Costa Rica is barely the size of West Virginia, yet it has more biodiversity than anywhere else on earth. It’s a nation where a “transcontinental” flight takes only an hour or so. It’s a land with Afro-Caribbean culture and cowboys. And don’t even try to count the keeled-bill toucans, jaguars, orchids, howler monkeys and river otters—though you may be tempted as you transition from Atlantic coast to Pacific on this amazing trip. This adventure takes you to Tortuguero National Park where sea turtles breed and then to the surprisingly un-rainy forests of Guanacaste with whitewater rafting, zipline glides, catamaran rides and more in between. Our local guides will introduce you to a diverse mix of natives too, right where they live in remote villages. At our waterfront lodges, the views are amazing and the living is easy and comfortable. Best of all, every activity you read about in this itinerary is included at no extra cost.

DAYS 1-2 – SAN JOSE / TORTUGUERO
After meeting in San José, we begin our Costa Rica vacation with a brief flight to Tortuguero National Park (2 nights). From our riverfront hotel, we head out for some kayaking through the lagoons or a guided jungle walk with the chance to spot crocodiles, river turtles, capuchin monkeys, macaws and more. We’ll also visit a remote village accessible only by boat to meet the residents and students in their classrooms. At the Sea Turtle Conservancy, we’ll learn about the ancient migration patterns that bring sea turtles back to the local beaches every year to lay their eggs. In the months from June through October, we may even see the tiny, newly hatched turtles digging out of their nests and scrambling to the safety of the waves.

DAYS 3-6 – GUANACASTE / LIBERIA
Next, we head to the mountains of the continental divide, Guanacaste. On our first activity, you’ll ascend into the treetops for a thrilling zipline ride through the forest canopy. We settle in for the next three nights at a beachfront resort with the Pacific right out our front doors. Multisport activities here include a catamaran ride to waters perfect for snorkeling. On our last full day, you’ll have the option of joining river experts for some wet and wild whitewater rafting in Class III/IV rapids. Or if you prefer, walk with our guides to Llanos de Cortez, one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful waterfalls. Our final day, we part company at Liberia Airport.