Today you’ll have an early start at 6am, diving straight into your once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Costa Rica. After just twenty minutes of driving out from San Jose towards the Caribbean lowlands, you will have an early introduction to Costa Rica’s natural highlights, as you pass by the magnificent Braulio Carrillo National Park, with a rich variety of wildlife and through agricultural farmland with pineapple and banana plantations. After another half hour, you will descend into the lowlands, and you’ll be able to notice the transition between two of Costa Rica’s key climates, the Cloud and the Rainforest. Today starts early at 6 a.m. as you embark on your once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Costa Rica. After just a twenty-minute drive from San Jose towards the Caribbean lowlands, you’ll have an initial glimpse of Costa Rica's natural beauty. You'll pass by the magnificent Braulio Carrillo National Park, which boasts a rich variety of wildlife, and navigate through agricultural farmland featuring pineapple and banana plantations. After another half-hour, you will descend into the lowlands and notice the transition between two of Costa Rica's key climates: the Cloud Forest and the Rainforest. Breakfast will be served at a restaurant during your drive through the countryside. By mid-morning, you’ll arrive at the pier to board a riverboat that will take you along the stunning canals of Tortuguero National Park. This area is one of the most important nesting sites in the world for the green sea turtle. The park protects not only the turtle-nesting beaches but also the surrounding forests, canals, and lagoons. It offers a peaceful atmosphere that attracts nature lovers, although it can feel somewhat touristy. It is the perfect starting point for your trip to Costa Rica, with early opportunities to spot some of the country's most famous wildlife. Along the way, your guide will explain the delicate ecosystem of the area, providing insights into how the waterways, forests, and wildlife coexist, ensuring you gain a deeper understanding of the environment you are exploring. Accommodation: Laguna Lodge Tortuguero Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Along the way, your guide will talk you through the delicate eco-system of the area, giving you insight into how the waterways, the forest and the wildlife coexist so that you have an in-depth understanding of the environment you are experiencing. Accommodation: Laguna Lodge Tortuguero Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Today, you’ll have a full day to explore the Tortuguero area. You will embark on a guided boat trip through the jungle-fringed waterways behind the beach, which are teeming with bird, animal, and insect life. More than half of Costa Rica’s bird species can be found here, along with monkeys, sloths, and, for those lucky enough, alligators, tapirs, ocelots, peccaries, and anteaters. You will also have free time to hike to Tortuguero Hill, where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the area. The hike is a short but steep climb, leading to a rewarding vista at the top. Alternatively, you can paddle out on a canoe to explore the canals and truly connect with the impressive nature the park offers. You may also visit the small town of Tortuguero, which features a museum dedicated to the green turtle. Take some time to explore the pristine Caribbean beaches, where you might witness nesting green turtles, the world’s second-largest sea turtle, during the nesting season from July to October. Please note that turtle nesting tours can be arranged locally for an additional fee, available only from July 1 to October 31. Accommodation: Laguna Lodge Tortuguero Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner