12D11N Signature: Costa Rica’s Tortuguero, Arenal & Cloud Forests

Welcome to Costa Rica. Your expedition begins upon arrival at San José Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the city. Check into your comfortable hotel, then 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.

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Depart early and descend toward the Caribbean coast, stopping to immerse yourself in the rich aroma of roasting beans at a cacao experience. Trace the history of chocolate from ancient ceremonial drink to modern delicacy, tasting the transformation from raw nibs to specialty sweets. Continue the drive until the road ends, then board a boat for the final stretch. As the engine hums, watch the landscape shift into a wall of dense green. Arrive at your lodge near Tortuguero National Park in time for dinner, settling in as the cacophony of the rainforest rises with the moon.

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Rise before the heat of the day for a boat excursion through the labyrinth of Tortuguero’s canals. In the stillness of the morning, the water acts as a mirror for the jungle canopy; watch for the flash of a green macaw, the slow reach of a sloth, or the eyes of a caiman breaking the surface. Later, visit a sea turtle conservation project to learn about the critical effort to protect green turtle habitats on these black-sand beaches. End the day with a hearty dinner at a floating restaurant, surrounded by the sounds of the water.

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Trade the humid coast for the cool, mist-shrouded peaks of the Bajos del Toro region. Travel inland through shifting landscapes, arriving at your lodge for a lunch of fresh local ingredients. Later, engage with Costa Rica’s artistic heritage during a hands-on workshop with an artist-in-residence. Learn the intricate brushstrokes of traditional oxcart painting — the vibrant national symbol of the country. In the evening, gather for an expert presentation and a welcome reception to meet new travellers joining the expedition for the next chapter.

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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. The rest of the day is yours to explore the trails surrounding the lodge, visit the organic garden or just relax in your room’s private jacuzzi.

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Travel to La Selva Biological Station for a behind-the-scenes moment with a resident entomologist, 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Leave the clouds behind and descend toward the dry tropical forests of Guanacaste. Stop in Rincón 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.

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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 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.

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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.

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