your final full day in the Osa is yours to savor at your own pace. With all meals included at the lodge, you can start the morning with a sunrise birdwatching walk to find the endemic Black-cheeked Ant-Tanager or the stunning Turquoise Cotinga. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a self-guided hike to a nearby river, go kayaking through the mangroves, or simply enjoy the peace of your beachfront surroundings. It’s the perfect opportunity to soak in the raw beauty of the peninsula before beginning your journey home tomorrow.

Location: – Osa Pen | Hotel: Drake Bay Wilderness Resort

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 14: A Flight Above the Clouds

Today, you leave the deep rainforest behind and board a domestic flight back to San José. This is widely considered one of the most spectacular aerial routes in Central America—ensure you have a window seat. As you soar over the Térraba-Sierpe National Wetlands, you’ll see the intricate, silver veins of the largest mangrove forest in the country. The flight then carries you over the rugged, emerald folds of Los Quetzales National Park before descending into the “bowl” of the Central Valley.

You’ll check into Buena Vista Chic, a boutique hotel set in lush forest surroundings on the outskirts of the city. Spend your evening soaking in the panoramic views of the valley lights or relaxing in the mountain air, reflecting on your journey from the volcanoes to the sea.

Location: – San José | Hotel: Buena Vista Chic |

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 15: Volcanic Peaks or Golden Treasures

Your final morning offers a choose-your-own-adventure finale before your international departure. Depending on your flight time, you can head back into nature or dive into the city’s rich history:

• The High Altitude Choice: Take a short trip to Irazú Volcano, Costa Rica’s highest peak at 3,432 meters. Standing at the summit, you can peer into the massive, moon-like craters, which often hold brilliant emerald-green lakes. Alternatively, visit the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, where paved trails lead you past five thundering falls and a world-class butterfly and hummingbird observatory.

• The Cultural Choice: Head into downtown San José to explore two of the region’s finest museums. The Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, located in a striking subterranean building, houses over 1,500 shimmering gold artifacts and ornaments. Just a short walk away is the National Museum, housed in a former fortress. Here, you can stand among the mysterious, perfectly spherical Diquis Stone Spheres—a UNESCO World Heritage wonder—and walk through a lush butterfly garden that serves as the museum’s entrance.

• Location: – San José | Hotel: Buena Vista Chic |

Day 16 –  End of Your adventure – departure

After a final Costa Rican breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

End of your tour.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast