Mawamba Lodge








Costa Rican cuisine








Visit one of the
butterfly gardens
that Monteverde
has to offer








After swimming,
anhingas need to
spread their wings
to dry them off








Two-toed sloths
spend most of
their life hanging
from trees


Classic Adventure to
Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, your head and heart will be in the clouds as you explore its abundance of reefs and rainforests, skywalks and beaches.  Discover the secrets of the rainforest from a bird’s point of view on the Rainforest Aerial Tram and by boat as you glide along the natural inland waterways and canals in Tortuguero National Park.  Pamper the body and soul at Tabacon Hot Springs Spa & Resort as you watch the spectacular display of Arenal Volcano’s eruptions in the distance.  Explore Monteverde Cloud Forest from a skywalk and the forest floor, discover the beauty of Carara on and off its championship golf course and why Manuel Antonio is Costa Rica’s favorite National Park.

Day 1 - Miami/San Jose
Fly from Miami to San Jose.  Upon arrival, you will be escorted to your beautiful hotel surrounded by coffee plantations, citrus orchards and lush gardens.  HOTEL BOUGAINVILLEA. (Meals Aloft)

Days 2/3 - Rainforest Aerial Tram/Tortuguero National Park
Discover the beauty of the rainforest from a bird’s eye view.  Soar through the air on the Rainforest Aerial Tram in a 1,000-acre private reserve of virgin tropical forest that borders the Braulio Carillo National Park and learn about the small ecosystems that have formed at tree-top level for the flora and fauna, in search of light and space.  Back on the ground, drive past banana plantations and board your speedboat to Tortuguero National Park.  As you boat along this system of rivers and man-made channels through one of the richest regions of biological diversity in Costa Rica, watch nature’s circus as spider and howler monkeys frolic in the tree-tops overhead.  Spanish for turtle, ‘Tortuguero’ is the most important nesting site in the entire western half of the Caribbean for the green turtle – which gathers in large numbers to nest between July and October.  Your accommodations are in a rustic and delightful beachfront lodge located in a primary spot between the Tortuguero Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea offering stunning views of the canals.  MAWAMBA LODGE. (All Meals Daily)

Days 4/5 - Arenal Volcano/Penas Blancas River
Drive to Arenal, where the volcano rises approximately 5,357 feet majestically above Tabacon Hot Springs Spa & Resort.  From the heart of the volcano, spring fountains of thermo mineral water, which form the Tabacon River, running at a soothing 102 degrees Fahrenheit.  It creates cascades, waterfalls and natural pools throughout exotic tropical gardens.  The resort features mineral water pools, indoor Jacuzzi, therapeutic massages and mud treatments.  The next day quietly paddle down the Penas Blancas River as your guide enlightens you on the monkeys, sloths, iguanas and various tropical bird species that inhabit the area.  Return to the resort with free time to swim up to the tropical bar as the sun sets and Arenal Volcano erupts with another spectacular performance.  TABACON HOT SPRINGS SPA & RESORT. (B,L Daily)

Days 6/7 - Monteverde Cloud Forest
Continue to Monteverde, one of the most scenic cloud forests in the world.  It is home to over 320 species of birds, including the Resplendent Quetzal, considered the most beautiful bird in the Americas, as well as the Three-wattled Bellbird, Black Guan, Umbrellabird, Orange-bellied Trogon and Emerald Touocanet.  Experience the buoyancy of walking among the clouds as you traverse the tree-tops on the Sky Walk’s series of bridges, trails and platforms.  The next day explore the Monteverde community and the private Cloud Forest Reserve.  Monteverde is a rich and complex cloud forest reserve which protects six different ecological communities.  Among the 100 mammal species that inhabit it (although difficult to spot) are Baird’s tapir, the elusive jaguar and ocelot, howler monkey, kinkajou and prehensile-tailed porcupine.  Your chalet-style hotel, nestled in the mountains adjacent to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, offers spectacular views.  HOTEL BELMAR. (B Daily)

Day 8 - Carara Biological Reserve/Herradura Beach
You now drive to the Carara Biological Reserve.  Despite its relatively small size, Carara houses several ecosystems, such as marshland, a lagoon with gallery, secondary and primary forests.  During the rainy season, crocodiles and caimans are easily spotted along with plenty of wading birds – Roseate Spoonbills, Anhingas, Jacanas and Bare-throated Tiger-Heron.  Carara is one of the few nesting areas remaining for the Scarlet Macaw and one often sees them in flight, but almost always hears them screeching, particularly around dusk.  Continue your drive to Los Suenos and your lovely resort offering wonderful accommodations and numerous amenities.  Its championship golf course was designed by the world-renowned golf architect, Ted Robinson and plays into spectacular tropical rainforests and back to the blue waters of Herradura Bay.  LOS SUENOS MARRIOTT BEACH AND GOLF RESORT. (B,L)

Day 9 - Manuel Antonio National Park
Today visit another Costa Rican national treasure – Manuel Antonio National Park, just south of Quepos on the Pacific Coast.  The Park’s two white sandy beaches, Espadilla Sur and Manuel Antonio (great for snorkeling) stand out as its main attractions.  You may see dolphins and once in a while a pod of migratory whales.  Take your pick of any of the short trails that meander through the park, passing scenic overlooks and white sand beaches.  There are more than 100 mammal species and 180 bird species in the park, including the rare White Ibis and squirrel monkeys play in the trees above the trails.  In addition, you may see two-toed sloths, raccoons, white-nosed coatis, howler and white-faced capuchins and squirrels.  With its stunning, picture-postcard backdrop, and miles of white sandy beaches, it’s easy to see why Manuel Antonio National Park is Costa Rica’s most popular.  LOS SUENOS MARRIOTT BEACH AND GOLF RESORT. (B)

Day 10 - San Jose
Enjoy some leisure time at Los Suenos before departing for San Jose and your accommodation – the SAN GILDAR HOTEL located in the exclusive district of San Rafael de Escazu.  It surrounds you with beautiful sights, handicrafts and colonial architecture in a quiet and relaxed atmosphere.  Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner.  (B,D)

Day 11 - San Jose/Miami
After breakfast, you are escorted to the airport for your return flights home. (B)

Your Adventure Includes:

  • Roundtrip air transportation from Miami to San Jose
  • All ground transfers in air-conditioned motor-coach.
  • Superior accommodations as indicated, or similar.
  • Services of specialist guide throughout tour.
  • All meals as specified.
  • All park entry fees.
  • Gratuities for baggage handling, hotel tips and taxes.
  • Complimentary backpack, baggage tags and passport wallet.

For reservations or more information, please contact:
Classic Escapes Inc. at (800) 627-1244