DAY 1 – ARRIVE SAN JOSE

Pura Vida - Welcome to Costa Rica! Upon arrival in San Jose, you will be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day to begin exploring on your own or relax at the hotel. Voted by Condé Nast as one of the best hotels in Central America, the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel is a beautiful colonial hacienda set on a 30-acre coffee plantation. With its unique architecture and elegant antiques, this luxurious hotel features delightful grounds, exceptional service and a relaxing ambiance. Experience fine dining, exquisite tapas and wines at La Isabela, known as one of the best restaurants in San José. Swim in either of the two outdoor pools, or pamper yourself at the coffee-inspired Kuö Spa. At 6 p.m., meet with your fellow Gutsy Women travelers and Travel Director and enjoy your Welcome Reception at the hotel. (WR)
OVERNIGHT: Costa Rica Marriott, San Jose

DAY 2 – SAN JOSE – ARENAL (2 NIGHTS)

After breakfast, journey through the northern lowlands of Costa Rica and with a leisurely walk up the central volcanic mountain range towards Arenal Volcano. En route, stop for a guided visit to a gourmet coffee plantation. Since the middle of the 19th century, the coffee bean has played an important role for this country, with an influence that extends unquestionably into today. Enjoy the opportunity to learn about the process of growing coffee, taking you through the plantation and coffee mill. Hear about the history of the coffee plantation, its owners, its geographical location, coffee growing methods and also the coffee brewing tradition of “chorrear” which is, simply the most delicious way to enjoy the Costa Rican coffee!

Afterwards, check into your hotel, The Lost Iguana Resort & Spa – a boutique resort immersed in 247 acres of primary and secondary rainforest, enriched by the exuberant vegetation and the diversity animal species that make it a true oasis with unobstructed views of Arenal Volcano. The hotel offers a gym and The Golden Gecko Spa, a place where you will enjoy the ideal techniques to relax, tone, and detoxify your body and mind. You can also experience body, face and therapeutic treatments in each of the bungalows, which are located by the riverside. This evening, head to La Fortuna and enjoy a cocktail at the Lava Lounge, with spectacular views of the volcano before dinner is served. (B HD)
OVERNIGHT: Lost Iguana Resort & Spa (2 nights)

DAY 3 ARENAL AREA EXCURSION

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a private yoga and relaxation session, surrounded by nature, wildlife and bird sounds. Later this morning, meet a group of local women and learn about the traditional Costa Rican art of pottery-making. In Costa Rica, pottery is one of the most representative testaments to the life of its prehistoric peoples. Learn about the business of these enterprising ceramics-making women and get your hands dirty as you try your hand at pottery making. They will then host you for a typical casado lunch at La Casona Rio Fortuna before returning to the hotel for some leisure time. Perhaps, join a hike along the quiet side of Arenal Volcano. Rising 5,436 feet above sea level, Volcan Arenal is the most active and no doubt the most studied of all Costa Rica's volcanoes. With its perfectly conical shape and its continuing activity, Arenal is the picture book image of a volcano. This evening, visit the world-famous Tabacon Hot Springs. These natural hot springs are fed by a hot river that flows through a series of delightful pools disseminated amongst the luxuriant flanks of the volcano. From cascading falls to tropical gardens, the hot springs are the result of rainwater heated by magma in the earth’s crust. Once heated, the waters rise back to the surface, taking with them minerals, helping to relax muscles, clean pores and rejuvenate the skin. Enjoy the various-temperature pools, swim-up bar and the superb buffet dinner. (B L HD)

DAY 4 ARENAL – MONTEVERDE (2 NIGHTS)

After breakfast, continue your journey heading up to the Cloud Forest of Monteverde. Some portions of the roads are rustic but this is a beautiful scenic drive bordering Lake Arenal with great mountain views. Founded in the 1950's by a group of Quakers from the U.S., Monteverde has gained international renown as one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the tropics. The reserve spreads out over 26,000 acres of land that hold six different life zones. The climate and terrain of the preserve produce an incredible bio-diversity. This is home to at least 400 bird species, over 100 species of mammals, 120 species of amphibians and reptiles and an estimated 2,500 species of plants, making Monteverde a true "nature lover's paradise." Delicate orchids, more than 400 species, grace the limbs of the forest’s majestic trees. Their captivating colors of whites, lilacs, and yellows contrast with the emerald green of the forest. After checking in at your hotel, visit CASEM, a non-profit artisan cooperative dedicated to enhancing the economic and social well-being of local women artists. The CASEM store and workshop is a showcase for unique, locally produced handicrafts including decorative wall hangings, ceramics, clothes, bags, jewelry, toys and wood carvings. After lunch at a local restaurant, you will have the rest of the day to do as you please at your hotel. Nestled in a private 150 acres misty cloud forest - 50% of which is protected primary forest - El Establo offers the best quality accommodation and services with the area’s best views, heated indoor/outdoor pools, spa, restaurants, cafe-bars, hiking trails, canopy tour and the most charming staff. (B L)
OVERNIGHT: El Establo Mountain Hotel (2 nights)

