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| Costa Rica: Cloudforest and Coastal Escape
An 8-Day tour starting from $3,398
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| About This Tour | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vivid and exotic beauty are the hallmarks of Costa Rica. Tropical rainforests, vast rivers, volcanic mountains, and lowland coastal plains contribute to its dizzying array of biodiversity. Trees towering 150 feet into a misty sky, 850 recorded species of birds, dazzling butterflies, and a variety of fauna that range from howler monkeys to jaguars to tapirs, all combine to create a nature lover’s paradise. On this eight-day adventure, you meander through a generous sampling of Costa Rica’s distinct ecological zones, and experience the kaleidoscope of living things that inhabit each environment. We are proud to work with one of the few companies in Costa Rica that has been honored with the Certificate of Sustainable Tourism awarded by the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism. Achieving certification involves a meticulous and rigorous process in which companies are evaluated based on several aspects pertaining to daily practices of field and office staff. The Certificate of Sustainable Tourism program seeks the promotion of sustainable development by benefiting local communities through tourism, minimizing the impact on the natural environment and preserving cultural heritage. |
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• Experienced, friendly and knowledgeable guides
• Transportation during the trip • All accommodations including rainforest lodges and a fine villa, all private baths • All meals included; alcoholic beverages not included
DAY 1
San Jose - Virgen del Socorro; 2-3 hours of walking, 3- 4 miles, easy to moderate
After meeting in San Jose, you set out for the Virgen del Socorro, the first stop en route to Arenal. At Virgen del Socorro, located along the forested canyon of the Sarapiqui River, you explore a rural area that has long been a favorite among birders and butterfly enthusiasts alike. The walk offers a vantage point on a magnificent waterfall and rushing mountain streams, through pristine rainforest and farm land boasting rich tropical fruit plantations. Your accommodation is a lodge, the only one situated next to the Arenal National Volcano Park, at the base of the volcano amidst a primary rainforest. From this cozy home base, exclusive views unfold of the volcano and Lake Arenal and, on a clear day, of the volcano’s impressive cone. After a welcome drink and dinner at the lodge, you have time to enjoy the beautiful grounds. Arenal Observatory Lodge, Arenal DAY 2 Arenal Area - Lava FlowWalk; 4-5 hours of walking, 6-7 miles, easy with short, moderate sections The day begins with an optional early morning bird watch over delicious Costa Rican coffee. Several species, including the blue-gray and scarlet-rumped tanagers, clay-colored robins (the national bird of Costa Rica), and the flashy Montezuma oropendula, are among the birds that may be sited this morning. After breakfast you depart for a walk to the Rio Danta. This enchanting trail weaves narrowly through dense forest to a hidden, unspoiled waterfall. After a short, steep descent to the base of the falls, you are enveloped in a cooling mist produced by the pounding water. Refreshed, you climb back to the main trail and continue the tranquil journey through lush secondary rainforest to the site of an old lava flow. Here, in the forest if you listen carefully, you may hear the raucous howler monkeys. Later, after crossing a pristine mountain stream, you traverse a gigantic lava flow at the base of Arenal Volcano. From this vantage point at the crest of the flow, you take in sweeping views of Lake Arenal while your guide explains the geology, thus heightening your appreciation of this ruggedly beautiful area. This afternoon you visit the Ecotermales Hot Springs, heated by the Arenal Volcano and located on a Costa Rican family farm. This authentic retreat provides the opportunity to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. If you chose to forego this activity, you will have time to enjoy the pool, Jacuzzi, and grounds of your superbly situated lodge. This evening another satisfying dinner is served at your hotel, featuring local favorites such as tilapia fish and sea bass. Arenal Observatory Lodge, Arenal DAY 3 Transfer to Monteverde; La Peninsula; 3-6 hours of walking, 6-9 miles, easy The morning walk follows the La Peninsula trail, which begins at the base of the Arenal Volcano and continues to the Arenal Dam, providing glimpses of Lake Arenal along the way. En route you may spot sloths, coatimundis, monkeys, and a wide diversity of birds, including keel-billed and chestnut-mandibled toucans and crested guan. From there you embark on a scenic boat ride across the lake. Late in the day, you arrive at the village of Monteverde, which was originally settled by Quakers in the 1950s. Settlers migrated from Alabama to Monteverde for philosophical reasons, choosing Costa Rica for its tradition of peace. Since the 1950s, approximately 120 people have settled in Monteverde; not all are Quakers, but most share the Quakers’ pacifist values. Your home for the next two nights is a comfortable lodge surrounded by virgin rainforest, lush green fields, and a network of walking paths. Hotel Fonda Vela, Monteverde DAY 4 Tree Top Walk and Santuario Ecologico de Monteverde trails; 4-5 hours of walking, 3-5 miles, easy to