Bajos Del Toro | Guanacaste (Costa Rica) | La Fortuna (Costa Rica) | Monteverde (Costa Rica) | Pinilla (Costa Rica) | San Jose (Costa Rica)
The following are Signature: Costa Rica's Monteverde, Arenal & Guanacaste tour dates available from G Adventures. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
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Welcome to Costa Rica. Your expedition begins upon arrival at San Jose Airport, where you will be met and whisked away from the city toward the cool, mist-shrouded peaks of the Bajos del Toro region. Check into your comfortable lodge, surrounded by the sounds of the cloud forest. In the evening, gather with your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers. An engaging presentation from a National Geographic Expedition Expert sets the scene for the biodiversity you will encounter, followed by a welcome dinner.
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
Your opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group. There will be an included welcome dinner after the meeting.
Immerse yourself in the cloud forest silence on a morning walk to a dramatic waterfall. Guided by a naturalist, scan the moss-draped trees for birdlife while feeling the cool spray of the cascade. Later, connect with local traditions at a family home-feel the texture of the masa as you learn to shape corn tortillas by hand, then share a rustic lunch with your hosts. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the lodge trails before an evening talk on the geology of the Arenal Volcano.
Depart with a Naturalist guide on a walking tour to waterfalls in Bajos del Toro, keeping eyes peeled for birds, insects, snakes, frogs, and plenty of additional flora and fauna as you make your way towards the waterfalls. Learn how El Silencio Lodge got its name, and take a moment in the forest to sit in silence and allow the sounds and smells of nature to sink in. Use this brief pause to wash away the tensions and anxieties of travelling to Costa Rica, and refresh yourself as you begin this relaxing and enlightening discovery of this peaceful place. Enjoy free time at the falls, listening to the rush of water and sounds of nature to cleanse your mind for the adventure to come.
Gather at the home of a local family headed by Dona Olga. Join Dona Olga and some of her family to try your hand at making home made corn tortillas. Cook them the traditional way and then sample them with some traditional Costa Rican side dishes. Join the host family for a local lunch where you can share a meal together alongside a welcoming community of Ticos.
Enjoy the peace and tranquility the lodge provides by resting or reading. There are also activities on site, such as sound bathing, a spa and walking trails on the property.
Travel to La Selva Biological Station for a behind-the-scenes moment with a resident anthropologist, go beyond the visitor trails to inspect insect traps and observe real-time biodiversity monitoring. Continue to Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative to witness the transformation of the coffee bean, understanding its vital role in the local economy. Arrive in La Fortuna and settle into your hotel, ending the day with a soak in natural hot springs heated by the earth's volcanic core.
The Organization for Tropical Studies invites you to experience "Science Behind the Scenes at La Selva Research Station" - a guided visit led by a resident entomologist offering an insider's look at how tropical biodiversity research happens at one of the world's leading field stations. Discover the fascinating diversity of tropical insects through our Insect Collection and learn about innovative monitoring systems such as the Automated Monitoring of Insects project. Observe insect traps and hear how this data helps track biodiversity changes, with a short walk in the forest to connect research with field observation.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative seeks to transport the essence of Costa Rican coffee through a sensory, educational, and emotional experience, with a focus on connection with local producers, cultural impact, and sustainability. Experience a live demonstration to understand the coffee-making process - from cherries to roasting - as well as a tasting featuring different varieties of coffee, as well as different brewing methods.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Trace the path of ancient eruptions on a guided hike through Arenal Volcano National Park. Walking over solidified lava flows, your guide reveals how the forest has reclaimed the rock, offering spectacular views of the volcano's perfect cone. Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps returning to the thermal waters. As night falls, follow the scent of woodsmoke to a hands-on cooking class at a woman-owned restaurant, preparing a traditional dinner over an open flame.
Begin your tour in the northwest area of the volcano, which was the area with the most volcanic activity during the last period of eruptions. Walk along trails that pass through a regenerating forest and cross over a large block of petrified lava formed by past eruptions, with steep slopes and sandy soils. It is possible to observe a great variety of plants, wildlife, and magnificent rock formations. In addition to the volcanic landscape, the place offers a wonderful view of Lake Arenal. During the tour, your experienced guides will provide you with interesting and educational information about the history of the volcano, lithological cycles, forest formation processes, and general volcanology.
