HIGHLIGHTS OF COSTA RICA ITINERARY:
DAY 1: USA or Canada/San José, Costa Rica
Arrive in San José and transfer to your hotel. Marriott
Hotel
DAY 2: San José/Monteverde
Stop at Nectandra Botanical Garden for lunch en route to
Monteverde and its nearby Cloud Forest. Founded by a group of
Quakers in 1954, Monteverde is a peaceful community of dairy
farmers, naturalists and tourism service-providers who joined
together to create a model for sustainable development and
environmental protection. Tonight, meet for a private wine and
cheese reception and presentation showcasing its history, flora
and fauna, preparing you for your cloud forest visit tomorrow.
Monteverde Lodge B L D
DAY 3: Monteverde
Visit the enchanting Butterfly Garden, located in the scenic
Tilarán Mountains, where you have the chance to closely observe
these wonderful creatures. This afternoon explore the unique and
spectacular Cloud Forest Reserve, containing six ecologically
diverse habitats. As many as 400 species of birds, 490 butterfly
species, 100 species of mammals and a staggering 1,500 species
of plants reside here. Later, meet with one of the original
Quaker settlers of the area, Marvin Rockwell. Monteverde Lodge B
L D
DAY 4: Monteverde/Fortuna (Arenal)
Travel along scenic gravel roads to Rio Chiquito, then
cruise across Lake Arenal on the way to Fortuna. Settle in to
your hotel, set on 100 acres overlooking the Arenal Volcano and
Arenal River Gorge. You have time to relax before your visit to
the Hidalgo family's farm for a traditional dinner and a swim in
their hot springs-fed pools. Giant strangler fig and kapok trees
provide shade as you enjoy a natural massage from the small
cascade of hot spring water. Arenal Nayara Hotel B L D
DAY 5: Fortuna/Peñas Blancas/Fortuna
Explore the Arenal region on an excursion with a bird's eye
view from a vantage point of 15 hanging bridges poised above the
trees. Observe the natural beauty of flowers, lush vegetation
and birds as you walk along the beautiful trails that were
designed to blend in with the natural environment. Later, embark
on an afternoon float trip down the slow-moving Peñas Blancas
River in search of the howler monkey, caiman, toucan, sloth and
blue jean frog. Arenal Nayara Hotel B L D
DAY 6: Fortuna/Tortuguero
Fly to the Caribbean coast this afternoon. Slow moving
tropical rivers define the essence of Tortuguero, and you
explore its narrow canals by boat in search of wildlife often
hidden by thick vines and other flora that often engulf your
path. Originally intended to protect a major nesting beach of
the Atlantic green sea turtle, Tortuguero National Park now
protects over 50,000 acres, one of the last large areas of
tropical rainforest in Central America. Tortuga Lodge B L D
DAY 7: Tortuguero
Continue exploring the canals by boat and visit the
Caribbean Conservation Corporation (CCC) Museum to learn about
the Atlantic green sea turtle or wander the beach where
thousands of sea turtle nest from June through October. It is
thought that these gentle vegetarians return to nest on the
beach where they were born. Optional kayaks and canoes are
available to access the most remote areas of Tortuguero National
Park at your leisure. Tortuga Lodge B L D
DAY 8: Tortuguero/San José
Return this morning to San José. On arrival, transfer to
Britt Coffee Plantation for a tour. View the production process
from the seed to the roasting plant. This evening gather with
your fellow travellers for a festive farewell dinner. Marriott
Hotel B L D
DAY 9: San José/USA or Canada
Board your homebound flight or continue to your next Latin
American destination. B
This program contains some active elements, and a minimum level
of fitness is required. Please contact A&K for details.
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