Passenger Information

Tour highlights include:

• Explore the Cano Negro wetlands in a covered canoe as your guide points out caimans, river otters, sloths, monkeys, river turtles and exotic birds
• Go dolphin watching and snorkeling or kayaking through the mangroves of Guanacaste
• Explore the cloud forest on a “Hanging Bridges” walking tour or take an exhilarating zip line through the rainforest
• Unwind at Tabacon Hot Springs, the best hot springs in the world, and experience more than 20 natural pools and cascades
• Engage in a culinary demonstration and a farm-to-table lunch at a family-owned garden
• Learn about sustainability, taste exotic fruits and experience the traditional way to process sugar cane
• Visit a coffee plantation in the Central Valley
• Take in a spectacular sunset from the beaches of Guanacaste
• Enjoy a delightful cruise on Lake Arenal
• Take a nature walk through the spectacular ecosystem of the Monteverde Cloud Forest

Our value-added tour package includes:

• 8-night package in 4-star hotels 
• 14 meals – 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners
• Transportation and sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary
• Arrival transfer (on December 14 or 15) and departure transfer (on December 23)
• English speaking Tour Manager and local Tour Guides
• Amazing Journeys Onsite Travel Coordinator
• Amazing Journeys cocktail party
• All taxes, gratuities and service charges
• Baggage handling throughout (one bag per person)
• Amazing Journeys gift for each participant
• Amazing Service Throughout

Monday, December 15 – San Jose, Costa Rica – Tour Begins

Your 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. As guests’ arrival times will vary with many arriving in the evening, we have not included any sightseeing or meals today. For those arriving early, we’ll introduce you to others from the group so that you can enjoy sites or meals together. 

Tuesday, December 16 – San Jose – Arenal

We begin our morning with an Amazing Journeys Welcome Program with introductions and an opportunity to get to know the group.  After, we’ll drive to the Central Valley where we 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. Tonight, we’ll celebrate Hanukkah as we get to know the Costa Rican culture at a group dinner. (B, D)

Wednesday, December 17 – 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 and one of the most important wetlands in the world. 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 our resort. You’re in for an amazing opportunity as we head to Tabacon Hot Springs where you have the opportunity to explore the tropical gardens, unwind in the best hot springs in the world and experience more than 20 natural pools and cascades. (B)

Thursday, December 18 – 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. Later, the second half of the group will head to Tabacon Hot Springs where you have the opportunity to explore the tropical gardens, unwind in the best hot springs in the world and experience more than 20 natural pools and cascades. (B, L)

Friday, December 19 – Arenal – 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.  This evening, we’ll join together for Shabbat and a Hanukkah celebration, before we enjoy a group dinner. (B, D)

Saturday, December 20 – Monteverde

This morning, it’s your choice to participate in one of two amazing excursions. You can either 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 zip line through the rainforest. Those who choose to do the “Hanging Bridges” walking tour will also explore one of the world’s largest butterfly gardens. 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. We’ll light the Hanukkah menorah, before having a group dinner together. (B, D) 

Sunday, December 21 – 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.  This evening, join us for a Hanukkah gift exchange, followed by a group dinner. (B, D)

Monday, December 22 – Guanacaste

Today, you have the opportunity to choose between two amazing excursions.  Your options include dolphin watching and snorkeling or kayaking on the Ora River through mangroves. Experience the nature of Costa Rica’s West Coast on each tour.  These tours will most likely operate at the same time due to tidal levels. Fun in the sun is also 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.  This evening, we’ll have our Amazing Journeys Farewell Program, followed by a farewell dinner. (B, D)

Tuesday, December 23 – Guanacaste – Tour Ends

Today you head home with memories of Costa Rica and our Amazing Journey. (B)

Our Hotels:

Night 1            Doubletree Cariari Hotel, San Jose
Nights 2-4      Mountain Paradise Hotel, Arenal
Night 5-6        El Establo, Monteverde
Nights 7-8      Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows, Guanacaste

Please note: Alternate hotels may be used.  The order of the tour may be changed.  Some activities are weather dependent. Elevators and air conditioning are not available at most accommodations on this tour. You can expect an average of 4-5 hours in the bus each time we travel to our next stay. Roads in Costa Rica are notoriously poor in places, making them bumpy.

A deposit of $500 is due with your reservation.  Full payment is due on September 9, 2025.

* Amazing Journeys does not offer roommate matching but we may be able to help! If you would like to be connected with others who are looking for a roommate, please send an email to info@amazingjourneys.net.  We can put you in touch with others who may have expressed interest so that you can discuss amongst yourselves. Please note – Amazing Journeys takes no responsibility for roommate matching and is unable to step in to settle disputes or disagreements that may arise. When signing up for twin occupancy, should one of the roommates cancel their reservation before the trip, the remaining traveling roommate will assume the cost of a single supplement. Standard cancellation terms apply to any cancellation. Please understand the list of those looking for a roommate may be very limited.

