Highlights include Poas Volcano, Coffee Plantation, Tortuguero National Park, Sarapiqui Rain Forest, Pineapple Plantation, Cacao Plantation, Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio National Park|
Itinerary:
Day #1 San Jose, Costa Rica - Tour Begins - Journey to Costa Rica and explore a land of rich natural wonders and friendly people. Discover Costa Rica’s outstanding variety of flora and fauna at Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano rain forest and Manuel Antonio National Park. Enjoy the many pristine natural wonders of Costa Rica through exclusive excursions and learning experiences as well as unscheduled time for personal discovery.
Day #2 San Jose - Poas Volcano - Doka Coffee Estate - San Jose - Your adventure begins with a walk to the edge of the Poas Volcano crater for magnificent views of this amazing landscape. Enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Central Valley, ringed by soaring mountains, strawberry plantations and flower farms. Later, a tour of the Doka Coffee Estate highlights the history and cultivation of coffee and its importance to the Costa Rican economy.
Day #3 San Jose - Tortuguero National Park - Begin the day traveling through the Braulio Carrillo National Park to the Caribbean low lands. En route, experience spectacular mountain scenery, changes in eco-systems, and picturesque Caribbean-style villages. A special stop is made at a local banana plantation where you learn about its economic and social value to Costa Rica. Later, your guide explains the rain forest eco-system and points out sights of interest as you cruise the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park. Enjoy a memorable two night stay at your eco-lodge surrounded by the beauty of a tropical forest and amazing wildlife. Learn more about your surroundings with a visit to the world’s first Green Turtle Research Station and discover how to protect the turtle’s nesting habitat and eggs.
Day #4 Tortuguero National Park - An early morning bird watching excursion teaches you about the variety of local species and migratory birds that flock this area. Later, experience a spectacular boat cruise through the various canals and be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife including howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, aquatic birds, bats and caimans, as well as exotic flora. Tortuguero National Park is a study in rain forest, freshwater, and marine biology. It protects over 350 species of birds and mammals including green macaws; 57 species of amphibians; 111 species of reptiles; and 60 mammal species, including 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered species including jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters and manatees.
Day #5 Tortuguero National Park - Arenal - A leisurely boat ride returns you to the mainland. Relax and enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside of the San Carlos Plains. Visit a local school supported by the tour group Foundation* and learn about Costa Rica’s educational system and the children’s way of life in a small farming community. Later, arrive in Arenal and behold the spectacular views of Arenal Volcano.
Day #6 Arenal - The San Carlos Plains produces sixty percent of Costa Rica’s dairy products and this morning you will have the opportunity to share in the experience of a real “Costarrican lechero” (Costa Rican milkman). Learn about local fruits and organic farming during a tour of the family-owned Finca Don Carlos, with fields of pineapples, orchards, grasslands, medicinal plants, rivers and a private forest reserve. A cheese-making demonstration is followed by a traditional farm-style lunch. This afternoon, an optional Skytrek adventure is offered for an exciting bird’s-eye-view of the endless forest, beautiful lake and the majestic Arenal Volcano.
Day #7 Arenal - Enjoy a morning at leisure in spectacular Arenal. This afternoon, experience the unique combination of pure air and rain forest with a delightful Arenal Hanging Bridges tour. Located in front of the Arenal Volcano, the nature trails and bridges within this primary forest let you observe the birds, flowers and lush vegetation of the Arenal Volcano rain forest from a truly unique perspective.
Day #8 Arenal - Tarcoles - Travel the beautiful checkered landscape surrounding Lake Arenal while en route to the Pacific Coast. Your destination for the next two nights is charming Villa Lapas, abutting the Carara Biological Preserve. The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore its beautiful natural surroundings.
Day #9 Tarcoles - Manuel Antonio National Park - Get your cameras ready! Today you explore spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park. This paradise is known for its pristine white sandy beaches surrounded by emerald waters and primary forest. Spend the morning leisurely walking the forest trails in search of the native inhabitants including the three-toed sloth, agoutis, white faced and squirrel monkeys, iguanas and birds. If you wish, take a swim in the inviting blue waters of its breathtaking beaches. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax by the pool and absorb the natural beauty of your surroundings.
Day #10 Tarcoles - Sarchi - San Jose - After breakfast, travel to Sarchi, an important crafts center. Learn about the traditional crafts of this region and witness local artisans as they produce colorful oxcarts. Journey back to San Jose for your farewell dinner and overnight stay.
Day #11 San Jose - Tour Concludes -