Manuel Antonio National Park
Costa Rica: A World of Nature Discover a culture that treasures its exotic ecosystem Start Early Add an extra day in San Jose. Enjoy more time to explore this vibrant city. Call for details.
Day 1: San Jose, Costa Rica - Tour Begins Journey to Costa Rica and discover the
fascinating tropical ecosystems of Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano and Manuel Antonio National Park. Explore of the country’s natural gems and take time for independent personal discovery.
Day 2: San Jose - Tortuguero National Park Begin the day surrounded by dormant volcanos
and crater lakes as you journey through Braulio Carrillo National Park en route to the Caribbean lowlands. Along the way, take in the mountain vistas and Caribbeanstyle villages. Later, discover the natural wonders of the rainforest of Tortuguero National Park as you cruise the rivers and canals with your guide. Enjoy a 2-night stay at your eco-lodge surrounded by the beauty of a tropical forest and an array of wildlife. Learn more about your surroundings with a visit to the world’s first Green Turtle Research Station. Discover how to protect the turtle’s nesting habitat and eggs. Join your fellow travellers this evening for a welcome dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 3: Tortuguero National Park Set
out on an early morning bird-watching excursion that explores the variety of local species and migratory birds that flock to this area. Find yourself surrounded by wildlife as you embark on a nature cruise through the
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national park – keep an eye out for howler monkeys, sloths, toucans and caimans, as well as exotic flora. Tortuguero National Park, a study in rainforest, freshwater and marine biology, protects over 350 species of birds and mammals. Savour time to explore and seek out green macaws; 57 species of amphibians; 111 species of reptiles; and 60 mammal species, including 13 of Costa Rica’s endangered animals including jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters and manatees. (B, L, D)
Day 4: Tortuguero National Park Sarapiquí - Arenal Volcano Embark on a
boat ride to the mainland as you travel to the fascinating Sarapiquí region. Afterwards, join a local expert at La Tirimbina Biological Reserve where you will discover the history and continuing importance of cacao to Central America’s economy. Observe the process of producing chocolate from the cacao bean and sample the delicious finished product. Next, continue to your resort featuring panoramic views of Arenal Volcano. (B, D)
Day 5: Arenal Volcano This morning,
the choice is yours. You may embark on one of the most thrilling zip lining experiences in Costa Rica while admiring the views and wildlife of the Arenal rainforest. Or, perhaps you would enjoy a moderate hike through the trails of Arenal Volcano National Park where you will traverse the former lava fields and enjoy spectacular views of the volcano. This afternoon is at leisure to explore the lush surroundings of your rainforest resort, perhaps indulge in an optional spa treatment, or simply relax in the luxurious soothing waters of one of the region’s famous hot springs. (B)
Day 6: Arenal Volcano - Villa Blanca Cloud Forest This morning you may choose to
take an optional river safari or hanging bridges tour: float down the mellow Peñas Blancas River while taking in the stunning scenery or experience the rainforest from up above as you walk among the treetops on a guided tour of Arenal’s hanging bridges…either way, keep an eye out for wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, iguanas and tropical birds. Later, travel to the Villa Blanca Cloud Forest. Settle in for a 2-night stay in a mountain nature reserve resort, originally owned by the former president of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Carazo Odio. Nestled on 75 acres of gentle rolling hills, set in the Los Angeles Private Biological Reserve, you will enjoy exploring one of the world’s most complex jungle ecosystems – the cloud forest. This evening, enjoy an incredible dinner overlooking the cloud forest. (B, D)
Day 7: Villa Blanca Cloud Forest - San Ramón - Villa Blanca Cloud Forest
Wake early for the opportunity to go in search of the wide variety of bird species found in Costa Rica. It is home to one-tenth of the various species found in the world. This afternoon we visit a coffee farm. Discover this coffee plantation and the natural growing methods used to make some of the best coffee in the world. Continue to the city of San Ramón – referred to as the “City of Presidents & Poets” – for a tour. Then, settle back into your resort and enjoy the amazing views from your individual casitas. Tonight, partake in a tree adoption ceremony. (B)
Day 8: Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Tarcoles - Manuel Antonio National Park Traverse the lush varied landscape of Costa Rica
to the Pacific Coast. Make a stop for a jungle crocodile
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