This journey takes you into the tropical rain forest of Costa Rica. This country is extremely rich in exotic flora and fauna and some areas such as Tortuguero and Manuel Antonio are excellent sites for wildlife observation, besides the beautiful white sand beaches that Manuel Antonio has to offer. In addition you will be amazed by the stunning and active Arenal Volcano and Los Angeles tropical cloud forest. Jungle boat trips, hiking, canopy tour and kayaking are some of the activities you will enjoy throughout the trip.


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: We will have an early start heading towards the Caribbean to the Tortuguero National Park. We will be driving through the rain forest of the Braulio Carrillo National Park with its exuberant vegetation and as we reach the Caribbean slopes we will be able to see cattle raising farms, small typical Afro-Caribbean style villages and interesting plantations as banana, cocoa and tropical plants among others. We will stop for a typical breakfast along the way.  Once we reach the dock we will board the boat to ride to Tortuguero. The boat ride is extremely scenic, as we will see very exuberant vegetation. Once we arrive to our lodge we will have lunch there and then we will tour the Tortuguero Town. After visiting the town, we will have some free time at the hotel to enjoy by the pool or hike the hotel's trails. Overnight at Pachira Lodge or similar. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

DAY 3: Tortuguero is an area of great biological diversity, where 11 different habitats have been identified, as well as 309 species of birds including toucans, macaws, egrets, herons and an infinity of other species. Wildlife is impressive: crocodiles, three different species of monkeys (white-faced, howler and spider), sloths, endangered manatees, iguanas, and lizards, among many others. We will take a boat tour through the Tortuguero Canals and we will also go for a rain forest hike through Tortuguero. Overnight at Pachira Lodge or similar. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

DAY 4: After breakfast we will get ready for our way back. We will board the boat again riding through the canals. We will stop for lunch on the way and continue our way to the Arenal Volcano area, riding through the Northern Lowlands where we will be able to see different types of plantations as pineapple, macadamia, among others, cattle raising farms and small typical villages. Overnight at Arenal Paraiso or similar. (Breakfast and lunch included)

DAY 5: This morning we will experience the rain forest from a different perspective at the Arenal Canopy Tour. The adventure begins with a horseback ride for approximately 40 minutes, followed by a short walk through the transitional forest. All the platforms are designed for wildlife observation and sliding through the forest is simply overwhelming! We may have the chance to observe several species of animals and plant life.  Finally this afternoon we will visit the hot springs to enjoy a healthy and relaxing soak seeing the Arenal Volcano from the comfortable spa. Overnight at Arenal Paraiso or similar. (Breakfast and dinner included).

DAY 6: This morning a short ride will take us to Los Angeles Cloud Forest to enjoy the amazing vegetation and abundant wildlife of the cloud forest. We will enjoy hiking at this cloud forest that features a network of trails classified by length and difficulty. Dozens of medicinal plants and hundreds of bird species have been identified. Overnight at Villa Blanca or similar. (Breakfast included)

DAY 7: Today we will head towards Manuel Antonio National Park area, well known for its stunning wildlife and beautiful beaches. Once in the area we will go hiking at the Manuel Antonio National Park. Whiteface and squirrel monkeys, two toed sloths and raccoons heavily populate its primary and secondary forests. A great deal of information will be provided on the history, flora and fauna during this hike.  Finally, the park has three exceptionally beautiful white sand beaches that you will also be able to enjoy after the hike. Overnight at Hotel Espadilla or similar. (Breakfast included)

DAY 8: This morning we will enjoy a nature kayaking trip at the Damas Island. We will paddle protected inland waterways. This is the perfect place to learn and explore the coastal mangrove areas and observe wildlife. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight at Hotel Espadilla or similar. (Breakfast and lunch included)

DAY 9: After an enchanting and unforgettable experience, we will bring you back this morning to San Jose airport** wishing you had enjoyed your stay with us and hoping to serve you again in the future. (Breakfast included)

(**In this case your international flight should depart after 1:00 p.m., otherwise you should spend one more night in San Jose.**)

Level: Easy to moderate.

Prices & Departures for 2004

Available Nov 1, 2003-Nov 30, 2004	9D/8N Daily
Per Person in Double	$1625
Per Person in Single	$2400
Per Person in Triple	$1300

(Subject to change)