Highlights of Costa Rica: Pura Vida

Discover the rainforest, its rich flora and fauna and the communities it sustains. From your accommodation at the Aninga Lodge in Tortuguero, you can go for a walking tour along the walking trails in the hotel for a first introduction to the local flora and fauna. Take a boat ride through the winding canals of the rainforest, spotting various animals and birds. An expert naturalist will accompany you on your journey, providing you with interesting details about Tortuguero National Park, also known as Little Amazon, and its biodiversity – that includes crocodiles, monkeys and several bird species. You could also set out on a village tour to see the local communities and culture for yourself, and of course, sample the cuisine. Other activities are also available at an additional charge, such as the sea turtle nesting tour. (Included in your stay at Aninga Lodge; Shared activity & transfers; Please use sunscreen, insect repellent, and wear comfortable attire and shoes).

The Manatus Tortuga tour is your ticket to an enthralling time in the most pristine Costa Rican outdoors. Journey through an intricate network of canals to view crocodiles and other amazing wildlife in the Tortuguero rainforests on canal boat tours or feel the adrenaline flowing as you glide through the waters on a Kayak tour. Beat the sunrise by setting off early to catch glimpses of exotic winged wildlife in the Bird Watching tours or experience the night sounds of the jungle in the safety of hotel trails on your Twilight tour. Experience the thrills of soaring above forest tree tops on your Canopy tour or witness one of the most amazing rituals of nature during the Night Turtle Nesting tour. Take in the colors and rhythms of Afro-Caribbean culture and learn more about their eco-friendly ways of life on your Tortuguero Village tour.

Find out all that you ever wanted about the sloth, one of the most adorable denizens of Costa Rican forests. Head off with your naturalist guide to witness the majestic beauty of the towering Arenal Volcano. Journey through the dense rainforests around Arenal, which make up the natural habitat of the sloth as well as a host of tropical wildlife like several species of monkeys, leaf cutter ants and poisonous frogs. Use your binoculars to spot placid looking sloths high up on the tree branches and follow your friendly guide’s tips on the best vantage points for taking pics. Savor a light breakfast or afternoon snacks, washed down with a beverage after which you can continue the tour or be dropped back to your hotel in Arenal. (Half Day; Private Activity; Daily; Times: 0600/1400 hrs; Naturalist guide services, transportation, breakfast or afternoon snack, beverages included; Please note guests are requested to bring their camera, binoculars, apply sunscreen and bug repellant as well as wear comfortable clothing, tennis or hiking shoes).

Soar over the treetops and soak in the beauty of the jungle while ziplining at Ecoglide Arenal Park. With experienced instructors on hand, this activity is suitable for first-timers as well as families with children. Located on the slopes of the Arenal Volcano, the zipline has one sliding cable and a second, independent cable holding you securely. The first section of the canopy tour comprises a network of six cables and seven platforms with the Tarzan swing at the end. The facility has been built in keeping with the security standards of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute and National Insurance Institute. Fly through the air at a height of 82 feet above the ground along lengths extending up to 688 feet. Next up is the Tarzan swing that will take you to a height of nearly 131 feet, almost as high as a 12-storey building. Continue to zoom above the ground on the second section consisting of five cables and six platforms. Take in bird’s eye views of the lush rainforest canopy as you travel along lengths ranging from 328 feet to 1,410 feet. You could also take a walk across the suspension bridge before returning to land.

(Duration: 2 hrs; Time: 0800/1000/1300/1500 hrs; Shared activity; Private transfers; Fitness level: easy; Entry fees to Ecoglide Arenal Park, safety gear, insurance, and beverages included; Please dress in light and comfortable clothes; Do bring binoculars, camera, sunscreen, rain gear, and hiking or tennis shoes; Sandals are not permitted)

If a leisurely ride down calm waters is your kind of relaxed adventure, then this day tour is tailor made for you. Enjoy drifting down the still waters of the Peñas Blancas River in inflatable rafts, accompanied by your naturalist guide. Look out for exotic riverside animals and birds as you drift along the calm waters, noting the rich plant life as well. Expect to encounter sloth bears, a variety of monkeys, crocs, river turtles and colorful lizards. You’re sure to come across flocks of tropical birds, including rainbow colored toucans. Drop by the local ranch ‘La Cocina de Tita Yolanda’, enjoying the warm hospitality and observing the unhurried farm life of your hosts. Enjoy a hearty homemade snack prepared at the farm. (Half Day; Start Time: 8:00 AM (but flexible); Duration: 4.5 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Meals included: Snacks; Fitness Level: Easy; Please bring comfortable clothes, insect repellent, sunglasses and sunscreen; don’t forget your camera; Note: Water, equipment & a bilingual guide will be available on this trip).

