Day
1
SAN JOSE
Arrive in San José and transfer to your selected hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight in San José.
Day
2
SAN JOSE I TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
This morning, head towards the Northern Caribbean Lowlands. Once on the Caribbean side, embark on a scenic 2 ½ hour boat ride to Tortuguero National Park. The reserve hosts eleven different habitats, including rainforests, mangrove forests, swamps, beaches and lagoons. It is home to over 400 bird, 60 frog, 30 freshwater fish, and 3 monkey species. After lunch, visit Tortuguero village. Dinner and overnight at your selected Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day
3
TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
Enjoy your second day in Tortuguero National Park. Depending on the weather (the Park receives up to 250 inches of rain a year), join in a guided hike through the jungle to learn about the Park’s biological diversity and its ecosystems that support threatened flora and fauna species. Take time to explore the secondary canals where you will have a more intimate encounter with the 400-plus tree species. Overnight at your selected Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day
4
TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK I ARENAL VOLCANO
Midmorning, head to Guapiles for lunch in the heart of Costa Rica’s banana growing region. Continue towards the north passing the agricultural town of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, San Miguel beach, the village of Venecia, and the hot springs of Aguas Zarcas to reach the town of La Fortuna. This evening unwind in the luxurious Tabacon Hot Springs, which features a hot river flowing through a series of pools and tributaries. Relax, enjoy and rejuvenate yourself. Dinner and overnight at your selected lodge. (B,L,D)
Day
5
ARENAL VOLCANO
This day is at your leisure to explore the area. We highly recommend a visit to the Arenal Volcano National Park (optional excursion). Although the Volcano is currently in a resting phase, it is assuredly still alive. The Park also offers a wide range of activities. From horseback riding and hiking to zip-lining, whitewater rafting, and more! You can also visit the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, Venado Caves and La Fortuna Waterfall. Overnight at your selected hotel. (B)
Day
6
ARENAL VOLCANO I MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST
In the morning, depart to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Board the passenger boat at Arenal Lake Dam dock for a 30-minute cruise across Lake Arenal, enjoying great views of the Volcano and the Monteverde mountain range. Then, by land, ascend through the Tilarán Mountain Range. Tonight, tour the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and discover the wonders of the tropical cloud forest when most wildlife species are active and a new world awakens. (B)
Day
7
MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST
Day at leisure to enjoy the Cloud Forest by day. It may be your only chance to spot the delightful quetzal with its iridescent green and brilliant blue body and red belly. Alternate tour options include: the Orchid Garden, Frog Pond, the small Bat Jungle; or Butterfly Garden. Beyond wildlife, you can opt to tour the Monteverde Cheese Factory, a coffee or sugar cane plantation tour, or enjoy zip-lining for beginners. Overnight at your selected hotel. (B)
Day
8
