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During this trip you will explore some of the most popular areas of Costa Rica from Tortuguero to Manuel Antonio, passing by the imposing Arenal Volcano. Tortuguero National Park is one of the most popular ecotourism destinations for its rich biodiversity. It is considered the most important site of the western Caribbean for the nesting of the Green Turtle and other species such as the leatherback and hawksbill. With 5437 meters high, the conical shape of the Arenal volcano is imposed on the slopes of green pasture surrounding its base. Although it is in a resting phase at present, the Arenal remains the most active volcano in Costa Rica. His history of eruptions -‐ major and minor -‐ has intimately affected the region and its inhabitants. In Manuel Antonio you can visit the world famous Manuel Antonio National Park. This is one of the national parks with the greatest scenic beauty of the country, with a tropical rainforest inhabited by several species of flora and fauna that are endangered, and white sand beaches with warm waters. The ideal place to end a perfect holiday.
Day 01: Arrival
Meet and greet at Juan Santamaría International airport and transfer to your hotel in San Jose.
Night in Presidente Hotel, Standard Room
Day 02: San José – Tortuguero (B, L, D)
The fascinating Afro-‐Caribbean culture, a combination of Jamaican, Italian and Chinese immigrants, predominates in this region and fills the atmosphere with fragrances, tropical rhythms and brilliant colors, which mixes with the daily work of many of the inhabitants on the banana plantations and the ports of Limon and Moin. After the South Pacific, this is the rainiest region in the country and this factor, combined with high temperatures, makes it a very humid area throughout the year.
The extensive Caribbean plains are beautified by the Pacuare, Estrella, Reventazon and Parismina rivers, which join in some sectors with the Tortuguero canals, of great importance for their scenic splendor and as a site of refuge for the marine turtles to lay their eggs
Along this area you can observe small groups of houses among the plantations of cassava, annatto, and bananas, as well as a vast number of beautiful beaches on the southern part of the coast, coral reefs, and protected areas with small trails which permit the access into the heart of the tropical forest.
Early pick up from your hotel. Admire the biodiversity of an astonishing protected area in Costa Rica as the bus drives through Braulio Carrillo National Park. Stop on route to have a delicious typical breakfast. Be a special guest in a banana processing and packing plant and learn more about one of Costa Rica’s prime product (subject to availability). Board a comfortable boat upon arrival to Caño Blanco pier and let this extraordinary exotic paradise enchant you, as you travel along the Tortuguero canals.
Enjoy a refreshing cocktail and a delicious lunch as you arrive to the lodge. After lunch, guided visit to the picturesque town of Tortuguero, the Caribbean Conservation Corporation and the beach area. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m.
From July to September
Optional night tour (not included in the package) to observe the turtle nesting.
Night in Evergreen Lodge, Standard room
Day 03: Tortuguero (B, L, D)
After breakfast, guided walking tour through the trails. Free time before lunch. In the afternoon, visit to Tortuguero National Park exploring the canals in small, open boats to allow a better visibility.
Tortuguero is a network of navigable lakes, rivers and canals (both natural and man-‐made) that are used for transportation and are a great place for observing local wildlife such as birds, monkeys, two and three-‐toed sloths, American crocodiles and caimans. The canals also provide shelter to endangered animals such as the Oriental Indian Manatee, crocodiles, a large variety of crustaceous and about 30 species of sweet water fish, including the Gaspar, considered as a living fossil. Tortuguero is considered the most important place of the occidental Caribbean area for the nesting of the green turtle, the leatherback and the hawksbill turtles.
Important notes:
* During your stay in Tortuguero the maximum luggage allowance is 25 lbs (12 Kg) per person.
* The order of the tours may vary according to the climate conditions.
* The optional nocturnal hike (not included in this package) to the turtle nesting operates from July to September.
Night in Evergreen Lodge, Standard room
Day 04: Tortuguero – Arenal (B)
After breakfast, shared boat transfer back to Caño Blanco and then shared ground transfer to Siquirres to connect with shared ground transfer by shuttle bus to continue to Arenal/La Fortuna.
San Carlos offers a landscape of exceptional beauty with its forests, lagoons, fields of crops, rivers with hot springs, and the most active volcano of Costa Rica: Arenal. In other words, sanctuaries where one can breathe peace, purity and the majestic power of nature.
Night at Arenal Springs, Standard room
Day 05: Arenal (B-‐D)
Breakfast in the hotel. Enjoy the Rainforest Chocolate Tour this morning.
With the view of the majestic Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna, enjoy the sweetest rainforest experience discovering the ancient secrets of chocolate: from its discovery and use, in tropical America, to the processing of the product we know and enjoy today. Considered as “a gift of the Gods”, the cacao tree was very important to the ancient culture. It was not only used as a ceremonial drink, but its seeds were also used as currency because of its economic value in many regions of Mesoamerica, including Costa Rica. In this 2-‐hour “hands on” tour, you will have the opportunity to learn many interesting facts about cocoa and chocolate, from the harvesting of the fruit to the drying and grinding of the seed.
