Tropical Costa Rica: My First Group Tour with Collette

In February 2020, I embarked on my first ever group tour, and it was with Collette—what an incredible introduction to the world of guided travel! Little did I know, this journey would become the beginning of many more unforgettable trips, especially as the world was on the brink of a major change with the COVID-19 pandemic. I feel so fortunate that I was able to experience Costa Rica just before the stay-at-home orders and travel shutdowns began. From lush rainforests and cloud forests to pristine beaches and volcanic landscapes, Costa Rica is a tropical paradise filled with natural beauty, adventure, and a vibrant culture. Here’s a recap of my journey through this amazing country.

Day 1: Arriving in San José

Our tour began in the bustling capital of Costa Rica, San José, where we stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari San José. This hotel was a fantastic choice to kick off our trip—it had a lovely open-air design that made it feel like a tropical retreat in the heart of the city. The food at the hotel was excellent, and I especially loved the laid-back atmosphere.

Day 2: Coffee and Scenic Drives

The next morning, we headed out to the Doka Estate Coffee Plantation. Even if you’re not a coffee enthusiast, I highly recommend this experience. Costa Rican coffee is world-renowned, and we learned all about the coffee-making process—from the picking of the coffee berries (which happen to be in season from October to February) to the drying process. The rich aromas, beautiful surroundings, and detailed explanations made this tour interesting.

On our way to the Nambu Beach Bungalows, we passed scenic sugar cane fields, and stopped for a delicious lunch at El Jardin near San Ramón, where we had a chance to explore the lush gardens and butterfly house onsite. We also stopped at Mi Finca Bakery, a quaint spot known for its fresh baked goods, before arriving at our luxurious beachfront accommodations. The Nambu Beachfront Bungalows offered glass-front rooms with breathtaking views of the beach, and a private pool just steps from the shore. It was the perfect spot for a day of relaxation.

Nambu Beachfront Bungalows

Day 3: Cloud Forest and Ziplining

Day 3 took us to the Cloud Forest Biological Preserve in Monteverde. Along the way, we had another delicious stop at Mi Finca Bakery. We stopped on the way to the Cloud Forest and had lunch at the famous Tree House Restaurant.

Then came one of the most thrilling moments of the trip: ziplining in Selvatura Park. I’m not going to lie—I was terrified. I’m so glad I pushed myself to do it! We also walked across hanging bridges through the forest, offering amazing views of the canopy and wildlife. The park is home to a butterfly house and a hummingbird garden, we then headed back to our hotel, El Establo Mountain Hotel & Private Reserve.

Day 4: Lake Arenal and Cooking Class

On Day 4, we enjoyed a serene boat cruise on Lake Arenal, nestled beneath the Arenal Volcano. The views of the lake, surrounded by lush rainforest and the towering volcano, were absolutely stunning. Later, we had a fun cooking demonstration with our fantastic tour guide, Ricardo.

Day 5: Cano Negro Wildlife Riverboat Trip

We took a Cano Negro Wildlife Riverboat Trip spotting incredible wildlife along the way—caimans, howler monkeys, a sloth, and a variety of birds. Afterward, we stopped in La Fortuna for lunch and gelato, before returning to our hotel for an in room massage and then headed to the hot springs pool.

Day 6: Zarcero Topiary Garden and Sarchí

We left Arenal and made our way back toward San José, stopping in the town of Zarcero to visit its famous church topiary garden. Our next stop was the Sarchí Ox-Cart Factory, where we learned about Costa Rica’s iconic hand-painted ox carts.

We returned to San José, where we toured the beautiful National Theatre, a grand historic building known for its architecture and cultural significance.

Day 7: The Tortuguero Extension

A few of us opted for the extension to Tortuguero National Park, and I’m so glad we did! Getting there was an adventure in itself—a 3+ hour bus ride followed by a 1-hour boat ride. The Evergreen Lodge, was rustic and only accessible by water. This added to the charm and sense of isolation we felt in this wild, remote area. It was such a unique experience to hear the sounds of howler monkeys in the trees, and I even spotted a mother monkey with her baby on her back!

On our final morning in Tortuguero, we went on a nature hike through the lush jungle before visiting the Sea Turtle Conservancy and the town of Tortuguero.

Final Thoughts

This tour with Collette was an excellent introduction to the country, and I’m so grateful for the memories I made along the way.

If you’re considering visiting Costa Rica, I highly recommend exploring it with a guided tour like Collette’s—especially if you want to experience all the highlights while leaving the logistics to the experts. The mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation is truly the best way to discover this tropical paradise.

I hope you’ll get to experience the magic of Costa Rica for yourself!

Cheers,

Heidi