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8 Days Costa Rica : Volcanoes & Rainforests Tour Package
Duration : 8 Days / 7 Nights
Priced From : $3,098 pp dbl. occ
Dates : December
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
U.S. / San José
We fly from the U.S. to San José, we meet our guide and transfer to the Hotel Bougainvillea. (Meals Aloft)
Days 2 & 3
Nectandra / Monteverde
After a sumptuous breakfast, we depart for the mountains of Monteverde, with a stop for lunch at Nectandra Cloud Forest Gardens, amid 257 acres of primary and secondary forest. We take a guided walk through dense forest, following well-worn animal trails. We continue to Monteverde Cloud Forest, where we spend two nights at Monteverde Lodge. We explore the renowned Monteverde Reserve, looking for tropical birds including parrots, motmots, hummingbirds, toucans and the star attraction: the stunning resplendent quetzal. The reserve features tumbling waterfalls, giant tree ferns and a lush blanket of mosses and epiphytes. On Day 3, we have two special treats: in the afternoon, we tour the “Bat Jungle” with Richard Laval, a bat specialist who began research here in 1973, and who wrote the definitive “Bats of Costa Rica.” We’ll have dinner with Marvin Rockwell, one of the founding fathers of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and, in the 1950s, of the nearby Quaker community. (B,L,D Daily)
Day 4
Monteverde / Arenal
In the morning we visit the Butterfly Garden, with many kinds of brilliantly colored native butterflies along with medicinal plants and a leaf-cutter ant colony. We then depart for Arenal, with a specially arranged picnic lunch on a local farm en route. We take a boat across Lake Arenal, then continue to Arenal Observatory Lodge, where our guide takes us on a hike on nearby trails. Arenal presents a remarkable spectacle: a continuously active volcano with erupting lava showers, smoke and steam. If the weather cooperates we will see a stunning display of volcanic fireworks. Arenal Observatory Lodge, originally built as a Smithsonian research station, is located dramatically close to the volcano, and is surrounded by pristine rainforest, waterfalls and an extensive set of trails. We stay here two nights. (B,L,D)
Day 5
Arenal
This morning we explore the Arenal Hanging Bridges, fourteen bridges designed to blend with the environment. As we walk these trails, we’ll see flowers and wildlife typical of the rainforest, and enjoy imposing views of Arenal. In the afternoon we visit the Ecotermales Hot Springs for a chance to enjoy soaking in thermal waters surrounded by rainforest. (B,L,D)
Day 6
Tortuguero National Park
We travel to the Caribbean coast, boarding excursion boats at the small outpost of Caño Blanco for a cruise on tranquil rivers to the Caribbean coast and Tortuguero National Park. We see wildlife including spider monkeys, herons and other birds and explore the rainforest and gardens surrounding Tortuga Lodge, our home for two nights. There are colorful frogs and butterflies in the understory, while higher in the canopy howler monkeys fill the air with booming calls. (B,L,D)
Day 7
Tortuguero National Park
We explore the flooded forests of Tortuguero, established to protect the largest nesting ground of green sea turtles in the Caribbean and the surrounding lowland rainforest — home to jaguars, manatees and the endangered great green macaw. By boat, we glide along the black waters surrounded by towering trees, looking for keel-billed toucans, colorful parrots and the basilisk lizard, called the “Jesus Christ lizard” because it runs across the water! Capuchin and spider monkeys may be seen crossing the river in daring leaps. You can take a night walk in the rainforest, and late June through September you can visit the beach to see sea turtles nesting. (B,L,D)
Day 8
Tortuguero / San José / U.S.
After breakfast we fly to San José, where we connect to our homeward-bound flights. (B, Meals Aloft)
Highlights
- Encounter a variety of primates — capuchin, howler, spider and squirrel monkeys.
- See whales and dolphins in Ballena Marine National Park.
- Specially arranged charter flights allow you to see the many aspects of Costa Rica in a relatively short span of time.
- Experience a variety of habitats — montane cloud forests, lowland rainforests, beaches and active volcanoes.
- See beautiful birds including resplendent quetzals, macaws, toucans and hummingbirds.
- Enjoy the comforts of the best accommodations in the country.
- Travel with outstanding naturalist guides, considered among the best in the world.
Save time, money and stress!
For reservations: Fill out the vacation planner to be contacted by our Costa Rica vacation specialist.
Contact : Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252
12/08
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