What makes Costa Rica special?  The oldest democracy in Latin America, a.k.a. “The Switzerland of Central America,” Costa Rica straddles the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.  With climates ranging from tropical to temperate to even alpine in the mountain regions, Costa Rica is a paradise for those who love eco-tourism, as its natural diversity has resulted in a realm of fertile valleys, lush jungles, rain and cloud forests, 116 volcanoes, great beaches and coral reefs, and mountain ranges.  The nation has the largest percentage of protected national parks and wildlife reserves in the world and is inhabited by 383 species of amphibians, 848 kinds of birds, 205 species of mammals, 400 species of butterflies, 1,500 species of fish, and 13,000 types of plants.

Day 1: Los Angeles/San Jose, Costa Rica. 
Your exciting journey starts this morning when you fly American Airlines to Costa Rica.  You will arrive in the country’s capital, San Jose, the same afternoon, and embark on a panoramic city tour.  Rest of the day at leisure.  COROBICI CROWNE PLAZA

Days 2:  Located just 70 minutes from San Jose, your beach resort is the perfect place to enjoy all that Costa Rica has to offer.  Leaving the capital by motor coach, you will enjoy a picturesque drive to the Central Pacific Coast, and catch a glimpse of the amazing natural beauty that the country is known for.  En route to your hotel, experience the raw power of the rainforest on a SkyWay walking tour, where you will observe a wide array of exotic flora and wildlife first hand on five suspended bridges at more than 180 feet above the ground!

Double Tree Resort by Hilton Puntarenas

 Continue to your hotel for check in and lunch. Your luxury all-inclusive resort offers 11 food and beverage outlets, such as Calypso, the main restaurant; Cana Brava, where seafood is the specialty; and Macondo Latin American Cuisine.  Included at every bar and lounge are cocktails, beer, soft drinks, wine, juices, and spirits.  Daily activities and amenities at the resort include swimming in four large pools, kayaking, evening shows, dancing, and karaoke nights.  Water polo, surf and Boogie Boards, beach volleyball, tennis, ping-pong, aerobics, a full gym, and beach aerobics are also offered. DOUBLE TREE RESORT BY HILTON PUNTARENAS
        
Day 3: Full day at leisure on an all-inclusive basis.  Opt to take a Punarenas Coastal Orientation Tour, where you will be introduced to Costa Rica’s topography of rolling hills, high mountains, plains, valleys, rivers, and towns.

Day 4: Full day at leisure on an all-inclusive basis.  A day tour to Central America’s most active volcano, Arenal, can be purchased, where you will also have time to relax in the area’s natural hot springs.

Day 5: Full day at leisure on an all-inclusive basis.  Following lunch, why not partake in the Oxcart Factory Shopping Experience?  On this optional tour, you will drive by motorcoach to Sarchi, home of Costa Rica’s craftsmanship, and discover the large variety of woodcrafts, leather goods, beautiful post cards and souvenirs of all kinds.  Brightly colored hand-painted oxcarts are the country’s most important symbol, and it is in Sarchi where they are made.

Day 6: Full day at leisure on an all-inclusive basis.  From your beach resort, you may opt to go river rafting, zip-lining through rain forests, explore secluded tropical islands, and sail at sunset, as well as hike trails and play golf.  The choice of activities and optional tours is endless!

Day 7: Hotel check out is not until 1:00 p.m.  Return to San Jose by motor coach.  COROBICI CROWNE PLAZA

Day 8: Your memorable tour ends when you fly from Costa Rica this afternoon and arrive at LAX the same evening.