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DAY 1 – Italy to San José
Meet at Milan Airport with the Natura da Vivere tour leader and check-in.
Departure for San José.
Arrival at San José Airport in the afternoon, meeting with the local guide and transfer to the hotel.
Accommodation, dinner at leisure, and overnight stay.
DAY 2 – Los Quetzales National Park
Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Los Quetzales National Park. Lunch stop along the way. The Quetzal, sacred bird of the Aztecs and Maya, is now a threatened species. The park protects cloud forest habitats, characterized by unique climatic conditions and trees covered with an extraordinary variety of plant species that attract birds and wildlife. Numerous endemic species of flora and fauna can be found here.
Guided walk along one of the park’s trails.
Accommodation, dinner at leisure, and overnight stay.
DAY 3 – Coffee Tour
Breakfast and departure for a Coffee Tour at a local coffee plantation. Learn about the history of coffee, the biology of the coffee plant (Coffea spp.), cultivation methods, harvesting techniques, processing, and roasting.
In the afternoon, another excursion along a different trail within the National Park.
Return to the hotel, dinner at leisure, and overnight stay.
DAY 4 – Mangrove Tour
Breakfast and departure for Tárcoles, where extensive mangrove forests grow at the mouth of the river on the Pacific coast. Mangroves are unique tropical ecosystems where freshwater and saltwater mix, creating habitats of exceptional biological importance.
Boat excursion through the estuary and mangrove forests, with opportunities to observe abundant wildlife, including close encounters with the enormous crocodiles of the Tárcoles River, among the largest in the Americas.
Transfer to Puntarenas. Accommodation, dinner at leisure, and overnight stay.
DAY 5 – Palo Verde National Park
Breakfast and departure for Palo Verde National Park, one of Costa Rica’s richest biodiversity hotspots. The park protects more than fifteen ecosystems, including tropical dry forest, evergreen forest, humid forest, mangroves, and extensive wetlands. More than 750 plant species have been identified here, while the wetlands provide sanctuary for thousands of water birds and are internationally recognized under the Ramsar Convention.
Lunch stop and transfer to Monteverde.
Accommodation, dinner at leisure, and overnight stay.
DAY 6 – Monteverde Biological Reserve
Breakfast and departure for the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Explore one of the world’s most remarkable cloud forest ecosystems, where mist-covered trees and exceptional biodiversity create a magical atmosphere. The reserve is home to approximately 420 orchid species, 200 fern species, and wildlife including jaguars, pumas, monkeys, red-eyed tree frogs, and many other species.
Lunch break and visit to the village. Dinner at leisure and overnight stay.
DAY 7 – Arenal Volcano – Cocoa Tour – Thermal Springs
Breakfast and departure for the Arenal Volcano region.
Lunch stop along the route.
In the afternoon, visit a cacao plantation to discover every stage of cocoa production, from cultivation to processing. Learn about Theobroma cacao, whose name means “Food of the Gods.”
After the visit, relax at one of the area’s famous thermal springs, heated by the volcanic activity of Arenal.
Accommodation, dinner at leisure, and overnight stay.
DAY 8 – Organic Farm Visit – Maleku Indigenous Community
Breakfast and visit to a local organic farm. Learn about sustainable agriculture and organic fish farming, including tilapia production.
Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch prepared with local ingredients, and participate in the preparation of some traditional dishes.
In the afternoon, meet members of the indigenous Maleku community, Costa Rica’s smallest indigenous group, who continue to preserve their language, traditions, and cultural heritage.
Accommodation, dinner at leisure, and overnight stay.
DAY 9 – Río Celeste – Caño Negro
Early departure for Río Celeste in Tenorio Volcano National Park. The reserve protects a wide variety of ecosystems, ranging from premontane rainforest to tropical montane forest. Highlights include Río Celeste Waterfall, the Blue Lagoon, thermal springs, and Los Teñideros, where a fascinating natural phenomenon gives the river its intense turquoise-blue color.
After the visit, transfer to the Caño Negro area and visit the local butterfly house.
Accommodation, dinner at leisure, and overnight stay.
DAY 10 – Boat Excursion – Cahuita
Breakfast and boat excursion through the wetlands of the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, an excellent location for birdwatching.
After the excursion, departure for Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.
Cross the Central Mountain Range via the road connecting San José to Limón. Brief stop in Limón before continuing to Cahuita.
Accommodation, short walk along the beach.
Dinner at leisure, and overnight stay.
DAY 11 – Cahuita National Park
Breakfast and departure on foot from the hotel for a full-day excursion in Cahuita National Park. This protected area safeguards rainforest, wetlands, coral reefs, and marine ecosystems. Cahuita is home to one of the most developed coral reefs on the Caribbean coast and offers spectacular beaches lined with coconut palms. Packed lunch during the excursion.
