Day 1 | Start San Jose
The group flight usually arrives into San Jose this morning. Land Only clients should aim to arrive at the hotel this afternoon/evening. Free transfers are available for all clients. This evening's welcome briefing is the perfect opportunity to meet your guide and get to know your fellow travellers. Accommodation: Villa Tournon Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 | Whitewater rafting on the Sarapiqui River; to Arenal
Heading northeast of San Jose we swap the capital for the Sarapiqui region, an area blessed with abundant vegetation and the beautiful Sarapiqui River. This area is gathering a reputation as a great spot for adventure seekers! We board 6-person rafts and set off for a 1/2 day white water rafting excursion on grade II and III rapids. Starting at a section of the river called La Virgen, travel 11km through exhilarating rapids and clear pools, with rainforest towering over the river banks at either side. There will be a short stop for seasonal fruits and plenty of time for a refreshing swim in one of the calm sections of the river. After lunch, we transfer for around 3 hours to the area surrounding Arenal Volcano. Following a massive eruption in 1968, Arenal was Costa Rica's most active volcano until recently when it entered a resting phase. As well as the volcano, this region has plenty to offer, with thermal waters, waterfalls and Lake Arenal waiting to be discovered. Accommodation: Arenal Montechiari Hotel (or similar).

Day 3 | Hike in Arenal Volcano N.P.; visit Ecotermales Hot Springs
There is a guided hike this morning through Arenal Volcano National Park. The park has a great system of trails passing through secondary forest and near lava fields created by previous eruptions. The rest of the day is free to explore the area, either at your own pace or on one of the many optional excursions available. You could join a kayaking excursion on Lake Arenal, walk across the hanging bridges, take the Sky Tram adventure (with an optional zip wire through the canopy) or join a horse riding excursion to La Fortuna Waterfall. In the late afternoon we visit Ecotermales Hot Springs as a group to enjoy a hot thermal bath from the volcanic spring water, a refreshing end to the day. Accommodation: Arenal Montechiari Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 | Hike in Arenal Volcano N.P.; visit Ecotermales Hot Springs.
There is a guided hike this morning through Arenal Volcano National Park. The park has a great system of trails passing through secondary forest and near lava fields created by previous eruptions. The rest of the day is free to explore the area, either at your own pace or on one of the many optional excursions available. You could join a kayaking excursion on Lake Arenal, walk across the hanging bridges, take the Sky Tram adventure (with an optional zip wire through the canopy) or join a horse riding excursion to La Fortuna Waterfall. In the late afternoon we visit Ecotermales Hot Springs as a group to enjoy a hot thermal bath from the volcanic spring water, a refreshing end to the day. Accommodation: Arenal Montechiari Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 | Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve.
From the northern lowlands we travel through the Tilaran mountains to reach the cloud forest, passing breathtaking views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the islands below as we ascend the hills to Monteverde. The road climbs to this forest-cloaked region whose name literally means 'Green Mountain'. Today's drive is about three and half hours, on some bumpy roads. Monteverde is our location for the next two nights - you'll notice a real difference in the climate of this area; gone is the humidity of the lowlands and in its place is a cool mist, a steady stream of clouds and a much cooler average temperate, given the altitude of 1,440m. In the afternoon, we take a walk around the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, an area chosen as one of Costa Rica's 'Seven Wonders' for its incredible biodiversity. The moisture in the cloud forest supports a fantastic array of plantlife, with ferns and moss growing on every available tree trunk. Hundreds of mammals, birds, butterflies, reptiles and amphibians live in this habitat and we should discover a number of them today. Accommodation: Monteverde Country Lodge (or similar)

Day 6 | Zip-lining through the forest canopy in Monteverde.
This morning we get a completely new perspective on the cloud forest by taking a zip-lining excursion through the forest canopy. Before you fly down the zip-lines, guides will teach you the proper technique, including how to position yourself and hold the cable correctly, enabling you to safely embark on this adrenaline pumping adventure through the trees. The afternoon has been left free to participate in one of the many optional excursions in the area; walk across a series of suspension bridges on a Sky Walk tour, visit a conservation project at Selvatura park, or spend time at the Frog Pond Museum where 26 different species of toads and frogs can be found. Accommodation: Monteverde Country Lodge (or similar)

Day 7 | Hiking in Manuel Antonio N.P.
We travel southeast along the coast, following the Pan-Am Highway and passing plantations of African oil palms and teak to reach our next destination, Manuel Antonio. It takes around 4 hours to reach Manuel Antonio, a beautiful spot where the forest meets the sea and iguanas and White-faced monkeys can often be seen on the beach. In the afternoon, we take a guided walk in the park to reach one of the higher elevations for incredible coastal views of dramatic rocky headlands. Inside the park we may see monkeys (White-faced, Squirrel and Howler), iguana, sloths and agouti. After our walk we should have some free time to relax on one of the local beaches, considered to be some of the most beautiful in the country! Accommodation: Casitas Eclipse or Cabinas Espadilla (or similar)

Day 8 | Catamaran trip and snorkelling along the Pacific coast.
This morning we set sail on a catamaran excursion to discover the coastline of Manuel Antonio. The catamaran charts a picturesque course, starting in Quepos and navigating around the back of Manuel Antonio National Park, passing islands, cliffs and rock formations. There are a number of nesting grounds for birds and marine wildlife here as well as plentiful vegetation. After navigating the coastline we sail to Bisanz beach, a secluded bay and the perfect snorkelling spot! A mask and snorkel will reveal an exciting underwater world where parrotfish, angelfish and starfish can often be seen. If we are lucky, we may even spot dolphins in the water. Please note that water visibility varies depending on the season and the snorkeling activity is weather permitting. Drinks and snacks are available on board and lunch will be served as part of the trip. In the afternoon, head to the beach or join one of the many optional activities available, such as zip-lining, sea canoeing or whitewater rafting (grade III and III-IV rapids available). Accommodation: Casitas Eclipse or Cabinas Espadilla (or similar)

Day 9 | Return to San Jose; end.
A four hour journey takes us back to San Jose, where those on group flights will be transferred to the airport in time for their return flight. Land only clients end in San Jose and are advised not to book a flight leaving San Jose before 4 PM today.