Experience a perfect trip laced with coffee at the Don Juan coffee plantation near Monteverde. Discover the historic journey of the humble coffee bean from Africa to the highland plantations of Costa Rica on this fascinating plantation tour. Learn the secrets behind every perfect mug of freshly brewed espresso or latte, as your local guide takes you through the entire process. Afterwards, continue on to learn more about the cacao bean – from its culture and history to aromas, while participating in a short exercise to transform the bean to delicious chocolate. Also discover all about sugar production while handcrafting sugarcane juice and tasting the fruits of your labor too! At the end of your tour, after a few delicious tastings, it’s time to ask yourself which one you love best! (Half Day; Time of Day: Morning or Night; Duration: 2.5 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Meals included: Coffee; Fitness Level: Easy; Coffee harvesting season: November to February; Please bring comfortable boots, insect repellent and sunscreen; Note: A bilingual guide will accompany you).

Make the most of a nature walk on this day excursion to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Admire the vast acres of wild and beautiful landscape all around you, dotted with strangler fig plants and the occasional tumbling stream, rapid or pool. The forest is home to multiple bio zones that are home to exotic orchids, ferns, bromeliads, climbing vines and velvety carpets of moss. Look out for lacy butterflies and flocks of unusual birds like bellbirds and umbrella birds. If you’re lucky enough, you may even spot an ocelot, or the elusive quetzal! (Half Day→ Time of Day: Morning→ Duration: 4 hrs→ Private Activity & Transfer→ Fitness Level: Easy-Moderate→ Please bring comfortable boots, insect repellent and sunscreen→ Note: A bilingual guide will accompany you).

Enjoy an adventurous tour over the dense cloud forests at the Selvatura Park. Imagine walking over an emerald paradise inhabited by exotic birds and flamboyant treetop creatures. Take a tour of the famous hanging bridges of Selvatura Park in the company of your local guide. As you walk through the forest at a treetop level, look out for feathery butterflies, tree frogs and chameleons. The two-mile long trail is fitted with multiple hanging bridges that crisscross the thick tropical jungles spread out beneath you. Afterwards, visit the Butterfly Garden in the company of your local guide. The sprawling Butterfly Garden showcases over 20 endemic and indigenous butterfly species within a controlled environment. Discover the fragile life cycles and habitats of these beautiful creatures. (Half Day; Duration: 2.5 hrs; Shared Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy; Please bring long pants, comfortable hiking boots, rain gear, insect repellent and sunscreen; Note: Bilingual English & Spanish guide will accompany you)

Discover the natural history of the lush rainforests at the Manuel Antonio National Park on this trip. After breakfast at your hotel, take a half hour drive to the national park with your local guide. Take a leisurely hike through one of the most popular walking trails at the park. Absorb interesting information about the rainforest that your guide shares as you walk along. Take in your gorgeous surroundings, stopping to take advantage of numerous photo ops along the way. Watch out for the various tropical primates endemic to the park. About halfway into your trip, take a half hour break by the Third Beach. Refresh yourself with a snack by the seaside, take a dip in the sea, or just admire the seascape before getting back to the trail. Look out for exotic birds and butterflies, various orchids and tropical plants, as well as sloth bears. (Half Day; Time of Day: Morning; Duration: 3.5 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Moderate; Please bring comfortable hiking shoes, sunscreen & sunglasses; don’t forget your camera; Note: Park closed on Tuesday; Telescopes, water & a bilingual guide are available for you).

Enjoy a snorkeling and kayaking trip along the beautiful coastline of Biesanz Bay. Take a half hour drive down to Quepos pier with your local guide. Set off in your kayaks for the lovely inlet of Biesanz Bay, drifting past tiny islands and flocks of water birds roosting by the waterside. Make a half hour pit stop at Biesanz Bay, stretching your legs and catching refreshments. Go snorkeling and explore the rich marine life by the bay. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot parrotfish, starfish, angelfish, and even elusive sea turtles! Paddle back to Quepos pier, watching out for flocks of pelicans, flying fish, and other exotic sea creatures on your way. Leaving your kayak behind, relish a delicious homemade food over conversations with your local hosts. 

(Half Day; Time of Day: Morning or Afternoon; Duration: 4 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Meals included: Beverages & Lunch or Dinner; Fitness Level: Moderate; Please bring sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat & beach towel; don’t forget your camera; Note: a bilingual guide will be provided for you).