We’ll stop at Volcan Irazu and Cartago’s famous Basilica on our way to San Gerardo de Dota in the midst of the Los Quetzales National Park where one of our goals will be to see the resplendent quetzal. There will be ample opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, waterfall gazing, or just sitting on the porch of Miriam’s Restaurant with an adult beverage. From the mountains, we’ll move to the beach town of Uvita. We’ll be staying for three nights in a small, family-owned hotel (with air conditioning and a pool) that’s a short walk from the beaches of Marino Ballena National Park. From our beach base we’ll visit Finca 6 and discover what is known and theorized about the stone spheres of Costa Rica and learn about the indigenous Boruca people and their efforts to preserve their culture.

The tour will end with four nights in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. While here we’ll take a walking tour of the historic city center (and street food) and the Teatro Nacional. You’ll also have options to attend an organic farmers’ market and some of the events of Amón Cultural. The tour curator can also help you decide what other cultural treasures to experience in this vibrant city.

Day 3

Talamanca Mountains

We’ll use today to acclimate to the altitude (about 7,000 feet) and look for the rare resplendent quetzal. Those who feel up to it can do some bird watching and hike some of the local trails with our guide.Meals included: breakfast.

Day 6

Uvita

We’ll start today with a visit to the Finca 6 Archeological Site, where we will learn about the mysterious pre-Columbian spheres created by the Diquís civilization between 300 BC and 1500 AD. Then we’ll head to the village of the indigenous Boruca people and see how they are working to preserve their identity and culture. From their mask-making, the Dance of the Devils, and the unusual story of a group of women organizing to turn the economy around, daily life for the Boruca has changed to focus on cultural preservation. We’ll return to the hotel with time to watch the sunset at the beach or lounge by the pool. Meals included: breakfast & lunch.

Day 9

San Jose

We’ll take a walking tour winding through the streets and parks of downtown San Jose focusing on the city’s history, vibrant food scene, and the Teatro Nacional. The afternoon is free for you to check out some of the museums in the city center. Meals included: breakfast.

Activity Level

Moderate

Activities are generally not very strenuous; however, we expect guests to enjoy two hours or more of walking, be sure-footed on cobbled surfaces, and walk up and down stairs without assistance. In rural and small-town settings, unpaved roads and pathways will be common with some short sections of rough trail, which we expect that guests can traverse with no more than a companion’s hand to steady them. Historic city centers are frequently more accessible by foot than a vehicle, and sometimes your motorcoach can’t drop you off at the hotel and site entrances. Due to the structure of some buildings, facilities for the disabled may be limited.