Day 1: We meet at your town of departure to board our bus to O’Hare Airport, and check in for our flight to San Jose, Costa Rica. Upon arrival at the newly remodeled airport, our tour guide and driver meet us and we board our deluxe touring coach. On the way to San Jose, the capital of approximately one million inhabitants, we catch our first glimpse of the lively city. (In-flight meals)

Day 2: After breakfast at the hotel this morning, we board our bus and head to La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano. On the way, we stop in Sarchi and Zarcero. Sarchi is a small town known for its woodworking and craftsmanship, especially its wide variety of handmade oxcarts- a common and traditional symbol of Cost Rica. Zarcero is famous for its topiary garden- and elaborate garden with trees and bushes manicured into various figures. Upon arrival in La Fortuna, we visit the Adrenal Hanging Bridges for a nature walk that takes us high above the canopy as we cross six hanging suspension bridges! During the 1.86 mile walk, we get breathtaking views of the Adrenal Lake, a waterfall and the majestic Adrenal volcano. After the walk we check into our hotel where we have dinner and the rest to the evening to relax. (B, D)

Day 3: We start the day early as we head to the Sarapiqui River for some white water rafting! The Sarapiqui River has Class II/III rafting, which is perfect for all levels-enjoyable for frequent rafters, yet not overwhelming for beginners. After a few minutes of orientation, we embark on a 3-4 hour ride down the river. All the rafts are escorted by certified rafting and naturalist guides, who are anxious to point out interesting flora and faun along the way. This afternoon we head back to La Fortuna. If you prefer not to raft, the day is yours to spend as you wish! You will likely find many optional activities available at the hotel or you could relax at the pool and enjoy the hotel’s other amenities. (B, D)

Day 4: We have an exciting ride in store today as the coach takes us west along the north shore of Lake Arenal with spectacular views of the rain forest and the lake, and then high into the mountains. This afternoon we arrive at our next stop- Monteverde- and area originally settled in the 1950’s by North American Quakers. Upon arrival, we have some free time to spend as we wish. You may want to take a stroll through the small town of Santa Elena to get a taste of the local culture, or if time allows, visit the Butterfly Garden- a local attraction featuring over 40 species of butterflies. (B, D)

Day 5: Today we experience the Monteverde Cloud Forest like never before- zipping by cable through the treetops! The Monteverde Sky Trek system includes over 1.25 miles of cable connected by three platforms, a 72 ft. high observation platform, two suspension bridges, and requires 1.5 miles of walking (including some stairs). Participants are attached individually to the cables with two high quality harnesses, which support the body so that you feel as though you’re sitting in a chair. Safety is the number one priority of the Sky Trek team, and as such, fun and excitement become the prevalent memory of visitors. The canopy tour lasts approximately 3 hours. The afternoon is free to spend as you wish. Perhaps you’d like to spend some time on the ground at the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, trekking on the many paths or watching out for exotic birds such as toucans and the shining quetzal bird, the most famous in Costa Rica! (B, D)

Day 6: After breakfast we descend from the mountains to the Inter-American Highway built in the early 1940’s to connect Alaska with the Southern tip of South America. Here we head south, passing through various climatic zones and ecosystems on our way to the famous Manuel Antonio National Park. En route, we pass through palm oil plantations, and if we’re lucky, we see a locally famous 14-foot crocodile near the Tarcoles River. Upon arrival at our hotel, the afternoon is free to relax, around the pool, visit the town of Manuel Antonio, or head to the beautiful beach. (B, D)

Day 7: This morning, a private naturalist guide takes us across the estuary to Manuel Antonio National Park. A conveniently paced nature walk through the park affords us the opportunity to view an abundance of wildlife-this is where white-faced monkeys have been known to steal snacks from one’s knapsack. We sample some tropical fruits on the beaches of Manuel Antonio Park at the end of our tour. The afternoon is completely free to spend as you wish. You may want to spend the day dozing on the white sand beaches or splashing in the warm waves. Perhaps you’d like to venture to the port town of Quepos for some shopping and dining. Maybe you’ll choose to pick up some groceries in town and enjoy a picnic under palm trees. However, you decide to spend the afternoon, it will certainly be memorable. (B, D)

Day 8: After breakfast at the hotel, we head back through the mountains to San Jose. Upon arrival we take a fascinating tour of San Jose. We visit the National Theater, built between 1890-1897 and modeled after the Paris Opera House, and have some free time for exploring the pedestrian zone and last minute shopping. This evening we have a farewell dinner at the hotel, where we can relive the highlights of our trip and enjoy good company. (B, D)