Tour Description

Tropical Treasures of Costa Rica

November 30-December 10, 2026 11 Days 20 Meals Airfare Included Passport Required $250 Per Person Deposit Required Your package includes airfare, deluxe transportation, accommodations, all listed tour fees, and 20 meals. Join us in Costa Rica, a land where lush rainforests, active volcanoes, and golden coastlines come together to create one of the most biodiverse places on earth. Known for its warm-hearted people and the laid-back spirit of “Pura Vida” (pure life), Costa Rica offers more than just breathtaking scenery; it’s an invitation to slow down, explore, and connect with nature. From misty cloud forests to sun-kissed beaches, colorful wildlife to cascading waterfalls, every day in this tropical paradise is filled with wonder and discovery.

Day 1:

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As winter’s chill settles over Missouri, we set out on a warm-weather escape to vibrant Costa Rica! With tropical dreams ahead, we pick up our fellow sun seekers and travel to our hotel near the airport in preparation for tomorrow’s flight.

Day 2:

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We say goodbye to coats and cold and get ready to embrace the lush rainforests, warm Pacific breezes, and unforgettable adventures that await us. Once we arrive at our hotel in San Jose, Costa Rica, enjoy the swimming pools, jacuzzi, 3 onsite restaurants, and more or venture out to local attractions including the National Theatre, the Golden Museum, and a range of shopping and dining options.

Day 3:

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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

As we begin our adventure, admire the biodiversity of an astonishing protected area in Costa Rica in Braulio Carrillo National Park. Upon arrival to Cano Blanco/Pavona Pier, you board a comfortable boat and let this extraordinary exotic paradise enchant you, as you travel through the Tortuguero canals. Enjoy a refreshing cocktail and a delicious lunch as you arrive at Pachira Lodge which is within close proximity to the park entrance, and our accommodations for 2 nights. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided visit to Tortuguero Village. At the lodge, you can explore the rainforest, have wildlife encounters, enjoy the turtle shaped pool, private trails, spa services, and more.

Day 4:

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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After our guided walking tour through the trails, enjoy free time before lunch. In the afternoon, visit Tortuguero National Park, exploring the canals in small, open boats to allow better visibility. Tortuguero is a network of navigable lakes, rivers and canals (both natural and man-made) that are used for transportation and are a great place for observing local wildlife such as birds, monkeys, two and three-toed sloths, American crocodiles and caimans. The canals also provide shelter to endangered animals such as the Oriental Indian Manatee, crocodiles, a large variety of crustaceous and about 30 species of sweet water fish, including the Gaspar, considered as a living fossil. Free time before dinner.

Day 5:

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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we make our way to Arenal Manoa Resort Hotel & Hot Springs, our hotel for the next 3 nights, where we enjoy an included lunch at El Ceibo restaurant. Our hotel offers stunning views of the Arenal Volcano and a relaxing ambiance surrounded by nature. For dining, the hotel features an international restaurant “La Saca” open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and an oven-fired pizza restaurant.

Day 6:

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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We start our day heading to the Arenal Hanging Bridges located within the corridor followed by birds migrating between North and South America, the trails and bridges of this project will bring the visitor as close as any person could ever imagine observing the birds, the flowers and the lush vegetation of the primary rainforest. More than 50 bird species can be counted at this site that offers one of the most productive bird-watching walks of the region. Our afternoon stop will be Arenal Volcano National Park which is one of the most visited destinations in the Northern Zone.

Day 7:

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Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Don Juan Coffee and Chocolate Tour, begins with a talk by the guide about the global and national history of coffee. You will learn about the coffee process, from the grain to the delicious final product, the cup of coffee. Later, you will start with the sweetest part of the tour, the delicious chocolate. Like coffee, the guide will talk about the entire Chocolate process, from the seed to the delicious chocolate bar and some members of the group will be selected to grind the cacao beans and make their chocolate bar. Then, you will have the opportunity to taste several types of chocolate. You will enjoy a guided afternoon tour on a farm and be able to pick tubers, fruits and vegetables that have been produced organically. Then you will have the opportunity to mill and enjoy a delicious juice of sugar cane squeezed in the craft mill. Finally, at La Guaria Morada Restaurant, you participate in a typical Costa Rican cooking class and learn how to prepare traditional recipes and share with a local family.

Day 8:

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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We say good-bye to this stunning area and make our way to Manuel Antonio Park. Surrounded by a lush tropical very wet forest and in their paths can be observed capuchin monkeys, sloths, coatis, raccoons, iguanas and many species of birds, as well as the squirrel monkey, endemic to Manuel Antoinio, i.e. that is only in part of the world, increasingly threatened, left only 1500 individuals according to the most recent census. Hotel Parador Resort & Spa, our hotel for 2 nights, boasts 2 infinity swimming pools with swim-up bar, one adult swimming pool with a cascading waterfall, nature trails, shuttle service to Manuel Antonio beach, and more.

Day 9:

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Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy a day at leisure. You can sit back and relax by the pool or take advantage of several optional activities on your own, including but not limited to deep sea fishing, horseback riding to waterfalls, ocean catamaran tours, farmer’s market tour, parasailing, kayaking, and jet ski tour.

Day 10:

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Meals: Breakfast

Hasta pronto! It may be time to leave Costa Rica today, but we will carry with us memories of Tropical Treasures of Costa Rica to share with family and friends.

Day 11:

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Meals: Breakfast

As we travel home today, we reminisce about the sights we’ve seen and the adventure we’ve had together. Thank you for choosing Making Memories Tours for your traveling family.