Welcome to the Discover Costa Rica Garden Tour with Susan Mahr!

Immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of Costa Rica's tropical forests, rivers, and gardens and experience the vibrant biodiversity of this stunning Central American country. From the lush rainforests to the dazzling butterfly gardens, you'll discover an array of extraordinary botanical wonders. Join us on this unforgettable adventure and let us show you why Costa Rica is truly a gardener's paradise!

Meet your Group Leader Susan Mahr!

Susan has degrees in Biology and Entomology and served as the state coordinator for the Master Gardener Program at the University of Wisconsin for over 20 years.  During her tenure there, Susan led 15 different educational tours to Costa Rica (as well as several other tours to New Zealand, South Africa, and Italy) and has led several since retiring.  In addition to leading tours, she has traveled extensively throughout the world to better discover and learn about plants in their native habitat.

Susan is excited to partner with Discover Garden Tours and have the opportunity to share her knowledge of the plants, animals, and birds of Costa Rica, making for a memorable and educational travel experience.

 A $1,000 deposit, per person, is required to hold your reservation.  The deposit is due no later than January 30, 2026 with final payment due no later than January 31, 2026.

This tour requires a minimum of 12 tour participants to establish viability.

!Do NOT arrange airfare until you have been notified via email that the tour is fully viable!

For more information on this, or any of our other tours, please call or text Ray at 816-842-7500 or send him an email at ray@discoverourtours.com.

Please Note: Changes to the itinerary may be necessary due to weather, availability, or other factors beyond our control.  We will update the itinerary on the website if changes occur.

Participants must be able to endure moderate physical activity (daily activities may include 2-4 hours of walking and 2-3 hours of bus riding) and should be in overall good health!

A valid passport is mandatory to leave the U.S. and/or to enter Costa Rica. Your passport must not expire within 6 months of your return from Costa Rica, otherwise, it will be considered non-valid and need to be renewed.  If you need a passport, or if your passport needs to be renewed, please act now!  It can take up to several months to receive a new or replacement passport. 

The purchase of trip insurance is highly recommended.

Guest Cancellation Policy:

Days Before First Tour Date:            Refund:

90 days or more                                Full refund (minus credit card processing fees)

89 to 60 days                                     You are responsible for 50% of all fees owed

59 days or less                                   You are responsible for 100% of all fees owed

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Bienvenidos a Costa Rica!  Forget about the stress and hassle of airports and flights, and get ready to enjoy the Pura Vida!

Upon arrival at San Jose International Airport (SJO), you will be met by your driver and taken to the Hotel Bougainvillea.  Depending on what time you arrive, take time to relax and explore the hotel and grounds.  The Welcome Reception will begin at 7:00pm.

INCLUDED

* Airport Transfer from SJO to Hotel Bougainvillea

* Lodging at Hotel Bougainvillea 

* Welcome Reception

SPECIAL NOTE:

After clearing Immigration and Customs, you will exit the terminal building.  Your driver will be outside waiting for you.  He will be holding a sign that will say

"Discover Garden Tours."

OVERNIGHT AT:  Hotel Bougainvillea one of the few independent hotels left in the Central Valley in Costa Rica, this well-located hotel overflows with personality. Ten acres of botanical gardens, art, rocks and minerals, a restaurant very much liked by locals as well as visitors, swimming pool, tennis courts, and the people who work with us, all strive to make the hotel a destination rather than just a stop-over.

Thursday, March 26, 2026

This morning we will check-out from Hotel Bougainvillea, and board our private shuttle for our trek to the Suerte River where we will board our launch for the rest of the journey to the Evergreen Lodge.

After lunch, we will experience the Casa Cecropia Chocolate Tour.

INCLUDED

* Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

* Lodging:  Evergreen Lodge

* Visit:  Casa Cecropia Chocolate Tour

Casa Cecropia Chocolate Tour

Step into a world of chocolate magic at Casa Cecropia, where visitors experience the complete journey from cacao pod to artisanal chocolate bar. This intimate tour begins in lush gardens where you'll see cacao trees bearing their colorful pods before moving to the traditional processing area to witness fermentation and drying techniques passed down through generations.

Expert guides demonstrate the ancient art of chocolate-making while sharing fascinating cultural and historical insights. Guests participate in hands-on activities including grinding roasted cacao beans using traditional stone metates and creating their own custom chocolate treats to take home.

This sensory adventure offers a perfect blend of education, culture, and delicious indulgence—all within a stunning tropical setting that honors chocolate's sacred roots.

