Costa Rica: Tortuguero, La Fortuna & Rio Celeste

Somewhere between the ocean and the sky lies a special place where the forest comes alive with energy. Where? Costa Rica, of course. Immerse yourself in the heart of this natural paradise, where kayaking, walking, and hiking are your ticket to breathtaking experiences, all while savouring the comforts of cozy retreats and mouth-watering dining. Let your senses come to life in Tortuguero as you watch for birds and wildlife, before heading high above the rainforest canopy in La Fortuna for panoramic view of the country's unbelievable biodiversity. This is Costa Rica the way it was meant to be experienced.

Day 1 San Jose: Welcome to the Jungle
Feel the warm air hit your face as you step out of the plane in Costa Rica. Fall into the pace of the traffic and beeping car horns as you take in the sights and sounds of this vibrant Central American country en route to the city centre. We welcome you to San José, and while technically not quite in the jungle just yet, we invite you to embrace all of the new and exciting things that await.

Day 2 Tortuguero National Park: Kayaking in the Canals
See the landscape dramatically change as you head out of the city and through the lush Braulio Carrillo National Park en route to the coast. Before long you'll be gliding through the canals of Tortuguero in a kayak, keeping a lookout for tropical birds, reptiles and monkeys that call this place home. Settle into the comfortable lodge for the night and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle.

Day 3 Tortuguero National Park: Coastal Waterways
Wake early and prepare for more exploration of Tortuguero's waterways to spot wildlife. Catch the light glinting off of a Morpho butterfly's blazing blue wings as you paddle along the canals and listen to the calls of the forest. In the evening, you could take an excursion to visit the nesting grounds of green and leatherback turtles for which the national park was named, and perhaps spot the females laying eggs on the beach (seasonal, July to October).

Day 4 La Fortuna: Arenal Volcano
Leaving the coast behind, we'll head inland with a stop at a G Adventures-supported coffee cooperative along the way. Learn all about how coffee is harvested and produced as you sip a delicious cup of one of Costa Rica's most tasty indulgences. Stretch your legs and soak in the scenery on a walk to a nearby waterfall before a typical lunch and then continue onwards towards the iconic and active Arenal Volcano, unmissable in the distance as you approach.

Day 5 La Fortuna: Your OMG Day
Today is all about you. Fly through the lush forest canopy on a series of zip-lines and platforms or go on a canyoning excursion, rappelling down waterfalls and swimming in the refreshing pools. Whichever option you choose, your muscles will appreciate a soak in the restorative thermal springs and waterfalls of Tabacón Resort, a luxurious and relaxing way to spend the evening.

Day 6 Rio Celeste: Tropical Rainforest
Start the morning high up in the forest canopy, strolling a series of hanging bridges and witnessing the environment come alive from the treetops to the rainforest floor below. See Costa Rica's incredible diversity on full display and keep your eyes out for colourful toucans, hummingbirds and other residents of this lush magical natural world.

Day 7 Rio Celeste: Volcán Tenorio National Park
Local legend has it that when God was finished painting the sky, the brush used was washed in the river of Volcán Tenorio National Park. Hike through the rainforest along jungle trails, keeping an eye out for birds and wildlife before reaching the spectacular blue waterfall of Rio Celeste.

Day 8 Rio Celeste to San Jose
Today your adventure comes to an end, but the memories made during your time in Costa Rica will live on.