The Wonders 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 - ARENAL NATIONAL PARK (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 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.

DAY 5: ARENAL (B, D).

Depart to the banks of the Peñas Blancas River, where you will embark on a raft to cross the forest, admiring animals like monkeys, iguanas, crocodiles and numerous bird species. The boat is not motor powered allowing you to progress slowly by oar and to enjoy the sounds and sights of nature. After the river safari you reach the Arenal Volcano to hike one of the north side trails, Las Coladas. This runs through the rainforest and where a large lava flow formed in 1992. The hike ends at an observation point where, if weather permits, you will be able to see where the lava used to flow down the mountain. Following the visit to the volcano, continue to La Fortuna Eco Springs.  These hot springs are made up of five pools with free flow and are fed by a river with temperatures ranging from 38-43°C. Dinner at the restaurant of the thermal springs and return to the hotel.

DAY 6: 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. Before arriving at Monteverde you will stop to try the exclusive tradition of Costa Rican coffee by visiting a traditional farm. Learn about the history and importance of coffee with a tasting session and accompanying snacks.

DAY 7: 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 admire the forest from above, boarding the Sky Tram, a high-tech cable car that travels for 1600 meters (in both directions) that reaches between 1400 and 1600 meters above sea level. You will reach the Continental Divide, one of the highest mountains in the reserve. Head for the Sky Walk, a combination of stunning footpaths and bridges spanning up to 235 meters, from where you can admire the rainforest from a height of 70 metres.

DAY 8: MONTEVERDE (B).

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

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Accommodation - 7 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. Arenal National Park: Volcano trip, River raft, La Fortuna Eco Springs, Arenal lake crossing. Monteverde:  Coffee tasting, hiking trip, Sky Tram, Sky walk.

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.