COSTA RICA

RAINFOREST RAMBLE

COSTA RICA

RAINFOREST RAMBLE

Discover for yourself on our Costa Rica walking tour, the amazing culture and landscape of Costa Rica, a country devoted to preserving its priceless natural areas. Explore the environs of active volcanoes and ramble the rainforests with one of the region’s finest naturalists. Boat down a river alive with exotic birds, caimans, and howler monkeys. Amble through coffee and banana plantations, then meet the locals at a special Tico fiesta of traditional foods, dancing, and singing. Soak in cascading waterfalls and bubbling hot springs, or bask on warm beaches. Spend the evenings feasting on local delicacies and strolling along moonlit beaches, home to nesting sea turtles. It’s an authentic tropical adventure with no comparison.

DEPOSIT : To reserve your space, a $400 deposit per person is required.  Final payment is due 60 days prior to the trip departure date.  If applying within 60 days of the trip departure, full payment is required.

TRIP DATES

Double Occupancy:  $3395/person for 2025

Single   Occupancy:   $3895 for 2025

 

Oct 24 – Nov 3, 2025  $3395 Double

Dec 5 – Dec 15, 2025  $3395 Double

Jan 5 – Jan 15, 2025   $3395 Double

PRICE

$3395 double

$3895 Single

Trip Details

Discover for yourself on our Costa Rica walking tour, the amazing culture and landscape of Costa Rica, a country devoted to preserving its priceless natural areas. Explore the environs of active volcanoes and ramble the rainforests with one of the region’s finest naturalists. Boat down a river alive with exotic birds, caimans, and howler monkeys. Amble through coffee and banana plantations, then meet the locals at a special Tico fiesta of traditional foods, dancing, and singing. Soak in cascading waterfalls and bubbling hot springs, or bask on warm beaches. Spend the evenings feasting on local delicacies and strolling along moonlit beaches, home to nesting sea turtles. It’s an authentic tropical adventure with no comparison.

DEPOSIT : To reserve your space, a $400 deposit per person is required.  Final payment is due 60 days prior to the trip departure date.  If applying within 60 days of the trip departure, full payment is required.

TRIP DATES

May 13 – 23, 2025

Oct 24 – Nov 3, 2025

Price

$3395 Double

$3895 Single

Trip Details

For years you’ve probably heard friends rave about Costa Rica: its natural beauty, wildlife, friendly people, the political stability of the area, reasonable prices, erupting volcanoes, beautiful beaches, and the mysterious rainforests. You know what? It’s all true! It’s hard to imagine that there can be such diversity in landforms and wildlife in such a small country, but you’ll soon be back telling your friends about your amazing Costa Rica walking tour.

Part of the reason Costa Rica is so popular with visitors is its commitment to preserving the nation’s natural areas and wildlife. In fact, proportionately, Costa Rica protects more of its land in parks and reserves than any other country in the world.

Until recently, Costa Rica could boast of protecting 11.4 percent of their national territory in their parks system. A new initiative will extend this total to nearly 19 percent of Costa Rica’s mountains, volcanoes, forests, and beaches.

When you join us in Costa Rica, you’ll be traveling to one of the most diverse areas in the world. Costa Rica’s parks shelter some of the planet’s most important examples of biol ogical diversity including 5 percent of all plant and animal species on Earth. Costa Rica’s National Biodiversity Institute has identified an absolutely amazing number of both plant and animal species.

Those species presently known include 209 mammals; 850 birds; 220 reptiles; 163 amphibians; 130 freshwater fish; 350,000 insects, spiders and crabs; 13,021 plants; 1,500 trees; and over 1,400 types of orchids. All in all, Costa Rica offers one of the most attractive and hospitable destinations in the world. So, brush up on your Spanish, load your camera, open your senses, and join us in magical Costa Rica!

This itinerary may be changed at the discretion of the trip leader. (B = Breakfast included, L = Lunch included, D = Dinner included).

