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Costa Rica Botanical Gardens with Summer Rayne Oakes
Dates
Dec 8–13, 2026
Group Size
8–20 Travelers
Duration
6 days, 5 nights
Activity Level
Exploration
About This Trip
Meet Your Host
View Full ProfileSummer Rayne Oakes
I’m an environmental scientist and entomologist by training and now spend most of my days as an environmental communicator. My motivation in life is to connect people more closely with nature. I now produce two YT channels, including "Flock Finger Lakes" and "Plant One On Me". summerrayne.net, homesteadbrooklyn.com, flockfingerlakes.com for info.
Trip Activities
La Catalina Botanical Garden
La Selva Biological Station
Organic Farm Tour at Finca Ecoorganica Sarapiqui
Chocolate Tour
Guided Night Walk Tour
Arca Verde
Lankester Botanical Garden
Included in Your Trip
Double occupancy in eco-lodge & 3-star hotel (limited single rooms available)
Local Guide throughout trip
All city transfers
5 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches and 4 Dinners
Not Included
International flights
Food and alcohol (except as noted)
Visas and travel insurance
Airport transfers
Tips for Guides
Itinerary
*All durations are approximate
Welcome to Costa Rica!
dinner
The welcome dinner at a local restaurant is included. Your meal will typically be a set menu with one non-alcoholic beverage included, subject to change. To reach the restaurant, you’ll take a short 20-minute transfer.
Studio Hotel
(or similar)
Overnight in San Jose.
La Catalina Discoveries
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Depending on your finalized hotel, breakfast will typically be a continental, full/American, or buffet style.
Transfer to Jardin La Catalina
Take a private transfer to Jardin La Catalina. Stops for bathrooms will be made along the way as needed.
La Catalina Botanical Garden
La Catalina Botanical Garden is a place where you can enjoy the beauty of the world of orchids, with over 450 species from around the world growing organically! The garden has a collection of nearly one hundred varieties displayed at eye level, and the large number of plants will be in bloom when you visit. After the visit, you'll stop somewhere for lunch on your own, and then transfer ~1 hour 45 minutes to your hotel in Sarapiqui.
dinner
Dinner is included at the hotel, featuring a buffet-style meal with one non-alcoholic beverage included. Please note, the menu is subject to change.
La Quinta Sarapiqui Lodge
(or similar)
Overnight in Sarapiqui.
Organic Farm and Chocolate Tour
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. The exact breakfast options may vary depending on your finalized hotel.
La Selva Biological Station
Guided walk along paved and accessible trails, perfect for all ages. Along the way, you'll observe a rich variety of tropical flora and fauna—such as birds, monkeys, and frogs—with interpretive stops led by an expert guide. La Selva sits within a complex biological, socioeconomic, and political landscape that has been significantly transformed over the last 40 years by a continuously expanding agricultural frontier, burgeoning human population, and accompanying major infrastructure. Protected areas, such as La Selva, provide a rich opportunity for studying how natural ecosystems respond to a broader landscape matrix of human uses.
Organic Farm Tour at Finca Ecoorganica Sarapiqui
Enjoy a 30-minute transfer to a local farm, where you'll explore the organic Finca Ecoorganica Sarapiqui. This farm showcases a wide variety of crops integral to Costa Rican cuisine, many of which have spread to other continents. Everything on the farm is grown using 100% organic, ecological methods with environmentally friendly practices. As you walk approximately 1 mile along dirt trails, you will have the chance to learn about these crops, possibly taste some traditional produce, and visit the animal husbandry section, where you'll encounter horses, pigs, chickens, cows, sheep, goats, and more. After your farm tour, you will transfer back to the hotel.
Chocolate Tour
A short 20-minute transfer will take you to the entrance of a historic cacao plantation, where your tour will begin. Discover the fascinating origins of the cacao tree, which traces its roots back to Mesoamerica, and delve into its rich history. As you cross the iconic Tirimbina hanging bridge, you'll be led through lush forested areas, learning about how cacao was originally cultivated in this region. A knowledgeable guide will share the secrets of transforming cacao fruit into chocolate, giving you an up-close look at the chocolate-making process. To top it off, you’ll have the chance to indulge in delicious, organic rainforest chocolate!
dinner
Dinner is included. Enjoy a meal with a selection of dishes, and one non-alcoholic beverage included. Menu options may vary.
Guided Night Walk Tour
Embark on a guided 2-hour walking tour that unveils the wonders of the tropical rainforest after dark, when the majority of wildlife is most active. This tour will immerse you in the natural history of the rainforest, focusing on nocturnal species like frogs, insects, spiders, sloths, kinkajous, and opossums, offering you a unique perspective of the forest. Expect to walk about 1 mile on a paved trail with a few stairs (under 100 steps). Flashlights will be provided to help you navigate in the dark.
La Quinta Sarapiqui Lodge
(or similar)
Overnight in Sarapiqui.