moderate Today you have the opportunity to view the Monteverde Cloud Forest from a different perspective—from the top down! On this tree top walk, you cross a series of eight suspension bridges, walking above the tree canopy and looking down on the enormous ferns and majestic trees that comprise the dense vegetation of this primary rainforest. A network of suspended bridges, platforms, and paths permit observation of flora and fauna from ground level all the way to the tree tops. Today’s lunch includes a memorable visit to a sugar cane plantation. Locally owned and family run, this plantation offers the opportunity to experience modern day rural life in Costa Rica while learning about the ways of the past. The afternoon is spent walking the extensive networks of trails at Santuario Ecologico de Monteverde. At the sanctuary, the route follows a series of loop trails past waterfalls and banana and coffee plantations, providing excellent opportunities for viewing some of the larger mammals of the area, including white-faced monkeys and agoutis. Later, there may be time to visit the Women’s Craft Cooperative, the Monteverde Cheese Factory, or the Monteverde Coffee Roasters—three local initiatives that contribute to the success of this thriving community. Hotel Fonda Vela, Monteverde DAY 5 Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve; 4-5 hours of walking, 6-7 miles, easy to moderate; Monteverde to Puntarenas - Transfer to Pacific Coast This morning you encounter a wide range of fascinating bird life. Situated on the continental divide, Monteverde is home to over 60 different species of altitudinal migrating birds. Most sought after are the resplendent quetzal, the blue-crowned motmot, and the American swallow-tailed kite. You are also likely to spot several varieties of hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and raptors. The Monteverde Reserve is one of the richest and most diverse tropical cloudforests in the world. You follow an intricate path along the Continental Divide, which guides you through rainforests on the Pacific side of the Tilaran Mountain Range. Approximately 400 species of birds, 100 species of mammals, and over 2,500 species of plants have been identified in this region. Your guide’s knowledge of the flora and fauna adds immensely to this cloudforest excursion. Afterward, there is time to visit the Hummingbird Gallery, for those interested. Later, the journey continues to yet another ecological zone—the Pacific Coast. Perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean and surrounded by lush tropical forest, your hotel offers one of the most spectacular settings in Costa Rica. After settling into your room, you can take the short but steep path to the hotel’s secluded, private beach. Or you may prefer to stay at the hotel and take a dip in the pool or enjoy a cocktail while watching a spectacular sunset from the hotel’s veranda. Hotel Villa Caletas, Puntarenas DAY 6 Carara National Park; 4-5 hours of walking, 6 miles, easy The walk this morning takes you through the Carara National Park, a tropical forest. Located between the dry Guanacaste region and the humid climate of the southern coast, the transitional climate of the park has wildlife common to both. Owing to the size and remote location of the park, it houses a very diverse wildlife community. Over 100 pairs of scarlet macaws, perhaps the most beautiful birds on the Pacific side of Costa Rica, live and nest in this forest. The park also provides shelter for howler and white-faced capuchin monkeys, collared peccaries, American crocodiles, great egrets, roseate spoonbills, and a wide variety of other exotic species. In the afternoon you may choose to walk to the private beach, enjoy the spa, or relax by the swimming pool with its stupendous views of the Pacific Ocean. Hotel Villa Caletas, Puntarenas DAY 7 Guide’s choice; 4-5 hours of walking, 3-5 miles, easy to moderate Following a relaxing breakfast this morning, you set out to enjoy your last day in Costa Rica. The rewarding walk goes past spectacular waterfalls through the canopy of both primary and secondary forest and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area including the Pacific coast. The afternoon is yours to enjoy and realize what it is to experience “Pura Vida.” In the evening, a farewell dinner is served in the hotel’s acclaimed French restaurant. Hotel Villa Caletas, Puntarenas DAY 8 Departure for San Jose After breakfast you begin the scenic drive back to San Jose, arriving at the airport by 12:00 pm. Note: The above is a 2008 itinerary. The 2009 itinerary will be available soon - please call for details Itinerary Changes Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due to season, special events, or weather. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.
• Abundant wildlife, including howler monkeys and exotic bird species
• Treetop walk through cloudforest canopy on suspension bridges • Monteverde Cloudforest and Carara National Park • Rainforest lodge, observatory lodge, and deluxe coastal villa Walk Ratings • Easy to moderate terrain • Average of 3-5 hours of walking per day All tour prices are per person, in US dollars, based on double occupancy.
2008 Single Supplement $550 2009 Single Supplement $650 As arrangements are confirmed at least a year in advance, the tour price is subject to change. Reserve early to guarantee the best available price. |
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| Note: All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