Day 1 – Arrive San Jose  Transfer to our hotel from the airport and rest up for our next day. Overnight at Hotel Aurola Holiday Inn.

Day 2 (B, L, D) – San Jose – Central Market – Poas Volcano – La Paz Waterfall Gardens.  After a hearty breakfast, we first visit San Jose’s Central Market, Mercado Central. Then we’re off to Poás Volcano with its impressive main crater and sulfur furmaroles, a dramatic start to the day as we learn about the different ecosystems in this beautiful national park. Then we travel to La Paz waterfall gardens, a spectacular series of waterfalls in the middle of the rainforest. Our visit takes us through the hummingbird gallery, the serpentarium, the bird house, the butterfly garden, and the frog exhibit. Overnight at Hotel Aurola Holiday Inn.

Day 3 (B, L, D) – San Jose – Lands in Love – Horseback Riding – Rafting – Night Tour. Our adventure begins early as we head to our “Lands in Love,” resort/adventure center right in the center of a cloud forest. After settling in, we’re off for a rafting trip on the Rio La Balsa. Our adventure takes us to the unexplored world of tropical wilderness in a deep canyon with waterfalls, exotic animals, tropical birds, and plenty of whitewater. This unique river trip is the best way to combine adventure and nature. End the day with an early evening walk through the cloud forest trails surrounded by thick jungle. We’ll see sleeping birds, tarantulas, spiders, grasshoppers, crickets, lizards, frogs, sloths, porcupines, white nose coatis, olingos, kinkajous, snakes and more.  Overnight at Lands in Love Hotel & Resort

Day 4 (B, L, D) – Lands in Love – Combo Canopy – Canyoning – Arenal – Paradise Hot Springs. We begin our day with a combo canopy tour to view the surrounding rainforest from the tops of the trees, a unique experience. Then it’s off to the zip line for an amazing and exhilarating journey before arriving at a striking waterfall. It that’s not enough, there’s a Tarzan swing for all to attempt, followed by a tractor ride through the cloud forest on our way to our hotel. Next, we’ll journey to the Arenal region, close to the Nicaraguan border, to enjoy gushing rivers, hot springs, lagoons and plentiful wildlife. At the end of the day, and a perfect way to relax our well used muscles, we’ll enjoy time at Paradise hot springs. Overnight at Hotel Montana de Fuego

Day 5 (B, L, D) – Arenal – Cano Negro – Volunteer – bailes tipicos. Today we enjoy a tour through renowned Caño Negro wildlife refuge, considered as one of the richest sites for bird watching on the continent, as well as many other animals such as monkeys, sloths, caimans, lizards, bats, and a variety of native flora of the region’s wetlands. Our guided boat ride from Los Chiles, a rustic town 5 km from the border of Nicaragua, to Río Frío, will provide an understanding of the plantations and flora and fauna of the region. On our return to Fortuna, we’ll enjoy time helping decorate a school for young children. We’ll also have the unique opportunity to see these same youngsters perform their local folk dances, bailes tipicos, for us.  Overnight at Hotel Montana de Fuego.

Day 6 (B, L, D) – Arenal – Arenal Hike – Monteverde – Trapiche Tour. Our day begins with a hiking tour at the base of Volcan Arenal. We’ll learn about the volcano’s active history and walk over the most recent lava flows, enjoying fabulous views of Lake Arenal. After our volcano hike, we’ll travel to the world famous Monteverde Cloud Forest. Our walks here will offer breathtaking views of the Gulf of Nicoya and surrounding islands as we explore this world class reserve. The Monteverde reserve was founded in 1951 by a group of North American Quakers who live in a secluded high plateau that plays host to one of the richest ecological systems in the country. Our hike is followed by a tour of a coffee farm where we can help pick the ripe coffee beans and transport them to the grinding machine.  Finally, we’ll visit a local sugar cane mill and be shown the process of making brown sugar and other products derived from sugarcane. At the end of the tour, you’ll be able to sample “picadillo de arracache”, a traditional vegetable dish and a cup of fresh roasted coffee. Overnight at Hotel El Establo.

