Costa Rica: Cloudforest and Coastal Escape

All accommodations including rainforest lodges and a fine villa, all private baths

All meals included; alcoholic beverages not included

All activities as described in the itinerary

Walk Rating Easy to moderate terrain; average of 3 to 5 miles of walking per day

DAY 1
San Jose - Virgen del Socorro; 2-3 hours of walking, 3-4 miles, moderate
After meeting in San Jose, you set out for the Virgen del Socorro, the first stop en route to Arenal. At Virgen del Socorro, located along the forested canyon of the Sarapiqui River, you explore a rural area that has long been a favorite among birders and butterfly enthusiasts alike. The moderate walk offers a vantage point of a magnificent waterfall and rushing mountain streams, through pristine rainforest, and rolling farmland boasting rich tropical fruit plantations.
Your accommodation is a lodge, the only one situated next to the Arenal National Volcano Park, at the base of the volcano amidst a primary rainforest. From this cozy home base, exclusive views unfold of the volcano and Lake Arenal and, on a clear day, of the volcano’s impressive cone. After a welcome drink and dinner at the lodge, you have time to enjoy the beautiful grounds.
Arenal Observatory Lodge, Arenal

DAY 2
Arenal Area - RainforestWalk; 4-5 hours of walking,5-6 miles, easy with short, moderate sections
This morning begins with an optional prebreakfast walk to the Rio Danta. This enchanting narrow trail weaves through dense forest to a hidden, unspoiled waterfall. After a short, steep descent to the base of the falls, you are enveloped in a cooling mist produced by the pounding water. Refreshed, you climb back to the main trail and return to the lodge.
Today’s walk is a tranquil journey through lush secondary rainforest. Here, in the forest if you listen carefully, you may hear the raucous howler monkeys. This easy to moderate path introduces you to the diversity of the rainforest and the habitats it creates. Your guides provide you insight of creatures big and small from slow-moving sloths to leaf-cutter ants.
This afternoon you visit hot springs, heated by the Arenal Volcano. This authentic retreat provides the opportunity to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. If you choose to forego this activity, you will have time to enjoy the pool, Jacuzzi, and grounds of your superbly situated lodge.
This evening another satisfying dinner is served at your hotel, featuring local favorites such as tilapia fish and sea bass.
Arenal Observatory Lodge, Arenal

DAY 3
Volcano View Walk; 3-5 hours, 4-6 miles, easy to moderate; Transfer to Monteverde
The day begins with an early morning bird watch over delicious Costa Rican coffee. Several species, including the blue-gray and scarlet-rumped tanagers, clay-colored robins (the national bird of Costa Rica), and the flashy Montezuma oropendula, are among the birds that may be sighted this morning. The morning walk follows the path of an old lava flow providing sweeping views of Lake Arenal and the volcano while your guide explains the geology, thus heightening your appreciation of this ruggedly beautiful area. En route you may spot coatimundis, monkeys, and a wide diversity of birds, including keel-billed and chestnut-mandibled toucans and crested guan. From here you embark on a scenic boat ride across the lake.
After disembarking the boat, you stretch your legs as you walk through countryside and gain a glimpse into rural Costa Rican life. Late in the day, you arrive at the village of Monteverde, which was originally settled by Quakers in the 1950s. Settlers migrated from Alabama to Monteverde for philosophical reasons, choosing Costa Rica for its tradition of peace. Since the 1950s, approximately 250 people have settled in Monteverde; not all are Quakers, but most share the Quakers’ pacifist values.
Your home for the next two nights is a comfortable lodge surrounded by virgin rainforest, lush green fields, and a network of walking paths.
Hotel Fonda Vela, Monteverde

DAY 4
Tree Top Walk and Santuario Ecologico de Monteverde trails; 4-5 hours, 3-5 miles, easy to moderate
Today you have the opportunity to view the Monteverde Cloud Forest from a different perspective—from the top down! On this tree top walk, you cross a series of eight suspension bridges, walking above the tree canopy and looking down on the enormous ferns and majestic trees that comprise the dense vegetation of this primary rainforest. A network of suspended bridges, platforms, and paths permit observation of flora and fauna from ground level all the way to the tree tops.
Today’s lunch includes a memorable visit to a sugar cane plantation. Locally owned and family run, this plantation offers the opportunity to experience modern day rural life in Costa Rica while learning about the ways of the past.
The afternoon is spent walking the extensive networks of trails at Santuario Ecologico de Monteverde. At the sanctuary, the route follows a series of loop trails past waterfalls and banana and coffee plantations, providing excellent opportunities for viewing some of the larger mammals of the area, including white-faced monkeys and agoutis. Later, there may be time to visit the Women’s Craft Cooperative, the Monteverde Cheese Factory, or the Monteverde Coffee Roasters—three local initiatives that contribute to the success of this thriving community.
Hotel Fonda Vela, Monteverde

