Itinerary
Airfare from Chicago (ORD) to San José (SJO) + Private Airport Transfer (Air-Inclusive) | Overnight in San José | Welcome Dinner included
Your Costa Rican adventure begins with a warm welcome in the vibrant capital of San José.
Air-Inclusive guests will arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and be greeted by a private driver for transfer to your 4-star hotel in the heart of the city.
Land-Only guests should plan to arrive at the host hotel by mid-afternoon to check in and unwind before the evening festivities. Full arrival details will be provided in advance for a smooth start.
In the evening, gather with your group for a festive Welcome Dinner, where you’ll enjoy traditional Costa Rican dishes and begin connecting with your fellow travelers.
Highlights:
Arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport (Air-Inclusive)
Private transfer to your 4-star hotel in downtown San José (Air-Inclusive)
Independent arrival and check-in for Land-Only guests
Welcome Dinner featuring traditional Costa Rican cuisine
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 + Return Flight to Chicago (Air-Inclusive)
As your Costa Rican adventure comes to a close, enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel and take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable landscapes, flavors, and connections made along the way.
Air-Inclusive guests will be transferred by private coach to San José International Airport (SJO) for their return flight to Chicago O’Hare (ORD). Your airport transfer and flight are included for a smooth, stress-free journey home.
Land-Only guests will check out independently and are responsible for arranging their own transportation to SJO Airport or to their next destination. Departure instructions and local transfer recommendations will be provided in advance.
Highlights:
Breakfast at your hotel in San José
Private airport transfer to SJO (Air-Inclusive)
Group flight from San José (SJO) to Chicago O’Hare (ORD)
Independent departure for Land-Only guests
Farewell to Costa Rica—with memories to last a lifetime