costa rica
11 nights/12 days: May 4-15, 2025
Detour with dean
What draws me to Costa Rica is the spirit of pura vida among the people who call it home—a keen focus on being, rather than doing. Less striving, more accepting. In Costa Rica the process is far more important than the outcomes. We learn to live with the land and the sea, not to use them, but to contribute to their vibrancy through stewardship. I am grateful for the fresh air, clean water, and thriving soil that nurtures an abundance of wildlife and plants, not found anywhere else on the planet. Costa Rica has given me the gift of learning what is truly important in life and I want to share that gift with you.
highlights include
Soar above the cloud forest on Sky Trek tram & zipline
Soak in volcanic hot springs in the shadow of Arenal
Ride world-class white water on the Pacuare river
Feel the jungle’s nocturnal pulse on a guided night hike
Get your hands dirty at an organic coffee farm
Learn the craft of cacao from indigenous communities
Savor the spice of the Caribbean in a cooking class
itinerary
“Pura Vida [Pure life]: to live a peaceful, simple, uncluttered life with deep appreciation of nature, family, friends; a ‘real living’ that reflects happiness, well-being, and satisfaction.”
Welcome to the most biologically intense place on earth! Nestled between the arid Pacific Coast and the temperate Caribbean Coast sits glorious Costa Rica— the hub of peace, environmental consciousness, adventure, and biodiversity in Central America. Cloud forest hikes reveal flora and fauna not found anywhere else on the planet. Sturdy ziplines rush over the dense forest canopy brimming with life 100 feet above the ground. Whitewater rapids surprise and amaze thrill-seekers. Simmering volcanoes provide healing waters and breathtaking views. World-class beaches allow for astounding surfing and snorkeling over the teeming coral reefs. Join us in this tropical paradise where we’ll drop into the easy-going rhythms of pura vida.
Day 1: unmasking san jose
Sunday, May 4, 2025
Bienvenidos a Costa Rica! After a short siesta at our hotel, we’ll get to know each other and the local culture with a visit to the masquerade workshop of a local artisan. A long-held tradition with roots in Carnival, Costa Ricans don oversized and colorful masks for parades and celebrations. We’ll gain first-hand insight on the craft while members of the artist’s family don several masks for us to admire. Afterward, we’ll enjoy dinner together family-style at their house.
San Jose is a 15-minute taxi from the San José Mineta International Airport.
Hotel: Fleur de Lys | Activity Level: Light | Meals: D
day 2: markets to monteverde
Monday, May 5, 2025
We start this morning with a visit to the iconic National Theater, followed by a visit to a fair trade shop hosting crafts from the 8 different indigenous territories. We’ll make our way to the colorful Central Market where we’ll savor Costa Rica’s flavors. After lunch we’ll travel by private coach to Monteverde and its mystical Cloud Forest Biological Reserve – a sanctuary of more than 2,000 species of plants, 320 bird species, and 100 different types of mammals. Much of the forest is nocturnal, so after a rest at our mountain hotel, we’ll enjoy a guided night walk where we’ll gain a greater perspective for the pulse of the forest under the shroud of darkness.
Hotel: Cloud Forest Lodge | Activity Level: Moderate | Meals: B, L
day 3: head in the cloud (forest)
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
This morning we experience life on a small, family farm. The Torres family has managed the farm since 1954 and is committed to sustainable farming and forest conservation. We’ll learn about small-scale cultivation and campesino life with a hands-on breakfast in which we’ll feed chickens, harvest eggs, and meet the family. Then we’re off to soak up the atmosphere of the Cloud Forest Biological Reserve on a cloud walk along hanging bridges suspended in misty mountain air. Whoever spots the illusive quetzal is the winner for the day!
Hotel: Cloud Forest Lodge | Activity Level: Strenuous | Meals: B
day 4: sky trek
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Costa Rica’s iconic ziplines originated in 1979 for biologists to study the forest canopy. The first public canopy tour opened 18 years later in Monteverde and this morning is dedicated to this adrenaline-filled past time. We’ll ride an open-air gondola to an observation point with sweeping views of the rain forest and Gulf of Nicoya from where we’ll soar along 9 cables spanning 2 miles to connected platforms, requiring no walking, but affording plenty of adventure. The afternoon is yours to siesta and savor the views of the cloud forest over a final sunset in Monteverde.