DAY 5 – MONTEVERDE

During your visit to Monteverde, you will be taken to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve for a guided excursion along hiking trails and suspension bridges at the Sky Walk to discover the secrets of the misty Cloud Forest with its dense vegetation and majestic trees protecting and providing habitat for hundreds of species of flora and fauna. Enjoy beautiful hiking trails designed to blend in with the natural environment and a bird’s-eye view from a vantage point of numerous fixed and hanging bridges poised above the trees. You will see the different types of ecosystems found in the region, learn more about the unique wildlife, many of which is endemic to the area. If you are lucky, you might be able to see the beautiful Quetzal, ancient holy bird of the Mayans, the three- wattle bell bird or the black-faced solitaire. However, the most recognized animal in Monteverde is definitely the Golden Toad, also endemic to the area. Equally impressive is the unique flora, like orchids, bromeliads and strangler figs, which only adds to this forest’s already impressive beauty. There is also time at leisure in Monteverde to relax or enjoy the optional activities in the area such as horse back riding, ziplining and Trapiche tour, an excellent option for those looking for experiencing local culture and traditions. (B)

DAY 6 - MONTEVERDE – TAMARINDO BEACH (2 NIGHTS)

Today, drive down the mountain range to Costa Rica's famous Gold Coast - Guanacaste. Guanacaste is one of the richest areas of the country in regards to gastronomic offerings. Important restaurants of all kinds are found here, but it is its typical food that endows the area with such special culinary wealth. Once a quite fishing hamlet, Tamarindo still retains that laidback vibe so characteristic of the region. Check into your beachfront hotel, the Tamarindo Diria Beach & Golf Resort, a first class resort located on the white sand of the world famous Tamarindo Beach. Spread out over 5 acres, Tamarindo Diria Beach & Golf Resort's mixture of tradition and contemporary style and architecture is surrounded by exotic and beautifully maintained lush tropical gardens that offer guests the natural beauty of Costa Rica right outside your doors. Later this afternoon, meet Carolina Paniagua, chef and owner of Carolina’s Restaurant - one of Tamarindo’s most renowned restaurants - for a cooking experience in her kitchen. Hear how she restored an old local house and turned it into a successful restaurant. Carolina will present Costa Rica’s culinary highlights including a wealth of high quality primary ingredients including seafood from two coasts, an abundance of different vegetables, a full array of culinary herbs and spices, and a treasure trove of fruit varieties. Share recipes and today’s dinner menu as you roll up your sleeves and help Carolina prepare dinner before enjoying the fruits of your labor along with a glass of wine from Carolina’s excellent wine list. (B HD)
OVERNIGHT: Tamarindo Diria Beach & Golf Resort (2 nights)

DAY 7 – TAMARINDO BEACH AT LEISURE

This morning, gather on the beach for a private yoga class, followed by a leisurely breakfast. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to follow your own interests. Enjoy the resort’s facilities and go surfing, snorkeling, sailing, fishing or golfing; or partake in one of the optional activities including white water rafting down the Colorado River or a gentle river float trip down the Corbici River. This evening, gather at the Bahia del Sol Restaurant for a Farewell Dinner on the beach and look back on your wonderful Costa Rica experiences and plan your next Gutsy Women trip with your newfound friends. (B FD)

DAY 8 – TAMARINDO BEACH – LIBERIA – DEPARTURE

Today bid farewell to Costa Rica as you are transferred to Liberia International Airport for your return flight. (B)

El Establo Mountain Hotel - Monteverde

Marriott Hotel - San Jose

Lost Iguana Resort & Spa - Arenal

Tamarindo Diria Beach & Golf Resort