Costa Rica Extended Stay
About the Trip
November 3–24, 2027 | 22 Days
Settle into the rhythm of Costa Rica on this 22-day extended stay along the Pacific coast. After arriving in San José, travel to the vibrant beach town of Jacó and settle into your resort for a relaxed three-week stay. Discover the country’s extraordinary wildlife in Carara National Park, cruise the Tárcoles River to spot American crocodiles and tropical birdlife, and explore Jacó’s lively farmers market with a local guide. A day in Manuel Antonio National Park brings rainforest trails, wildlife sightings and time to relax on white-sand beaches. You’ll also visit Macaw Lodge to learn how cacao becomes chocolate. With guided experiences complete, enjoy ample leisure time to explore Jacó’s beaches, nearby adventures and laid-back coastal culture before your return to San José..
Activity Level: Moderate
If you’re somewhat active and have a zest for adventure, then this is the trip level for you. These trips may involve more activities or longer touring days with a full schedule. Excursions will include walking and standing for extended periods, walking tours on uneven surfaces or trails, more actively inclined itineraries and may include coach, boat and rail travel.
Member Exclusive Benefits
We reward all our CAA Members on our Extraordinary Explorations® tours.
- Plaza Premium Lounge pass†
- 25 CAA Dollars®^
- 25% savings on CAA Travel Insurance◊
Extraordinary Experience
CAA has curated an exceptional experience unique to your tour. Details of this experience are listed below:
Exploration of Cacao: From Root to Bar
Cacao has shaped Central American culture for centuries. Long before chocolate became a global favourite, the Maya developed many of the traditional methods still used today—fermenting, drying and roasting the beans before grinding them into a rich beverage enjoyed across society. At Macaw Lodge, you’ll discover this fascinating tradition firsthand. Walk through cacao plantations surrounded by rainforest while learning about the different varieties of cacao trees and the fruit they produce. Along the way, your guide explains the process that transforms raw cacao into chocolate. This immersive visit connects agriculture, culture and flavour, offering a deeper understanding of one of Costa Ria’s most cherished ingredients.
Package Includes:
- Return airfare from Toronto or Winnipeg to San Jose
- 21-night stay in 1-bedroom accommodation in Jacó
- Welcome fresh fruit package
- 2 lunches, 1 dinner and 1 tasting
- Land transportation via first-class motorcoach
- All bridges, ferry and road tolls
- Sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary
- Local English-speaking naturalist guide first 5 days
- Local English-speaking guides
- Destination transfers
- CAA Host (first few days)
Costa Rica Extended Stay
Rainforest wildlife, a crocodile river cruise and Manuel Antonio’s beaches shape this relaxed 22-day Costa Rica stay based in Jacó.
Day 1
Jacó – Depart from Toronto or Winnipeg on your flight to San Jose. Meet your naturalist guide on arrival and transfer to Jacó for your extended stay at Crocs Resort.
Day 2
Jacó – Take time to settle into your home for the next 21 nights. Day at leisure.
Day 3
Jacó – Step into the wild heart of Costa Rica in Carara National Park, a vibrant transition forest where scarlet macaws soar overhead and monkeys call from the canopy. Wander shaded trails with your naturalist guide while spotting wildlife, rare birds and tropical flora. Continue to the Tarcoles River for a boat cruise to observe crocodiles and mangrove birdlife. This evening is your welcome dinner. (L/D)
Day 4
Jacó – Visit the local farmers market with your guide and stroll bustling stalls filled with fresh produce and regional specialties. Learn about seasonal favourites, enjoy tasting tips and select fresh ingredients while connecting with the heart of the community.
Day 5
Jacó – Spend the day exploring Manuel Antonio National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most beloved coastal treasures. Walk rainforest trails where monkeys, sloths and tropical birds are often spotted as your guide helps reveal the park’s hidden wildlife. Afterward, relax on pristine white-sand beaches framed by turquoise waters and swaying palms. Enjoy time to swim or unwind before lunch at a local restaurant. (L)
Day 6
Jacó – Visit tranquil Macaw Lodge for a guided chocolate experience. Surrounded by rainforest gardens, explore the cacao-to-chocolate process while tasting fresh cacao, learning traditional techniques and sampling artisanal chocolate. (T)
Day 7 - 21
Jacó – Crocs Resort is perfectly located to enjoy Jacó’s vibrant coast. Try surf lessons on Jacó Beach, stroll the lively beachfront or enjoy sunset walks along the shore. Nearby adventure parks offer zipline canopy tours, jungle ATV rides and horseback excursions with ocean views. Just minutes away, Los Sueños Marina offers sportfishing, catamaran cruises and coastal sightseeing. Jacó’s town centre features a lively mix of shops, cafés and nightlife.
Day 22
Private transfer to San Jose airport for your return flight home.
L - Lunch | D - Dinner | T - Tasting
Terms & Conditions
*All CAA Member prices are per person, based on double occupancy, in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated and are subject to change without prior notice until final payment is paid. All prices are correct at press time and apply to new bookings only, based on availability at time of booking. To receive CAA Member-exclusive benefits, there must be one valid CAA Member travelling per booking. Non-members booking Extraordinary Explorations will not receive Member-exclusive benefits.
