This adventure will take you to three distinct ecological zones in Costa Rica - the lowland rainforests and jungles of the Sarapiquí in the Northern lowlands, the wet coastal forests of Tortuguero on the Northeast Caribbean coast and the coastal estuaries, mangrove forests and wide gray sand beaches of the Pacific Northwest.
The highlight of this adventure will be the opportunity to witness one of the most fascinating events in Nature - the nesting behavior of marine turtles. Tortuguero, often referred to as the “Amazon of Costa Rica” for its rich vegetation, fauna and the navigable network of lagoons and canals, is one of the prime nesting sites of the Green Turtles. On the Pacific Coast near Playa Nosara, tens of thousands Olive Ridley turtles come ashore at nearby Ostional Wildlife Refuge, July-December, in synchronized mass nestings called arribadas.
Difficulty: ½ Relatively easy, some leisurely nature walks through the forest Optional night walk along the beach for turtle watching.
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 Rica Trails and transferred to your 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: Today you’ll journey to Sarapiquí, located in the Northern lowlands just 1-½ hours from San Jose. The trip to Sarapiquí will pass through Braulio Carrillo National Park, banana plantations, and bamboo thickets. A stop will be made at Quebrada Gonzales inside the park.
Located in a region of dense rainforests and fast flowing rivers, Sarapiquí is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world and nearby La Selva Biological Station shelters researchers from many different countries. Activities include leisurely nature hikes where you’ll encounter many exotic birds, monkeys and other inhabitants of the jungles and learn about the intricacies and ecology of the tropical rainforest.
Overnight: Sueño Azul hotel
(B, L, D)
Day 3: Day at leisure in Sarapiquí where you may want to participate in such optional adventures as a gentle Boat tour along the calm waters of the Sucio River or a thrilling whitewater rafting expedition (Class II-III rapids) along the Sarapiqui River (optional tours not included in the price)
Overnight: Sueño Azul hotel
(B, L, D)
Day 4: Today you will be transferred to Guápiles where personnel of Pachira Lodge will pick you up and take you to the Tortuguero region. Once you reach the small port of Freeman, the tour continues by boat first on the river and then through the canals that run parallel to the coast until Tortuguero National Park, providing an excellent chance to take a close look to wildlife. Enjoy a refreshing cocktail and delicious lunch at Pachira Lodge.
Overnight: Pachira Lodge
(B, L, D)
Day 5: After breakfast and depending on the weather conditions, there will be a guided jungle walk to Tortuguero Hill and a boat tour along the Tortuguero Canals. Tortuguero is one of the prime nesting sites for the green turtle The green turtle’s nesting season is June-November with August and September being the peaks months.
Overnight: Pachira Lodge
(B, L, D)
Day 6: After breakfast, you will be transferred to the local airstrip for your flight back to San José where you'll connect for a short flight to Nosara on the North Pacific Coast. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Playa Guiones.
Overnight: Harmony Nosara Hotel
(B)
Day 7: Day at leisure in Playa Guiones. Available activities include night turtle tours, horseback riding, scuba diving, hiking and sportfishing. At nearby Ostional wildlife refuge, the Olive Ridley turtles mass nestings takes place between July-December
Overnight: Harmony Nosara Hotel
(B)
Day 8: Today you will be transferred to the local airstrip for your return flight to San José. Upon arrival, you will met by your tour rep and taken to your hotel.
Overnight: Bougainvillea hotel
(B)
Day 9: After an early Morning breakfast, you will be transferred to the international airport for departure
(B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
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, domestic flights, VIP airport transfers and services of a private tour guide with transfers on Day 2. 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
Nature & Wildlife
Rainforest
Marine Biology
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