COSTA RICA - FROM RAINFORESTS TO REEFS ITINERARY:
DAY 1 San Jose – Arrival
Bienveņidos ~ Welcome! Our guide will greet you at the San
Jose International Airport and transfer you directly to our
hotel, approximately 25 minutes away. Here you can relax and
enjoy the pool and beautiful spacious grounds. Over 10 acres of
gardens offer trails through fruit trees and native Costa Rican
flora. This evening we gather for a welcome drink and dinner,
followed by an orientation meeting. Hotel Bougainvillea,
Santo Domingo
DAY 2 La Paz Waterfall Gardens; 2-3 hours, easy to
moderate. Peņas Blancas or Arenal River Safari
This morning we enjoy an early breakfast of fresh tropical
fruits, Costa Rican coffee, and the chef’s inspiration of the
morning. Afterwards, we leave San Jose and the landscape
gradually changes to one of rugged mountains, rushing rivers,
and deep canyons carpeted with evergreen rainforests and
spectacular waterfalls (approximate drive of 1.5 hours). At La
Paz Gardens, beautifully constructed trails lead us into a
dramatic gorge and past a series of spectacular waterfalls, a
perfect introduction to the beauty and diversity of Costa Rica.
Afterwards, we enjoy an early lunch and then embark on a rafting
safari adventure on the Peņas Blancas or Arenal River. Spacious
rafts carry us on a 2-hour float trip down a tranquil river past
tree-lined banks and beneath thick canopies. A local guide will
introduce us to the flora and fauna of the region which may
include sloths, monkeys, butterflies, iguanas, crocodiles,
turtles, and many colorful species of birds including toucans
and the comical looking boat-billed heron. There is little white
water on these rivers and paddling is optional.
Late afternoon we continue our drive to our lodge (approximate
2-hour drive) nestled in a primary rainforest adjacent to the
Arenal National Volcano Park. After our full day, we relax over
dinner at our lodge; those with the energy may enjoy a dip in
the swimming pool while listening to the night sounds of the
rainforest. Hotel Arenal Paraiso, Arenal
DAY 3 Arenal Area - Lava Flow Walk; 2-3 hours of
walking, easy with short, moderate sections. Eco Termales Hot
Springs
Our day begins with an optional 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 visit our lodge this
morning.
After breakfast we begin our walk through a lush secondary
rainforest to the site of an old lava flow. From the lodge we
descend into the forest, where if we listen carefully, we may
hear the raucous howler monkeys. Later, after crossing a
pristine mountain stream, we traverse a gigantic lava flow at
the base of Arenal Volcano. From our vantage point at the crest
of the flow, we take in sweeping views of Lake Arenal (which we
will cross by boat tomorrow) while our guide shares his
knowledge of geology, adding to our appreciation of this
ruggedly beautiful area.
This afternoon we visit the Eco Termales Hot Springs boasting
naturally-heated pools and waterfalls. Here, we relax and frolic
in the mineral and hot springs fed by the Arenal Volcano. The
sulfurous waters, running at a soothing temperature of
approximately 102 degrees F, flow through exotic gardens,
forming cascades and pools of different sizes. We then dine at
the property’s restaurant known for its authentic, traditional
food. Hotel Arenal Paraiso, Arenal
DAY 4 La Peninsula; 3-6 hours of walking, easy.
Transfer to Monteverde
Our morning walk follows the La Peninsula trail, which
begins at the base of the Arenal Volcano and continues to the
Arenal Dam, offering us glimpses of Lake Arenal along the way.
En route we may spot sloths, coatimundis, monkeys, and a wide
diversity of birds, including keel-billed and chestnut-mandibled
toucans and crested guan.
This afternoon we transfer to the Monteverde Cloud Forest
Biological Reserve; part of our journey includes a scenic boat
ride across Lake Arenal. The Monteverde Cloud Forest straddles
the Cordillera de Tilaran mountain range, with the rain forests
of the Caribbean to the east and the savannas and dry forests of
the Pacific plain to the west. Often shrouded in clouds and
mist, this lush forest is a haven for more than 500 kinds of
trees, 300 varieties of orchids, 400 species of birds, plus a
diverse population of wildlife including monkeys, sloths, coati,
and tapir. Although seldom seen, Monteverde is also home to five
species of cats including jaguars, pumas, margays, ocelots, and
jaguarundis.
