Costa Rica AgricULTURE, Business and Environment Tour

Breakfast & Day Briefing Farm Tour - Yamilleth’s Farm. On this day, we will learn the concept of farm to table. We will visit Yamilleth's farm; she and her family were one of the original settlers that move to Juanilama. They have been sharing their knowledge about farming generation after generation. We will have fresh made chocolate, coffee, and sugarcane juice. 

Lunch Break at the Host Family (included) - Juanilama Reserve. A 19 hectare protected section of forest where we will observe some of the flora and fauna of the rainforest. At the end of the trail you will see a waterfall. Monkeys, poison dart frogs, toucans, and parrots are some of the species typically found in the area. 

Cooking Class & Dinner (included) - After a full day of activities we will meet with our host families to enjoy a cooking class experience. Our host moms are going to teach us how to prepare traditional dishes such as empanadas, tortillas, picadillo, and other traditional and delicious Costa Rican dishes.

The day will conclude with dancing lessons and a group dinner at the community hall, followed by an overnight homestay with the families of the community.

Breakfast & Day Briefing -Transfer to La Fortuna & Orientation Walking Tour - The group will become oriented with their neighborhood, public transportation systems, nearby pharmacies, markets, ATMs, etc. Free time to walk around La Fortuna.

Lunch at Arenal Hanging Bridges Restaurant (included) - Experience the Tropical Rainforest from a different perspective! Explore the forest from ground level to the treetops, trying to spot as much wildlife as possible. Along the walk, your guide will explain the interactions that occur between the flora & fauna. 

Check in at the hotel & rest. Dinner (included).

Breakfast & Day Briefing - Escuela Técnica Agropecuaria Integral (ETAI). ETAI is a technical agricultural school located in Santa Clara, Costa Rica. It focuses on providing students with practical training and education in agricultural and livestock management, equipping them with the skills necessary for careers in the agricultural industry. The school emphasizes hands-on learning and sustainable practices, aiming to contribute to the local community and Costa Rica's agricultural sector. Upon arrival, we are going to be welcomed and taken to explore the school. First we will head to the academic area, and then to the farm where all the action happens. We will have the opportunity to see the dairy cows, vermicompost and others. 

Lunch at ETAI (included) - North Fields Coffee/Chocolate Farm. North Fields Coffee & Chocolate Tour in Fortuna offers an immersive experience into the process of making high-quality coffee and chocolate. Visitors explore lush plantations, learning about the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of coffee beans and cacao. The tour includes tastings, where guests savor fresh coffee and artisan chocolate, while gaining insight into the rich history and sustainable practices behind both products. It’s a perfect way to appreciate the flavors of Costa Rica in a scenic, educational setting. 

Dinner (included).

Breakfast & Day Briefing - Finca Luna Nueva & Sustainability Lecture and Development of La Fortuna and San Isidro Peñas Blancas - Sustainable farm and eco-lodge located in the rainforest near La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Known for its commitment to organic farming, the farm grows a variety of tropical crops, including cacao, turmeric, and medicinal plants. Visitors can explore the lush surroundings through guided tours and learn about biodiversity, organic farming practices, and the farm's environmental efforts. 

Finca Luna Nueva offers a peaceful retreat, combining nature, wellness, and sustainability for an authentic Costa Rican experience. This sustainability talk provides an insightful look into Costa Rica's environmental efforts, focusing on the Country's Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) and the Blue Flag program, which promote eco-friendly practices. Participants will also learn about the development of the Peñas Blancas area and La Fortuna, exploring how local communities are working to balance growth with sustainability. 

The talk highlights efforts to preserve natural resources, promote eco-tourism, and support sustainable development for a better future for both the environment and the people. Lunch at Luna Nueva (included). Muelle Cattle Auction Visit TBC - Prominent event in Costa Rica, specifically held in Muelle, a small town in the San Carlos region of the Alajuela province. It serves as a major cattle auction where farmers, ranchers, and traders gather to buy and sell livestock, particularly cattle. 