Hotel: Cloud Forest Lodge | Activity Level: Strenuous | Meals: B
day 5: hot coffee & thermal springs
Thursday, May 8, 2025
This morning we get caffeinated on a coffee farm tour where we’ll learn about the cultivation of the precious bean and the important role it plays in Costa Rica’s economy. We’ll then continue to La Fortuna, a small town resting in the shadow of Costa Rica's famous Arenal Volcano. Apart from its panoramic views, the town offers a range of other activities such as the 70-metre-high La Fortuna waterfall, stunning lush forest, rare plants, animal watching, and water-based activities on the lake. This evening we’ll enjoy a soak in the mineral hot springs followed by dinner together spring-side.
Hotel: Lomas del Volcan | Activity Level: Light | Meals: B, D
day 6: arenal national park
Friday, May 9, 2025
Today begins with a short, 1-mile guided hike to the Peninsula section of the National Park, near Lake Arenal. Throughout the tour we’ll enjoy stunning views overlooking Lake Arenal and the Tilaran Volcanic Mountain Range in the observation bays found along the trail. The walk concludes at a 40 ft-high observation platform where we’ll take in unobstructed views of the volcano. We’ll then travel by boat along the forested shores of Lake Arenal spotting wildlife along the way and enjoying photogenic angles of the lake and volcano. We conclude our morning at Arenal Dam, where you’ll be free to spend the afternoon in whatever manner you choose.
Hotel: Lomas del Volcan | Activity Level: Moderate | Meals: B
day 7: free day in la fortuna
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Today is free for you to explore La Fortuna as you wish. The region offers a range of sights including lush forest, rare plants, animal watching, and water sports on the lake. If you’re seeking relaxation, the volcano supplies the area with abundant thermal springs. Craving activity? Try stand-up paddle boarding on Lake Arenal with the incredible backdrop of the volcano, or chase waterfalls in the national park. Animal lovers will have a good chance of spotting sloths, monkeys, crocodiles and basilisk lizards skipping across the water on a boat tour of Cano Negro Reserve.
Hotel: Lomas del Volcan | Activity Level: Moderate | Meals: B
day 8: rafting the pacuare river
Sunday, May 11, 2025
This morning we drive 2 hours east to the Pacuare River, renowned for its natural beauty and world-class rafting. While not an overly challenging or technical river, the 18-mile run includes an amazing 52 class III/IV rapids, guaranteeing us a day of fun on the water. Flanked by green gorge walls, tumbling waterfalls, and tropical rain forest, this is Costa Rican nature at its best. Keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife as well, with sloth, parrots, toucans, and colorful butterflies and frogs a common sight. We’ll then continue by coach to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca for a taste of the Caribbean seaside – think reggae, coconuts, and palm-fringed beaches.
Hotel: Hotel Bugabutik | Activity Level: Moderate | Meals: B, L
day 9: Pura vida in puerto viejo
Monday, May 12, 2025
Today is devoted to pura vida. We’ll enjoy an entirely free day to immerse in the vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture, surf on world-renowned Salsa Brava waves, and cycle scenic coastal paths. Explore the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge to witness diverse wildlife or snorkel in crystal-clear waters to discover colorful coral reefs. Enjoy the town's lively atmosphere, with its blend of local and international cuisines, reggae music, and artisan markets. Relax on pristine beaches like Playa Cocles, and embrace the laid-back "Pura Vida" lifestyle that defines this enchanting Caribbean coast.
Hotel: Hotel Bugabutik | Activity Level: Strenuous | Meals: B
day 10: cacao & caribbean cooking
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Today we visit Bri Bri Territory, where an indigenous family dedicates itself to the reproduction of the Green Iguana, a once endangered species. We then visit the Bri-Bri indigenous reserve to learn the process of making chocolate, central to Bri-Bri culture for purification rituals, food, and medicine. We’ll refresh at a waterfall over a swim and a fruit snack before sharing a lunch of Caribbean specialties together. After a siesta, we’ll learn to prepare a traditional Caribbean meal ourselves in a local family’s home, enjoying fruits, seafood, tubers and vegetables combined with coconut flavors, ginger, allspice, cinnamon, curry, Panamian pepper, and thyme.
