DAY 1 SAN JOSE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT · SAN JOSE
Arrive in San Jose; meeting, assistance and transfer to your hotel in San Jose.
Accommodation: San Jose for 1 night
DAY 2 SAN JOSE · TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
Today you will get an early start in heading towards the Northern Caribbean’s lowlands. In the first part of the trip you will admire beautiful evergreen mountains and beautiful landscapes of the Braulio Carrillo National Park.Once on the Caribbean side you will continue to the local dock area, where the boats are waiting for you to transfer you to the Tortuguero National Park. A scenic two and half hour boat ride will take you through the canals sheltered in the jungle of the rainforest, and from the boat, you will be able to admire the unique flora and fauna of this region. Upon arrival, you will receive a short briefing of your hotel and the surrounding area, followed by lunch. In the afternoon you will visit the village of Tortuguero, where you will learn the lifestyle o f local residents and the significant conservation efforts that some NGOs (non-governmental organizations) have developed to protect sea turtles that come to spawn each year along the 22 miles of protected coastline. (B/L/D)
Accommodation: Tortuguero for 2 nights
DAY 3 TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
Today, we will visit Tortuguero National Park secondary canals that will dazzle you with its enormous biodiversity. From the boat, you can feel a pure contact with nature in a paradise that offers visitors 2000
species of plants and 400 species of trees, just as you can observe some of the 405 bird species here is also presence of crocodiles, different species of turtles and freshwater fish. Tortuguero will definitely offer a unique and unforgettable experience. Much of the National Park extends along its unspoiled beaches that serve as refuge for spawning of the sea turtles, this event occurs between the months of July to September (extra cost visit). Overnight at Pachira Lodge. (B/L/D)
DAY 4 TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK · ARENAL VOLCANO
At mid-morning the journey continues with a boat transfer back to the local dock. Upon arrival, ground transportation will be provided to the area of Guapiles, where lunch will be served. Afterwards, continue on with a land transfer towards the northern lowlands, this route offers the experience to pass through different towns such as Puerto Viejo (Sarapiqui), San Miguel, Venecia and Aguas Zarcas. Also, along the way you will enjoy the beautiful scenery which includes amazing views of the mountains and one of the major sources of revenue in the area: the agriculture, so you will have the opportunity according with the season to observe the crops of pineapple, bananas and sugar cane. Arrive to La Fortuna Village late afternoon where the mighty Arenal Volcano will welcome you with its impressive perfect conic shape. This volcano has been active since 1969 and it has become one of the world’s most active volcanoes and one of Costa Rica’s main highlights. Check In at Arenal Manoa, where you will be staying two nights. During the evening you will visit the world famous Tabacón Hot Springs. These natural hot springs features a hot river that flows through a series of pools. From cascading falls to tropical gardens, the hot springs are the result of rainwater heated by magma in the Earth’s interior. Once heated, the waters rise to surface, taking with them minerals found in the earth’s rocky crust; this way, waters become very benefic to your body because of its temperature that helps to relax muscles, clean pores and rejuvenate the skin. Tabacón is a very unique location full of natural jewels that definitely you cannot miss staying at Arenal Volcano area. (B/L/D)
Accommodation: Arenal area for 2 nights
DAY 5 ARENAL VOLCANO
This day is at your leisure to explore the area. We highly recommend the visit to Arenal Volcano National Park (extra cost) that protects an active perfect cone volcano with constant moderate explosions accompanied by roar, gases and ash emissions that raise high in the air. The attraction of this volcano has helped to develop the area as a prime destination in the country; from being a small town of cattle and agricultural farms, it has become one of the most tourist developed areas with hotels, tour attractions, adventure activities, hot springs and water sports. Additionally to the volcano, other attractions are: Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, Venado Caves, La Fortuna Waterfall, and many activities such as river floating, nature walks, hot springs, canopy, hanging bridges, Pure Trek Canyoning, rafting, hiking and horseback riding. (B)
DAY 6 ARENAL VOLCANO · MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST
Morning departs from Arenal Volcano to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. This service is considered a transfer-tour, as you will be crossing by boat the Arenal Lake, which is the largest and the most important lake in Costa Rica. The first part of the trip is adorned with the beautiful scenery of the Arenal Lake. Then, will start the driving ascending through the Tilarán Mountain Range. The final portion of your journey is on gravel roads, giving you more time to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery. Monteverde is a great destination to experience the culture and traditions of Costa Rica, so that for this afternoon you will have the opportunity to visit a family-run business and learn all about the traditional methods of production in a local farm. The tour begins with an interactive walk through the different plantations, including sugarcane, coffee, bananas, arracache (a local legume), avocado, macadamia nuts as well as other products. In each plantation, the guide will explain you the artisan process using typical artifacts that are involved in the production. Also you will visit a Tilapia fish project and a small-trapiche where you will see how the sugar cane is grinded and how, at the end of the process, delicious candy and brown sugar are obtained. (B)
Accommodation: Monteverde for 2 nights
DAY 7 MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST
This day is at leisure to enjoy the optional sights and activities in the area. Perhaps pay a visit to the nearby town of Santa Elena, with its beautiful orchid garden, frog pond, serpentariums, butterfly gardens and art galleries. You could take a tour of the local cheese factory, coffee or sugar cane plantation, or take advantage of such local activities as horseback riding, birdwatching and/or canopy/zip-line tours. (B)
DAY 8 MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST · SAN JOSE
Morning will be at leisure. In the afternoon, it’s programmed the transfer back to San Jose. Check-in at your hotel. (B)
Accommodation: San Jose for 1 night
DAY 9 SAN JOSE
Your Costa Rican holiday concludes today. You will be met at the hotel and transferred back to the airport, for your return trip home. (B)
**Prices in this document are for information only; they were issued at press time, for the current year. Please note that due to exchange rates and temporary promotions, they can increase or decrease at any time. Contact your travel agent for the price and promotion of the moment The prices indicated exclude the contribution to the Customer Compensation Fund of $3.50 per $1,000 of tourism product or service purchased from a travel agent in Quebec. 