Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to Peace Lodge. Located on the grounds of La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park and one hour from the San Jose International Airport, Peace Lodge encompasses the rustic past and natural beauty of the rainforest and the essence of Costa Rica. Every room boasts a Jacuzzi tub and stone fireplace along with showers that transform into waterfalls with a turn of the knob. Picture perfect views of the La Paz River Valley complete the experience (the Peace Lodge was featured on the Travel Channel’s “Honeymoon Hotspots International" as one of eight Most Romantic Worldwide Destinations for Honeymooners).

Today we drive to Alajuela (birthplace of Costa Rica’s national hero Juan Santamaría) making our way to the top of Poas Volcano driving up a steady climb through spectacular landscapes. At the 9000-ft. summit, you’ll be able to walk through a cloud forest teeming with native plant species and enjoy the breathtaking scenery at the main crater, considered one of the largest in the world. After lunch, we continue on to Sarchi, a colorful town famous for its original, creative woodwork carefully crafted by Costa Rica’s finest artisans. Visit the artists and their wares, and watch them hand-paint the famous wooden oxcarts, symbol of Costa Rica. Following lunch we continue to the San Carlos (La Fortuna) Region arriving at the recently constructed Arenal Kioro Hotel & Restaurant, the newest and most luxurious accommodations in the Arenal area. Its privileged location affords it incredible views of the Arenal Volcano from all 53 rooms, restaurant and open-air pool. The resort is conveniently located 6-miles northeast of the town of La Fortuna, gateway to the Arenal area, and less than 5 minutes from the Tabacon Thermal Water Springs. (B,L)

Experience the forest of this region from a completely different perspective. The Arenal Hanging Bridges will bring you as close as you could ever hope to get to the birds, the flowers and the lush vegetation of the primary rainforest. You will be able to walk right into the forest, thanks to the imposing hanging bridges and the beautiful trails that are safe and easy to walk on. Return to your hotel for overnight. (B)

Mid-morning we make our way by car to the pacific lowlands skirting the Arenal Lake. We drive past rolling hills until we reach the turn-off to Monteverde. After lunch, we begin our ascent driving along a gravel road providing panoramic views of hillside pastures and in the distance, the Gulf of Nicoya. Afternoon free to relax or opt to visit the local cheese factory. Overnight at the El Establo Lodge. (B)

Today you will depart for an early visit to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve with your guide. Monteverde is a peaceful dairy community located 4,600 feet above sea level in the Tilaran Mountains. The most important cloud forest in Costa Rica, the reserve protects an area of approximately 20,000 acres. The temperature and humidity level in Monteverde changes dramatically over relatively short distances, allowing six different ecological communities to exist with relatively little change in elevation. Over 2,000 plant species are native to the area, including a host of wild orchids. This is home to more than 320 species of birds and 100 species of mammals. Some of the most notable species that can be found here include Baird's tapir, jaguar, ocelot, resplendent quetzal, Black guan, Three-wattled bellbird and Bare-necked Umbrella bird. You will see giant pipers, beautiful strangler figs, roadside Spanish flag orchids (epidendrum radicans) and abundant epiphytic vegetation. Late afternoon transfer from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio. Overnight at the Parador Hotel. (B)

Enthroned atop a majestic bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by 400 acres of lush tropical rainforest, Hotel Parador “Boutique Resort”, is located in the most remote and pristine area of Manuel Antonio, yet within minutes from the World Famous Manuel Antonio National Park, the small sport fishing town of Quepos, and the local airport. Exciting tours such as canopying, rafting and jungle cruises are all close by. Just 10 minutes walking distance from the hotel, hidden in a secluded bay you will find the most breathtaking white sand beach surrounded by tranquil turquoise waters and jungle. The hotel was built in an elegant Mediterranean – style architecture, modeled after the Traditional Spanish Paradores and quaint European “boutique hotels”, renders the resort as one of a kind. Since opening in 1995 the Hotel Parador has been a hidden getaway in Costa Rica for many celebrities including Don Johnson, Charlie Sheen, Lorenzo Lamas, Eric Roberts and many more. Today is free for you to enjoy the hotel and its surroundings. (B)

After breakfast, relax or take an optional tour of Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most beautiful parks in Costa Rica. The principal natural communities are the primary forest, secondary forest, mangrove forest, lagoon and beach vegetation. The park includes 12 small islands just off the coast which are excellent bird refuges. Although impacted by uncontrolled visitation, the fauna remains varied with 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds including the Fiery-billed Aracari, Chestnut-Backed Antbird, White-necked Jacobin, Baird's trogon, Orange-collared Manakin, Blue-throated Goldentail and Blue-black grosbeak. An early morning trail walk should allow you to spot Squirrel Monkeys, Three-toed sloths and Agoutis. Overnight at Hotel El Parador. (B)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Quepos for your flight to Jan Jose and transfer to the International Airport. (B)