Costa Rica’s Forests in the Clouds & A Remote Colombian River Cruise

Arrive in San José, the capital of Costa Rica, located in the Central Valley. Thanks to its fertile volcanic soil and year-round spring-like climate, the Central Valley offers perfect conditions for the production of coffee, ornamental plants, and fruits.  San José is home to beautiful buildings, including the colonial-style main post office, the lively Cultural Plaza, and the National Theater, modeled after the Paris Opera. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening to meet your fellow travellers.

Today explore the Central Valley, with its dramatic landscapes and vibrant botanical beauty. Begin your day with an awe-inspiring visit to the Irazú Volcano. From the summit you will enjoy panoramic views of the valley below. Continue to the Lankester Botanical Garden, a paradise of flora that captures the essence of Costa Rica's rich biodiversity. Stroll through lush gardens adorned with an exquisite collection of orchids, each telling its unique story of adaptation and evolution. Immerse yourself in this masterpiece of nature as you learn about the interplay between plants, pollinators, and the delicate balance that sustains life within the rainforest.

Depart early to La Pavona and transfer by boat to the stunning Tortuguero National Park in the North Caribbean. The park is a sanctuary to 76,937 hectares of rainforest and marine habitat that abounds with wildlife. Explore the amazing natural surroundings on your way to your jungle lodge on Tortuguero's main canal. Watch for colorful birds and crocodiles from aboard your boat. With the help of your guide and boatmen, spot troops of playful monkeys, slow-moving sloths, caimans, sunbathing lizards and much more during your cruise through the lush greenery. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch, then take a walk through the gardens with your guide.

This morning, before breakfast, enjoy a boat tour of the canals within Tortuguero National Park.  Observe the numerous bird and animal species carrying out their morning rituals. Upon returning to the lodge, enjoy breakfast, then choose to relax by the pool or visit the village of Tortuguero with your local guide. Enjoy a drink in one of the local restaurants before returning to the lodge for lunch. After lunch, take another boat tour through the canals, where you may spot monkeys, sloths, turtles, iguanas and numerous different bird species amid the lush vegetation.

Return to La Pavona by boat, then transfer by coach to Guápiles for lunch. Continue your journey to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, travelling across scenic landscapes and lush tropical forests. The region is awash with the vibrant colors of tropical flora and a symphony of exotic birdlife. We set out on riverboat adventures, encountering fascinating wildlife, including sloths and vibrantly coloured toucans. This haven is home to various nature reserves, protected areas, and national parks, as well as being one of the few sites where you can witness the endangered green macaw. This charming region offers us a glimpse into the local culture, in its vibrant markets and friendly inhabitants.

Today, visit La Selva Biological Station, located within the lush landscapes of Sarapiquí. Explore the rainforest’s heart with local expert guides who share their intimate knowledge of the flora, fauna, and other ecological wonders of the rainforest. This afternoon, visit an organic farm, nestled within Sarapiquí's verdant landscapes. Learn about the regenerative farming methods used to nurture the land here.  See the diverse array of crops being grown here and try some of the produce. In addition, discover the uses of medicinal plants and how they are still being used today.

Journey further through the rainforest and across volcanic terrain to arrive at La Fortuna. The charming town of La Fortuna lies at the foot of the active, perfectly conical Arenal Volcano, near Lake Arenal. Although the volcano has been dormant since 2010, it is still the highlight of the region, especially on sunny days when you can see the giant in all its amazing splendour. Finish your day with a relaxing soak in one of the area’s hot springs while enjoying the stunning views of Arenal Volcano. Tonight, visit a wild frog sanctuary. The colourful tree frogs and other rainforest wildlife are most active during the night, making them easier to observe then. Continue along flat trails through the chattering rainforest, past the various ponds harbouring our frog friends.

Walk to one of the best viewpoints today and witness the Arenal Volcano and its lava trails. Walk along the well-maintained Mirador Arenal 1968 trail, to explore the lava fields while strolling through vast areas of secondary forest. Enjoy a picnic lunch as you admire these magical views that extend for miles.

A scenic boat ride offers further perspectives of the Arenal Volcano and the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest. These rare forests occur within tropical or subtropical mountainous environments, where the atmospheric conditions allow for consistent cloud cover. Cloud forests host many endemic species, as their unique climates and specialised ecosystems create habitats not found anywhere else on Earth. Be on the lookout for lichens, orchids and bromeliads, as well as the famous quetzal bird, as you explore the dense primary cloud forest. This afternoon, visit the Monteverde Orchid Garden, a haven of botanical beauty tucked within Monteverde's lush rainforest. Discover diverse orchids and learn about their cultivation. Also, see rare and endemic species and breathtaking hybrids.

Today, enjoy a sustainable agriculture tour at Madre Tierra Farm. Learn about the responsible farming practices observed here, amid the captivating landscapes of Monteverde. Explore the fields and verdant gardens that supply the farm with fresh produce and learn about the organic cultivation, as well as the farm's commitment to preserving the environment, from composting to natural pest control. Enjoy lunch here before taking time at leisure this afternoon.