Our home for the next two nights is a comfortable lodge adjacent
to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. This area 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 120
people have settled in this peaceful village and, although not
all are Quakers, most share their pacifist values.
This evening we enjoy dinner at a local favorite restaurant
specializing in pasta dishes, wood fired pizza, and salads.
El Establo Hotel, Monteverde
DAY 5 Monteverde Cloud Forest; Selvatura Tree Top
Walkway; 3-4 hours of walking, easy to moderate; optional
Zipline Canopy Tour
This morning offers us a unique perspective of the Monteverde
Cloud Forest - from the top down! Crossing a series of eight
suspension bridges, we walk above the canopy and get a
bird’s-eye view of the enormous ferns and majestic trees that
comprise the dense vegetation of this primary rainforest. A
network of suspended bridges, platforms and paths, allows us to
observe the flora, fauna, and wildlife from ground level all the
way to the tops of the trees.
Our lunch today is a special treat with a visit to a sugar cane
plantation. Locally owned and family run, this operational
plantation offers the opportunity to experience modern day rural
life in Costa Rica while learning about the ways of the past.
After lunch, we choose between relaxing at our hotel’s swimming
pool or the optional Sky Trek Zipline Tour. Not for the faint of
heart -- but definitely for those looking for a thrill -- the
Sky Trek is a secure set of trails, suspension bridges, and
ziplines in the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Once safely harnessed
in, riders “zip” from platform to platform, high off the ground,
via a combination of pulleys, cables, and suspension bridges.
(The approximate cost of $45 USD per person is not included in
the tour price). Time permitting, we may also 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.
This evening we dine at our hotel. El Establo Hotel,
Monteverde
DAY 6 Transfer to Pacific Coast. Outrigger canoe
exursion with snorkeling option
This morning we journey toward yet another ecological
zone—the Pacific Coast. Enroute we embark on an outrigger canoe
and snorkel excursion. These stable canoes have changed little
over the last 700 years and measure over 40 ft long. Each canoe
holds eight paddlers plus a guide so no experience is necessary.
After a brief introduction to the proper technique, we set out,
paddling beneath spectacular cliffs inhabited by pelicans and
frigate birds. Our destination is a secluded beach where we can
enjoy a swim or some snorkeling (equipment provided).
Late afternoon we arrive at our cliff-top hotel, nestled amidst
the rainforest of Manuel Antonio National Park. This small hotel
offers immediate access to the park, as well as a lovely white
sand beach just 3/4-mile away. Tonight you are free to dine at
our hotel, or select from a restaurant in town. Afterwards some
may enjoy an evening swim in the hotel’s pool. Hotel
California, Manuel Antonio
DAY 7 Manuel Antonio National Park; 2-3 hours, easy to
moderate. Free beach time
Today we have a full day to enjoy the beautiful rainforest
and white sand beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park.
Developed in 1972, this is Costa Rica’s smallest national park,
yet the stunning beauty and diversity of wildlife is unequaled.
The park provides shelter for a large diversity of wildlife
including porcupine, guatusa, sloth of two fingers, sloth of
three fingers, whiteface monkey, congo monkey, and the nearly
extinct mono tito monkey. After breakfast we head into the park
where we can choose from a wide variety of trails.
The afternoon is free to enjoy the beach where the warm waters
(average temperature of 75 degrees F) are perfect for swimming.
For those wishing for more snorkeling, equipment can be rented
in town and depending on the visibility, tropical fish including
yellowtail damsels, parrot fish, angel fish, and puffer fish can
often be spotted.
Tonight we enjoy a celebratory dinner at our hotel. Hotel
California, Manuel Antonio
DAY 8 Flight to San Jose - Departure
This morning we may have time for one last dip in our
hotel’s pool before an early or mid-morning transfer to the
local airport for our (one-hour) flight to San Jose. Upon
arrival into San Jose, we reunite with our driver and bus and
immediately transfer to the international airport terminal for
late afternoon departures. (Please note that flight times may
vary slightly but we do guarantee an arrival into San Jose no
later than 11:30 am). In San Jose we say our farewells.
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.
Please note that the tour itinerary, accommodations and
details are subject to change. Please call and inquire about the
latest available tour details.
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