Choose to explore downtown La Fortuna for lunch, or return to the hotel to take advantage of the hot springs on property.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
At El Fogon de Chela, you'll be welcomed in true tico style - with a refreshing drink and a genuine smile. Then, you'll choose which traditional dishes to prepare from the family recipe book, filled with stories and flavors passed down through generations. As you cook over the warmth of the wood fire, share anecdotes, laughter, and feel the true spirit of Costa Rican cuisine. It's not just about learning recipes, but about living a genuine experience full of aromas, textures, and emotions. At the end, enjoy together what you've prepared, accompanied by natural juices and the charm of the countryside.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Navigate the waters of Lake Arenal by private boat, watching the landscape shift from volcanic lowlands to the rolling green hills of the divide, before ascending into the cool air of the Monteverde cloud forest. Visit the Monteverde Institute, a research and educational organization supported by National Geographic. Learn how they balance community growth with conservation, including a fascinating look at the impact of artificial light on nocturnal wildlife.
Board a private boat to cross Arenal Lake toward the Monteverde side. There is very little wake, so sit back and enjoy the peaceful ride.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
The Monteverde Institute promotes social, ecological and economic sustainability by integrating community initiatives with education, research and conservation. During this visit, you will be at the intersection of wildlife conservation and research, innovation, and community. Artificial light at night (ALAN) affects wildlife, human health and night sky visibility - learn about these issues with a presentation summarizing relevant research, and collaborative local and national initiatives to address them. From intentional design and product selection to retrofitting existing lighting, discover existing and proposed solutions, and offer your ideas! After some local coffee and refreshments, you'll contribute to local efforts to monitor effects of ALAN in the biology lab, create affordable solutions in the Community Innovation Lab (e.g. streetlight shades), or promote astrotourism as a form of community tourism from our Center for Community Initiatives. By participating in this activity, you are contributing to the search for solutions to sustainability challenges in Monteverde and around the world.
Enjoy exclusive early-access to the canopy on a private, morning tour of the hanging bridges, experiencing the forest's tranquility before it opens to the general public. Suspended high above the forest floor, watch the mist clear and listen for the waking calls of howler monkeys. Continue the search for wildlife in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, treading softly on fern-lined trails in hopes of spotting the brilliant emerald plumage of the resplendent quetzal. Enjoy a free afternoon before dinner at a local restaurant.
Join a Naturalist guide on a private tour of the hanging bridges of Treetopia Monteverde. Enter the hanging bridges before the crowds and witness the forest come alive as it wakes up and greets the day. With luck, you may hear the famous bell bird with its distinct call. The private experience on these famous bridges gives you the chance to truly absorb the size and scope of this unique cloud forest environment. Your later visit to the Santa Elena Reserve will be dedicated to spotting specific creatures at a closer distance.
Named one of the 25 most magical forests in the world, Santa Elena Reserve and the cloud forest region of Monteverde is home to over 200 species of birds. Additionally its host to a stunning array of diverse flora: orchids, bromeliads, ficus, monkey tail ferns and much more. Join a Naturalist guide to attempt to spot the incredibly elusive Quetzal. The males, in particular, with their striking long green tails and iconic tuft of green feathers atop their heads are often a once-in-a-lifetime spot for many avid birders.
Enjoy a free afternoon to rest or take in additional sites in Monteverde, like the cheese factory, bat jungle, or frog pond.
Leave the clouds behind and descend toward the dry tropical forests of Guanacaste. Stop in Rincon de la Vieja National Park to witness clean energy in action at a geothermal project, surrounded by the hissing steam of volcanic vents. Keep an eye out for wildlife adapting to this rugged and lush terrain. Pause at the Rio Negro Waterfalls for a gourmet picnic lunch in the shade of the canyon before completing the drive to your hotel on the Pacific coast.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Learn about Costa Rica's focus on wind power generation, witnessing the massive wind turbines from an observation point. Hear from an expert about the environmental impact the wind project is having on the country's energy grid.
Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature, with the falls as your background.
Follow a guide through the geothermal plant, which harnesses the power of the Rincon de la Vieja volcano, to learn about the history of the project and its contribution to Costa Rica's national energy system. Hear about its environmental impact, mitigation measures, and carbon offset strategies.
Venture into the mangroves of Las Baulas National Marine Park on a guided boat excursion. Drift quietly through the Tamarindo Estuary, scanning the tangled roots for crocodiles and watching for iguanas and squirrel monkeys in the branches above. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or walking the beach. In the evening, regroup for a final expert talk summarizing the week's discoveries, followed by a celebratory farewell dinner with your travel companions.
Embark on a fully guided excursion within the Marino las Baulas National Park at the Tamarindo Estuary. The estuary and its brackish water provides food, shelter and breeding grounds for diverse wildlife. You will have the opportunity to observe different types of birds such as Blue Herons, Tricolored Herons, and Night Herons, in addition to Hawks and Fishing Eagles. While on board the boat, travel through the estuary and observe the American Crocodile, Iguanas, Squirrels and learn about the mangrove ecosystem. During the excursion, you can also disembark for a short walk to observe the Howler Monkey, the Guanacaste Tree (National Tree of Costa Rica), the Ceiba Tree (National Tree of Guatemala), and The Thorny Cedar (one of the most expensive wood materials).
