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 November 10, 2026 with final payment due no later than December 10, 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 required for this tour.

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

Tuesday, February 9, 2027

Arrive a day early on Tuesday, February 9th, and stay at the Hotel Bougainvillea.

Give yourself time to relax after traveling and enjoy exploring the gardens at Hotel Bougainvillea. See cost and availability under the Add-ons section above.

You can also book The City Tour for the day on Tuesday February 10, 2027.

See information on The City Tour listed below.

Wednesday, February 10, 2027

The San Jose City Tour will consist of a private guide/driver, entrance fees to the Gold Museum, and the Jade Museum. Lunch is not included in the price, but will be at a local restaurant selected buy your guide/driver.

This is a great way for you to experience the heart of Costa Rica's rich cultural heritage with our exclusive San Jose City Tour, where a private guide and driver will take you through the stunning Gold and Jade Museums, offering an intimate and seamless journey through the country's most treasured history.

See cost and availability under the Add-ons section above.

Wednesday February 10, 2027

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 Dinner will begin at 7:00 pm.

ACTIVITIES:

Transfer: from SJO to Hotel Bougainvillea

Lodging: Hotel Bougainvillea

Activity: Welcome Dinner

SPECIAL NOTE:

After clearing Immigration and Customs, you will exit the terminal where your driver will be holding a "Discover Garden Tours " sign.

Lodging at Hotel Bougainvillea

One of the few independent hotels left in the Central Valley in Costa Rica, this well-located place 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 most importantly, the people who work with us, all conspire to make the hotel a destination rather than just a stop-over.

Thursday, February 11, 2027

ACTIVITIES:

Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lodging:  Hotel Cristal Ballena

Visit:  Villa Vanilla 

Free Afternoon: Relax!

After breakfast at the hotel, we will embark on our drive to the Quepos area. We will visit Villa Vanilla and take the Rainforest Spices Farm Tour.

Villa Vanilla Rainforest Spices Farm Tour

Learn about a variety of tropical foods and flavorings at the Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation located in the Central Pacific rainforest, near Manuel Antonio National Park. Spanning over 27 acres of agriculture production and 125 acres of primary and secondary rainforest, this expansive farmland grows vanilla, as well as true Ceylon cinnamon, cocoa, black pepper, allspice, turmeric, and many others, as well as a variety of exotic fruits, essential oil and medicinal plants. This serene tour allows participants to experience the sights, tastes, and aromas of the spices, meander along the winding plantation trail and shop for tasty souvenirs to take home.

Hotel Cristal Ballena

Perched on a hillside between the Pacific Ocean and the rainforest-covered Talamanca Mountains, Cristal Ballena is a beautiful 4-star boutique hotel near the Marino Ballena National Park, offering breathtaking ocean views and a cooling mountain breeze. Built in elegant Mediterranean style, the spacious suites are designed with luxury and comfort in mind, and the sunsets from your private balcony are simply unforgettable. Mornings begin with a breakfast buffet on the scenic terrace, while the Pura Vida restaurant serves delicious meals with stunning ocean panoramas. From whale watching and snorkeling to birdwatching and spa treatments, Cristal Ballena makes a wonderful base for exploring Costa Rica's spectacular mid-Pacific coast.

Friday, February 12, 2027

Bahia Aventuras

Today's whale & dolphin tour is an approximately 4-hour tour which combines whale and dolphin watching, and a visit to natural caves to make this tour an unforgettable experience.

The Marino Ballena National Park is home to a biologically diverse marine life including humpback whales, as well as bottlenose, spotted, and common dolphins. Following this, the tour goes to the caves of Playa Ventanas where visitors can visit these natural sea caves.

After lunch enjoy some free time in the afternoon to nap, enjoy the beach or walk the forest trail adjacent to the hotel.

ACTIVITIES:

* Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

* Lodging:  Hotel Cristal Ballena

* Visit:  Marino Ballena National Park

Saturday, February 13, 2027

Today we will transfer to Puntarenas on the Osa Península. There we will begin our exploration of the Corcovado National Park.

INCLUDED

* Transfer to Puntarenas

* Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

* Lodging: La Cotinga Nature Reserve

* Visit: La Zaretis Butterfly Garden

Zaretis Butterfly House & Tour

Nestled in one of the world's most biodiverse regions, the Zaretis Butterfly House sits on Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula — home to over 700 lepidopteran species. The house itself showcases 80 species, with 20 actively on display, alongside scarlet macaws, toucans, monkeys, iguanas, and more.

This is a 3-hour guided experience through the farm and butterfly garden, where you will witness the full butterfly life cycle — from egg and caterpillar to chrysalis and first free flight.

Every release is a natural, authentic moment led by biology experts.

La Cotinga Nature Reserve - La Cotinga

Your next 3 nights will be at La Cotinga Nature Reserve, in the middle of the forest and with Mr. Reinaldo Aguilar, one of Costa Rica's most accomplished botanists and researcher as your guide!

La Cotinga Nature Reserve is nestled in a natural setting ideal for ecological exploration. The lodge offers private rooms designed for three people, furnished with comfortable beds and complemented by modern bamboo-built bathrooms that emphasize sustainability. Guests can enjoy three meals daily served in the dining area, while additional facilities include communal areas that encourage cultural and knowledge exchange. This combination of eco-conscious design, comfortable amenities, and shared spaces makes the station a welcoming base for both research and relaxation.

