COSTA RICA
Highlights
Enjoy a boat tour along the Toruguero canals Snorkel during optional catamaran adventure
Discover Manuel Antonio National Park See how chocolate is made in Sarapiqui region
"Hang around" the Selvatura Hanging Bridges Float down the Rio Frio in the rain forest
Relax on the beach Walk the Las Coladas trail in Arenal
Visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica! Balance of the day is at leisure. Rest, relax and get ready for your tailor-made adventure in eco-rich Costa Rica, often called "Pura Vida".
DAY 2
Depart San Jose in the morning traveling to the Caribbean coast. See the lush vegetation and banana plantations on the way. At a nearby port, board a motor launch that takes you to the canals in the hear of the Costa Rican jungle with their unique flora and fauna. Spot Toucans, Jacamars and even Screech Owls. Arrive at the lodge in Tortuguero in time for lunch, followed by a walking tour of the village. This is where the sea turtles nest on a protected 22 mile stretch of coastline.
Meals: B, L, D
DAY 3
Awaken to the sounds of the jungle in one of the more remote areas of Costa Rica. Acquaint yourself to the many tree and insect species on an easy guided hike through trails in the nearby rainforest. After lunch, a boat takes you through remote unspoiled sections of the park's waterways on winding canals where you are likely to see turtles, caimans, monkeys and many colorful tropical birds in the wild.
Meals: B, L, D
DAY 4
This morning, we travel by motor launch and coach to Arenal. After lunch on route, we will drive through the Sarapiqui region, the country's main agricultural area. You will stop and take a "chocolate tour" followed by, of course, a chocolate tasting! Then, we travel through the scenic countryside to the Arenal area. As you gaze towards the imposing Arenal Volcano, imagine the days when it regular spewed enormous amounts of lava, gas and ash.
Meals: B, D
DAY 5
Following breakfast, depart on an hour ride before enjoying the sights and sounds of the rain forest as you quietly float down the Rio Frio on a guided tour near the Nicaraguan border. This area is abundant with bird species, including the Snake-Bird, Wood Storks and the Olivaceous Cormorant. Keep an eye out for the various monkey species, sloths, turtles and caimans that live along the river banks. We will also enjoy a typical Costa Rican lunch. Evening at leisure back in Arenal.
Meals: B, L
DAY 6
This morning you will embark on a brisk 2 mile walking tour of the Las Coladas trail in Arenal National Park while enjoying scenic views of the volcano. At the end of the trail, you may choose to participate in a rugged hike over the ancient lava rocks before arriving in Monteverde where the rest of the day is at leisure.
Meals: B
DAY 7
An early morning check it is called for today as you begin your day with a walk among the treetops in a 1.9 mile trail, which boasts 8 different bridges at heights ranging from 36 to 180 feet. The Selvatura Hanging Bridges are the longest and strongest bridge system in the country. The hanging bridges give you the unique opportunity to see plants and animals not visible from the ground.
It is recommended that you wear hiking boots for this activity. For some, this activity may be considered strenuous and people with difficulty breathing, heart or other medical conditions, should consider not to choose this optional activity.
The day continues with a drive along the shores of the striking Pacific Coast to Manual Antonio National Park, one of the most beautiful places in the country with an exotic combination of exquisite beaches and an exuberant tropical forest. It's not unusual here to see iguanas and white-faced monkeys on the beach! Arrive in the bustling town of Jaco, a surfer's paradise, for free time to stroll and perhaps sample some of the local cuisine for lunch. Afterwards, continue to Manuel Antonio where a late afternoon check in is planned. Evening at leisure.
Meals: B
DAY 8
Enjoy a day at leisure in Manuel Antonio. Perhaps relax on the beach while savoring the gorgeous surroundings. Consider joining the optional Catamaran Cruise that sails along the coast with picturesque views of the wildlife and vegetation. You can relax in one of the two Jacuzzi's on board or have fun on the two giant trampolines or water slides. The Cruise will spend time at Biesanz Beach for snorkeling.
Meals: B
DAY 9
Today tour Manuel Antonio National Park, a conservation area. Its large land and marine biodiversity and beautiful coral reefs make this one of the world's most impressive natural habitats. We will roam the paths of this tropical paradise with the opportunity to discover the mangrove swamps, 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds, beach vegetation and lagoons. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the peace and tranquility of the area. Optional adventures include diving, snorkeling horseback riding, fishing, canopy tour and much more. Tonight we will have a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: B, D
DAY 10
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Meals: B
Prepare for your trip
Travel Protection (Insurance) is recommended. Missing a vacation is bad enough. Losing the money you paid for your vacation is even worse. Your premium is related to your trip cost, so you don't have to worry about being over-insured. Trip Protection Plan premiums are non-refundable. Contact me directly for more information and to review the plan's terms and conditions. Travel Protection (Insurance) premiums are not covered by the initial deposit.
Zika Virus- It is recommended that you visit www.cdc.gov/zika for current information.
Passports- It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport (or appropriate visa) valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel.
Luggage- Plan on one piece of luggage with one carry-on (at most!). An additional fee will be imposed if more than one piece of luggage. We are not responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings. It is recommended that you use brightly colored luggage tags or another unique identifier to help you locate your luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event it is lost.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Nine (9) nights accommodation
Hotel porters
All transfers within country (excluding airports)
17 Meals: 9 breakfasts; 4 lunches, 4 dinners
Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned coach