Evergreen Lodge

This wonderful hotel has various bungalows and rooms, constructed over pillars designed in the perfect Caribbean style, respecting nature and being in harmony with the wildlife. Its spacious and comfortable rooms have their furniture made out of wood and bamboo, reflecting the unique and tropical style of the region.

In Evergreen Lodge you’ll experience in a sensational way the tropical jungle of Tortuguero.  And with it's strategic location, you can explore this unique natural reserve that is filled with magic and wonders; tall trees and leafy nature surrounding this special hotel.

Friday, March 27, 2026

This morning we will leave after breakfast on an incredible experience to explore the Tortuguero National Park by boat.

After lunch there will be free time and ample opportunities to explore the incredible grounds of the Evergreen Lodge and hike the extensive trails there as well.

INCLUDED

* Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

* Lodging:  Evergreen Lodge

* Visit:  Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero National Park Boat Tour

Glide through the emerald maze of Tortuguero National Park on Evergreen Lodge's signature boat tour. Navigate winding waterways surrounded by pristine rainforest as our expert naturalist guides unveil the secrets of Costa Rica's "Amazon of the Americas."

Witness incredible biodiversity at every turn—from playful monkeys swinging through the canopy to technicolor toucans to the park's namesake sea turtles. Our silent electric motors ensure minimal disruption to wildlife, creating perfect opportunities for photography and intimate wildlife encounters.

The magic of Tortuguero reveals itself differently with each visit. Morning tours offer misty, golden light and active wildlife, while twilight excursions showcase the rainforest's nocturnal awakening. Exclusive to Evergreen Lodge guests, this immersive experience connects you with Costa Rica's wild heart in unparalleled comfort and authenticity.

Saturday, March 28, 2026

After breakfast we will check out of the Evergreen Lodge, and return by boat to our bus to journey on to Arenal. After lunch en route we will stop at Palmitour for a Heart of Palm experience. And then we will continue on to the Arenal Observatory Lodge.

INCLUDED

* Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

* Lodging: Arenal Observatory Lodge

* Visit: Palmitour Heart of Palm Experience

Palmitour Heart of Palm Experience

Journey into Costa Rica's agricultural paradise with the Palmitour Heart of Palm Experience. Wander through lush plantations where towering palm trees create a living cathedral of greenery, offering a glimpse into one of the country's most sustainable farming traditions.

Discover the fascinating journey from palm to plate as you witness the careful harvesting process that has been perfected over generations. Learn how this delicate delicacy—prized by chefs worldwide—is cultivated using environmentally conscious methods that preserve Costa Rica's rich biodiversity.

The experience culminates in a farm-to-table tasting where you'll savor the buttery, subtle flavor of freshly harvested heart of palm prepared in traditional Costa Rican recipes.

Arenal Observatory Lodge

Unlike other hotels in La Fortuna, the town near Arenal Volcano, this is the only hotel located within the Arenal Volcano National Park.  Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails was originally built in 1987 as a scientific research station for the world-famous Smithsonian Institution. When the national park was formed in November 1991, the boundaries that were drawn included their land. Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails gives you unparalleled access to an extraordinary ecosystem on 870 acres, including 270 acres of natural primary rainforest with rivers and waterfalls, 400 acres of reforested land and tropical gardens, and 200 acres of pastureland. The gardens and landscaping are extravagantly designed with colorful flowering plants, shrubs, and trees chosen to attract wildlife, like jewel-toned hummingbirds, brilliant butterflies, and exotic birds.

Sunday, March 29, 2026

Today is going to be a big day!  We will start off early with a pre-breakfast birding experience followed by a discovery tour to learn about one of the indigenous tribes of Costa Rica and then on to discover the many methods of organic farming in use in Costa Rica.  Hope you got your rest last night!

INCLUDED

* Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

* Lodging: Arenal Observatory Lodge

* Visit: Rancho Maleku Tafa Urijif

* Visit: Don Juan Organic Education Farm

Rancho Maleku Tafa Urijif

Step into the living history of Costa Rica's Maleku Indigenous community at Tafa Urijif, a sacred cultural center that bridges ancient traditions with contemporary indigenous life. This immersive guided tour offers a rare and profound opportunity to connect with one of Costa Rica's most resilient indigenous groups.

Witness traditional craft demonstrations, including intricate wood carving and vibrant textile creation that tell stories passed down through generations.

This is more than a tour; it's a transformative cultural exchange that supports indigenous community preservation and provides deeper insights into Costa Rica's rich cultural diversity.

Don Juan Organic Education Farm

Discover the heart of sustainable agriculture at Juan Education Farm, where farming meets innovation and learning comes to life. This immersive guided tour takes you beyond traditional farm visits, offering an interactive journey through modern ecological farming practices that are revolutionizing Costa Rica's agricultural landscape.

