-Discover Costa Rica’s remarkable bio-diversity from its rainforest to its pristine Pacific beaches
-Amble along the serenely beautiful trails of the lush La Paz Waterfalls Gardens
-Change your point of view – from walking through treetop canopies to paddling an ocean outrigger as it skips across the water
-Encounter the indigenous Maleku people of the Monteverde community to learn about their lives and their skills for arts and crafts
-Venture into the Children Eternal Rainforest for a guided walk on the largest private reserve in Central America. You have the opportunity to plant a tree as part of a reforestation project
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart USA / San Jose, Costa Rica
Begin your rainforest adventure today with your flight to Costa Rica’s welcoming capital city.Your driver will be waiting to escort you by private vehicle to your luxury hotel. Hotel Grano De Oro, Deluxe Room
Day 2: San Jose / Tortuguero Canals
Early morning, fly to Tortuguero area. After you check-in to your tropical lodge, enjoy a guided walk in the rainforest and a boat tour of the canals within the National Park. Pachira Lodge, Standard Room (B,L,D)
Day 3: Tortuguero / Arenal Volcano & La Paz Waterfall
Today, fly back to San Jose to meet your private guide/driver to drive to Arenal Volcano in the northern plains. Stop en route at the stunning La PazWaterfalls Gardens. A guided walk takes you to five enchanting waterfalls. La Paz also features a butterfly observatory, hummingbird garden, serpentarium, frog exhibit, trout lake and bird watching areas. The park's unique trail design covers nearly two miles of paved trails with viewing platforms, allowing you to experience and photograph the forest and waterfalls from various perspectives. Hotel Arenal Kioro, Suite (B,L)
Day 4: Maleku Indigenuos Community & Hidalgo Family Hot Springs
Early morning, meet members of the Maleku community in Guatuso. They live on part of the reserve that is home to several indigenous tribes – each with its own customs and language. Much of the income for the community comes though the arts and crafts they make here. Late afternoon, stop at the thermal pools at Hidalgo Family Hot Spring. Hotel Arenal Kioro, Suite (B,L,D)
Day 5: Arenal Hanging Bridges / Monteverde
Set out this morning for the exceptional Arenal Hanging Bridges. This is an adventure in the treetops as the bridges have over three kilometers of hiking trails through spectacular lowland rainforest. Eight fixed bridges and six hanging bridges – all made of galvanized steel and high-strength aluminum for utmost safety – have been designed to blend with the natural environment, leaving the forest intact.You enjoy bird’s-eye views of this magical forest. This afternoon, travel by road to Lake Arenal and board a pontoon boat for a relaxing ride across the lake to the Monteverde community. Founded by Quakers in 1951, it is a successful farming community and center known for nature and arts. Hotel Fonda Vela, Standard Room (B,L,D)
Day 6: Monteverde Biological Reserve & Children's Eternal Rainforest
This morning’s focus is Monteverde Biological Reserve, a magical habitat of majestic trees, wild orchids, bromeliads, and a wealth of ferns, vines, and mosses. Hiking the trails here inspires all the reverence of a cathedral. The eco-system is home to jaguar, ocelot, Baird´s tapir, threewattled bellbird, and the famous elusive resplendent Quetzal. In the afternoon, experience the Children’s Eternal Rainforest and take time to plant a tree in the forest. Hotel Fonda Vela, Standard Room (B)
Day 7: Carara National Park / Manuel Antonio, Quepos
Your agenda today includes a guided walk of Carara National Park. The park protects the river basin of the River Tárcoles, and includes one of the largest remaining populations of wild Scarlet Macaw in the country. Drive to the Manuel Antonio beach town in Quepos and your resort. Hotel Si Como No, Deluxe Room (B)
Day 8: Manuel Antonio
Discreetly integrated into this tropical paradise is Hotel Si Como No. This wonderfully soothing resort is set in the most idyllic hilltop in Manuel Antonio. Today is yours to spend as you wish with quiet walks, spa treatments, water sports, or do nothing at all. Hotel Si Como No, Deluxe Room (B)
Day 9: Jaco Area / Outriggers Tour
Early morning, travel to Jaco on the west coast, known for miles of beaches. At Agujas Beach, board an outrigger, or ocean kayak. A professional guide at the helm means all you do is paddle and enjoy the sensation of sliding across the ocean surface. Paddle past spectacular cliffs, where you keep company with frigate birds and pelicans. Tonight, relax at your dreamy hotel surrounded by luxuriant jungle with breathtaking views of sea and sky. It is an inspired fusion of design styles: tropical Victorian, neo-classical French while keeping its connection to nature. Villas Caletas Hotel, Deluxe Room (B)
Day 10: Manuel Antonio / Sarchi / San Jose
This morning, you discover Manuel Antonio National Park, a perfect combination of warm Pacific waters and rainforest that grows right down to the three white sand beaches. Nature trails take you along the beach and over a forested, rocky promontory. This afternoon, you depart the wondrous natural land and return to San Jose via the town of Sarchi, well known for hand painted ox carts and handicrafts. Hotel Grano De Oro, Deluxe Room (B)
Day 11: San Jose / USA
Today our staff will take you from the hotel the airport. Return home rested and rejuvenated. (B)
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Contact: Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-415-446-5252 or 1-800-330-8820
10/08
