Tropical Costa Rica
January 5 - 13, 2026
*For bookings made after July 5, 2025 call for rates.
9 days from San Jose to Guanacaste
January 5 - 13, 2026
Lush forests and stunning waterfalls… rumbling volcanoes and endless coastlines… Costa Rica is a paradise teeming with exotic plants and incredible animals. Enjoy the tranquil views of Arenal Volcano from your hotel. Take a riverboar adventure and explore part of the 20,000-acre nature preserve of Cano Negro. Spend two nights in Monteverde’s lush cloud forest where you can experience the forest canopy on your choice of a hanging bridges walk or an adrenalin-pumping zip lining tour. After all your adventures, sink into a white-sand beach at a resort in Playa Carrillo, Guanacaste for two relaxing days.
You will find a slice of paradise and so much more.
Best yet, you will be doing good while being good to yourself! Partial trip proceeds benefit the Food Bank of Delaware, which provides food to nourish Delawareans, while collaborating on long-term solutions to hunger and poverty.
In fall of 2024, 24 community members enjoyed a trip out West on Food Bank of Delaware's first trip with Blue Skies Travel Center. We hope you can join the fun for our second fundraising trip!
Call 302-893-4571
or email: margo@blueskiestravelcenter.com
or, book below today!
Book now &
save $400
per person.*
DAY-BY-DAY
Itinerary
Day 1: 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.
Dinner included today.
Accommodations:
Doubletree Cariari Hotel
This hotel features a heated outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, and free WiFi. Cariari Country Club and golf course are next door.
Day 2: San Jose - Arenal
Welcome to the Central Valley. 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. Get to know the Costa Rican culture this evening.
Breakfast, Dinner included today.
Accommodations:
Mountain Paradise Hotel
Mountain Paradise Hotel offers a serene escape in the heart of Costa Rica’s lush landscape, with breathtaking views of Arenal Volcano. Guests enjoy modern comforts, including spacious rooms with private terraces, jacuzzis, and tropical gardens. The hotel features a refreshing outdoor pool, on-site dining with local cuisine, and spa services for relaxation. Ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers, it’s the perfect base for exploring the region’s natural beauty.
Day 3: 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. 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 your resort.
Breakfast included today.
Accommodations:
Mountain Paradise Hotel
Day 4: 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.
Breakfast, Lunch included today.
Accommodations:
Mountain Paradise Hotel
Day 5: 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.
Breakfast, Dinner included today.
Accommodations:
El Establo
El Establo, a family-owned hotel in Monteverde's cloud forest, offers stunning mountain views and modern comforts. Spacious rooms feature private balconies, and amenities include two restaurants, a spa, pools, and a fitness center. Perfect for nature lovers, it provides easy access to hiking and wildlife adventures.
Day 6: Monteverde
It’s your choice! This morning, 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 ride on one of the longest canopy zip line tours in Costa Rica. No matter what you choose, we all come together to explore one of the world's largest butterfly gardens before lunch. 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.
Breakfast, Dinner included today.
Accommodations:
El Establo
Day 7: 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.
Breakfast, Dinner included today.
Accomodations:
Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows
Nammbu is a family hotel designed to offer customers an excellent service in a paradise beach. Located in beautiful and unspoiled Playa Carrillo, Nammbu offers first class service and accommodation along with a high concern in the natural environment conservation.
Day 8: Guanacaste
Fun in the sun is 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 before your final dinner.
Breakfast, Dinner included today.
Accommodations:
Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows
Day 9: Guanacaste - Tour Ends
Today you depart for home with fabulous memories of your Costa Rican adventure.
Breakfast included today.
Pricing
Prices include round-trip airfare from Newark International Airport, taxes, fees and transfers.
Double occupancy rates per person - $3,154
Single occupancy rate per person - $3,754
Triple occupancy rates per person - $3,124
Cancellation waiver and insurance - $549 per person
Rates, availability and all terms and conditions subject to change until booking is confirmed. A deposit of $698 per person is due upon reservation. Space is limited and reservations are made on a first-come, first-serve basis. Final payment is October 7, 2025. Ask about an optional 3-night jungle adventure pre-tour extension!
Partial Proceeds Benefit the Food Bank of Delaware. Thank you for your generous support!
Don't miss out; contact Margo McDonough at Blue Skies Travel Center today.
302-893-4571 or margo@blueskiestravelcenter.com. Or, book online today!
Activity Level
Collette rates the overall level of this tour as a level 3. Meaning, you’re an on-the-go traveler. You don’t want to miss a thing, so walking and standing for longer periods of time (2-3 hours) isn’t a big deal. A moderately paced two-and-a-half-hour walking tour, covering several miles, hills, and uneven surfaces, is no problem for you. If you have any additional questions, please ask.
Your Host
About Your Group Trip Coordinator
Margo McDonough started Blue Skies Travel Center in 2016, after earlier work in the travel industry for such companies as J.P. Morgan Chase. She has planned and escorted numerous trips, both domestically and internationally, for local organizations, including University of Delaware’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Food Bank of Delaware, Kennett Area Community Service, and Traditions at Longwood community.
McDonough is a member of the American Society of Travel Advisors, is fully insured, and is supported by host agency Uniglobe Travel Center and Virtuoso, a luxury travel consortium.
