This morning we will travel to the City of Cartago where we will tour Solo Rosas. Solo Rosas is the only rose garden open to the public where you will see more than 400 varieties of roses. After lunch we will tour Lankester Botanical Garden, one of the most active and important botanical institutions in the Neotropics. Collections include Bromeliads, Cactus, Ferns, Forest, Heliconias, Orchids, and Palms.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Lodging: Hotel Villa Florencia

Today we will continue our exploration of the Turrialba District and discover CATIE. CATIE, translated The Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center, is an international institute for agricultural development and biological conservation in Central America and the Caribbean, combining science, education, and innovation. From there we will move on to visit Hacienda Tayutic, a working farm where macadamia nuts, coffee, bananas, and sugar cane are grown. The old way of processing sugar cane, using oxen to squeeze the juice will be demonstrated.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Lodging: Hotel Villa Florencia

Today we will be moving back towards San Jose. Before we do, however, we will be taking a visit to one of the many local plant nurseries in the area. Later this evening we will be visiting the home of Ileana Terán. Ms Terán is a coffee plantation owner and founder of the SACRO Foundation, Save Our Costa Rican Orchids. We will see her private garden and share her stories and knowledge over fine wine.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Lodging: Radisson San Jose

We will visit The Green Ark, located west of San Jose in Santa Barbara de Heredia, a foundation that educates and shares knowledge of plant use. In the afternoon, we will travel to the Central Pacific coast where you can choose to spend time on the beach or a forest hike on a private reserve with your tour guide.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Lodging: Hotel Punta Leona

After breakfast, we will attend the Villa Vanilla Spice Farm, located in the Central Pacific rainforest. In addition to vanilla, the expansive farm harvests true Ceylon cinnamon, cocoa, black pepper, turmeric, and exotic fruits, as well as essential oil and medicinal plants. You will receive a hands-on tour, meander along the winding plantation trail and shop for souvenirs. After lunch, we will be off to Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most bio-diverse areas in the world. Boasting enthralling rain forests, pristine beaches, and gorgeous coral reefs, this is an ultimate destination for outdoor explorers. The forest is mecca for birdwatchers, housing more than 350 spectacular species, including toucans and emerald Amazon kingfishers.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Lodging: Hotel Punta Leona

Today we will be headed back towards San Jose. Along the way, we will stop to tour the Orchid Botanical Garden in La Garita. The Orchid Botanical Garden lets you experience orchid life through different settings such as tropical trails, varied gardens, exhibition spots, learning nurseries and more. Their goal is to maintain the garden as an ecological haven since ecological conservation is a priority. The area hosts a full representation of the flora and fauna of the tropical dry forest.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Lodging: Radisson San Jose

After breakfast, transfer to the San Jose (SJO) Airport for the flight

home, or begin your optional trip extension.

Meals included: Breakfast