Costa Rica 2025

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Costa Rica Volcanos, Rivers and Rainforests US NAVAL ACADEMY ALUMNI ASSOCIAITON May 7 – 15, 2025 Plunge into the lush, tropical rainforest of Tortuguero National Park, to experience first-hand how conservation and sustainability impact the natural world. This diverse region is one of the of the largest remaining areas of tropical rainforest in Central America. Enjoy endless vistas of the extraordinary Caribbean Sea on the expanse of protected beach. Within emerald, green rainforests and cloud forests resides an impressive array of flora and fauna. Capuchin and acrobatic Spider Monkeys frequent the rainforest canopy, feeding on fruit in the company of brilliantly colored toucans and macaws. In this mystical kingdom, tree ferns, delicate orchids, and bromeliads add an air of enchantment. Explore with us and and celebrate simplicity that is Pura vida - the simple life, Costa Rican style.

Itinerary Summary Fly to San Jose, Costa Rica 1 night in San Jose, Country Inn & Suites Hotel 2 nights in Tortuguero National Park, Pachira Lodge Fly from Tortuguero to Arenal 2 nights in Monteverde, El Establo Mountain Hotel 3 nights in Manuel Antonio National Park, Parador Nature Resort & Spa Deluxe Rooms Transfer to San Jose Juan Santamaria International Airport, departures Day 1 – May 7 DEPART THE USA TO SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA Independent arrivals in San Jose, Costa Rica. We meet our local guides upon arrival and transfer to the hotel, then enjoy a Welcome Dinner.

Overnight at TBD (D) Day 2 – May 8 SAN JOSE TO TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK Today we depart early from San Jose. En route, we’ll pass through our first taste of the lush rainforest in Braulio Carrillo National Park. Continue northwest to the Caribbean coast, to Tortuguero National Park, comprised of Caribbean beaches, swamp forest, lowland rainforest, and a network of picturesque natural waterways. There is an incredible diversity of plant and animal life including more than 100 reptile species, 60 mammal species, and hundreds of bird species. The final leg of our journey is by boat through Tortuguero’s scenic canals. We arrive at our hotel by lunchtime. This afternoon, discover the enchanting village of Tortuguero; the town, located on a narrow spit of land between the beach and a canal, has no cars and a population of only 500 inhabitants. Walk through the colorful village to discover its lifestyle and meet locals.

Overnight at Pachira Lodge (B,L,D)

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Day 3 – May 9 DISCOVERING TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK Today, we explore the flooded forests of Tortuguero by boat, gliding along the waterways surrounded by towering trees. We’re on the lookout for keel-billed toucans, colorful parrots and the iconic basilisk lizard, As we explore the park’s canals, look for all six species of New World kingfishers, as many as eight species of parrots, toucans, oropendolas as well as the raphia palm, which has the largest leaves of any plant. Capuchin and spider monkeys may be seen crossing the river in daring leaps.

Overnight at Pachira Lodge (B,L,D) Day 4 – May 10 HIKING AROUND ARENAL AND GEOTHERMAL HOT SPRINGS After an early breakfast, depart Tortuguero by boat. We fly from Tortuguero to Arenal, where the magnificent Arenal Volcano dominates the landscape. After driving to the western side of the volcano, we begin our hike, traversing the rainforest and crossing over a large lava flow from the 1992 eruption. We’ll examine the abundance of endemic plants and wildlife that thrive amongst the magnificent lava rock formations. At the top of the lava flow, we’re rewarded with a beautiful view of the Arenal Lake and the surrounding area. We conclude the hike from an overlook and discuss the different factors that make Arenal an active Volcano.

After lunch, we’ll learn about Costa Rica’s geothermal geology as we visit naturally flowing thermal mineral springs. A relaxing soak in the mineral-rich hot springs is natural hydrotherapy. We continue our journey south to the Monteverde region, arriving for buffet dinner in the hotel.

Overnight at El Establo Hotel (B,L,D) Day 5 – May 11 HIKING AND CANOPY TOUR IN SANTA ELENA CLOUD FOREST RESERVE This morning we explore the adjacent Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve on an exceptional hike. The Santa Elena Cloud Forest is a lush, green wonderland, where giant tree ferns, bamboo and palm trees cover the forest floor, while thick moss-covered liana vines dangle from the tree canopy. We are immersed in the fragrant forest while we observe birds and mammals, hear the song of the Quetzal and the roaring of the howler monkeys. Learn to identify the tracks of the shy puma, coati and red brocket deer. After our hike, we head to Selvatura Adventure Park where we have a typical Costa Rican lunch.

This afternoon, we exchange our viewpoint from the forest floor to high in the tree canopy on Costa Rica’s longest canopy tour. Once outfitted with safety gear and the safety orientation complete, our guides lead us across the fifteen cable walkways and eighteen platforms. We’ll even have the option to try the Tarzan Swing!

