Tropical Costa Rica 2026

Tropical Costa Rica, Exotic Wildlife, Stunning Coastlines, Lush Forests, Beaches

View Images

Tropical Costa Rica

San Jose, Arenal, Monteverde, Guanacaste, and so much more!
January 30 - February 7
9 Days, 14 Meals

Collette & Van Galder, experiences of a lifetime!

Day 1

San Jose, Costa Rica - Tour Begins
The trip to Costa Rica opens in the colorful capital city of San Jose, the perfect place to relax and soak up the sights as your adventure begins.

Day 2

San Jose - Coffee Plantation - Arenal
Welcome to the Central Valley. Begin with a tour of a local coffee plantation highlighting the history and cultivation of this driver of the Costa Rican economy. This afternoon, check in for a leisurely 3-night stay at a lodge overlooking the majestic Arenal Volcano. Get to know the Costa Rican culture this evening.

B, D

Day 3

Arenal - Cano Negro - Arenal
Embark on a Cano Negro guided riverboat trip in a covered canoe known as a panga. These 20,000 acres are home to the largest viewable collection of indigenous wildlife in all of Costa Rica. Go in search of caimans, river otters, sloths, monkeys, river turtles, exotic birds, and rare butterflies. Later, return to Arenal for the chance to relax at your resort.

Day 4

Arenal
Today, explore a family-owned farm, getting a peek into the daily lives of the locals. During a tour of the gardens, learn how the plants are organically grown through the concept of sustainability. The farm considers itself a "classroom without borders." Taste the exotic fruit harvest and experience the traditional way to process sugar cane. Enjoy a sip of cane liquor before engaging in a culinary demonstration and a farm-to-table lunch.

B, L

Day 5

Arenal - Lake Arenal Cruise - Monteverde
Enjoy a delightful cruise on Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest and most important lake. Then, it’s off to the secluded Monteverde Cloud Forest, a place you have to see to believe, where trees grow to heights of 100 feet! Set off on a nature walk through this spectacular ecosystem, where you’re sure to encounter many incredible species of flora and fauna.

B, D

Day 6

Monteverde - It's your choice!
This morning, join an expert for a leisurely paced "Hanging Bridges" walking tour to gain a different perspective of the cloud forest’s lush ecosystem -OR- take an exhilarating ride on one of the longest canopy zip line tours in Costa Rica. No matter what you choose, we all come together to explore one of the world's largest butterfly gardens before lunch. Your afternoon is at leisure, or, if you would like to do both the hanging bridges and the zip line tour, you may purchase the second as an option on tour. This evening, take part in an expert-led discussion about the migratory birds that flock to Costa Rica.

B, D

Day 7

Monteverde - Guanacaste
Today we make our way to breathtaking Guanacaste, known for its fine sandy beaches. Settle in for a relaxing 2-night stay at your resort and take in the mesmerizing ocean views.

B, D

Day 8

Guanacaste
Fun in the sun is in store today as you explore the nearby beaches, or simply relax by the pool and take advantage of your resort’s lovely amenities. This afternoon, visit the delightful beach town of Samara for some local culture. Return to your hotel in time to catch a Costa Rican sunset and soak in the spectacular colors as the sun illuminates the natural landscape before your final dinner.

B, D

Day 9

Guanacaste - Tour Ends
Today you depart for home with fabulous memories of your Costa Rican adventure.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

DEPOSIT: $698 at time of reservation; final payment due November 1, 2025. Once final payments have been received, stringent cancellation penalties apply.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Doubletree Cariari Hotel, San Jose (1 night); Mountain Paradise Hotel, Arenal (3 nights); El Establo, Monteverde (2 nights); Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows, Guanacaste (2 nights). Single accommodations are on a request basis and not guaranteed.

TOUR INCLUSIONS: Collette tour director, roundtrip motorcoach/airport/resort transfers, roundtrip air, accommodations, luggage handling at hotels, admissions/attractions, and 14 meals, including 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 5 dinners.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Optional, but highly recommended. Available at booking only for $549 per person.

PASSPORT REQUIRED: Passport must be valid for 6 months upon departure from Guanacaste, Costa Rica. You are strongly encouraged to visit www.travel.state.gov for the latest details on passport requirements.

ACTIVITY LEVEL 3 / HEAVY WALKING: Physical stamina required. Stair climbing, longer periods of walking and/or standing may be involved, along with higher elevations and longer days. Participants must be able to keep up with group.

ADDITIONAL FEES: Airline luggage fees and fuel surcharges (if applicable) are additional and vary by airline.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS:

Monteverde Cloud Forest Canopy Adventure (Day 6) - $75 USD per person. Call for details. -OR-

Monteverde Hanging Bridges (Day 6) - $75 USD per person. Call for details.

Guanacaste - Mangrove Kayaking on the Ora River (Day 8) - $65 USD per person. Call for details. -OR-

Guanacaste - Dolphin Watching & Snorkel Experience (Day 8) - $70 USD per person. Call for details.

4 Days 3-Night Jungle Adventure Pre Tour Extension - $999 USD per person, double, land only. Call for details.

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

Name	Address	Contact Details	Distance
Janesville, WI	Van Galder Terminal 3120 N. Pontiac Dr., Janesville WI
Madison, WI	Dutch Mill Park & Ride 4545 East Broadway, Madison WI
Rockford, IL	Van Galder Terminal 7559 Walton St., Rockford IL
South Beloit, IL	Fas Mart/McDonald's ($3 per day) Hwy 75 and I90, South Beloit IL