Sunday, February 14, 2027

Get ready for something truly special! Today we venture into the Los Patos sector of Corcovado National Park — the park's most secluded and least-visited entry point. Leave the crowds of San Pedrillo and Sirena behind, and immerse yourself in an intimate, unspoiled encounter with one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.

INCLUDED

* Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

* Lodging: La Cotinga Nature Reserve

* Tour: Los Patos/Corcovado

Corcovado National Park — Costa Rica's Crown Jewel of Biodiversity

Stretching along the stunning southern Pacific coast, Corcovado National Park is one of Costa Rica's most ecologically vital treasures — famously called "the most biologically intense place on Earth" by National Geographic. This extraordinary ecosystem spans over 20,000 hectares, encompassing pristine ocean bays, lush tropical rainforest, Central America's largest wetland, and the country's most expansive mangrove forest.

Within its borders roam some of nature's most magnificent creatures — jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, scarlet macaws, resplendent quetzals, and red-eyed tree frogs — while dolphins and humpback whales breed just offshore in the warm coastal waters.

Monday, February 15, 2027

Today we will join local entrepreneur and parataxonomist Doña Eida Fletes on her plantation for a hands-on heart-of-palm harvest, followed by a traditional cooking lesson using the freshly picked ingredients.

INCLUDED

* Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

* Lodging:  La Cotinga Nature Reserve

* Visit: Doña Eida Fletes Heart of Palm Experience

Heart of Palm Finca

Welcome to the working plantation of Doña Eida Fletes where you'll discover the fascinating world of heart-of-palm cultivation — learning first-hand how this prized ingredient is grown and harvested straight from the source. Señora Fletes will then guide you through her kitchen, sharing traditional techniques and turning the freshly harvested heart-of-palm into a delicious, home-cooked dish — a true taste of authentic Osa Peninsula life.

Tuesday, February 16, 2027

Today we end our time at sea level and head high into the misty highlands of Cerro de la Muerte to experience the full journey of Costa Rica's most beloved export — from plantation to perfect cup — at the world-renowned, carbon-neutral Coopedota Coffee Cooperative.

INCLUDED

* Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

* Lodging: Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa

* Tour: Coopedota Coffee Tour

Coffee tour at Coopedota

High in the misty highlands of Cerro de la Muerte, where cool mountain air and rich volcanic soils create the perfect growing conditions, lies one of Costa Rica's most celebrated coffee cooperatives — Coopedota. As one of the world's first carbon-neutral coffee producers, Coopedota is not just crafting exceptional coffee, it's setting the standard for sustainable agriculture on a global scale.

On this immersive tour, you'll follow the complete journey of Costa Rica's most beloved export — from the moment the coffee cherry is picked on the sun-drenched slopes, through the meticulous washing, drying, and roasting process, all the way to the perfect cup in your hands. Expert guides bring the story of each bean to life, revealing the passion, precision, and community spirit that makes Coopedota coffee truly extraordinary.

Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa

The Savegre Valley is only about 90 minutes away from San Jose, but in a world of its own high in the Cerro de la Muerte, offering fresh mountain air. the beautiful village of San Gerardo de Dota, and outstanding cloud forests with some of the best bird watching in the country. Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa, set right on the crystal-clear Savegre River as it rushes past from the Talamanca Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, has over 50 rooms, a bar and restaurant, day spa, and laundry service, as well as beautiful gardens filled with flowers and birds, and a private reserve with its extensive network of trails.

Wednesday, February 17, 2027

ACTIVITIES

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner

Lodging: Hotel Cariari San Jose

Tour: Lankester Botanic Gardens

Visit: The Gardens of Ileana Teran

Your final day trades mountain cloud forest for the lush Central Valley, with two very special gardens on the agenda. After checking out of Savegre, you'll explore world-renowned orchid collections at Lankester Botanical Garden before enjoying an intimate and personal encounter with Ileana Teran, one of Costa Rica's most influential figures in orchid culture.

Lankester Botanical Gardens

A visit to Lankester Botanical Garden, nestled in the Central Valley near Cartago, Costa Rica, is a paradise for plant lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. Managed by the University of Costa Rica, the garden is world-renowned for its breathtaking orchid collection — one of the finest in the Americas — with thousands of species in bloom throughout the year. Strolling along its serene, shaded pathways, visitors are treated to a remarkable diversity of bromeliads, cacti, aroids, and tropical trees, all thoughtfully arranged to highlight both their beauty and scientific significance. It is a quiet, contemplative retreat that perfectly blends botanical research with natural wonder. 

In the afternoon 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.

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.

Hotel Cariari San Jose

Enjoy a warm welcome at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cariari San Jose in Costa Rica, with signature warm chocolate chip cookies. Conveniently located just a short drive from Juan Santamaria International Airport, this hotel surrounded by beautiful lush gardens is an ideal location to relax before returning home or starting a post-tour extension. 

Thursday, February 18, 2027

Check-out from .Hotel Cariari.

Join the shared transfer from Hotel Cariari back to San Jose International Airport [SJO] for your flight back home.

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.

Come early or extend your stay. Tell Discover Garden Tours what you would like to do before, or after the tour, and we can provide a customized itinerary and quote.