Day 7 (B, L, D) – Monteverde – Cloud Forest – Sky Walk & Tram. Our walk today provides an opportunity to learn about the Monteverde Rain Forest’s magnificent ecosystem, including a lush green garden of mosses, ferns, unique and stunningly colorful flowers, and epiphytes growing thickly on every variety of tropical tree. As we walk, we’ll see clouds drift in and settle among the surrounding slopes, giving the continuous moisture required for such exuberant plant growth. Dangling roots and vines sweep across the trails. The air is rich with the sounds of birds and the occasional scurrying of small mammals on the forest floor and, from time to time, the raucous roars of howler monkeys.  Then it’s off to walk the hanging bridges of Monteverde, with five bridges in total, the longest around 984 feet. Then it’s off to the Sky Tram for a bird’s eye perspective on the cloud forest, Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake, and 360-degree views of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Overnight at Hotel El Establo.

Day 8 (B, L, D) – Monteverde – Carillo Beach. Today we head to Playa Carillo on the north Pacific Coast and one of the most beautiful beaches in NW Costa Rica. Overnight at Hotel Nammbu.

Day 9 (B, L, D) – Carillo Beach – Mangrove Kayak Tour. Today we’ll be kayaking through the mangroves on the Ora River, a unique opportunity to see the variety and abundance of tropical wildlife in this magical country. Overnight at Hotel Nammbu.

Day 10 (B, D) – Central Valley – San Jose – Mirador Tiquicia. Today we return to the Central Valley and San Jose before our flights home tomorrow. We’ll celebrate our time in this magical tropical venue with a cultural experience and dinner at the lovely Mirador Tiquicia restaurant, set high on the volcanic rim surrounding San Jose. The fragrant, warm, tropical air brushes our shoulders as we happily enjoy dancing with the locals as they share their traditional folk dances with us. PURA VIDA!

Day 11 (B) – Depart for home.

THE DETAILS                    

Dates:    

May 13 – 23, 2025
Oct 24 – Nov 3, 2025

Land Cost – Double

$2995

Land Cost – Single

$3595

Lodging:

Lodges/Inns

Difficulty:

Moderate. Hikes average 5-7 miles daily.

Trip Begins:    

San Jose, Costa Rica

Trip Ends:

San Jose, Costa Rica

WHAT WE PROVIDE
All private transportation
Hotel Lodging – 10 nights
All Meals are as listed in the Itinerary
Local Naturalist Guide and Walking The World® Guide
Airport transfers – arrival and departure

TRIP ACTIVITIES: Canopy Tour, Zip Lines, Tarzan Swing, Safari Float, School Visit, Arenal Volcano Hike, Boat across Lake Arenal, Hike in Monteverde Cloud Forest, Visit to Trapiche Coffee Farm, LaPaz Waterfall and Gardens, Cano Negro National Wildlife Refuge, San Jose Central Market, Poas Volcano, Horseback Riding, Paradise Hot Springs, Celebration Dinner in San Jose.

Day 1 (D)  Arrive San Jose.
Day 2 (B, L, D) San Jose – Central Market – Poas Volcano – La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
Day 3 (B, L, D) San Jose – Lands in Love – Horseback Riding – Rafting – Night Tour.
Day 4 (B, L, D) Lands in Love – Combo Canopy – Canyoning – Arenal – Paradise Hot Springs.
Day 5 (B, L, D) Arenal – Cano Negro – Volunteer – bailes tipicos.
Day 6 (B, L, D)     Arenal – Arenal Hike – Monteverde – Trapiche Tour.
Day 7 (B, L, D) Monteverde – Cloud Forest – Sky Walk & Tram.
Day 8 (B, L, D) Monteverde – Carillo Beach.
Day 9 (B, L, D) Carillo Beach – Mangrove Kayak Tour.
Day 10 (B, D) Central Valley – San Jose – Mirador Tiquicia.
Day 11 (B)  Departure

For years you’ve probably heard friends rave about Costa Rica: its natural beauty, wildlife, friendly people, the political stability of the area, reasonable prices, erupting volcanoes, beautiful beaches, and the mysterious rainforests. You know what? It’s all true! It’s hard to imagine that there can be such diversity in landforms and wildlife in such a small country, but you’ll soon be back telling your friends about your amazing Costa Rica walking tour.