Prices are subject to change based on availability.

Pre-Nights: For those who want to arrive prior to the start of the tour, we have a limited number of rooms held at our group hotel. Please note – there will be no Amazing Journeys staff present, nor will there be programming on these days.  Rates listed are per day and include taxes and breakfast daily. A deposit of $50 is due with your pre-night reservation.

San Jose (December 14)
Twin* – $87 per person
Single – $164

Please note – This is a group exclusive vacation package. We are unable to make any of our package components available to anyone who is not part of our Amazing Journeys group.

Items listed on this website are subject to change at any time. By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on this website. All rooms are non-smoking.

Cancellation Policy: From the time of deposit until June 5, 2025, there is a $150 penalty for cancellation.  From June 6 – September 9, 2025, the cancellation penalty is the amount of your deposit for the tour and pre/post nights. From September 10 – October 9, 2025 the cancellation penalty is 50% of the cost of the tour for the tour and pre/post nights. From October 10, 2025, until the day of travel, the cancellation penalty is 100% of the cost of the tour and pre/post nights.  Cancellations made on the day of departure and “no-shows” will receive no refund.  There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation by the passenger after the start of the journey. Your decision not to participate on the tour due to State Department advisories, fear of travel, illness or any other reason will be deemed a cancellation.

Travel Protection: Amazing Journeys recommends you purchase travel protection.  Information will be sent with your tour confirmation.

Flights: Please do not purchase airfare until you receive a Confirmation Letter from Amazing Journeys.  For this itinerary, flight parameters are as follows:
Arrive into San Jose, Costa Rica on December 15– land in San Jose Airport (airport code SJO) anytime on December 15.  Our first program will begin on the morning of December 16.
Return from Liberia, Costa Rica on December 23– depart from Liberia-Guanacaste Airport (airport code LIR) any time after 11:00am on this day. 

Transfers: We have included roundtrip transfers from the San Jose Airport to our hotel and from Guanacaste to the Liberia Airport on the day the tour ends. Please note that group transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times. We will provide more details as the trip approaches.

This trip is for you if: This trip is for you if you’re an on-the-go traveler – you don’t want to miss a thing, walking and standing for 2-3 hours isn’t a big deal. You’re able to walk at a moderate pace, covering several miles, hills and uneven surfaces. Walking for 4 miles over the course of the day isn’t a problem for you, as is climbing into various modes of transportation including boats, kayaks and more. You can climb three flights of stairs and can handle elevations between 6,000 and 9,000 feet.  You can expect several early mornings and some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure. When traveling in Costa Rica, you will encounter warm temperatures. You must be in good health and prepare properly. This trip is not a fit for those who require assistance with walking or who travel on mobility devices.

Twin Accommodations: Twin accommodations are available if you and a friend are traveling together.  Amazing Journeys takes no responsibility for roommate matching and is unable to step in to settle disputes or disagreements that may arise. When signing up for twin occupancy, should one of the roommates cancel their reservation or switch to a Single accommodation before the trip, the remaining traveling roommate will assume the cost of a single supplement. Standard cancellation terms apply to any cancellation. Please understand the list of those looking for a roommate may be very limited.

Passports & Visas: A passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary.  Please send Amazing Journeys a copy of your passport at this time if we do not have a current copy. It must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip.  If the name on your passport differs from the name on your registration form, a name change fee may be incurred.  If you are arriving from the US, Canada, Australia, UK, no visas are necessary at this time.  Please note that visa requirements can change at any time and it is up to the traveler to be aware of visa requirements. 

Baggage: Regardless of what your international air carrier permits, each traveler will be limited to one checked suitcase and one carry-on bag.  Your carry-on must fit up on the bus and cannot go under the bus unless you have a medical issue that prevents you from doing so.  We recommend a backpack, tote bag or purse.

Fuel Surcharges: Should oil costs go above $65 a barrel and our tour operator adjusts the rate of the tour cost accordingly, we reserve the right to adjust the cost of the tour.

Exchange Rate: In the case of currency fluctuations greater than 3%, we reserve the right to adjust our pricing accordingly in order that we may be able to operate the tours effectively.

Taxes & Gratuities: Taxes, surcharges, and government fees are subject to change. Gratuities have been included on this tour and include tips for the tour manager, local guides, drivers, luggage porters and included meals. Gratuities are not included for housekeeping staff in the hotels and tipping is at your discretion.

Vaccines & Precautions: At this time there are no specific vaccinations required for international travelers. We recommend you visit a travel clinic or see your health professional to be sure you are up to date on vaccinations needed for international travel. Requirements can change at any time. You can get more information at the following web site: www.cdc.gov/travel. Please note that our Amazing Journeys staff are not medical professionals and can therefore give you no further information on what vaccinations or medications you may need for this or any other tour.

This tour is operated by Collette.

We must have a minimum of 15 participants to operate this tour.