DESTINATION ARENAL: Arenal Volcano is approximately 3,000 years old and reaches an elevation of 5,500 feet. Though in a resting phase, the volcano's geothermal activity heats the local mineral springs. Surrounded by lush rain forest, the area offers the most touring options. The area is rich in natural attractions: experience thermo-mineral hot springs, waterfall hikes, horseback riding, birdwatching, biking, and boat tours on the Cano Negro.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Arenal Springs Resort | Jr Suite Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - 

Hanging Bridges and Chocolate Experience - After an early breakfast, we head

to the Hanging Bridges. We will traverse 15 bridges from 5 to 100 meters long,

a visitor-friendly 3-kilometer circuit above the rain forest with interpretive trails

constructed of paving blocks to prevent slipping. Hike with a naturalist guide

who reveals a fascinating and colorful tropical rain forest world. The

spectacular view of the Volcano from the bridges completes an unforgettable

experience as we try to spot monkeys,

toucans, coatis and more.

After a healthy local lunch, enjoy a

Chocolate Experience tour of a chocolate

plantation. You’ll see every step of the

way from harvesting the fruit of the cacao trees to finished

chocolate bars, and, of course, you can buy local chocolate!

Nocturnal Wildlife Discovery - After a relaxing late afternoon at the resort and enjoying the hot springs. At 7:45 PM you will depart for dinner at a local family-owned and operated farm, including typical Costa Rican food treats and a tortilla-making lesson. After dinner, you will enjoy a night walk to spot evening animals, such as foxes, frogs and anteaters. Then Rachel will lead us in a musical adventure, accompanied by

her guitar and her open heart. It’s all part of the transformational experience of this amazing trip!

Local exploration and journey from Arenal - to Villa Blanca, 2

Hrs. - Wake up early or sleep late, it’s your choice. Enjoy a

freshly made breakfast at the hotel. You have the morning to

enjoy the hot springs, join Rachel on the rain forest yoga deck.

Lunch is on your own.

At 1:00 PM, meet in the lobby area with your baggage. We will

take a short drive to La Fortuna town for little exploration and

handicraft shopping. Then we are off to the cloud forest. We will

begin our climb into the mountains where we will explore

different wildlife and habitats.

We arrive Villa Blanca Resort and Nature Reserve. This

fully sustainable retreat offers one of the most unique

and endangered types of tropical forests in a secluded

cloud forest reserve.

Meet Rachel at 7:45 PM for an enticing meal

thoughtfully prepared with nutritional sensibility and

local ingredients that complement their exquisite

flavors.

DESTINATION CLOUD FOREST: From the San Ramon Valley to the mountains of Tilaran, quiet cloud forests reside hidden from the normal tourism journeys. The area is cool, verdant, and rich in biodiversity with a multitude of micro climates. The area also boasts excellent trout fishing. Visitors can hike to the back of Poas Volcano, go horseback riding, river rafting, mountain biking, or enjoy a zipline tour!

Exploring the cloud forest and animal research station- After breakfast, meet Rachel for a morning

hike into the cloud forest. You’ll move within this secret world

of lush, colorful tropical life along well-designed, user-friendly

trails, each showcasing the incredibly diverse tropical flora

and fauna of this stunning, private mountain cloud forest

reserve. You’ll see first-hand the layers of dense, diverse plant

life clinging to every tree trunk and branch as they stretch

toward the heights of the canopy.

Drop in to the JMA Wildlife Research Station for a quick

orientation. Moving on, we do our best to spot opossums, howler monkeys, bats, kinkajous, ocelots,

peccaries, hawks, hummingbirds, parrots and other forest critters! Box lunch provided.

Optional: Afternoon Ziplining With Rachel!

Experience a completely different view of the mountain cloud

forest on the San Luis Canopy Tour, a pulse-quickening

adventure through the lush, green canopy and across the

majestic Rio Cataratitas. Add $69 per guest.

Enjoy a leisurely dinner on your own.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel & Nature Reserve |

Superior Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Prehistoric crocodiles, hands-on sloth rescue and transfer from Villa Blanca to Manuel Antonio, 3hrs - Enjoy an early breakfast, then we depart for the Central Pacific area in our air-conditioned

motorcoach. Relax and snooze on the ride until we stop at the Tarcoles River. Here you’ll want to wake up to get a look at the giant crocodiles! We will lunch by the river at Nosavar, where we will listen to a short educational talk on crocodiles and the local ecosystem. After lunch we will drive to Kids Saving the Rain Forest, a special conservation project started by two kids! This place is very near and dear to Rachel’s heart, we all will share something truly special to her! You will visit and volunteer for three hours this afternoon, doing whatever is needed on site. Late that afternoon, you’ll arrive in Manuel Antonio and check into the Hotel Parador, your home for the next three nights. Located near the Manuel Antonio National Park and Beach, this delightful oceanfront property will have you gasping at the gorgeous views. One of Costa Rica’s most prestigious eco-hotels, Parador is the epitome of “responsible luxury.” The resort is located on the Punta Quepos promontory, surrounded by 12 acres of wildlife-rich tropical rainforest with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Manuel Antonio. This evening, enjoy one of the resort’s four ocean-view on-site restaurants or grab a taxi to the beach area for local dining.

Los Campensinos Waterfall Experience- Enjoy your breakfast at leisure. We will transfer towards the

mountains of the Talamanca area by coach. Only 45

minutes from our hotel, we will hike the private reserve.

The Reserve is part of the community of Quebrada Arroyo,

and is managed by local Ticos that want to share the

experience of their traditions—great food and rainforest

knowledge. Once in the Reserve there is time to swim in a

great natural pool at the base of a waterfall, see vanilla

orchids, as well as other tropical flora. A highlight of the

Reserve is a suspension bridge over a deep river gorge.

Lunch at the reserve.

A Very Un-Valentine’s Evening Gathering and Dinner –

Tonight we will dine together at El Avion Restaurant, a special treat! The C-123 Fairchild cargo plane

has been converted to a pub and a two-level bar

and restaurant has been built in, over and around

the plane. Everyone agrees, El Avion affords the

best views in all of Manuel Antonio!

Butterfly Sanctuary and the Titi monkeys at Manuel Antonio

National Park - After a very early breakfast, this morning, we will

travel to the Butterfly Pavilion Sanctuary for a visit. A Blue Morpho

may gently land on your fingertip.

A quick 4-minute ride to the

entrance of Manuel Antonio

National Park is our next

destination. Rachel has teamed up with Titi monkey conservation

group. Observe the Titi monkeys and learn about the latest

preservation actions taken by the local community. Surrounded by

emerald waters and jungle, our naturalist guide points out sloths,

birds, and other animals that reside in this diverse national refuge. Head back to the resort or enjoy

the local beaches by the park. Lunch on your own in town or back at the resort.

Dolphin and Marine Life Sunset Catamaran Cruise - Late this

afternoon, we embark on a Sunset Catamaran Cruise and our

relaxed Farewell Dinner aboard. Local “typico” food will feature fish,

ceviche, chicken, and lots of fresh veggies. Cruise this spectacular

coastline from Quepos to the Manuel Antonio National Park in

search of dolphins, sea turtles and unique bird life, including

boobies and frigate birds

which nest on islands

believed to be ancient

Indian burial sites. The tour guide will explain the history of

the Quepoa indigenous community and the geology of the

area highlighting dramatic features such as blowholes

beneath towering cliffs and the formation of the National

Park. The tour includes a visit to the secluded beach at

Biezanz Bay for swimming and snorkeling.