Return to town, dinner at leisure, and overnight stay.
DAY 12 – Tortuguero
Breakfast and departure for Tortuguero, a small Caribbean village famous for its sea turtle conservation efforts. Accessible only by boat or on foot, Tortuguero lies in the heart of Tortuguero National Park and is crossed by a network of canals once used to transport timber. Depending on the season, it is possible to observe sea turtles nesting on the beaches.
Afternoon visit to the Sea Turtle Conservation Information Centre.
Dinner at leisure and overnight stay.
DAY 13 – Tortuguero Canals Excursion
Breakfast and boat excursion through the canals of Tortuguero National Park. Opportunities to observe caimans, monkeys, snakes, and numerous bird species.
After lunch, guided walk along one of the park’s nature trails.
Dinner at leisure and overnight stay.
DAY 14 – Return to San José
Breakfast and return by boat through the canals.
Transfer back to San José.
Accommodation and final evening in Costa Rica. Dinner at leisure.
DAY 15 – Departure
Breakfast and transfer to San José Airport in time for the return flight to Italy.
Please note: the itinerary may be subject to changes at the discretion of the tour leader.
Tour Operator: Natura da Vivere by A.R.D.E.A. s.c.r.l. – Nature Travel Specialists.
14 nights' accommodation with breakfasAll transfers by private minibus with local driverNatura da Vivere tour leader accompanying the group from ItalyLocal guide throughout the entire tourEntrance fees to National Parks and Nature ReservesAdmission to the hot springsAll park and reserve entrance fees as outlined in the itineraryAll excursions included in the programmeVisit to an organic farm, including lunchCoffee tourCacao tourMeeting with the Maleku indigenous communityBoat tour through the mangroves of the Tárcoles RiverBoat excursion in Caño NegroBoat tour along the canals of TortugueroBoat transfers to and from TortugueroMedical and baggage insurance
International flightsAll meals not specifically mentionedDeparture taxes, if applicableAlcoholic beveragesTips and personal expensesVisits and entrance fees not included in the itineraryAnything not specifically listed under “What's Included”Costa Rica Journey – Responsible Travel Supporting Nature and Local Communities
This tour takes you to some of Costa Rica's most remarkable natural and cultural attractions. Home to one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world and with nearly a quarter of its territory protected, Costa Rica offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes and ecosystems.
Traveling from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea through the northern regions of the country, you will meet indigenous and rural communities that take great pride in their conservation efforts and are eager to share their culture, traditions, and way of life.
Throughout the journey, you will be accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide and one of our tour leaders, an experienced ornithologist. By choosing this itinerary, you become part of a meaningful travel experience that not only enriches your understanding of the world but also contributes to the wellbeing of local communities, the preservation of their cultures, and the protection of the environment.
We will relax on beautiful beaches, explore mountains and volcanoes, and walk through tropical forests. The calls of howler monkeys will greet us in the morning, colourful butterflies will accompany us through the day, and the songs of frogs will lull us to sleep at night. An unforgettable travel experience awaits.
Why Costa Rica?
Although roughly the size of Lombardy and Piedmont combined, Costa Rica is home to more than 250 species of mammals and over 800 species of birds. Compared to Europe's approximately 544 bird species, this gives a clear idea of the extraordinary biodiversity concentrated within this small Central American nation. Nearly 26% of the country is protected through its extensive network of national parks and nature reserves.
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Since 1949, Costa Rica has also been one of the few countries in the world without a standing army, allowing it to invest significantly in education, healthcare, and environmental protection while maintaining remarkable political stability.
This journey across Costa Rica, from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea, offers a rare opportunity to connect with indigenous and rural communities committed to nature conservation and sustainable living.
Why Responsible Tourism?
By choosing this responsible travel experience, you become part of a project that supports local communities, strengthens cultural heritage, and contributes directly to environmental conservation, creating lasting benefits for both residents and visitors.
Nature Will Inspire You
We will discover pristine beaches, towering volcanoes, tropical forests, and extraordinary wildlife. From the calls of monkeys at sunrise to the vibrant colours of tropical butterflies and the evening chorus of frogs, every day offers a unique encounter with nature and a deeper connection to this remarkable country.
Minimum Number of Participants: 8
Maximum Number of Participants: 12
Accommodation: Hotels, agro-ecotourism properties, and ecolodges.
Write to us to receive information about our tours or to design your next journey together.
Via Manzoni 56 – 20900 Monza (MB)
Tel +39 039 832716
betania@betaniatravel.it
Aut. n. 16143 Prov. MB
Ass. RC 8827666 – P.I./C.F. 03140200969
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