Part of the reason Costa Rica is so popular with visitors is its commitment to preserving the nation’s natural areas and wildlife. In fact, proportionately, Costa Rica protects more of its land in parks and reserves than any other country in the world.

Until recently, Costa Rica could boast of protecting 11.4 percent of their national territory in their parks system. A new initiative will extend this total to nearly 19 percent of Costa Rica’s mountains, volcanoes, forests, and beaches.

When you join us in Costa Rica, you’ll be traveling to one of the most diverse areas in the world. Costa Rica’s parks shelter some of the planet’s most important examples of biol ogical diversity including 5 percent of all plant and animal species on Earth. Costa Rica’s National Biodiversity Institute has identified an absolutely amazing number of both plant and animal species.

Those species presently known include 209 mammals; 850 birds; 220 reptiles; 163 amphibians; 130 freshwater fish; 350,000 insects, spiders and crabs; 13,021 plants; 1,500 trees; and over 1,400 types of orchids. All in all, Costa Rica offers one of the most attractive and hospitable destinations in the world. So, brush up on your Spanish, load your camera, open your senses, and join us in magical Costa Rica!

Itinerary may be changed at the discretion of the trip leader.

Day 1 – Arrive San Jose, Costa Rica. Transfer to our hotel from the airport.

Day 2 – San Jose to La Fortuna.  After a hearty breakfast, we’ll meet our local guide, learn a bit of Spanish, and board our private coach for our journey to learn about the traditional Boruca masks. These are brightly colored, carved wooden masks, long a symbol of the indigenous Boruca people from southern Costa Rica. Then we’re off to La Paz waterfall gardens, a spectacular series of 4 waterfalls in the middle of the rainforest. We’ll explore the hummingbird gallery, serpentarium, bird house, butterfly garden, and the frog exhibit, and of course, the waterfalls. Following lunch, we’ll head to La Fortuna and our hotel. La Fortuna itself is the perfect venue for nature and adventure – including Volcano Arenal, hot springs, and waterfalls. Overnight in Fortuna.

Day 3 – La Fortuna. We begin our day with a combo canopy tour in the Arenal Conservation Area to view the surrounding rainforest from the treetops, making use of a series of platforms and zip lines built in the heights of the forest itself. If that’s not enough, there’s a Tarzan swing at the end for all to attempt. Tropical rainforests have the highest biodiversity of all forests. Interestingly, most rainforest species are found in the canopy. Evening finds us learning how to prepare a traditional Costa Rican meal followed by a night hike with our local naturalist. Overnight in Fortuna.

Day 4 – Cano Blanco Safari Float Tour. Today’s adventure finds us enjoying the quiet beauty one experiences while floating gently down a pristine river in a wildlife sanctuary known for its beauty and unique wildlife. We’ll be treated to a veritable smorgasbord of wildlife, including howler and white-face monkeys, caimans, grackles, blue Herons, egrets, hummingbirds, Roseate Spoonbills, White Ibis, American Anhingas, turtles, the Amazon Kingfisher and the Basilik lizard to name but a few. A highlight of our trip includes a visit with a local family to share some local foods and learn a bit about life on their farm. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a visit to a local school. Overnight in Fortuna.