Hotel: Hotel Bugabutik | Activity Level: Moderate | Meals: B, L, D
day 11: cahuita national park
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Established in 1970, Cahuita National Park is a testament to Costa Rica’s dedication to preserving its natural treasures. We’ll explore its breathtaking coral reefs, lush rainforests, serene mangroves, and sun-drenched beaches, starting with a 2-hour guided hike followd by plenty of time to lounge on the beach, snorkel the reef, or go wildlife spotting for paca, iguanas, giant blue crabs, racoons, sloths, opossums, porcupines and the capuchin monkey. From here we’ll make the return journey to San Jose where we’ll enjoy our final meal together before departure tomorrow.
Hotel: Fleur de Lys | Activity Level: Moderate | Meals: B, D
day 12: Adiós, hasta la próxima!
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Our journey ends after breakfast. We’ll help arrange your airport transport, or any post-detour travel you have planned within or beyond Costa Rica. We won’t say adios, but rather hasta la proxima—to our next adventure together!
$5,895 per person (double occupancy)
$6,995 per person (singe occupancy)
10% deposit
FAQs
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Each detour includes the price of all admissions to sights seen as a group; tours by local guides, meals as listed in the trip itinerary; accommodations each night of the detour including breakfasts; all transportation required for group activities from the first hotel to the last hotel of the detour (transportation for optional group activities and independent travel during the detour is not included), travel consultations and advice from our staff, guides, and vendors including suggestions, tips, and directions, and all trip leader, local guide, driver, and hotel tips. Prices do not include airfare to and from the detour, nor ground transportation to/from airports.
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Detour prices do not include international airfare or ground transportation to/from the airport.
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Each detour includes all breakfasts and about half of your lunches and dinners as indicated in the meal guide included in each itinerary: B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner.
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Yes! Our detours are the perfect way for children (and adults) to learn in action. We welcome and celebrate multi-generational travel. History class was never so fun!
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Each detour begins the evening of Day 1 at our first hotel, where we will meet for a welcome reception. Meeting times vary by detour and are indicated on each itinerary.
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We will meet around 3 pm at our hotel on Day 1. If you plan to arrive a day early and want to stay in our trip hotel, please make arrangements with the hotel directly, indicating that you are part of our group.
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The San José Juan Santamaría International Airport is an easy taxi or shuttle ride from San José where we will begin and end our detour.
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Each trip page has a “book now” button that links to our online registration and payment system. There you can pay the 10% per person deposit and choose to pay in installments or to pay the full amount.
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Deposits are refundable for 30 days from receipt. After 30 days they are nonrefundable.
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Final payment is due 90 days prior to detour commencement but you may pau in full any time prior to this.
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Cancellations are allowed without penalty (excepting deposit) until the final payment deadline. After the final payment deadline 100% of funds paid are nonrefundable.
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Each trip page has a “book now” button that links to our online registration and payment system. There you can pay the 10% per person deposit and choose to pay in installments or to pay the full amount.
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Yes, all published prices are per person, based on double occupancy, or when available, single occupancy. Please contact us for triple occupancy pricing.
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During the registration process you will have the opportunity to request single occupancy, if it is offered. Due to the boutique nature of our hotels, we are not always able to offer single accommodations, but are happy to pair you with another single traveler.
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Yes. You must be able to carry your own luggage up at least three flights of stairs and on uneven ground for up to a quarter mile.
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Dressler Detours are physically demanding. To enjoy the experience, you must be in good walking shape. The most active days may average 5 miles of walking (often over uneven surfaces and including lots of climbing/steps), lots of standing while listening to your guide during group sightseeing, and possibly stair-climbing while carrying your own bag up to your hotel room. We’ve included an activity guide for each day of our itinerary: light=mostly sedentary, moderate=walking 1-3 miles on mostly even ground, strenuous=walking 3+ miles on hills/uneven ground.