The event plays a significant role in the local agricultural economy, as the San Carlos region is known for its cattle farming. Hot Springs & dinner (included).

Breakfast & Day Briefing - Travel to Tenorio Volcano National Park (approx. 1h30). Located in the northern part of Costa Rica, the national park is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and diverse ecosystems. The park is centered around the active Tenorio Volcano and features lush rainforests, hot springs, and the famous Río Celeste. The river's striking turquoise-blue color, caused by a natural chemical reaction, is a major attraction. Visitors can explore hiking trails, waterfalls, and enjoy birdwatching in this biodiverse area. The park offers a unique experience for nature lovers, with its vibrant landscapes and rich wildlife. 

Lunch at Maleku Indigenous Village (included). The Maleku are an indigenous group located in the northern part of Costa Rica, mainly in the Alajuela province near the Tenorio and Arenal volcanoes. They are one of the smallest indigenous communities in the country. They speak the Maleku language, which belongs to the Chibchan language family, although the language is critically endangered, and many speak Spanish. Their worldview is deeply connected to nature, performing rituals to honor the spirits of the land. Traditionally, they were farmers, growing maize, beans, and plantains, but today many are involved in ecotourism, highlighting their cultural heritage. They are known for their handicrafts, especially wood carvings and textiles. 

Our visit will be hosted by a community member who will explain more about their wonderful culture. An art class will be included in the visit. 

Dinner (included).

Breakfast & Day Briefing - Transfer (approx. 1 hour) to Best Pineapple Tour / Montelirio. Pineapple cultivation is a significant agricultural industry in Costa Rica, where the climate and fertile soil provide ideal conditions for growing this tropical fruit. The country is one of the world's largest exporters of pineapples, particularly to the United States and Europe. Costa Rican pineapples are known for their high quality, and the main varieties grown include the "Golden" and "Red Spanish" types. The crop thrives in the regions of Guanacaste, Alajuela, and the Caribbean lowlands, where it is produced year-round. 

Pineapple farming plays a crucial role in the economy, providing jobs and contributing to the nation's agricultural exports. Upon arrival to Montelirio, we will be welcomed by a local farmer, that in a very dynamic and interactive way, will explain how to grow pineapple organically. And we will definitely eat a lot of them during the tour!

Lunch at Palmitour (included). A very authentic experience with a local family that has been working on their Heart of Palm farm for over 20 years. First we will enjoy a delicious lunch prepared with the most important ingredient, heart of palm. Next, we will be taken by Doña Maria to the field to learn all the processes necessary to plant and harvest Palmito, the heart of the palm tree. 

Transfer to the beautiful Caribbean side of the country (approx. 3 hours).

Check in at the hotel, relax and dinner (included).

Breakfast & Day Briefing - Cahuita National Park. Located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, it's known for its lush rainforest, diverse wildlife, and stunning beaches. The park is famous for its vibrant coral reefs, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. Visitors can explore scenic trails through tropical forests, where they might encounter monkeys, sloths, and various bird species. The park also offers beautiful white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for relaxation and aquatic activities. 

Lunch in Cahuita with Traditional Caribbean Food (included) - Bribri Waterfall & Free Time. The rest of the afternoon will be spent exploring a local waterfall located near the Bribri Indigenous Community. It's the perfect place to refresh during hot days. 

Dinner (included).

Breakfast & Day Briefing - Free Morning. On this day, we will have a free day to relax from our long days exploring the country. Or perhaps you would like to enjoy any of the optional activities that Puerto Viejo offers. 

Lunch break (not included).

Afternoon dinner (included).

Breakfast & Day Briefing - Travel to San Jose. During the morning we will travel back to San Jose, through Turrialba, in order to do a quick stop by the most important Basilica of Costa Rica. Located at Cartago the Basilica Nuestra Señora de los Angeles, it is a very important site for Costa Ricans. 

Lunch break (included) on our way to Cartago.

Check in at the hotel & free time. Farewell dinner (included) & program.