From our tree-top vantage point, we are surrounded by abundant and varied birdlife, as we keep our eyes and ears peeled for the reclusive resplendent Quetzal, the Blue-Crowned Motmot and the Emerald Toucanet.

After our adventure, we head to the park’s Sloth Sanctuary to learn about the sloth species and their habitat.

The twenty sloth residents of this sanctuary have been rescued as orphans or refugees from the effects of poaching and habitat destruction that prevent them from being reintroduced into the wild. Here, the slowmoving, irresistibly adorable sloths roam freely through the trees and foliage, providing ample opportunity to observe and photograph them in close proximity.

Dinner on your own in the hotel.

Evening Excursion: Tonight we visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve to search for nocturnal wildlife and observe sleeping birds.

Overnight at El Establo Hotel (B,L) Day 6 – May 12 FROM CLOUD FOREST TO MANUEL ANTONIO We wave adios to Monteverde this morning, as we travel southward along the Pan-American Highway to Manuel Antonio, approximately a 6-hour drive through palm plantations and along the west coast. Manuel Antonio National Park is Costa Rica’s smallest national park - home to sea turtles, parrots, three-toed sloths, tapirs, howler monkeys and iguanas. A word to the wise; beware of the sneaky capuchin - or white-faced monkey! The park’s ecosystems include an estuary, mangroves and a lagoon.

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To begin, we’ll examine the pulse of the mangrove ecosystem and how it interacts with the international ecosystem on the Isla Damas Boat Tour, a leisurely cruise through the Damas canals. We examine the biodiversity of plants and wildlife and learn how mangrove eco-structure is vital to Costa Rica and the world.

We’ll search for birds such as the Tiger Heron and Mangrove hawk; reptiles, mammals and crustaceans such as caiman, sloths, crocodiles, stunning rainbow boas, white-faced monkeys and more. Note: Tour time is dependent upon tide schedule. At the end of the afternoon, we arrive at the hotel for check-in and time to freshen up before dinner. Overnight at Parador Nature Resort & Spa (B,L,D) Day 7 – May 13 MANUEL ANTONIO PARK Today we explore the breathtaking beaches and scenic hiking trails of Manuel Antonio, as we hike the path to an observation tower, with a rewarding 360-degree view.

Volunteer Opportunity: This afternoon, give back to nature and learn about conservation efforts as we work with locals to plant trees on a reforestation project of the biological corridor of the park. Afterwards, enjoy dinner and a local dance performance by the community.

Overnight at Parador Nature Resort & Spa (B,L,D) Day 8 – May 14 WHITE-WATER RAFTING ON THE SAVEGRE RIVER A highlight of our Costa Rican expedition is today’s white-water rafting trip down the Savegre River. The paddle down Class III rapids is combined with breaks, swimming and stops to learn about plants and wildlife. We set off this morning by road to the rafting site through picturesque landscapes of palm plantations, local communities, small rivers and jungle vegetation, stopping en route for rest stops and photographs. We begin our rafting adventure with a safety and rafting skills orientation. Each raft holds six passengers, including the river guide. Our Costa Rican guides travel alongside us in kayaks as an additional safety measure. We’ll spend approximately 2.5 hours on the river, stopping occasionally to rest and examine the region’s beautiful flora and fauna. As we near the end of our river tour, the rapids flatten out and the river flow calms, providing a relaxing observation of the birds and colorful vegetation. We’re transferred back to the river rafting base camp to change into dry clothes and enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal. After returning to our hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the beach or swimming pool.

Farewell Dinner in the hotel.

Overnight at Parador Nature Resort & Spa (B,L,D) Day 9 – May 15 RETURN HOME We transfer back to Juan Santamaria International Airport for our return flights home. Please plan your flights to depart after 2:00 PM. (B) INCLUSIONS Private ground transportation from arrival in Costa Rica to departure Professional Local Naturalist Guide(s) throughout the program One internal flight in Costa Rica Accommodations; double and single occupancy Activities as indicated as included in the itinerary Meals as indicated as included in the itinerary Soft drink, water, juice, tea or coffee with all included meals Potable water to refill your water bottle Costa Rica Airport Departure Tax

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EXCLUSIONS International airfare and airline baggage fees Passport fees Meals not specified Alcoholic beverages; beverages other than noted in the inclusions Personal items such as laundry, phone calls, beverages not included with meals or on the bus, camera fees, etc.

Trip insurance Any other items not specifically mentioned as included Gratuity to Local Guide and driver

Deposit: $600 Final payment due date: January 7, 2025 *Take $150 off if balance is paid by check at least 2 weeks prior to the full payment due date.