More than just a farm tour, this is an educational adventure that connects visitors directly to the roots of Costa Rican agricultural innovation, offering a transformative experience that will change how you think about food, farming, and our connection to the land.

Monday, March 30, 2026

This morning we will board our shuttle and head off to Villa Blanca.  Along the way we will stop and experience the Hanging Bridges of Mistico.  We will stop for lunch and discover typical Costa Rican fair.  After that we will continue on to encounter the wonders found at Nectandra Cloud Forest. 

INCLUDED

* Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

* Lodging:  Villa Blanca Hotel

* Visit:  Mistico Park Hanging Bridges

* Visit:  Nectandra Cloud Forest Reserve

Mistico Park Hanging Bridges Tour

Elevate your Costa Rican experience with the Mistico Hanging Bridges Tour—a breathtaking journey through the living, breathing ecosystem of the rainforest canopy. Traverse a network of suspended bridges that wind through the lush landscape, offering an unparalleled perspective of one of the world's most diverse ecosystems.

Walk among the treetops where vibrant wildlife thrives just feet from your path. Expertly designed bridges provide safe passage through multiple layers of the forest, from the forest floor to the upper canopy, revealing a world typically hidden from ground-level view. Spot exotic birds, playful monkeys, elusive sloths, and countless species of insects and plants that call this magical environment home.

Nectandra Cloud Forest Reserve 

This is an invitation to experience nature in its most pristine, magical form—a journey that will transform your understanding of ecological complexity and the profound beauty of Costa Rica's natural world.

The Nectandra Cloud Forest Reserve is a living, breathing realm of ethereal beauty; a pristine sanctuary where misty landscapes and extraordinary biodiversity converge. This carefully preserved ecological treasure offers an immersive journey into one of the planet's most magical and delicate ecosystems.

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Today we have scheduled some much needed down time in the afternoon, but before that we will discover the origins and processes of Costa Ricas world famous coffee production.  After lunch you are on your own and can explore the grounds and trails of Villa Blanca, read a book, sip your favorite beverage, or simply rest in your room.

INCLUDED

* Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

* Lodging: Villa Blanca Hotel

* Visit: La Eva Coffee Tour

* Visit: Else Kientzler Botanic Gardens

La Eva Coffee Tour

Experience hands-on demonstrations of traditional and modern processing techniques, from hand-picking to roasting. Engage all your senses as you explore the intricate craft of coffee production that has been perfected over generations. The tour culminates in a curated tasting experience, where you'll learn to appreciate the subtle notes and complexities of single-origin Costa Rican coffee.

More than just a tour, this is a journey into the cultural heart of Costa Rica—a celebration of tradition, sustainability, and the pure passion that goes into every carefully crafted cup.

Else Kientzler Botanic Gardens

Discover a vibrant botanical wonderland at the Else Kientzler Botanic Gardens, a meticulously curated sanctuary showcasing Costa Rica's incredible plant diversity. Spanning five hectares near Sarchí, this living museum features over 2,000 plant species from around the world, with a special focus on native Costa Rican flora. Wander through carefully designed gardens, exotic collections, and educational pathways that reveal the remarkable beauty and ecological significance of tropical plants. More than just a garden, this is a testament to botanical conservation, research, and the incredible biodiversity of Costa Rica.

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

This morning we will take time to relax, enjoy, and explore the grounds and hiking trails of Villa Blanca Hotel.  After lunch we will visit the private gardens of Ileana Teran and hear from her personally about her vast influence on the orchid culture in Costa Rica.

INCLUDED

* Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner

* Lodging: Hotel Bougainvillea

* Explore:  Gardens and Trails at Villa Blanca Hotel

* Visit: Gardens of Ileana Teran

The Gardens of Ileana Teran

The Gardens of Ileana Teran offer an intimate journey through a meticulously cultivated landscape that reflects one woman's lifelong love affair with Costa Rica's extraordinary plant life. Each carefully designed section tells a story of botanical diversity, local conservation, and personal creativity, inviting visitors to experience a uniquely personal connection to the rich natural heritage of Costa Rica. More than just a garden, this is a living canvas that celebrates the beauty, complexity, and resilience of tropical flora.

Thursday, April 2, 2026

Check-out from Hotel Bougainvillea. Private transfer from Hotel Bougainvillea to Juan Santamaria International Airport [SJO]

INCLUDED:

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer: To SJO Airport

If you have not booked your post tour extension, it’s time to say goodbye and head back home.  If you would like to book a post tour extension, please contact us to discuss the possibilities.

Buen viaje!

Pura vida!

Note: For international flights, we suggest being at the airport 3 hours in advance of your flight.