Arca Verde Visit
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. The exact breakfast options may vary depending on your finalized hotel.
Transfer to Arca Verde
This morning, depart the hotel and transfer to Arca Verde!
Arca Verde
Enjoy a visit to Arca Verde, near Heredia in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, is a 7.5-hectare ethnobotanical garden focused on preserving ancestral plant knowledge. You can explore themed terraces showcasing medicinal, culinary, and dye plants, enjoy farm-to-table meals from on-site produce, and participate in guided tours or wellness workshops. With on-site lodging available, it offers a serene blend of nature, education, and mindful relaxation—a unique off-the-beaten-path experience in Costa Rica. Plants are marked with symbols signifying their uses, such as medicinal, colorants, food, poisonous, culinary, crafts, ornamental, wood, or oil extraction. A walk through our botanical gardens is educational and a delight for the senses.
lunch
Lunch is included at Arca Verde. Your meal will typically be a 3-course set menu with 1 non-alcoholic beverage included, subject to change.
Transfer to San Jose
After your visit to Arca Verde, take a private transfer to San Jose. Stops for bathrooms will be made along the way as needed.
Studio Hotel
(or similar)
Overnight in San Jose.
Garden Farewell
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.
Transfer to Cartago
Take a private transfer to Cartago. Stops for bathrooms will be made along the way as needed
Lankester Botanical Garden
The Lankester Botanical Garden is a natural paradise dedicated to the conservation and study of tropical flora! World-renowned for its stunning orchid collection, it houses over 3,000 plant species, including bromeliads, ferns, cacti, and native trees. Its carefully designed trails provide a peaceful and educational experience, perfect for nature enthusiasts, students, and tourists. This garden not only showcases the region’s natural beauty but also highlights the importance of biodiversity conservation.
lunch
Lunch at a local restaurant is included. Your meal will typically be a 3-course set menu with 1 non-alcoholic beverage included, subject to change.
Transfer to Hotel
After your visit to the Lankester Botanical Garden, take a return transfer back to your hotel.
dinner
Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll indulge in a delightful 3-course set menu. A non-alcoholic beverage will be included, though the menu may be subject to change. It's the perfect way to savor the final moments of your adventure with your group before heading home.
Studio Hotel
(or similar)
Overnight in San Jose.
Until Next Time, Costa Rica!
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included to start your day. Depending on your hotel, it will typically be a continental, full American, or buffet-style breakfast. The exact offerings will be confirmed based on your finalized hotel choice.
Airports
Recommended Arrival Airport:
Juan Santamaría International Airport
Recommended Departure Airport:
Juan Santamaría International Airport
Add-Ons
Private Accommodation
Pre-Trip Accommodation
Post-Trip Accommodation
Airport Transfer
Insurance Policy
Physical Activity Level:Exploration
These trips require some movement, but slow and steady is the name of the game. Maybe a mid-length walking tour or at-your-pace sightseeing. No rush.
Essential Travel Information
Cancellation Policy
We get it—life happens. Here's how cancellations work depending on where you're at in the process:
Spot Pending
Spot Confirmed With 91 or More Days Before Your Trip
Spot Confirmed With 90 or Fewer Days Before Your Trip
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure-Invest in Peace of Mind
After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
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HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure–Invest in Peace of Mind
We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events–from illness to emergencies–that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.
After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
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Most trips include accommodations, daily activities, ground transportation, some meals, and a dedicated local Guide. Because Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Each trip page breaks it all down for you.
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Will I have free time?
Yes! While we pack in incredible experiences, most itineraries include built-in free time so you can relax, wander, or check out personal must-sees.
What do the activity levels mean?
Every trip has a physical Activity Level from 1 to 5 so you can find the right fit for your travel style:
- Level 1 – Relax + Unwind: Minimal movement (spa days, beach lounging, local markets)
- Level 2 – Low-Key Movement: Light, easy-paced activity (snorkeling, boat tours, gentle hikes)
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Accommodations
What does "or similar" mean next to the accommodations?
When we say “or similar,” it means the hotel listed is an example of what you can expect—not always the exact spot you'll be staying. Sometimes Operators adjust accommodations due to seasonal availability or group size. But rest assured: the quality and comfort will match what's shown.
Why would the accommodations change from time of booking?
Flexibility allows Operators to choose the best-fit accommodations closer to your trip—based on availability, logistics, and what works best for the group (like the number of Travelers and room configurations). This ensures a smooth experience without sacrificing comfort or quality.
Finalized hotel info is typically shared about 30 days before departure in your Traveler Portal, along with your final itinerary.
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Who actually runs my trip, and how does Trova keep things safe?
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It depends on where you're headed. Though it is not a universal requirement, many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. This ensures Travelers have sufficient time to return home even if their visas are extended or if unexpected circumstances arise.
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Are flights included in the trip cost?
Because our Hosts and Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Some trips include internal flights (like a short domestic hop), and those details will always be listed on the trip page if applicable.
Can you accommodate my dietary needs?
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