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National Geographic Journeys: Highlights of Costa Rica

May 7 - 15, 2026

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Your Advisor

Rebekah Esquibel

Experience Joy Travel Company LLC

State of California Seller of Travel: 2152037-50

State of Florida Seller of Travel: ST43007

State of Washington Seller of Travel: 604-994-859

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becky@experience-joy.com

833-874-7569

Overview


National Geographic Journeys: Highlights of Costa Rica with an optional pre or post tour stay at a luxury rainforest volcano resort, exploring San José, La Fortuna and Arenal, Monteverde cloud forest, and Manuel Antonio on the Pacific coast in May of 2026. Travel with the owner of Experience Joy Travel!

Important Documents and Links


Optional Pre/Post-Tour Stay

Optional: Add a night or two at The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal. Welcome to The Springs Resort & Spa where the word “Vacation” is truly defined. With a spectacular view of the Arenal Volcano, natural hot springs, five unique dining experiences,...

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Safe Travel Checklist and Tips

Please check out this link to make sure you are ready for travel, and refer to this link if you encounter an issue while traveling. Important Travel Tips and Checklist for Safe Travel: https://experience-joy.com/Travel_Reminders_and_Tips

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Everything You Need to Know

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Day 1 · Thu, May 7 · San Jose


Private transfer to San José hotel

May 7 12:00AM CST

Private vehicle transport Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Optional Add-On

Arrival day and welcome meeting in San José

Price shown is per person (double occupancy), contact Becky if you would like a solo room. National Geographic Journeys: Highlights of Costa Rica – Day 1 If you arrive early enough, you'll have time to head into the city to visit a museum, shop, o...

Hotel Radisson San Jose (or similar)

May 7, 2026

Overnight in San José at Hotel Radisson San Jose (or similar). San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and is located in the province of San Jose, in the Central Valley. The city is surrounded by high green mountains and offers numerous museums...

Day 2 · Fri, May 8 · La Fortuna


Transfer from San José to La Fortuna

May 8 12:00PM CST

May 8 3:00PM CST

Awake in the Costa Rican capital and take a tour of a G Adventures–supported coffee cooperative. After a typical lunch, continue to the town of La Fortuna, situated at the foot of the majestic Arenal Volcano. Private vehicle transport San José – L...

Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative Tour and lunch

Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative Tour – Sarapiquí Find out where your cup of java comes from. Visit the Mi Cafecito coffee cooperative in San Miguel de Sarapiquí, see shade-grown coffee plants, and learn about everything from harvesting, to husking,...

Tortilla making and home dinner in La Fortuna

Tortilla Making and Home Dinner – La Fortuna (approx. 2h) Visit a local home and learn the art of tortilla making from Doña Mara in her family home. Grind the corn, mix the “masa” (dough) into balls, flatten into circles, and then cook them on a w...

Hotel Monte Real (or similar), La Fortuna

May 8, 2026

Stay in La Fortuna at Hotel Monte Real (or similar). La Fortuna, a small town in northern Costa Rica, sits in the shadow of the iconic Arenal Volcano, once the country’s most active and still one of its most visually striking. The town’s name, whi...

Day 3 · Sat, May 9 · La Fortuna


Free day in La Fortuna with optional excursions

Spend the day on your own, exploring La Fortuna and its surrounding areas. In 1968, the Arenal Volcano erupted after centuries of laying dormant, converting this quiet agricultural town into a hot spot for adventure travel. Choose to: Go stand-up ...

Day 4 · Sun, May 10 · Monteverde


Journey from La Fortuna to Monteverde (land and boat)

May 10 12:00PM CST

May 10 3:00PM CST

Travel from La Fortuna to the leafy cloud forests of Monteverde—a nature lover’s paradise. This afternoon, you may choose to discover Monteverde’s breathtaking wilderness on a zip-lining adventure in the birthplace of the canopy tour. Route and tr...

Optional activities in Monteverde

The town of Monteverde is fairly small with shopping and some great restaurants, but most of the upgraded accommodations are located outside of the main town centre to take better advantage of the natural beauty and stunning landscapes of the area...

Sibu Lodge (or similar), Monteverde

May 10, 2026

Stay in Monteverde at Sibu Lodge (or similar). Monteverde, located in the Tilarán Mountains of northwestern Costa Rica, is known for its cloud forests, winding trails, and biodiversity that has drawn researchers and travelers for decades. The Mont...

Day 5 · Mon, May 11 · Monteverde


Santa Elena Cloud Forest hike and Monteverde Institute lecture

Set out on a hike in the stunning Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, treading past giant ferns and vibrant orchids. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the resplendent quetzal—a sacred bird in Maya and Aztec cultures. Afterward, visit the...

Optional activities in Monteverde

Additional time in Monteverde allows for optional activities such as: Ziplining – Monteverde Glide along cables suspended high above the cloud forest canopy. Watch for toucans or exotic orchids in this adrenaline-filled experience. Minimum age: 6....

Day 6 · Tue, May 12 · Manuel Antonio


Transfer from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio

May 12 9:00AM CST

May 12 3:00PM CST

Leaving the cloud forest behind, head to Costa Rica’s sweeping Pacific coast and settle into your hotel in the seaside village of Manuel Antonio. Private vehicle transport Monteverde – Manuel Antonio, approx. 6h Settle in and scan the scenery from...

Free time in Manuel Antonio

After arrival, soak up the laid-back atmosphere of Manuel Antonio. You can opt to go surfing or sailing, or spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach. Optional activity Surfing – Manuel Antonio National Park Slather on sunscreen, strap on a ...

Hotel Villas Lirio (or similar), Manuel Antonio

May 12, 2026

Stay in Manuel Antonio at Hotel Villas Lirio (or similar). Manuel Antonio, along Costa Rica's Pacific coast, is known for its blend of beach and rainforest. The nearby national park offers pristine beaches, dense jungle, and abundant wildlife. You...

Day 7 · Wed, May 13 · Manuel Antonio


Manuel Antonio National Park visit and optional adventures

The park has fabulous beaches, abundant wildlife, and a great trail system for those who want to spend the day hiking. Look for monkeys, armadillos, coatimundis, sloths, and some 350 species of birds that are present in the park. Meals included: B...

Day 8 · Thu, May 14 · San Jose


Return from Manuel Antonio to San José

May 14 10:00AM CST

May 14 3:00PM CST

Return to San José from Manuel Antonio. Private vehicle transport Manuel Antonio – San José, approx. 5h Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Evening in San José and optional farewell dinner

Arrive back in San José. Tonight, you may choose to join the group for a farewell dinner at a popular local restaurant.

Hotel Radisson San Jose (or similar)

May 14, 2026

Overnight in San José at Hotel Radisson San Jose (or similar). San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and is located in the province of San Jose, in the Central Valley. The city is surrounded by high green mountains and offers numerous museums...

Day 9 · Fri, May 15 · San Jose


Departure from San José

Depart San José at any time. San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and is located in the province of San Jose, in the Central Valley. The city is surrounded by high green mountains and offers numerous museums, art galleries, theaters, exhibit...