This journey takes you into the main jewels of the Central Valley and Central Pacific of Costa Rica, including the Poas Volcano, the Sarapiqui River, Manuel Antonio National Park and Carara National Park. Some of the activities you will enjoy include hiking, horseback riding and ocean kayaking. You will also take a relaxing boat ride for wildlife observation and will have plenty of time to relax at beautiful white sand beaches.

ITINERARY

DAY 1: Welcome to Costa Rica!! We will pick you up upon arrival at the airport and will transfer you to your hotel in San Jose. Overnight at Residencias de Golf or similar

DAY 2: Early morning we will begin our journey heading to the Poas Volcano National Park. Dairy farms, strawberry farms, huge ferns, flower plantations, and massive coffee fields are part of the scenery. We now begin our assent to the national park. On a clear day all visitors admire the view of the main crater, with its diameter considered one of the widest in the world. The volcano is surrounded by a cloud forest park with different species of flora and fauna. As we continue towards the Caribbean zone, we will stop to discover La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a Nature Park from where you will observe the main waterfalls from the central area of the country. You will also witness the largest enclosed butterfly observatory in the world and a hummingbird garden. As we continue our way we come across quaint towns and farmhouses that are encompassed by beautiful pineapple, yuca, coco, and heart of palm plantations. Once at the Sarapiqui area you will enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Sarapiquí River. Monkeys, iguanas, crocodiles, and species of birds may be seen along the way. Overnight at Residencias de Golf or similar. (Breakfast & Lunch included)

DAY 3: This morning after breakfast we will transfer you to the airport for a short flight to Quepos, best known as Manuel Antonio for its exuberant national park. Once in the area we will visit The Butterfly Botanical Gardens, a living laboratory of nature conservancy. Here you will find more than 20 species inside a unique 1000 sq. feet atrium. Secondary-primary forest and indigenous flora and fauna surround the butterfly garden. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at Hotel Espadilla or similar. (Breakfast included)

DAY 4: This morning we will enjoy an easy horseback ride through the rain forest. We will ride up to the base of a cascading waterfall where we will have the chance to splash in the fresh spring water. We may have the chance to see different species of wildlife including monkeys, toucans and scarlet Mac-Cows.
Afternoon at leisure.  Overnight at Hotel Espadilla or similar. (Breakfast and lunch included)

DAY 5: This morning we will tour the Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most famous and beautiful parks of Costa Rica with an extension of 683 hectares. Whiteface and squirrel monkeys, two toed sloths and raccoons heavily populate its primary and secondary forests. Three exceptionally beautiful white sand beaches are also found in the park. You will also be able to enjoy some time on the beach. Later this afternoon we will head towards Punta Leona Beach. Overnight at Punta Leona Beach Hotel.  (Breakfast included)

DAY 6: This morning after breakfast we will go kayaking and snorkeling. After some brief instruction we will be ready to go paddling. The ocean is calm and non-threatening. We will paddle 30 to 40 casual minutes along spectacular cliffs filled with pelicans and frigate birds to one of our destination beaches. We will be on the best location for snorkeling on the Central Pacific Coast. A fresh fruit buffet is served on the beach. The afternoon will be at leisure. Overnight at Punta Leona Beach Hotel. (Breakfast included. Soft drinks and fruits are included on the tour).

DAY 7: Today after breakfast, we will visit Carara National Park with an extension of 4,700 hectares. Carara is located in a transitional zone made up of tropical rain and dry forests of the Pacific region. Therefore protects an enormous diversity of wildlife. Coatimundis, peccaries, white-face, howler and spider monkeys, two toed sloth and the scarlet macaw may be found in the park, along with a great variety of plant life. After visiting Carara we will start our way back to San Jose, making a short stop at the Tarcoles River to spot some crocodiles as they rest along the river edge. We will also stop for lunch along the way. Overnight at Residencias de Golf or similar. (Breakfast and lunch included).

DAY 8: Finally, we will transfer you back from the hotel to the airport for your departure, wishing you had enjoyed your stay with us and hoping to serve you again in the future. (Breakfast included)

Level: Easy to moderate.

Prices & Departures for 2004

Available Nov 1, 2003-Nov 30, 2004	8D/7N Daily
Per Person in Double	$1300
Per Person in Single	$1995
Per Person in Triple	$1150

(Subject to change)