A world of wildlife and wonderful places – all the essentials of a holiday in this magical, peaceful country
San Jose > Poas Volcano > Sarchi > Braulio Carrillo National Park > Tortuguero > Puerto Astua > Arenal Volcano > Monteverde Cloud Forest > San Jose
Includes your own personal chauffeur guide and private vehicle; all park entrance fees, transfers by car/boat with English speaking guide – exc. international flights
This wonderful Central American country is one of the most safe and stable politically, whilst offering a spectrum of wildlife, beach and landscape experiences that will live with you for a lifetime
Our representative will meet you at the airport and you’ll be transferred to your centrally located hotel in this, the capital city. The rest of your day is at leisure.
This itinerary can be extended with beach stay days at Guanacaste and/or Manuel Antonio at very little additional cost
Poas Volcano has a crater 300 m deep and 1500 m wide and is usually active with smoke discharge. A trail leads us to a crystal blue lagoon, amidst tropical ferns and forest filled with exotic flowers and brilliantly plumed birds.
Afterwards visit Sarchi, centre of colourful field oxcart production for lunch. Back in San Jose, visit the National Museum once home to the now abolished army, the National Theater and Central Park.
Travel to the province of Limon crossing the Braulio Carrillo National Park. Breakfast at Rio Danta Restaurant for typical Costa Rican food. Continue towards the banana plantations of Puerto Astua in Matina, thereafter by boat to Tortuguero Town and Sandbar, in the National Park. Pass through calm water, surrounded by nature, with your guide pointing out birds and animals whilst explaining the natural history of the area.
Walk through the town of Tortuguero; get to know the lifestyle of the local people living within the canals.
Early in the morning, around 6 a.m., you start the highlight of your tour. Explore the narrow canals of the National Park by boat in search of caimans, sloths, toucans, turtles and monkeys. You’ll enjoy nature at its best for the next two hours followed by breakfast in your Lodge.
Afterwards take an optional guided walk around Tortuguero Hill or spend time relaxing by the pool. In the afternoon, continue your boat tour through the canals for a further two hours.
After breakfast, you’ll leave the hotel around 9 a.m. After a short break in Puerto Astua in Matima, continue your transfer until lunchtime.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at the Rio Danta Restaurant and leave from there to the Arenal volcano area, arriving at around 4:30 p.m at your accommodation.
Arenal Volcano at 5,437 feet (1,657 m), looms large over the pastured green hillsides at its base. Arenal is currently resting but remains the country’s most active volcano for the past 43 years. Enjoy a hike at its base whilst spotting wildlife and enjoying beautiful views on the way to the Hanging Bridges – a 2-mile (3 km) series of suspension bridges offering views of Lake Arenal and the volcano in this private rain-forest reserve
This evening bathe in the natural hot springs in the area surrounding the Arenal Volcano.There’s no better way to end your day.
Continue your adventure and drive to Monteverde Cloud Forest. Visit the Santa Elena’s Biological Reserve, a private area of 12,000 hectares of humid cloud forest.
This Reserve is protected by dense foliage, where you can find nearly 400 bird species (including the Quetzal), 50 mammal species and 300 orchid varieties.
Early in the morning, experience the exciting adventure of ‘Canopy’ – a system of trails of suspension bridges and zip lines where you have the opportunity to observe and appreciate the tropical forest from different points.
Choose now to transfer to your beach extension or to the airport for your flight home.
