Colours And Sounds Of Costa Rica

DAY 1: ARRIVAL - SAN JOSE

Arrival into San Jose. Time at leisure.

DAY 2: SAN JOSE - TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK (B, L, D).

Depart early to Tortuguero National Park, crossing the protected area of Braulio Carrillo National Park. Stopping on the way for breakfast before arriving at the dock. Boarding a boat to reach the lodge and greeted with a refreshing exotic fruit cocktail. After lunch, visit the village of Tortuguero and then return to the lodge.

DAY 3: TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK (B, L, D).

Depart this morning and navigate through the Tortuguero Park Canals. The park was created to protect the most important nesting site of the green turtle in the Western Hemisphere and covers 190 square kilometres. The canals cross the park, creating a labyrinth of deltas and lagoons. With 11 different ecosystems, from rainforests of palm trees to marshes, this park offers one of the most extraordinary experiences in the natural world. Return to the lodge for lunch and the rest of the day at leisure.

From July to September in Tortuguero National Park an optional night tour to walk along the beach to admire the green turtles nesting is available - price on request.

DAY 4: TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK - PUERTO VIEJO (B, L).

Boarding the boat to leave the park you arrive at the dock. Continue overland to Guapiles where we will enjoy lunch and then continue to Puerto Viejo. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a perfect blend of Caribbean flavour, idyllic beaches, incredible waves for surfing and a relaxed atmosphere. The area has a strong Afro-Caribbean presence, and reggae music is heard everywhere.

DAY 5: PUERTO VIEJO (B, L).

Today visit Cahuita National Park. The tour takes place by boat with snorkelling in the most important coral reef of Costa Rica. Here you will possibility observe more than 30 different species of coral, over 300 different species of tropical fish, sharks, morays, molluscs and crustaceans, different sea urchins, sea algae and sea turtles. After snorkelling you take a walking tour that will take you through the park paths from Punta Cahuita to the village of the same name. During this walk you can admire a wide range of animal species such as snakes, howler monkeys, armadillos, raccoons and butterflies as well as the impressive flora formed by medicinal plants, orchids, ferns and bromeliads.

DAY 6: PUERTO VIEJO (B, L).

Visit the Kekoldy indigenous reserve today. Here we will be able to visit the indigenous families who live in the reserve and admire the activities they carry out to protect the reproduction of the green iguana, an endangered species. Continue towards the Bri-Bri reserve where its inhabitants will demonstrate the use and properties of some plants and the chocolate production process, which is important for this culture because it is used in purification rituals. End the tour by visiting a waterfall where you can swim before continuing to the restaurant for lunch.

DAY 7: PUERTO VIEJO - ARENAL NATIONAL PARK (B).

Today depart towards Arenal. The Arenal Volcano National Park surrounds the volcano of the same name and it covers 120 square kilometres from the plains of San Carlos. The majestic views this volcano offers are some of the most impressive in the country and having the chance to admire it in all its splendour, without clouds, is considered a real blessing by the Costa Ricans.

In the evening, you will visit an eco-centre where you will experience a unique night walk enjoy the nocturnal activity of animals such as: sloths, spiders, armadillos, porcupines, amphibians, alligators and some nocturnal birds such as the “chocuaco”.  Return to the hotel.

DAY 8: ARENAL NATIONAL PARK (B, D).

Today’s trip it to the active north-western side of the volcano. Walk Las Coladas Trail passing through the rain forest and over a large lava flow that formed in 1992. It is possible to observe a variety of plants, wildlife, and lava formation. The hike ends at a viewing point where, if weather permits you will be able to see red hot lava rolling down the side of the mountain. After your visit to the volcano, continue to Fortuna Hot Springs. The springs consist of five free-flowing pools set in a natural river gorge. Water temperature ranges from 38-43°C. Dinner will be at A Costa Rican home style and then return to the hotel.

DAY 9: ARENAL NATIONAL PARK - MONTEVERDE (B).

Today depart to Monteverde. Sail across the Arenal Lake departing from La Fortuna to Rio Chiquito. Continuing overland through the mountain roads, enjoying a unique view, and appreciating the daily life of the local population. Continue onto Monteverde.

DAY 10: MONTEVERDE (B).

Depart today for a hiking trip in Monteverde Reserve, located at an altitude of 1400 meters in the heart of the Tilaran Mountains and covering more than 4,025 hectares. The reserve contains four different bio-climatic communities, extending from the Pacific Ocean to the slopes of the Caribbean Ocean. There are over 150 species of amphibians and reptiles, 500 species of wineskin butterflies, more than 100 species of mammals (including jaguars and pumas), 400 bird species, 3,000 plant species (including 500 different types of orchids) and tens of thousands of insect species. Many scientists from around the world visit to study the abundant biodiversity of its ecosystems, and many useful discoveries for mankind originated here. At the end of the hike depart for the hotel.

DAY 11: MONTEVERDE

Transfer to San Jose for your flight or extend your trip.  Flights must depart no earlier than 14:00 hrs.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Accommodation - 10 nights in minimum 3-star hotels.

Meals - As specified in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).

Luggage - One normal suitcase and one handbag per person

Transfers - all airport transfers from arrival on Day 1 to final day (assuming specific group flights booked)

Tours (with local bilingual English-speaking guides) – Tortuguero National Park: Village, boat trip. Cahuita National Park: Boat and snorkelling trip, walking tour. Puerto Viejo: Cahuita National Park boat trip & snorkelling, Kekoldy reserve.  Arenal National Park: Volcano trip, La Fortuna Eco Springs, Arenal lake crossing. Monteverde:  Hiking trip.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

International flights and airport taxes to join the tour.

Tips for local guides / drivers.

Early Check-in / Late Check-out.

Travel insurance.

NOTES

• Tour prices are based on shared group services (not private services).

• Passport copies required 30 days prior to arrival for all passengers.