Traverse the highlands of Costa Rica on an expedition from the cloud forests of Monteverde to the Pacific coast. Immerse yourself in the volcanic landscapes of Arenal, the mist of Bajos del Toro, and the dry tropical forests of Guanacaste. Guided by experts, explore a world where conservation, culture, and biodiversity converge.
Travel Style
National Geographic Signature
Service Level
Luxury
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Mi Cafecito Coffee Experience, Alajuela
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Bajos del Toro
Your Local Living Moment: Home Made Tortilla Lunch with a Local Family, Bajos del Toro
Signature Moment: "The World of Insects" at La Selva Biological Station, Sarapiquí
Your Foodie Moment: El Fogón de Chela Cooking Class, La Fortuna
Signature Moment: Monteverde Institute Visit, Monteverde. Arrival transfer. Naturalist Guided Walking Tour in Bajos del Toro. Arenal Volcano Lecture. Arenal Walk and Guided Tour. Private Canopy Tour in Monteverde. Naturalist Guided Tour in Santa Elena Reserve. Visit to Las Pailas Geothermal Project I & II. Santa Maria Wind Project. Picnic Lunch at Rio Negro Waterfalls. Tamarindo Estuary Excursion. Free time in Bajos del Toro, La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Guanacaste. Departure transfer. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert Throughout. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Go behind the scenes at a leading research station to track tropical insects with experts, Trace the journey of coffee from bean to cup at a sustainable community-run cooperative, Meet researchers at the Monteverde Institute to learn how they protect the cloud forest, Walk the hanging bridges of Monteverde before the crowds watching the forest wake up, Visit a local family home to learn the art of making traditional corn tortillas by hand
How large will the group be?
Max. 22, avg. 16.
What meals are included in this trip?
8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 8 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, motorized boat (canal & ferry), walking.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
Yes, for those travelling solo there is a single supplement.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (4 nts), Lodges (4 nts).
Itinerary
San José/Bajos del Toro
Welcome to Costa Rica. Your expedition begins upon arrival at San José Airport, where you will be met and whisked away from the city toward the cool, mist-shrouded peaks of the Bajos del Toro region. Check into your comfortable lodge, surrounded by the sounds of the cloud forest. In the evening, gather with your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers. An engaging presentation from a National Geographic Expedition Expert sets the scene for the biodiversity you will encounter, followed by a welcome dinner.
Bajos del Toro
Immerse yourself in the cloud forest silence on a morning walk to a dramatic waterfall. Guided by a naturalist, scan the moss-draped trees for birdlife while feeling the cool spray of the cascade. Later, connect with local traditions at a family home–feel the texture of the masa as you learn to shape corn tortillas by hand, then share a rustic lunch with your hosts. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the lodge trails before an evening talk on the geology of the Arenal Volcano.
Bajos del Toro/La Fortuna
Travel to La Selva Biological Station for a behind-the-scenes moment with a resident anthropologist, go beyond the visitor trails to inspect insect traps and observe real-time biodiversity monitoring. Continue to Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative to witness the transformation of the coffee bean, understanding its vital role in the local economy. Arrive in La Fortuna and settle into your hotel, ending the day with a soak in natural hot springs heated by the earth’s volcanic core.
La Fortuna
Trace the path of ancient eruptions on a guided hike through Arenal Volcano National Park. Walking over solidified lava flows, your guide reveals how the forest has reclaimed the rock, offering spectacular views of the volcano’s perfect cone. Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps returning to the thermal waters. As night falls, follow the scent of woodsmoke to a hands-on cooking class at a woman-owned restaurant, preparing a traditional dinner over an open flame.
La Fortuna/Monteverde
Navigate the waters of Lake Arenal by private boat, watching the landscape shift from volcanic lowlands to the rolling green hills of the divide, before ascending into the cool air of the Monteverde cloud forest. Visit the Monteverde Institute, a research and educational organization supported by National Geographic. Learn how they balance community growth with conservation, including a fascinating look at the impact of artificial light on nocturnal wildlife.
Monteverde
Beat the crowds to the canopy on a private, early-morning tour along the hanging bridges before they open to the public. Suspended high above the forest floor, watch the mist clear and listen for the waking calls of howler monkeys. Continue the search for wildlife in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, treading softly on fern-lined trails in hopes of spotting the brilliant emerald plumage of the resplendent quetzal. Enjoy a free afternoon before dinner at a local restaurant.
Monteverde to Guanacaste
Leave the clouds behind and descend toward the dry tropical forests of Guanacaste. Stop in Rincón de la Vieja National Park to witness clean energy in action at a geothermal project, surrounded by the hissing steam of volcanic vents. Keep an eye out for wildlife adapting to this rugged and lush terrain. Pause at the Rio Negro Waterfalls for a gourmet picnic lunch in the shade of the canyon before completing the drive to your hotel on the Pacific coast.
Guanacaste
Venture into the mangroves of Las Baulas National Marine Park on a guided boat excursion. Drift quietly through the Tamarindo Estuary, scanning the tangled roots for crocodiles and watching for iguanas and squirrel monkeys in the branches above. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or walking the beach. In the evening, regroup for a final expert talk summarizing the week’s discoveries, followed by a celebratory farewell dinner with your travel companions.
Guanacaste
Your expedition to Costa Rica concludes today. After a final breakfast overlooking the Pacific, transfers are provided to the Liberia airport at any time during the day.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