This morning, visit Santa Elena Reserve to see giant tree ferns, bamboo and palm trees, as well as moss-covered liana vines which dangle from the canopy. Return to San José this afternoon and enjoy a Farewell Dinner this evening.

Depart San José for your flight to Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia. Upon arrival, take a city tour of the Colombian capital, starting in Bogotá’s Plaza de Bolívar (the main square) and continue to the government buildings before entering Candelaria, the colonial city centre. End the day with a cable car ride to the summit of Monserrate Hill, Bogotá’s best-known landmark. Enjoy beautiful views of the city and the surrounding landscapes before having dinner at our hotel this evening.

Travel north towards Chingaza National Park, which sits on the eastern slopes of the Andes. The vegetation ranges from forest to moorlands and lagoons. Here we see the endemic species of the páramo ecosystem. One of the more beautiful plants unique to the region is the frailejón, commonly known as espeletia, a high-altitude shrub found in Andean climates. Walk through the park and admire the variety of páramo plants and blooming flowers.

This morning, visit the Bogotá Botanical Garden to discover native flowers and plants. Follow pathways around the garden to exhibits showcasing an abundance of plants. The rose garden here has more than 70 varieties of colourful roses to smell and admire, while the Andean forest, with its tall oak trees, is inspiring. This afternoon, fly to Barranquilla and settle into your stateroom aboard the AmaMagdalena as you prepare for your journey along the Magdalena River. In the evening, enjoy a special Carnaval celebration. Widely considered one of Colombia’s most important folkloric celebrations, the Carnaval of Barranquilla has also been declared a UNESCO Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Revel in this truly authentic experience as you learn the Carnaval’s motto: ‘Quien lo vive, es quien lo goza’ (‘Those who live it are those who enjoy it’).

Visit the Floating Village of Nueva Venecia. A charming town filled with welcoming locals, Nueva Venecia, or ’New Venice’, can only be navigated by boat. With its beautiful colonial houses, vivid architecture and local sanctuary protecting the native flora and fauna, this town highlights the beauty and warmth of Colombia. Explore the village and learn more about the lives of its people during a guided tour. Enjoy viewing the traditional arts and crafts on display, learn about the locals’ fishing techniques, and taste the local delicacies as you embrace the unique culture of the village.

Spend your morning in Santa Bárbara de Pinto, along the banks of the Mompox arm of the Magdalena River. Enjoy a walking tour through this traditional town, where you may see landmarks such as the Santa Barbara Church and enjoy seeing the intricate handmade crafts created in the town. In the afternoon, arrive in the island town of Mompox, where we are welcomed with an exclusive jazz performance.

The remote village of Mompox was an important Spanish trading post, and its many colonial buildings have been well preserved. The town is famous for its filigree jewellery, which we learn about during our tour this afternoon. We also visit the Ciénaga de Pijiño region, whose massive lake is home to a variety of native flora and fauna. In the afternoon, take a stroll through Mompox on a guided walking tour. Stunning colonial churches and breathtaking nature surround the town. Take the opportunity to try the delicious local delights, including capa cheese and butifarra.

Bid farewell to Mompox before embarking on a scenic cruise through the La Mojana Region, one of the most breathtaking stretches of the Magdalena River. Reach the town of El Banco, at the intersection of the Magdalena and César rivers. The town was repeatedly destroyed during the struggles between native inhabitants and the Spanish colonists. Embark on a guided walking tour and learn more about the town’s history, including its status as the birthplace of cumbia, the distinctive music genre and dance style that has been popularized around the world. Originating as a courtship dance practiced by African slaves, the style later incorporated American steps, as well as European and African instruments, and became especially popular within the Andean region of Colombia. This evening, enjoy an exclusive dinner in town and witness an incredible cumbia performance by locals.

Spend the day in Magangué, immersing yourself in Colombia’s natural surroundings during a birdwatching tour. Here, we have the opportunity to witness birds only found in this specific part of the country. You can also take a hiking tour through the beautiful and vibrant city of Ciénaga.  Later today, visit Calamar, located at the entrance of the Canal del Dique. See the historic Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepcién during our tour of this beautiful destination by paola (a bicycle taxi for two).

Take the day to delight in the beautiful coastal city of Cartagena, whose many brightly coloured buildings can be seen adorned with flower boxes. Tales of gold discoveries led to the expansion of what was once a small port into a thriving city. Observe iconic landmarks, such as the Catedral de Cartagena, or the stone walls built to protect the city from plundering pirates. In the afternoon, enjoy a tour through the breathtaking Getsemaní neighbourhood. Amid the vibrant, colourful homes and street art, mouthwatering local delicacies can also be found throughout the historic neighbourhood. This evening, watch the sun set on the incredible San Felipe Castle.

Bid your ship and crew farewell as you disembark and prepare for your flight home.