Eco-Havens of Costa Rica
8 DAYS
San José 1 • Tortuguero National Park 2 • Arenal Volcano area 1 • Monteverde Cloud Forest 1 • Manuel Antonio area 2
Basic Inclusions
Accommodations
Accommodations in centrally-located three-star or four-star hotels. Rooming on a triple basis. Double rooms: $50 per night, per person.
Meals
All breakfasts. Three lunches. All dinners.
Transportation
Round-trip transportation on scheduled airline. Checked luggage costs not included.
Guide
English-speaking tour escort throughout. Special arrangements as noted.
Travel Protection
Passports provides and pays for a Post Departure Travel Protection Plan that includes coverage for Trip Interruption, Trip Delay, Medical Expense and Evacuation and more.
Tour Summary
CHECKED BAGGAGE FEE
At the time of publication of this itinerary, a checked luggage fee applies to all flights to Costa Rica. This fee is not included in the tour price.
Itinerary Includes
English-speaking tour escort throughout
Day 1: Arrival San José
Arrival transfer
Day 2: San José - Tortuguero National Park
Braulio Carrillo National Park, Riverboat to Tortuguero
Day 3: Tortuguero National Park
Boat excursion along the Tortuguero canals
Day 4: Tortuguero National Park - Arenal Volcano area
Depart Tortuguero by riverboat, Arenal Volcano National Park
Visit to a hot spring
Day 5: Arenal Volcano area - Monteverde Cloud Forest
Hike in the Monteverde Biological Reserve
Optional Sky Trek Zip Line: Round-trip transfers
Day 6: Monteverde Cloud Forest - Manuel Antonio area
Crocodile Viewing at the Tárcoles Bridge, Crocodile Boat Safari, Carara Biological Reserve
Day 7: Manuel Antonio area
Manuel Antonio National Park
Day 8: Manuel Antonio area - Home
Departure transfer
UNPARALLELED STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
It's an easy airplane flight south (no jet lag) to the capital city of San José, Costa Rica. Spectacular rain forests and cloud forests, and the warm climate make this Latin American country a mecca for environmentalists and nature lovers.
Over a quarter of the hinterland and almost half the coastline is protected in Costa Rica, which is situated in one of the world's most bio-diverse regions. You will have the opportunity to experience eco-friendly tropical adventures during your trip.
Overnight: San José
Day 2: Braulio Carrillo National Park, Riverboat to Tortuguero
Head north today to one of the most rugged regions in the country. The terrain and high rainfall conspire to create a myriad of waterfalls that can be seen from almost everywhere.
In Braulio Carrillo National Park, where biologists have created a unique research facility, there is an abundance of flora and fauna, and especially birds, of which 333 species have been observed. Bromeliads and orchids are among the 6,000 species of plant life that adorn the trees. Park inhabitants include armadillos, sloths, coatis (from the raccoon family), crocodiles, and leaf-cutter ants.
Proceed toward the Caribbean coast, stopping at the dock at Rancho La Pavona to board the riverboat that will take you into the wetlands of Tortuguero National Park.
You'll see why this park is called the "Venice of Costa Rica" as your boat follows waterways that meander through the dense lowland rainforest.
Overnight: Tortuguero National Park
Day 3: Excursion along the Tortuguero National Park Canals
Hop back aboard a riverboat to explore the many secondary canals of the national park, an area extremely rich in flora and fauna. This humid tropical forest is home to many species of birds, insects, and other wildlife such as crocodiles, jaguars, Howler Monkeys, and peccaries.
The Tortuguero coastline is the most important nesting site for Green Sea Turtles, but Hawksbill, Loggerhead and Giant Leatherback Sea Turtles also nest on this shore.
Overnight: Tortuguero National Park
Day 4: Travel to the Arenal Volcano area
Today, depart Tortuguero National Park by riverboat.
Board your coach and travel to the Arenal Volcano area.
Visit Arenal Volcano National Park to get a look at its namesake cone-shaped volcano, which is steadily active below ground level.
Relax in hot spring waters warmed by geothermal heat from the volcano.
Overnight: Arenal Volcano area
Day 5: Travel to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, Optional Sky Trek Zip Line
Take one last look at the Arenal landscape before your journey to Monteverde.
The count is in: between 320 and 400 species of birds, between 2,000 and 2,500 species of plants, and 100 different mammals inhabit this place. (Almost certainly more, since new species are being constantly identified.) Hear the mysterious call of the three-wattled bellbird echo among giant oaks and palm trees.
Enjoy a visit to one of the richest and best-known biological reserves in the world. Don long pants and boots for a hike into the reserve, which is famous for its lookout points.
Board an open-air gondola for a ride into the heights. Take in the view from the observation area before setting out on your thrilling ride back down, along a zip line track stretched between treetops and across canyons.
Overnight: Monteverde Cloud Forest
Day 6: Carara Biological Reserve, Manuel Antonio area
Follow the old Spanish route to the Pacific coast today, passing through mountainous valleys planted with coffee.
Stop at the "Crocodile Bridge" in Tárcoles, the best known attraction of the Carara National Park, to catch sight of crocodiles, some ten feet long, camouflaged among the water hyacinths and other aquatic plants.
Stop at the "Crocodile Bridge" in Tárcoles, the best known attraction in the Carara National Park, to enjoy a Jungle Crocodile Safari. A bilingual guide will take you through a fascinating mangrove eco-system. As you glide along, you will have a close up look at the local crocodiles, and the chance to see more than fifty types of birds and other wildlife.
You will visit the renowned Carara Biological Reserve and experience the climatic transition from the dry north to the humid coastline of the Pacific coast. Carara is home to an abundance of wildlife including macaws, parrots, monkeys and sloths.
Travel to the Manuel Antonio area, which is hailed as one of the most beautiful regions on Costa Rica's Pacific coast.
Overnight: Manuel Antonio area
Day 7: Manuel Antonio National Park
Enjoy a bit of beaches and biology today, as you visit one of Costa Rica's most popular protected areas, the Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio. Its white sand beaches and turquoise waters are the most beautiful in Central America; its rain forests luxuriant and inhabited by orange-and-purple crabs, three-toed sloths and squirrel monkeys. Follow the trail up to Cathedral Point where you can enjoy spectacular views.
Overnight: Manuel Antonio area
Day 8: San José, Departure
Board your coach for the ride to San José.
¡Hasta la vista! You'll remember the warm, balmy air, the hot sun and the natural wonders.
For now, enjoy the flight home, eager to share your discoveries with family and friends.
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San Jose, Costa Rica
Braulio Carrillo National Park
Tortuguero National Park Canals
Travel to the Arenal Volcano area
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
Crocodile Boat Safari
Manuel Antonio National Park
Going Places Blog
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