| Advertise on this Site |
 |
| Bookmark this page |
| Email this page to a friend |
|
10 Days Costa Rica Volcanoes, Rivers and Rainforests Tour Package
From the palm-fringed beaches of the Caribbean coast to mist-shrouded mountains cloaked in cloud forest, Costa Rica is a paradise for the naturalist. This peaceful little country, located at a natural bridge between North and South America, contains a phenomenally diverse concentration of wildlife that you can experience on one of Costa Rica vacations. 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 Alta. (Meals Aloft) Day 2 San José / Monteverde After a welcome breakfast, meet the Master Naturalist who will serve as our guide. Depart for the mountains of Monteverde to Monteverde Cloud Forest, where we spend two nights at Monteverde Lodge. This afternoon we visit the Ecological Farm, a small private reserve providing us the chance to see flora, birds and mammals characteristic of the cloud forest. (B,L,D) Day 3 Monteverde 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, and encompasses six different ecological zones. Cap off our day with a visit to the Butterfly Garden, with many kinds of brilliantly colored native butterflies along with medicinal plants and a leaf-cutter ant colony. (B,L,D) Day 4 Monteverde / Arenal Depart for Arenal, with a specially arranged picnic lunch on a local farm en route. We pass the north end of Lake Arenal near the Arenal Volcano, active since 1968. 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. We spend two nights at the Hotel Nayara, where our private bungalows are surrounded by lush tropical rainforest. (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 Hidalgo Family Hot Springs for a chance to enjoy soaking in thermal waters surrounded by rainforest. Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican dinner prepared by our host, Doña Mireya. (B,L,D) Day 6 Arenal / 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 three 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) Days 7 & 8 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. Our time will include a visit to the Caribbean Conservation Corporation Museum, where we learn about the Atlantic green sea turtle. You can take a night walk in the rainforest, and our special July and August journeys will take special night excursion so you can visit the beach to see sea turtles nesting. (B,L,D Daily) Day 9 Tortuguero / San José Take a short flight to San Jose this morning. We spend the rest of the morning at the Britt Coffee Plantation, learning how this brown brew played a vital role in forging Costa Rican democracy and cultivating the country’s national identity. Our coffee tour is packed with tips and tricks for making a great cup of coffee, from how to properly store beans to making a perfect cappuccino. After lunch, you have the rest of the day at leisure to explore on your own or relax at the hotel before a festive farewell dinner. (B,L,D) Day 10 San José / U.S. Transfer to the airport in San José, where we connect to our homeward-bound flights. (Meals Aloft)
Accommodations Monteverde Lodge Located on the edge of the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, at an elevation of 4,600 feet, Monteverde Lodge provides comfortable amenities. All rooms are spacious with private baths and great views of the surrounding forest. From the dining area you can enjoy watching parrots and toucans perched in the gardens outside. A living room with a cozy fireplace and a well-stocked bar is adjacent to the dining area. The solarium contains a large Jacuzzi, which provides a soothing, warm soak after an exciting day in the cloud forest. Hotel Nayara Located on the outskirts of the Arenal Volcano, Hotel Nayara is an oasis of tranquility that provides a natural experience. Surrounded by lush tropical rainforest and wildlife, the individual guest bungalows provide independent space and privacy, including a private backyard and outdoor shower (in addition to en suite facilities). Tortuga Lodge Located on the northern Caribbean coast bordering Tortuguero National Park, Tortuga Lodge blends perfectly with the surrounding primary rainforest. Its position on the edge of the river, with a backdrop of lush jungle vegetation, lends an ambiance that is truly in keeping with the Tortuguero experience. The dining room overlooks the river; the guestrooms are spacious and highly comfortable, with private baths and hot showers; and ceiling fans provide a pleasant breeze. Guests may cool off in the beautiful new swimming pool or relax in elegant gazebos complete with hammocks, and each are aesthetically designed with garden stones and tropical plants to fit into the natural surroundings. 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 12/09 |
|
Expert Costa Rica Vacation Planners Search here for your Vacation, Tour or Cruise
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
