Contiki

• 1 Dinner (D)
• 5 Breakfast (B)

• Tortuguero National Park: Flexibility is key when you’re travelling in Costa Rica. The itinerary will give you a good idea of what your trip is gonna look like. But routes, schedules, hotels & modes of transportation may be subject to change without prior notice because of local circumstances or events beyond Contiki’s control. 
• Mexico City: You’ll now book and pay for your Free Time Add-Ons through WeTravel — a simple website link where you can browse all the FTAs, pick what you’re keen on, and pay directly by card, in any currency. You’ll get the link in your Welcome Email, usually 3–5 days before your trip starts. Once you’re in, it’s easy: check out the pics, descriptions and prices, add your chosen experiences to your cart, then check out online. You can book before your trip starts or while you’re on the road, up until each activity’s booking deadline.Missed the link? No stress. Your Trip Manager can share it with you on trip too.
• Iguazú Falls: You’ll need to bring USD cash with you, as it’s the only way to pay for the Free Time Add-Ons on this trip. You’ll receive the cost of each option in your Welcome Email. Plus, we recommend you bring Visa and/or Master Card (American Express or Discover cards aren’t widely accepted).  
• Iguazú Falls: You’ll usually receive a 10% service charge on your restaurant bill. But tipping isn’t a requirement. Either way, if you’re pleased with your service, a tip will always be appreciated! We recommend tipping 12% of the total bill. 
• San Isidro: Yup, Costa Rican cities have lots of ATMs (just be wary of those sneaky fees). But in more rural places you’re better off carrying cash.
• Iguazú Falls: Your Trip Manager brings the group together with all the info, fun facts and food recommendations you’ll ever need. Plus, they’ll ensure everything runs smoothly and address any issues. They’ll be there with you throughout the trip and will be your go-to person if you need anything. They’ll also fill you in on the cultural and historical context of the places you visit with some informal talks when relevant. 
• Tortuguero National Park: Costa Rica’s tropical climate has two seasons: dry and rainy (or “green,” as locals say). Microclimates vary, but temperatures stay between 70–80°F year-round. Higher elevations dip to 50°F, while Pacific beaches can hit nearly 100°F. With no Daylight-Saving Time, expect sunrises around 5 AM, and sunsets by 6 PM! 
• Lake Arenal: Please check the latest travel info from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention if you’re travelling to Costa Rica. We also recommend that you consult your local health clinic or doctor for more details.
• Iguazú Falls: Drinking tap water isn’t recommend. So, please stick to bottled water (even when brushing your teeth). There will be plenty of opportunities to purchase bottled water during the trip. 
• You can bring 1 hand luggage + 1 suitcase or backpack per person.
  The maximum suitcase size is 73cm x 50cm x 25cm (29” x 20” x 10”) & weight of 20kg (44lbs). Remember to keep it light as you’ll have to carry and lift your own luggage at times and even walk short distances with it. 
• Iguazú Falls: Most places use similar plugs to the US and Europe, but it’s a good idea to bring a circular two-prong adapter just in case. No voltage converter is needed for devices like phones and laptops, but you may need one for high-powered devices (e.g., hairdryers).
• Buenos Aires: Pack light, but smart. Think: layers for all types of weather, comfy walking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), a daypack, any meds, a first aid kit, hand sanitizer, and even a circular two-prong power adapter. Don’t worry tho, your Trip Manager will send a full list of things you should pack before your trip starts. 
• Lima:

  Safety: You’ll stay in expert-picked areas that are safe and convenient. While you’re on your own, it’s best to stick to safe areas, follow your gut & of course, use your common sense (avoid dark alleys, don’t leave valuables unattended, use crosswalks). 

  Water & Food: It’s best to avoid drinking tap water in any of these countries. Stick to bottled water (even for brushing your teeth!). You’ll have plenty of opportunities to purchase them on your trip. 

  Toilets: We’ll make a service stop along the way where you can use a toilet. But remember to toss used toilet paper in the trash, not the toilet (don’t wanna clog it up!) 

  WiFi/Cell Service: WiFi is available at most accommodations and restaurants, but it can be slow. It’s best to check with your phone provider about international plans. 