Day 5 – Arenal Volcano and Tabacon Hot Springs.  Our morning finds us enjoying a spectacular walk near the base of Arenal Volcano, bringing us up close and personal with a  now inactive volcano. In the not-too-distant past Arenal could be seen, and heard, erupting approximately every 2-4 hours. We’ll learn about the volcano’s active history and walk over the most recent lava flows, enjoying fabulous views of Lake Arenal.  Don’t worry though, we’re always at a safe distance. And for an unforgettable evening, we’ll enjoy a luxurious soak and dinner at Tabacon Hot Springs, an extravagantly landscaped series of hot pools and waterfalls at the base of Arenal Volcano. Overnight in Fortuna.

Day 6 – Fortuna – Lake Arenal – Trapiche – Monteverde. Today we head for the world famous Monteverde Cloud Forest. Our journey to Monteverde begins with a boat ride across Lake Arenal, just outside of Fortuna. After our crossing we’ll be met by our guides and coach to complete our trip to Monteverde. On the way, we’ll stop to enjoy a tour of the Trapiche Coffee Farm where we can help pick the ripe coffee beans and transport them to the grinding machine. Sugar cane and Cacao trees also grow at Trapiche, giving us the opportunity to see how sugar is made from the cane and how chocolate is made from the seeds of the Cacao. We’ll get to make, and taste, our own chocolate! At the end of the tour, you’ll be able to sample “picadillo de arracache”, a traditional vegetable dish and a cup, or cups, of fresh roasted coffee. Monteverde. Our walks here will offer breathtaking views of the Gulf of Nicoya and surrounding islands as we explore this world class reserve. Overnight in Monteverde.

Day 7 – Monteverde – Cloud Forest. Our walk today provides an opportunity to learn about the Monteverde Rain Forest’s magnificent ecosystem, including a lush green garden of mosses, ferns, unique and stunningly colorful flowers, and epiphytes growing thickly on every variety of tropical tree. As we walk, we’ll see clouds drift in and settle among the surrounding slopes, giving the continuous moisture required for such exuberant plant growth. Dangling roots and vines sweep across the trails. The air is rich with the sounds of birds and the occasional scurrying of small mammals on the forest floor and, from time to time, the raucous roars of howler monkeys. Then it’s time to leave Monteverde and head to Guanacaste on the Pacific Coast. Overnight in Guanacaste.

Day 8 – Guanacaste – Chorotega Cultural Cooking Class and Turtle Nesting Tour.

Today offers a variety of options, but if possible, we’ll enjoy a cooking class based on recipes from the indigenous Chorotega people.  In the evening, we’ll witness beautiful sea turtles, each weighing over 100 pounds and reaching over 2.5 feet long, laying from 80 to 100 eggs each. This is a unique experience you won’t forget. Overnight Guanacaste.

Day 9 – Guanacaste – San Jose. Enjoy relaxing at the beach or your favorite past time, all influenced by the tropical magic that is Costa Rica. Return to San Jose for our last night. Festive farewell buffet dinner at the top of San Jose. Local musicians and dancers celebrate with us. Join in the celebration! Pura Vida! Overnight in San Jose.

 Day 10 Transfer to San Jose Airport. Depart for home.

THE DETAILS                    

Dates:     Feb 24 – Mar 5, 2022 Mar 23 – Apr 1, 2022 and Apr 20-29, 2022
Land Cost – Double  $3695
Land Cost – Single $4095
Lodging: Lodges/Inns
Difficulty: Moderate.  Hikes average 5-7 miles daily.
Trip Begins:     San Jose, Costa Rica  
Trip Ends: San Jose, Costa Rica  
Dates:     May 13 – 23, 2025

Oct 24 – Nov 3, 2025

Land Cost – Double $3395
Land Cost – Single $3895
Lodging: Lodges/Inns
Difficulty: Moderate.  Hikes average 5-7 miles daily.
Trip Begins:     San Jose, Costa Rica  
Trip Ends: San Jose, Costa Rica  

 

Walking The World

PO Box 40442   Grand Junction, Colorado  81504

Email:  info@walkingtheworld.com

Website: www.walkingtheworld.com

Ph:  970-498-0500