Explore the highlights of Costa Rica: Poás Volcano with its huge crater, active Arenal Volcano, the Hot Springs of Tabacón, the mystic cloud forest of Monteverde & the Tree Top Walkways of Selvatura, a walk over suspended bridges right through the canopy. Finish with 2 nights at Manuel Antonio National Park, hike the gorgeous rainforest trails and enjoy the fantastic beaches.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1 - San Jose:
Arrival at San José International Airport, where your personal guide will be awaiting you. Transfer to your hotel, short briefing and hand out of the travel information. Overnight stay in Grano de Oro****.
Day 2 - Poas Volcano, Arenal Volcano, Tabacon Hot Springs:
Since the early morning offers the best chance for a clear, cloudless view of the 14,000 acre nature reserve of Poás Volcano, you will start very early by car from San José. The active crater with temperatures between 104° F and 158° F is located in the center of the park; the poisonous sulfur fumes do not allow any life near by but make Poás - because of the gas process - the world's second biggest geyser. We then pass by car Costa Rica's most impressing waterfall - Catarata La Paz - that comes down on the east slope of Poás Volcano over 3,900 ft. in different cascades. You will stop at an amazing hummingbird gallery before continuing your trip to La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano. In the evening at the hot springs of Tabacon, you will enjoy a bath in the sulfur water of a little river forming natural pools within a beautiful tropical setting, where - with some luck - you will be able to watch the fascinating volcano eruptions of red sparkling lava. After dinner, return to your hotel. Overnight stay Volcano Lodge*** or similar.
(B) (D)
Day 3 – Monteverde:
Ride around Arenal Lake to Cañas. Visit an exotic private zoo with many kinds of Costa Rican birds as well as jungle cats such as panther, puma and ocelot. They had been abandoned by private persons or had been confiscated by the customs authorities for violating the law for the protection of endangered species. On the Interamericana south and then turn left on an adventurous gravel road that will take you on a 35 km long and difficult ride to Sta. Elena in the Monteverde Cloud forest Region. Overnight stay Hotel Fonda Vela***.
(B)
Day 4 – Monteverde:
The early morning gives you the best chance to observe birds, and so you start your walk through the Sta. Elena Nature Reserve very early. Right at the entrance, you will already meet many different kinds of hummingbirds that come very close to their feeding stations. In the afternoon, you will go for a "walk in the clouds". „Walkways" - a complex of suspended bridges, platforms and trails, built within the cloud forest, allows a vision from a different perspective which starts with a walk on the ground through the forest and takes you up to explore the tops of the trees, a world which is very close but yet unknown to most of us - the canopy of the cloud forest. The bridge system is located along a 1.7 mile trail designed to be walked by people of all ages and physical conditions so most of the way is level with occasional small slopes. It has 8 suspension bridges which add up a distance of 1200 feet of total bridge length, plus the trail goes 90% through primary cloud forest. If there is still time left for activities in the afternoon, there are a lot of other optional activities you might choose from: a visit of the „Frog Pond“, Snake Farm, Orchid Garden, among others. Overnight stay Hotel Fonda Vela***.
(B)
Day 5 - Manuel Antonio (optional: Carara National Park):
After breakfast, drive on the Interamericana South and following the coastline continue towards the town of Jacó, stopping on the way at the bridge over Rio Tarcoles where we have the opportunity to observe large crocodiles. On the way you may visit the Carara National Park (optional, entrance fee approx. US $ 8 p.p.), one of the main nesting areas of the Scarlet Macaw. Short hike on the park trails. Drive further South to Manuel Antonio; arrival at your hotel in the afternoon. Overnight stay Hotel Costa Verde***.
(B)
Day 6 - Manuel Antonio:
A hike of about 1.5 hours will lead you through the rainforest and to the fantastic beaches within the park. Observe capuchin monkeys, sloth, iguanas, anteaters and various species of birds while exploring the hiking trails through the rainforest; then relax on the beach or take a refreshing bath in the Pacific Ocean. Overnight stay Hotel Costa Verde***.
(B)
Day 7 - San Jose:
Ride back to San José. Rest of the day at your disposal. You might visit one of the various museums (optional) or just go sightseeing with your guide (entrance fees not included). In the evening your guide says good bye to you. Overnight stay at Grano de Oro****.
(B)
Day 8 – Departure:
Transfer to the International Airport for your flight back home.
(B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Single Occupancy Price: US$ 1725 per person(only if at least 2 persons traveling);
Single Occupancy Price: US$ 2495 (if 1 person traveling).
Includes accommodation and meals as specified. Included tours & entrance fees: Poás Volcano, Tabacón Hot Springs, Monteverde: Sta. Elena Cloudforest Reserve & Tree Top Walkways, Manuel Antonio National Park. Private English speaking naturalist driver-guide and private vehicle during days 2-7; airport transfers.
Discounts for groups available.
Also see tour packages in:
Central America and Caribbean
Costa Rica
Ecotourism
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