†Plaza Premium Lounge is based on one voucher per person and applies to departures from Canadian airports where applicable. Subject to availability.
^CAA Dollars awarded per adult Member. To earn and redeem CAA Dollars, you must be a current CAA Member in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by membership expiry date). CAA Dollars will be credited at time of departure. For more information on CAA Dollars, please visit www.caasco.com/caadollars.
◊ CAA Travel Insurance, an Orion Travel Insurance product, is underwritten by Echelon Insurance. Twenty-five percent (25%) Member savings is made up of a ten percent (10%) Member savings as well as a promotional fifteen percent (15%) savings when you purchase an Extraordinary Explorations tour through CAA Travel, applies to CAA South Central Ontario and CAA Manitoba Members in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by membership expiry date). This promotional offer is valid until December 31, 2027. Ten percent (10%) Member savings applies to Members in good standing of all other CAA clubs. Savings apply to the total premium excluding applicable taxes. Minimum premium applies. Visitors to Canada Insurance is limited to promotional savings. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice. A Medical Questionnaire may be required to purchase travel insurance.
Extraordinary Explorations vacations are organized and booked by CAA Travel (South Central Ontario) Inc. and CAA Manitoba (“CAA Travel”) on behalf of CAA Club Group (o/a CAA South Central Ontario and CAA Manitoba). In the event of an increase in any of the cost factors, CAA Travel reserves the right to increase the price whereby the provisions of the Travel Industry Act shall prevail. Deposit is non-refundable at the time of booking. Final payment is due 120 days before departure. CAA Extraordinary Explorations packages are 100% non-refundable at final payment. CAA Travel service fee for cancellation prior to final payment varies by program. For full payment terms and conditions, please ask your CAA Travel Consultant. CAA Travel reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements (minimum number of participants) or circumstances beyond its control. Additional fees for checked luggage or other incidentals may be incurred and vary according to itinerary and airline. Air schedules with some tours are not available at press time and may include several connections or forced overnight at passenger’s expense. CAA Travel strongly recommends the purchase of trip cancellation and emergency travel and emergency medical insurance at the time of booking.
Please note: Participants must be able to embark and disembark cruise ships and coaches without assistance as well as have a good level of mobility for walking tours in destinations where stairs and traditional cobblestone streets can be challenging. International transportation vehicles and facilities may not meet accessibility standards.
Flight
IncludedTour Itinerary
Day 1
Jacó
Depart from Toronto or Winnipeg on your flight to San Jose. Meet and greet with your naturalist guide on arrival and transfer to Jacó for your extended stay at Crocs Resort.
Day 2
Jacó
Take time to settle into your home for the next 21 nights. Day at leisure.
Day 3
Jacó
Step into the wild heart of Costa Rica in Carara National Park, a vibrant transition forest where scarlet macaws soar overhead and monkeys call from the canopy. You’ll wander shaded trails with your naturalist guide and admire the wildlife, rare birds and tropical flora. Continue to the Tarcoles River for a boat cruise to observe crocodiles and mangrove birdlife. This evening is your welcome dinner. (L/D
Day 4
Jacó
Begin your day with a guided visit to the local farmers market, where you can stroll through bustling stalls as your guide introduces you to seasonal favorites, offers tasting tips and helps you select the freshest ingredients. It’s a relaxed, sensory‑rich start to the day and connect with the heart of the community.
Day 5
Jacó
Spend a day immersed in the natural beauty of Manuel Antonio National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most beloved coastal treasures. Walk along lush rainforest trails where monkeys, sloths and tropical birds are often spotted, all guided by an expert who helps you uncover the park’s hidden wildlife. After your nature walk, unwind on Manuel Antonio’s pristine white‑sand beaches, framed by turquoise water and swaying palms. Enjoy time to swim, relax or simply take in the stunning coastal scenery. Stop for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, where fresh flavors and warm hospitality offer the ideal finish to this unforgettable Costa Rican experience. (L)
Day 6
Jacó
Enjoy a sweet and memorable day with a guided chocolate tour at the tranquil Macaw Lodge. Surrounded by lush rainforest and vibrant gardens, you’ll explore the full cacao‑to‑chocolate process, tasting fresh cacao, learning traditional techniques and savoring artisanal samples along the way. It’s an immersive, sensory experience that blends nature, culture and flavour. (T)
Day 7 - 21
Jacó
Crocs Resort offers an ideal base to enjoy the best of Jacó’s vibrant coast. Steps from the resort, you can opt for surf lessons on Jacó Beach, stroll the lively beachfront or enjoy sunset walks along the shore. Nearby adventure parks offer thrilling zipline canopy tours, ATV rides through jungle trails and horseback excursions with ocean views. Just minutes away, Los Sueños Marina offers world‑class sportfishing, catamaran cruises and coastal sightseeing. Jacó’s town center features a fun mix of shops, cafés and nightlife, making it easy to blend relaxation, adventure and local culture throughout your stay.
Day 22
Private transfer to San Jose airport for your return flight home.
L - Lunch | D - Dinner | T - Tasting