Experience Costa Rica With All Your Senses

Start your journey in San José, Costa Rica’s capital, by taking a moment to adjust and settle in. The hotel is located in a quiet, walkable neighborhood—perfect for blind and low vision travelers to orient themselves to new surroundings without too much hustle and bustle. The hotel’s layout is simple to navigate, and staff are friendly and eager to assist.

After checking into Hotel Autentico, take some time to relax in the hotel’s garden or common areas. The tropical air is warm and inviting, and you may hear the distant calls of parrots or the rustle of palm leaves in the wind.

In the evening, join the welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travelers when traveling in group. This is your chance to ask questions, get a sense of the week ahead, and connect with others who are just as excited (and maybe a little nervous) as you.

Insider Tip: Let your guide know if you’d like assistance navigating the hotel or help finding items in your room—it can make the whole week smoother.

Leave the city behind and head toward La Fortuna, a small town at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano. The drive is filled with sensory richness—open windows bring in the scent of rain-soaked earth, while your guide shares stories about the country’s landscapes and culture.

Once in La Fortuna, check into a cozy cabin-style hotel surrounded by lush gardens. We recommend Hotel Arenal Rabfer. You’ll hear birdsong, feel the warmth in the air, and sense the rhythm of this small-town pace.

In the evening, soak in the natural hot springs. The pools vary in temperature and texture, some with smooth stone edges, others more rustic. It’s a relaxing, multi-sensory experience—perfect for unwinding and letting the tension melt away.

Insider Tip: Pack a swimsuit in an easy-to-reach spot. Most hot springs have lockers and changing areas, and guides are happy to assist with orientation.

Begin your day with a visit to La Fortuna Waterfall. You can feel the power of the falls from a distance—its roaring sound, the mist rising into the air, and the surrounding jungle come together in a truly immersive moment. With assistance, it’s possible to walk part of the trail to a viewpoint or stay near the top for an equally powerful experience.

In the afternoon, choose your own adventure. Join a chocolate-making tour where you can taste fresh cacao, feel the texture of roasted beans, and learn about the traditional process of chocolate production. Or opt for a sloth-watching hike, where a naturalist guide will help you spot these slow, silent creatures nestled in the trees.

Insider Tip: If you’re unsure which optional activity to choose, ask the guide for sensory-rich recommendations—they know which tours are best suited for blind and low vision guests.

Today you’ll travel by boat across Lake Arenal, a peaceful journey where the sounds of water lapping against the hull and birds flying overhead create a quiet kind of magic. This scenic route brings you to Monteverde, Costa Rica’s famous cloud forest region.

In the afternoon, explore a butterfly garden or similar nature center. Staff provide hands-on opportunities to feel cocoons, soft wings, and the delicate flutter of insects. The guides are skilled at describing not just what you’re touching—but how these creatures live, grow, and transform.

The evening is cooler here—wrap up in a sweater and enjoy a warm drink at the lodge’s cozy café.

Insider Tip: The air in Monteverde is moist and crisp—perfect for recharging. Bring layers, and consider non-slip shoes for misty walkways.

Start your morning with a walk on the hanging bridges that stretch across forest canopies. These wide, sturdy paths have railings and are led by guides who describe everything—how vines twist up toward the light, what types of trees you’re walking above, and which birds you might hear nearby.

For the more adventurous, zip-lining is an optional afternoon activity. Guides are trained in working with blind and low-vision participants, and safety is their top priority. If flying through the treetops isn’t your style, spend the afternoon sipping coffee or exploring local shops at a slower pace.

Insider Tip: Don’t feel pressured to do it all. The zip-line is exhilarating, but even walking the cloud forest trails is a rich, rewarding experience.

Travel from the highlands down to the Pacific Coast, where the air becomes warmer and the pace even slower. Arrive in Manuel Antonio, a beach town surrounded by jungle and ocean.

Today’s highlight is a guided walk through Manuel Antonio National Park, including time on the Universal Trail—a fully accessible path designed for all travelers. Your guide will bring the forest to life with stories and sounds: monkeys swinging through branches, the gentle rustle of leaves, the distant crash of ocean waves.

Tactile exploration is encouraged. Feel the smooth bark of a tree, the texture of seed pods, or the rough edges of volcanic rock. This is nature you don’t just pass through—you engage with it, fully.

Insider Tip: Bring bug spray, sunscreen, and a small towel. It’s hot and humid, and these items will help you stay comfortable as you explore.