GUACAMAYO TOUR

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GUACAMAYO TOUR: 8 Days

HIGHLIGHTS

  • 7-day Gallo Pinto Tour highlights, plus…
  • Spend time exploring Monteverde and Jaco Beach on your own

DAY 1: SAN JOSÉ / SARAPIQUI

Welcome to Latin America’s “Switzerland.” Meet your tour director as you depart for Sarapiquí. Visit a butterfly and ecological family garden. Learn about many insect and reptile species and maybe catch a glimpse of a caiman. Enjoy a late homemade lunch. For dessert help make and sample homemade chocolate with our local host. Ask for some cacao fruit!

DAY 2: SARAPIQUI/ FORTUNA

Enjoy an adventurous morning of whitewater rafting in the Sarapiquí river. Then drive to the northern plains and visit an organic farm where you will have lunch then try your hand at grinding coffee, making sugar cane juice, and even cooking your own tortilla. Have dinner and spend the night with a local homestay family in Fortuna. (Currently homestays and student exchanges have been put on hold until the pandemic is over.)

DAY 3: FORTUNA/ MONTEVERDE

Enjoy an adventurous morning of whitewater rafting in the Sarapiquí river. Then drive to the northern plains and visit an organic farm where you will have lunch then try your hand at grinding coffee, making sugar cane juice, and even cooking your own tortilla. Have dinner and spend the night with a local homestay family in Fortuna. (Currently homestays and student exchanges have been put on hold until the pandemic is over.)

DAY 5: MONTE VERDE/ JACO BEACH

Drive west to experience warm Pacific coast weather at Jaco Beach. Interact with locals as you explore the coastal town and culture. Walking tour of town and of one of its surfing beaches. Learn about the surf culture as you stroll through a Pacific ocean black sandy beach. Rewards for the first one to spot a pair of scarlet “Guacamayos!”

DAY 6: MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK

Experience a guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park. Hike the trails and discover close-up encounters with wildlife. Enjoy some beach time at the park but beware of curious monkeys eager to snack on your lunch! Depart to San José for a brief walking and driving tour of historic capital city.

DAY 7: JACO BEACHV/ SAN JOSÉ

Short walking tour of Jaco town with optional shopping time. Head to the highlands of the country. Visit a unique coffee plantation where you’ll learn about the process from plantation to coffee cup. Sample their various brews and find out how their coffee is grown and processed. Interact with local family farmers. Head to San José for a short driving/walking tour. Enjoy a fond farewell dinner.

DAY 8: SAN JOSÉ – HOME

Converse with locals as you learn about the nation’s environmental efforts and the country’s importance in Latin America. After a farewell breakfast, enjoy some last-minute cultural/souvenir shopping. Reminisce about all your people to people and nature experiences as you head home.