INTERNATIONAL FAM TRIP ITINERARY

Sunday, August 31: Welcome in San José, Costa Rica

ULocated in the Central Valley and surrounded by scenic mountains, San José is a vibrant city where history, art, culture, and urban life meet. Located in the center of the country, it's the perfect starting point for exploring the country, but also a gem waiting to be discovered. Its streets are filled with neoclassical architecture, and it's home to world-class museums such as the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, the Jade Museum, and the National Museum. Discover the majesty of the National Theater, the pride of the country. The city also pulses with modernity: artisanal cafes, local breweries, bars, and a modern cosmopolitan food scene, both east and west of the stimulating city.

Monday, September 1: DEPARTURE TO THE SANTOS AREA

Nature, Tradition, and the Best Coffee in Costa Rica

Located in the mountains of the southern Central Valley, the Zona de los Santos—which encompasses towns such as San Marcos de Tarrazú, Santa María de Dota, and San Pablo de León Cortés—is a rural paradise filled with breathtaking landscapes, a cool climate, and authentic hospitality. This region is world-renowned for producing some of the best specialty coffee on the planet, thanks to its altitude, volcanic soils, and sustainable agricultural practices. Here, visitors can tour coffee farms and coffee mills, participate in guided tastings, and learn about the artisanal coffee process firsthand, from plant to cup. In addition to coffee, the area offers hiking in cloud forests, birdwatching, quetzal watching, waterfall visits, and cultural experiences in charming mountain villages. It is located on one of the routes to the Central Pacific.

Tuesday, September 2: DEPARTURE TO THE CENTRAL PACIFIC, QUEPOS AND MANUEL ANTONIO

Nature, Communities and Sustainable Tourism

Visits to rural and conservation properties and experiences, as well as agritourism and nature tourism, will be scheduled. The Central Pacific region is one of the most easily accessible destinations from San José and offers a perfect fusion of paradisiacal beaches, tropical rainforest, and communities committed to rural tourism and sustainable development. In addition to tourist icons such as Manuel Antonio National Park and the diverse offerings of SOL Y PLAYA, the region is home to various community-based rural tourism and agritourism projects, where visitors can experience authentic experiences alongside local families. These initiatives allow visitors not only to enjoy the region's biodiversity and scenic beauty, but also to directly support rural communities, learn about sustainable agricultural practices, and contribute to environmental protection.

Wednesday, September 3: CATAMARAN ADVENTURE

Sport Fishing and Marine Wildlife Watching – From the Pez Vela Marina, Quepos

You will set sail from the prestigious Marina Pez Vela in Quepos for an unforgettable experience aboard a comfortable and modern catamaran, along one of the most biodiverse coasts of the Costa Rican Central Pacific. This tour combines the pleasure of sailing and encountering marine life in its natural environment, with the excitement of sport fishing for those who wish. Guided by an expert local crew, you will venture into waters rich in species. In addition to fishing, this tour offers the opportunity to spot dolphins and whales, especially during migratory seasons (July to October and December to March). It is not uncommon to see pods of playful dolphins accompanying the catamaran, and with a bit of luck, you may even observe the impressive majesty of humpback whales cruising the tropical waters. During the tour, you can also enjoy stops for swimming, snorkeling in rocky areas with tropical fish, and relaxing on deck with cold drinks.

Thursday, September 4: Guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park

Enjoy its Famous Beaches

Explore one of Costa Rica's most iconic and biodiverse parks with this guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park, a perfect experience for lovers of nature, photography, and idyllic beaches. Accompanied by a certified naturalist guide, you'll walk along trails surrounded by lush tropical rainforest where you can observe a wide variety of wildlife, including white-faced monkeys, two- and three-toed sloths, iguanas, coatis, butterflies, and exotic birds. Your guide will help you identify species using telescopes and binoculars. After the interpretive tour, you'll have free time to relax and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the park's spectacular beaches, such as Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Sur, considered among the most beautiful in Central America. The combination of jungle and ocean creates a unique environment where you can enjoy the tranquility, snorkel, or simply rest under the shade of the almond trees.

Friday, September 5: Participation in the EXPO Quepos 2025 Trading Exchange

Business Roundtable, El Parador Hotel

Hold brief meetings and conduct negotiations with more than 50 tourism service providers from the Central Pacific Region of Costa Rica, particularly Quepos, Manuel Antonio, and the surrounding areas. Learn about the rich offering of experiences and accommodations in this important and attractive tourist region. Talk with tourism chambers in both Quepos and emerging tourism regions, and take advantage of the opportunity to expand your network with entrepreneurs, ICT representatives, and other agencies during the many networking opportunities offered.

Saturday, September 6: SCENIC TOUR TO SAN JOSÉ

Esterillos, Carara National Park and Tárcoles River

Esterillos, a small and quiet coastal town located in the Central Pacific, is known for its beautiful, long beaches, perfect for walking, relaxing, or surfing, and its natural surroundings. It's an ideal destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy nature in its purest form. Admire the famous Mermaid sculpture and explore the small town. The region is surrounded by a wealth of biodiversity, making it an excellent starting point for exploring nearby natural attractions, filled with nature, coastal culture, and wildlife.

We will continue the route by visiting some of the most fascinating places in Costa Rica's Central Pacific, such as the biodiversity of Carara National Park, a unique transition between dry and humid tropical forest, where it is common to see scarlet macaws, white-faced monkeys, trogons, sloths, and more than 400 species of birds, making it a biodiversity hotspot. And the excitement of spotting giant crocodiles in the Tárcoles River, famous for being home to some of the largest crocodiles in Central America.

Sunday, September 7: DEPARTURE

Airport transfers for return flights to the countries of origin.

Optional: Extension of your stay in Costa Rica, at your own expense.