DAY 5
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve; 4-5 hours, 5-6 miles, moderate. Monteverde to Puntarenas - Transfer to Pacific Coast
This morning you encounter a wide range of fascinating bird life. Situated on the continental divide, Monteverde is home to over 60 different species of altitudinal migrating birds. Most sought after are the resplendent quetzal, the blue-crowned motmot, and the American swallow-tailed kite. You are also likely to spot several varieties of hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and raptors.
The Monteverde Reserve is one of the richest and most diverse tropical cloudforests in the world. You follow an intricate path along the Continental Divide, which guides you through rainforests on the Pacific side of the Tilaran Mountain Range. Approximately 400 species of birds, 100 species of mammals, and over 2,500 species of plants have been identified in this region. Your guide’s knowledge of the flora and fauna adds immensely to this cloudforest excursion. Afterward, there is time to visit the Hummingbird Gallery, for those interested.
Later, the journey continues to yet another ecological zone—the Pacific Coast. Perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean and surrounded by lush tropical forest, your hotel offers one of the most spectacular settings in Costa Rica. After settling into your room, you can take the short but steep path to the hotel’s secluded, private beach. Or you may prefer to stay at the hotel and take a dip in the pool or enjoy a cocktail while watching a spectacular sunset from the hotel’s veranda.
Hotel Villa Caletas, Puntarenas

DAY 6
Carara National Park; 4-5 hours, 6 miles, easy
The walk this morning takes you through the Carara National Park, a tropical forest. Located between the dry Guanacaste region and the humid climate of the southern coast, the transitional climate of the park has wildlife common to both. Owing to the size and remote location of the park, it houses a very diverse wildlife community. Over 100 pairs of scarlet macaws, perhaps the most beautiful birds on the Pacific side of Costa Rica, live and nest in this forest. The park also provides shelter for howler and white-faced capuchin monkeys, collared peccaries, American crocodiles, great egrets, roseate spoonbills, and a wide variety of other exotic species.
In the afternoon you may choose to walk to the private beach, enjoy the spa, or relax by the swimming pool with its stupendous views of the Pacific Ocean.
Hotel Villa Caletas, Puntarenas

DAY 7
Waterfall walk; 4-5 hours, 3-5 miles, moderate with short challenging sections
Following a relaxing breakfast this morning, you set out to enjoy your last day in Costa Rica. The rewarding walk leads you to spectacular waterfalls through the canopy of both primary and secondary forest and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area including the Pacific coast. This moderate out and back walk begins along a dirt road with a series of short and steep ascents and descents which lead to a forest path including sections of steps down to the waterfall. The effort is certainly worth the reward!
The afternoon is yours to enjoy and realize what it is to experience “Pura Vida.” In the evening, a farewell dinner is served in the hotel’s acclaimed French restaurant.
Hotel Villa Caletas, Puntarenas

DAY 8
Departure for San Jose
After breakfast you begin the scenic drive back to San Jose, arriving at the airport by 12:00 pm.

Itinerary Changes: Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due to season, special events, or weather. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
11/19/2010 - 11/26/2010	$3,398
12/23/2010 - 12/30/2010	$3,398
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Arenal Volcano on full display

Slow down and experience pura vida with Ticos

Monkeys galore—white-faced cappuchins and howlers

Sit down for an authentic lunch at local's homes

Treetop walk through cloudforest canopy on suspension bridges

Walk Rating Easy to moderate terrain; average of 3 to 5 miles of walking per day

Single Supplement $650

Your Guides
Jimmy Tosso: Jimmy is a native of Costa Rica where his engaging personality and commitment to professional guiding is well known. Jimmy enjoys sharing with our guests his knowledge of Costa Rica’s natural history, ecology, wildlife and culture.

Marco Fallas: Born and raised in Costa Rica, Marco "Tex" has worked in the tourism industry for more than 15 years. Drawing enthusiasm and energy from his love of nature, Marco leads groups in exploring the diverse regions of this captivating country.

Leonardo Chavez: After attending the University of Costa Rica and Costa Rica's National Institute of Learning, Leonardo has dedicated himself to guiding groups for more than 8 years. Leo is our expert birder, known and respected by other guides as one of the best birding guides in the country, he is never shy to share his knowledge with fellow guides, students and visitors when guiding trips.

José Indio Calvo: José R. Calvo Samayoa, also known as "Indio", is one of the best bird-watching naturalist guides in Costa Rica. He is officially certified by the National Institute of Learning, and has led natural history tours all over Costa Rica (as well as Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama) for the past 15 years. He prides himself on being a well-rounded naturalist with an extreme passion for rainforest ecology, ornithology, nature photography, climate and geology.

Itinerary Changes: Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due to season, special events, or weather. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Ratings & Reviews:

This tour has no reviews yet. Have you experienced this tour? Write a review.

Related Travel Articles

• See Europe :: Travel Safely and In Style, Escorted Tours
• Tours :: The Most Common Questions about Escorted Tours
• Things You Must Tell Your Travel Agent - Don't Ruin Your Vacation
• All About Paris France :: the world’s most romantic city
• Trafalgar Tours :: 8 ways to Travel in Style
• Travel Improves Your Health
• River Cruises :: A Popular Choice for Travelers
• Eastern Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf Vacations
• Adventures by Disney Invites Families to Experience the World in 2010
• Extreme Travel Destinations
• Avalon Scenery
• Royal Lotus
• Nile River Cruise
• Spotlight on Ireland
• Paula Deen Cruise
• Angkor Wat Temple Complex, Cambodia
• Touring Australia and New Zealand