Have lunch at your leisure, with plenty of time to enjoy the beach or pool this afternoon.
Your expedition to Costa Rica concludes today. After a final breakfast overlooking the Pacific, transfers are provided to the Liberia airport at any time during the day.
You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.
Select a destination below to to view the hotel(s) included by G Adventures in their Signature: Costa Rica's Monteverde, Arenal & Guanacaste tour:
65 kilometers northwest from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
Alajuela, Costa Rica
Hacienda Pinilla, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
2 kM del B.C.R. de Monteverde
Monteverde, Costa Rica
Tabacón is located in the northern (region of Costa Rica, at the base of the Majestic Arenal Volcano, 13 Kms northwest of La Fortuna.
Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Res, Costa Rica
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Signature: Costa Rica's Monteverde, Arenal & Guanacaste tour:
Max. 22, avg. 16.
Your G for Good Moment: Mi Cafecito Coffee Experience, AlajuelaYour Welcome Moment: Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Bajos del ToroYour Local Living Moment: Home Made Tortilla Lunch with a Local Family, Bajos del ToroSignature Moment: "The World of Insects" at La Selva Biological Station, SarapiquiYour Foodie Moment: El Fogon de Chela Cooking Class, La FortunaSignature Moment: Monteverde Institute Visit, Monteverde. Arrival transfer. Naturalist Guided Walking Tour in Bajos del Toro. Arenal Volcano Lecture. Arenal Walk and Guided Tour. Private Canopy Tour in Monteverde. Naturalist Guided Tour in Santa Elena Reserve. Visit to Las Pailas Geothermal Project I & II. Santa Maria Wind Project. Picnic Lunch at Rio Negro Waterfalls. Tamarindo Estuary Excursion. Free time in Bajos del Toro, La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Guanacaste. Departure transfer. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert Throughout. Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles. Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Go behind the scenes at a leading research station to track tropical insects with experts, Trace the journey of coffee from bean to cup at a sustainable community-run cooperative, Meet researchers at the Monteverde Institute to learn how they protect the cloud forest, Walk the hanging bridges of Monteverde before the crowds watching the forest wake up, Visit a local family home to learn the art of making traditional corn tortillas by hand
Comprehensive travel insurance is a mandatory prerequisite for participation in all our departures. To safeguard your well-being, your National Geographic Expedition Leader will kindly request to verify your physical policy details before you may officially join your fellow travellers.When choosing your coverage, please ensure your policy includes full medical protection, featuring a strict minimum requirement of $200,000 USD for emergency rescue and medical repatriation. For complete peace of mind while exploring, we also strongly advise securing comprehensive coverage for personal liability, trip cancellation or curtailment, and the loss of luggage and personal belongings. If you intend to rely on insurance provided through your credit card, you must supply formal proof of purchase—such as a credit card statement or receipt in your name—along with explicit confirmation from your banking institution regarding the participating insurer, exact policy limits, and their dedicated 24-hour emergency contact number.
Hotels (4 nts), Lodges (4 nts).
8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 8 dinners
National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout.
Every National Geographic Signature departure is accompanied throughout by a dedicated National Geographic Expedition Leader, whose purpose is to ensure a seamless experience so you can fully immerse yourself in the destination. Your Expedition Leader offers deep insight into the landscapes you traverse, suggests enriching independent activities, recommends exceptional local dining venues, and connects you with our community friends along the way. Rather than acting as conventional guides, they possess a broad, sophisticated understanding of the historical, cultural, religious, and social tapestry of the region. To offer the ultimate perspective, we complement their expertise with specialist local guides whose deep regional knowledge adds profound depth to specific sites—delivering a masterfully balanced exploration.
No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your National Geographic Signature Specialist or booking agent for further details.In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Private vehicle, motorized boat, walking.
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a National Geographic Signature tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Costa Rica Water Activities:o Drybag (Will help keep cameras and essentials dry)o Sport Sandals or Water Shoes (if you plan to do waterfall rappelling and/or rafting)Documents:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Footwearo Hato Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)o Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)Smart Dress:o Smart outfit (For evenings out)Warm Weather:o Sandals/flip-flopso Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)o Sturdy water shoes/sandalso Sun hat/bandanao Swimwear
When deciding what to pack, considerations will vary based on your specific itinerary, the regions you are visiting, and the season in which you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend packing thoughtfully and keeping your luggage to one checked bag at a manageable weight to facilitate seamless transitions throughout your expedition.In addition to your primary luggage, you will also require a small day pack or shoulder bag. This smaller bag is essential for keeping your camera, water, and personal items close at hand during day walks, excursions, and daily explorations.
Luxury: Five-star hospitality and meticulously curated inclusions, featuring iconic properties, fine dining, and private door-to-door service.