Natural Highlights of Costa Rica

Clients travelling on a flight inclusive basis will fly to San Jose today on
an overnight flight, arriving on Day 2 of the itinerary. 

Day 2

The group flight usually arrives into San Jose this afternoon. Land Only
clients should aim to arrive at the hotel this afternoon/evening. Free
transfers are available for all clients. This evening is the perfect
opportunity to meet your guide and get to know your fellow travellers.
Accommodation: Park Inn hotel (or similar)
*Comfortable Hotel*

Day 3

Our adventure begins early this morning, leaving San Jose behind as we travel
to the north-east of Costa Rica to Tortuguero National Park. Accessible only
by boat or light aircraft, Tortuguero's vast network of waterways, canals and
swamps is remarkably tranquil, unspoilt and devoid of noise pollution. On
reaching the pier we board a small motorboat for the one hour fifteen minute
journey to our lodge, which is nestled in the heart of the main lagoon. Our
afternoon is spent in Tortuguero village, where it’s possible to visit the
Sea Turtle Museum (a donation will be requested at the entrance). Tortuguero
is probably most famous as a nesting site for the endangered Green turtle,
which can be seen arriving onto the beach to lay eggs from late July to
October (as part of an optional excursion). Hawksbill, Loggerhead and Giant
Leatherback turtles also nest in this region, and during November to January
baby turtles start to hatch and make their way towards the ocean. Today's
travel time will be in the region of five to six hours including a break for
breakfast.
Accommodation: Pachira Lodge (or similar)
*Comfortable Hotel*

Day 4

An early morning boat trip enables us to discover the extraordinary flora and
fauna of Tortuguero, passing serenely along the waterways. At this time of
day wildlife is usually at its most active and with the help of our expert
guide we are likely to encounter monkeys, caiman, iguanas, butterflies and
many of the 300+ bird species recorded here. We return to the lodge for a
hearty breakfast by the river. This afternoon we return to the waterways for
a second boat trip along a different canal. Alternatively, the lodge is a
tranquil spot to relax this afternoon if you want to take some time out to
enjoy the facilities or follow a short walking trail through the forest.
Accommodation: Pachira Lodge (or similar)
*Comfortable Hotel*

Day 5

Leave Tortuguero the same way we arrived by taking a small boat to the pier.
Our bus will be at the pier waiting to drive us to the region of Arenal,
passing huge banana, pineapple and sugar cane plantations on the way. Arenal
was Costa Rica's most active volcano until fairly recently, when it entered a
resting phase and can no longer be seen spitting ash, smoke or lava. However
there is still a lot of geothermal activity in the area and you'll have the
opportunity to visit one of the excellent hot springs this evening.
Alternatively have a go on the Sky Tram / Sky Trek, departing at 3pm. In
clear weather there are great views of the volcano from our overnight base,
the nearby town of La Fortuna. Today's travelling time is around five and a
half hours including a lunch stop.
Accommodation: Los Lagos, Arenal Montechiari or Arenal Paraiso (or similar)
*Comfortable Hotel*

Day 6

Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge and the Frío River combine to create a humid
area that is very biodiverse and harbours a great variety of resident and
migratory birds, three different species of monkey, iguanas, sloths, turtles
and caimans. We transfer approximately 1.5 hours to the village of Los
Chiles, found close to the Nicaraguan border. From here we board a boat for
our river adventure, which lasts around 2.5 hours and passes through tropical
rainforest and pastures until we arrive at the marshlands. The Olivaceous
cormorant makes its nests in the area and Wood storks and jabiru (the largest
bird in Central America and much endangered) can also be seen. Along the
river we may also see Howler monkeys, Three-toed sloths, caimans, lizards,
and turtles.
Accommodation: Los Lagos, Arenal Montechiari or Arenal Paraiso (or similar)
*Comfortable Hotel*

Day 7

From Arenal we travel to the Tilaran Mountain Range in the Central Highlands
for our first taste of a Costa Rican cloud forest. The journey provides
breathtaking views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the islands below as we ascend
the hills towards Monteverde, a forest-cloaked region whose name literally
means 'Green Mountain'. The high altitude supports a complex eco-system where
plants thrive, particularly orchids of which there are some 400+ different
varieties here. Today's drive is around four hours- the last 40km of road is
gravel and can be bumpy, particularly following heavy rain. In the afternoon
it's possible to join an optional coffee tour to learn about the importance
of this crop to the socio-economic development of the country.
This evening we set off on a night walk in Monteverde Wildlife Refuge.
Situated within primary cloud forest, this reserve is committed to the
preservation of native flora and fauna. Taking a nocturnal walk allows for a
completely new perspective on the forest, which our guides will bring to life
for us!
Accommodation: MTV Country Lodge (or similar)
*Comfortable Hotel*

Day 8

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a favourite destination for birdwatchers
and wildlife enthusiasts. A walk through the reserve will reveal huge old
growth trees covered in moss whilst the surrounding mist permeates the
atmosphere. The reserve’s geographic, topographic and climatic conditions
have allowed for a surprising biodiversity to thrive. There are four
ecological “Life Zones” that harbour different ecosystems for hundreds of
species - mammals, birds, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, insects and
arachnids. We can also find a variety of mosses, vines, other plants and
trees typical of the cloud forest. One of the trails of the reserve leads to
a lookout point right at the top of the continental divide where, on clear
days, you can be privy to the breathtaking view of both of Costa Rica’s
coasts: the Caribbean and the Pacific. These forests are also one of the few
remaining habitats of the endangered Resplendant Quetzal. Following today's
activity we transfer to San Jose.
Accommodation: Park Inn Hotel (or similar)
*Comfortable Hotel*

Day 9

The trip comes to an end today after breakfast, and it's time to bid Costa
Rica and the rest of the group goodbye. Free transfers to San Jose airport
are available to all clients today.

Day 10

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