• Arenal: Grab your camera, as you’re about to experience a live (and very photogenic) volcano in the Costa Rican rainforest. 
• Insta-op! Trek around the jungle and admire this sparkling tower of water. Then cool off with a dip in the pool.
• Wanna do your bit to help the planet while out on the road? This is your chance to help support the local ecosystem. As you work, you’ll learn all about the local trees, and the benefits that replanting them has for the ecosystem and the wildlife that lives here.

Admire Arenal Volcano rising above the rainforest and capture the near-symmetrical cone that has become one of Costa Rica’s most recognisable sights. The volcano forms a striking backdrop to the lush landscape around La Fortuna.

Arenal’s long history of volcanic activity shaped the region and helps explain its abundance of geothermal springs. This included opportunity to see the volcano is about taking in the landscape and photographing its dramatic profile; clear views depend on the weather.

Trek through Costa Rican jungle to admire a waterfall framed by dense tropical greenery. Bring your camera for the cascade and the surrounding forest, where the sound of rushing water adds to the sense of being immersed in nature.

The experience also includes a chance to cool off in the waterfall pool. It is a more active way to appreciate Costa Rica’s freshwater landscapes than a roadside viewpoint, combining a forest walk with time beside the water.

Plant a tree near Monteverde and give it a name while contributing to a local forest regeneration effort. Learn about the trees being planted and how restoring habitat supports the wildlife that depends on this mountain ecosystem.

Monteverde is known for its cool, mist-laden forests and exceptional biodiversity. This hands-on experience offers a tangible connection to that landscape: rather than simply passing through it, you help support the long-term health of the local forest.

Walk through Manuel Antonio National Park, where rainforest trails lead through a compact but remarkably diverse stretch of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Watch the canopy and undergrowth for wildlife, and keep your camera ready as forest meets pale-sand beaches.

The park is especially known for its monkeys and sloths, although sightings depend on the animals. Its close pairing of tropical forest and sheltered coastline makes this an opportunity to experience two distinctive Costa Rican habitats in one visit.

Rappel through a rainforest canyon in the Arenal region for a close-up encounter with its steep, green terrain. This adventure offers a more physical way to experience the landscape, with the sights and sounds of tropical forest around you.

Arenal is celebrated for more than its volcanic skyline: waterways have carved dramatic routes through the surrounding countryside. This optional activity is at additional cost and bookable on tour, making it a choice for travellers seeking an active rainforest experience.

Soak in the geothermal hot springs of the Arenal region, where naturally heated water offers a slower-paced way to enjoy the volcanic landscape. Warm pools and tropical surroundings provide a contrast to the area’s more strenuous adventures.

The springs are part of the region’s volcanic character, connecting a relaxing dip to the forces that shaped Arenal. This optional experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour; it suits travellers who would rather unwind than tackle a canyon adventure.

Visit a local chocolate farm in the Arenal region to discover the agricultural side of Costa Rica. Explore the story of cacao and its transformation into chocolate in a setting connected to the country’s fertile tropical landscape.

Cacao has deep roots in Central American history, and a farm visit brings that heritage into focus through a contemporary local producer. This optional experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour, offering a cultural counterpoint to Arenal’s volcano and rainforest adventures.

Cruise by catamaran off Tamarindo for a view of Costa Rica’s Pacific coastline from the water. From offshore, take in the sweep of the shore and the open sea that give this Guanacaste beach town its laid-back coastal character.

Tamarindo is known for its golden sands and surf, but a cruise offers a different perspective on the same landscape. This optional experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour, and provides a gentler way to spend time on the ocean.

Zipline through the treetops at Selvatura Park in the Monteverde area, looking out over the cloud forest from above its canopy. The ride pairs speed with a perspective on the wooded slopes and drifting mist below.

Monteverde’s high-elevation forest is known for its cool, humid air and rich plant life. Experiencing it by zipline puts that distinctive environment at the centre of an aerial adventure. This optional activity is at additional cost and bookable on tour.

Walk hanging bridges through Monteverde’s cloud forest for an elevated look into its leafy canopy. Moving at your own pace lets you take in the layers of vegetation and the mist that gives this mountain habitat its name.

The bridges offer a quieter alternative to ziplining while still revealing the forest from a perspective unavailable on ground-level paths. This optional experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour, and suits travellers who want to linger over the scenery.