Itinerary
Airfare from Chicago (ORD) to San Jose (SJO) | Private Airport Transfer | Overnight in San José | Welcome Dinner included
Arrive in San José and begin your Costa Rican adventure with a warm welcome and your first taste of local cuisine.
Highlights:
- Arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport (San José)
- Private transfer to your 4-star hotel in downtown San José
- Welcome dinner featuring traditional Costa Rican dishes
Depart San Jose and dive into Costa Rica’s rich traditions, from world-class coffee and colorful oxcarts to the scenic beauty of Arenal Volcano.
Highlights:- Scenic drive from San Jose to Arenal
- Guided tour of Hacienda Doka coffee estate, including:
- Wet mill visit
- Free time to explore the Butterfly house, bonsai garden, and hydroponic orchard
- Welcome cold coffee cocktail, coffee-infused chocolates, and unlimited coffee tastings
- Traditional Costa Rican lunch in Sarchi
- Visit to artisan workshops and hand-painted oxcarts in Sarchi
- Check-in at 4-star hotel in Arenal
- Dinner at the hotel restaurant
Overnight in Arenal | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Explore Costa Rica through cacao, craters, and countryside life on a day full of hands-on experiences and unforgettable flavors.
Highlights:
- Rainforest Chocolate Tour
- Hands-on chocolate-making experience
- Learn about the ancient history of cacao as currency and ceremony
- Taste fresh, handmade chocolate
- Guided hike at Arenal 1968 Reserve
- Walk along historic lava flows with views of Arenal Volcano and Arenal Lake
- Learn about the volcano’s eruptions and ecological recovery
- Picnic lunch with scenic volcano vistas
- Arenal Vida Campesina farm experience
- Participate in harvesting and traditional sugar cane pressing
- Cooking class with local hosts
- Farm-to-table dinner featuring traditional Costa Rican dishes
- Return to hotel in Arenal for overnight stay
Overnight in Punta Islita | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Travel from the dramatic beauty of Arenal to the peaceful, wellness-centered Blue Zone of Punta Islita, with a special stop to explore Costa Rica’s artisanal roots.
Highlights:
- Breakfast at your hotel in Arenal with final views of the volcano
- Transfer to the Nicoya Peninsula with English-speaking guide
- Cultural stop in Cañas:
- Visit to La Cuchara de la Abuela ceramic workshop
- Live demonstration of traditional Costa Rican pottery
- Typical regional lunch featuring local dishes
- Afternoon arrival and check-in at Punta Islita hotel
- Immersion into Blue Zone culture and lifestyle
- Dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients and traditional Blue Zone cuisine
- Overnight stay in Punta Islita
Overnight in Punta Islita | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Experience the soul of Costa Rica’s Blue Zone through local traditions, scenic exploration, and a sunset beachside feast.
Highlights:
- Breakfast at Hotel Punta Islita with ocean views
- Shared Blue Zone Circuit Tour (approx. 2.5–3 hours)
- Travel by Side by Side (mulita) through nearby towns and countryside
- Shop for local art and handcrafted goods
- Taste regional dishes and learn about traditional lifestyles
- Gain insights into the health and longevity of Guanacaste’s centenarians
- Afternoon at leisure to relax or explore the resort and surroundings
- BBQ dinner by the beach at Hotel Punta Islita
- Overnight stay in Punta Islita
Overnight in Punta Islita | Breakfast & Dinner included
Slow down and soak in the Blue Zone lifestyle with a day of personalized relaxation and meaningful cultural connection in paradise.
Highlights:
- Breakfast at Hotel Punta Islita with fresh local and international fare
- Full day at leisure to relax or participate in resort activities
- Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant
- Overnight stay in Punta Islita
Overnight in San José | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Travel from the serenity of Punta Islita back to the capital with meaningful stops and a festive farewell to Costa Rican culture.
Highlights:
- Breakfast at Hotel Punta Islita
- Guided permaculture tour at Tierra de Yu
- Learn about self-sustaining ecosystems and ancestral Chorotega farming practices
- Discover how natural elements are integrated for sustainable living
- Scenic 4-hour private transfer from Punta Islita to San José
- Lunch at a local restaurant en route
- Check-in at your centrally located 4-star hotel in San José
- Evening cultural experience at Mirador Tiquicia in Escazú, including:
- “Noche Tica” show featuring traditional dance and music
- Dinner with local cuisine and national beverages
- Panoramic views over the Central Valley
- Overnight stay in San José
Overnight in San José | Breakfast, Lunch/Dinner included
Savor the bold and creative spirit of modern Costa Rican cuisine on a dynamic food tour through San José’s trendiest neighborhood.
Highlights:
- Leisurely morning with breakfast at your hotel
- Free time to explore or relax in San José
- Afternoon/Evening 4.5-hour guided culinary tour of Barrio Escalante, including:
- Coffee workshop exploring the bean-to-cup process of local brews
- Mixology session with signature cocktails and expert bartenders
- Visits to four distinct dining venues, each led by innovative local chefs
- Eight-course tasting menu highlighting contemporary Costa Rican cuisine
- Opportunity to engage with chefs and restaurateurs about culinary traditions and trends
- Return to hotel for a relaxed evening
- Overnight stay in San José
Breakfast included | Private Airport Transfer | Airfare from San Jose, Costa Rica to Chicago, USA
As your Costa Rican adventure comes to a close, enjoy a seamless departure with time to reflect on the memories made and flavors savored.
Highlights:
- Breakfast at your hotel in San José
- Private transfer to San José International Airport (SJO)
- Group flight from San José (SJO) to Chicago O’Hare (ORD)