Costa Rica - nature & culture; February 12-18, 2026 (7 days/6 nights)

 Upon arrival at Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose (SJO), you will be met by a representative of Better Adventures in the arrivals hall for the transfer to the hotel.

Enjoy a little bit of free time before we meet for a welcome reception & dinner at a local restaurant. 

We start the day with a drive through La Fortuna, which is home to the greater Arenal recreation area. Enjoy views of the Arenal Volcano, one of Costa Rica’s most notable natural features, and the lush landscape interspersed with lakes and rivers. 

Excursion: Rural Life Tour

During the visit of an organic farm you will learn about the local rural life. The Elizondo Herrera family will be your host . At the end of the tour, you will have a traditional lunch prepared by your host. 

Volunteering: Community Support

In partnership with a local organization, we will join a volunteer program. Depending on the needs during our visit, we might be maintaining the trails in private reserves or helping with reforestation efforts. 

Return to hotel for a little down time. Dinner is at leisure. The Tour Manager will offer restaurant recommendations.

Excursion: Arenal Volcano & Lava Trails

Witness some of the closest views of Arenal Volcano on a guided hiking tour of the Arenal 1968 Trail, a route that winds through the lava flows from the volcano’s notorious 1968 eruption. Learn about native plant and animal species from your guide and soak up the incredible views from an observatory.

Excursion: Fortuna River Waterfall

To observe this splendid 200 feet high waterfall, we will hike a short distance. Enjoy the sights and take a refreshing swim in the clear waters of the Fortuna River.

 
Dinner is on your own. 

Excursion: Las Pumas Rescue Center & Sanctuary

After breakfast, we transfer from Arenal to Tamarindo and we will stop at the Las Pumas Rescue Center & Sanctuary that has over 180 wild animals of 26 different species, in 21 naturally set enclosures. Among them, 5 of the 6 species of wild cats, 2 species of primates, white-tailed deer, peccaries and grisons. In addition,  reptiles and birds, such as scarlet macaws, green macaws, parrots, and bicolor and keel-billed toucans. The animals in Las Pumas were rescued due to various threats facing wildlife. Among them illegal possession, conflict with domestic animals, animal abuse, and forest fires. 

After some free time at the hotel, we will have dinner at a local restaurant.

Excursion: Chorotegas

The Chorotegan culture is very rich and diverse and still the soul of the beautiful province of Guanacaste. During today's excursion you will visit the town of “Guaitil”, which is the best place to experience the welcoming descendants of the Chorotegas. They are famous for handcrafting beautiful clay pottery with the same materials, colors, and techniques as their ancestors hundreds of years ago. 

Excursion: Cooking Class

With over 220 years of history, Santa Cruz has been declared the national city of the folklore of Costa Rica. Some of the most interesting folklore includes its popular cuisine. In this place, you will visit a local family in Santa Barbara where tortillas are made and you will receive a workshop on making tortillas, canelas, and rosquillas. 

Dinner is at leisure.

Excursion: Coastal Wildlife Tour

Our community, Playa Grande, borders an ecologically important site that due to its extraordinary qualities as a nesting site for migratory species and its rich marine-coastal environment, has been designated as a National Park. Great care for this little piece of paradise is taken, balancing human well-being and environmental conservation. Learn about this unique area and tour the protected wilderness area.

Enjoy the final afternoon of the program at leisure. In the evening, we meet one last time for our farewell dinner.

Check-out of your hotel and be transferred to the Liberia International Airport for your travels home.