This evening discover the secrets of the forest on the Natural Night Experience Tour.
This tour is ideal for those who want to take advantage of every minute in Costa Rica, discovering some of the country’s nocturnal wonders in a night hike. The tour starts in a small town known as La Tigra and once the visitors arrive, they will take the trail in to a small patch of rainforest in the process of regeneration with some mirrored lakes, which facilitate wildlife observation. They can expect to see species like nocturnal birds and mammals, insects, amphibians, bats, and more.
The trail will go around the mirrored lakes to the frog sanctuary, which is an area dedicated to the regeneration and natural reproduction of frog species. Here they will discover a large amount of species such as the dart frog and the bull frog, the smallest and largest species in Costa Rica, as well as the spectacular Red Eyed Tree Frog, and the beautiful Glass Frog. After the tour, a delicious Costa Rican dinner awaits.
Recommendations: Hiking shoes or sneakers, comfortable clothing, rain coat, insect repellent.
Night at Arenal Springs, Standard room
Day 06: Arenal – Manuel Antonio (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Shared ground transfer by shuttle bus from Arenal to Manuel Antonio.
The Central Pacific possesses the beaches closest to the capital city. Among the most popular are Herradura, Jaco, Dominical and the ones at Manuel Antonio National Park. Hills covered with green forests compose the common landscape of the area. Some of the features which have made Manuel Antonio one of the places most preferred by the tourists are the white sand beaches, cliffs, rivers, rain forests, the large variety of animal life and its climate. The Manuel Antonio National Park is home of the White Faced, Mantled Howler and Red-‐backed Squirrel monkeys, Two and Three Toad sloths, among other mammals, as well as a number of species of birds. Punta Catedral (cathedral point), the bay of Puerto Escondido (hidden port), and the beautiful beaches with blue green waters represent some of the main attractions of this park. The route that leads from the Central Valley to this area goes through very different landscapes, ranging from grasslands for livestock, crocodiles in the Grande de Tarcoles river, to oil plantations in Parrita.
Night at Parador Hotel, Garden Room
Day 07: Manuel Antonio (B-‐L)
Breakfast in the hotel. Enjoy this rural and adventure experience on the Santa Juana Tour.
Experience the “magic of nature” and Costa Rica’s authentic rural heritage. This guided nature, conservation and cultural expedition takes you along lush jungle-‐shrouded slopes within the Fila Chonta Mountains where three rivers are born making their way to the Pacific Ocean.
Enjoy a refreshing swim beneath mesmerizing waterfalls. Spot fascinating regional wildlife, including a myriad of birds, insects and reptiles, and try your luck at organic Tilapia fishing. Visit an authentic sugar mill powered by two massive oxen, and have the option to take a guided horseback ride. Learn about coffee and citrus production, and participate in the Carbon Offset Tree Adoption Program supported by the Corcovado Foundation conservation alliance. Complete you journey back into time with a typical Campesino style lunch overlooking the panoramic vista of Manuel Antonio National Park. Just a one hour scenic country drive will offer you the chance to experience the true meaning of “pura vida” hospitality while helping preserve Costa Rica’s rural heritage and priceles
Night at Parador Hotel, Garden Room
Day 08: Manuel Antonio (B)
Breakfast in the hotel. Day at leisure to take advantage of the facilities of the hotel or take an optional tour.
Night at Parador Hotel, Garden Room
Day 09: Manuel Antonio – San José (B)
Breakfast in the hotel. Private transfer to Juan Santamaria International airport. Check in at airline counter must be done three hours prior to flight departure (afternoon departure flight is suggested).
Package includes:
••Private arrival and departure transfers with English speaking assistance.
••Daily breakfast.
••All meals are included while in Tortuguero.
••1 night at Presidente Hotel.
••2 nights at Evergreen Lodge. ••2 nights at Arenal Springs Hotel. ••3 nights at Parador Hotel.
••Shared ground transportation by shuttle bus within Costa Rica as specified.
••Shared walking tour to Tortuguero village.
••Shared boat tour to Tortuguero National Park – Entrance fee included.
••Shared Rainforest Chocolate tour.
••Shared Natural Night Experience Tour.
••Shared Santa Juana Rural and Adventure Tour.
••All hotel taxes.
Important notes about Tortuguero:
-‐ Alcoholic beverages, sodas or bottled water are notincluded
-‐ We recommend using dark color clothes when taking the night tour during the nesting season.
Not Included: Departure tax (US$29 per person), tips, optional tours, alcoholic beverages, personal expenses, air tickets to/from Costa Rica.
* Special conditions may apply during Holy Week, Christmas and New Year.