Arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport. After passing through Immigration, one of our representatives will greet you at the airport. Look for a sign that has your unique identifier along with your name. After you submit your booking request you will receive a full itinerary along with in-country descriptions, including all airport and hotel transfer instructions included in your proposal. He or she will take you to your hotel. Overnight at Hotel Grano de Oro.

Morning city tour. You will visit the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and the National Theater, a classic 19th Century opera house, The Pre-Columbian Gold Museum includes a collection of gold objects that reflect the world-view, social structure and gold working techniques of the Pre-Columbian people of Costa Rica. The exhibition showcases the use and function of the pieces, the technology of their fabrication, as well as their relationship to the natural world and the daily lives of these societies. The collection consists of 1,600 pieces of Pre-Columbian gold work that date from 500 to 1500 AD. You will also visit the University of Costa Rica, the city of Moravia (known for leather souvenirs), Metropolitan Park, Legislative Assembly, and other places of general interest. Overnight at Hotel Grano de Oro.

Morning pick up in your hotel lobby by a Costa Rica Adventure Vacation van and Spanish-speaking driver for departure to Arenal (approx. 3 1/2 hours). Afternoon free. Overnight at Hotel Montaa de Fuego or similar.

Full day in Arenal. Morning visit to Arenal Hanging Bridges, a project that consists of eight fixed bridges, ranging in length between 8 and 22 meters, and six hanging bridges, built with the latest techniques and designed with an eye for both beauty and safety. The bridges and trails, which cover a distance of almost two miles (3 kms.), were designed to blend with the natural environment, leaving the forest virtually intact. As you walk, you will be able to appreciate the great diversity of flowers and wildlife that are typical of the rainforest, along with the imposing views (weather permitting) of Arenal Volcano.

Afternoon visit to the Hidalgo Hot Springs. The Hidalgos, a Costa Rican family from the San Carlos area, made their fortune raising cattle for beef. Several years ago they discovered hot springs at one of their ranches on the skirts of the Arenal Volcano and built a swimming pool using water from the spring. They have now built four pools where you enjoy a natural massage from the cascades of hot spring water and spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano (weather permitting). Dinner will be prepared by your hostess, Doa Mireya, in the tradition of local hospitality. Overnight at Montaa de Fuego.

Meet your driver in the hotel lobby for the trip to Arenal Lake. Here you will board a boat for the 30-min. ride to Rio Chiquito, where land transportation will be waiting to take you to Monteverde (2 1/2-hour drive). Monteverde is a peaceful community made up of dairy farmers, naturalists and tourism service providers who have joined together to create a model for sustainable development and protection of the environment that is becoming known throughout the world. Founded in 1954 by a group of Quakers searching for a peaceful place to live, it is the home of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, the Children's Eternal Rain Forest, and the Santa Elena Reserve. Rest of the day free. Overnight at Monteverde Lodge & Gardens.

Join morning excursion (of up to 10 people) to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve accompanied by a Monteverde Guide from the Reserve. Originally just 4,000 acres, the Monteverde Reserve now protects an area of approximately 25,000 acres, comprising six different life zones. So many habitats in such a small area, along with extensive trail improvements, allow visitors to enjoy a rich diversity of flora and fauna with relatively little and easy walking. Return to your hotel at mid-day. Sunset horseback ride in the evening, accompanied by a Spanish-speaking guide. Ride through coffee and banana plantations and end up with a view of the Gulf of Nicoya and the sunset. Overnight at Monteverde Lodge.

After breakfast depart for Tamarindo Beach (5 hours). Afternoon free. Overnight at Hotel Capitan Suizo.

At leisure in Tamarindo. Activites and optional tours (at additional cost) include: sport fishing, surfing, golf, ATV tours, turtle watching, diving, horseback riding, canopy tours, boat rides and spa treatments. Overnight at Hotel Capitan Suizo.

You will be met in the hotel lobby by your Costa Rica Adventure Vacation Spanish-speaking driver, who will take you back to San Jose (approx. five hours). Overnight at Hotel Grano de Oro.

You will be picked up and driven to the international airport, arriving at least two hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure.