In addition, you'll visit Bosque da Paz, a beautiful private biological reserve straddling the continental divide at 5000 feet above sea level. Other highlights include a tour of scenic Orosi Valley and nightime observation from your hotel terrace of the active Arenal Volcano. You will have at your disposal a four wheel drive car (4WD) for days 3-7 (5 days) of this botanical adventure.
Difficulty: Easy.
Departure Date: Any day.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Upon arrival at the international airport in San Jose, you will be met by your tour rep. from Costa Rican Trails and transferred to the hotel. Participants will receive a Welcome Kit including information on Costa Rica, a map, brochures of properties and attractions, and recommendations on what to bring and wear during the excursions.
Overnight: Hotel Bougainvillea
Day 2: After an early morning breakfast, your tour guide will pick you up for an all day botanical adventure. First you will visit the magnificent Irazú Volcano, where there are outstanding views overlooking the valley. Then onto Lankester Botanical Gardens - about a 90 minute hour drive east of San Jose, Lankester is located in the Central Plateau near the historic colonial city of Cartago.
Situated at about 3000 feet above sea level, these gardens are renowned for its extensive orchid collection featuring the most important collection in the world of miniature Pleurothallid Orchids as well as Oncidium, Phragmipedium, Stanhopea and the beautiful Cattleya skinneri and Cattleya dowina, both in danger of extinction. Overall there are over 800 species of native and imported orchids as well as bromeliads, palms, bamboos, heliconias, bromeliads, palms and conifers. Leaving the garden towards the gift shop, there is an excellent specimen of an African tulip tree, Spathodea campanulata. Peak flowering month for the orchids are February through April.
Before heading back to San Jose, we'll visit nearby Orosi Valley, one of the most beautiful valleys in Costa Rica. Descending into the valley from the mountains, you’ll pass by coffee farms and many panoramic vistas. The Reventezon River snakes its way from the mountains and empties into Lake Cachi.
There are scenic vantage points near the town of Orosi, which lies at the head of the valley, and in Ujarrás, which is situated on the banks of the lake. Near Ujarrás are the ruins of Costa Rica's oldest church. Built in 1693, the church’s lovely walled gardens are a great place to relax and enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains.
A final stop will be made at Hacienda Navarro, well known in this area for its orchids and classic tropical garden designs that display fine examples of philodendrums, costus, heliconias, ferns and bromeliads.
Overnight: Hotel Bougainvillea
(B , L)
Day 3: In the morning, a representative of the car rental company will deliver a 4WD car to you. Driving through scenic mountain roads, you'll journey to the Arenal region Passing thru the small mountain resort of Fortuna, you’ll encounter Arenal Volcano, which looms over the small town and Arenal Lake. You’ll proceed to check into your hotel, which affords panoramic views of the majestic Arenal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica. Approximate driving time is 3 1/2 hours.
Overnight: Montana de Fuego
(B)
Day 4: Day at Leisure. A highly recommended excursion is to Arenal Botanical Gardens, located along the shores of Arenal Lake, Costa Rica's largest lake. Situated on a forested hillside with dramatic views of the lake, these gardens are primarily a native species preservation project and features over 2,200 species of plants, both wild and cultivated. Particularly impressive are the collection of Cycads. There is admission fee of about $10USD
Overnight: Arenal Observatory Lodge
(B)
Day 5: Today you will drive to the Bosque de Paz hotel. Driving time is approximately 3 hours.
Overnight: Bosque de Paz
(B, L, D)
Day 6: Day at leisure at Bosque de Paz. A privately owned Biological Preserve that, as a natural biological corridor, connects the Poás Volcano National Park with the Juan Castro Blanco National Park. Bosque de Paz is a spectacularly rich ecosystem because of its privileged location. Located on the Continental Divide with altitudes ranging from 1400 to 2450 meters above sea level, habitats range from monotone rainforests to misty cloud forests.
Some of the activities this area has to offer include outstanding bird watching, general nature observation, guided nature walks, fabulous guided night tours and facilities include a fantastic reference library, a hummingbird gallery and a small outdoor orchid nursery. One of the nature hikes will take you to some spectacular waterfalls located deep in the rainforest as well as natural mineral hot springs. Get a certificate for planting a tree!
Overnight: Bosque de Paz
(B, L, D)
Day 7: Today you will drive back to San José from Bosque de Paz, about 1 ½ hour journey. Upon arrival, a representative of the car rental company will pick up the car at your hotel in San Jose.
Overnight: Bougainvillea
(B)
Day 8: Today you will be transferred to the International Airport (or you may want to extend your adventure)
(B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Details (Valid: 2007.05.01 - 2007.10.31):
- Double: $979.00
- Single: $1589.00
*Single rates are based in two passengers traveling in single occupancy.
Inclusion:
Rates per person and include accommodations at specified hotels, hotel taxes and service charges, meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner), all excursions and sightseeing as detailed, admission fees, VIP airport transfers and services of a private tour guide with transfers on Day 2 and 5 days of car rental, Daihatsu Terios, full cover insurance included The Tour operator reserves the right to substitute hotels of comparable quality as necessary. Rates are subject to change without notice.
Exclusion:
Rates do not include International airfare, beverages, tips, personal expenses and airport departure tax. Inquire about special, low reduced airfares!
Also see tour packages in:
Central America and Caribbean
Costa Rica
Local Culture
Garden Tours
Rainforest
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