This 9-day Costa Rica trip begins in the beautiful region near famous Arenal Volcano. Then, it's off to Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve in search of scarlet macaws, capuchin monkeys, and two and three-toed sloths. The day before heading to the lively town of Quepos and Manuel Antonio, climb into the rainforest canopy for a high adrenaline adventure along the zip-lines and rope traverses of Monteverde. Day 7 finds us enjoying whitewater rafting on Class II-III rapids.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive San Jose. Overnight
Days 2-3: Arenal Volcano (L,2D)
Begin your morning with a trip to Arenal Observatory Lodge. Dormant for centuries, Arenal Volcano exploded in a massive eruption of molten lava and ash in 1968. It is now one of the world's most active volcanoes and volcanologists from all over the world come here to study this tropical volcano. You'll spend the night at the Arenal Observatory Lodge. When the weather is right, the dining hall offers spectacular views of the conical volcano, and the lodge's 870 acres.
The lodge borders the Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve and Arenal National Park, which provide miles of trails through pristine forest. Our drive to Arenal takes several hours and we stop for lunch at the famous Waterfall Gardens. On day 3, enjoy some free time in the Arenal area. Your guide is on hand to help you plan your day as you wish. Enjoy fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding or even take a hike in the miles of trails around Arenal. You could also visit the Tabacon Hotsprings in the afternoon.
Days 4-5: Monteverde Cloudforest (B)
This morning we'll hike into the national park for up-close tours of lava flow. Mid-morning we leave the Observatory Lodge, driving around Costa Rica's Lake Arenal to the Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve, one of the richest and most diverse tropical cloudforests on the continent. Founded in 1972, the Reserve encompasses six different ecological life zones and protects roughly 1,500 plant species, 400 bird species and 100 mammal species. In our explorations we'll keep watch for the rare Resplendant Quetzal.
On the morning of Day 5, take a hike through the reserve, viewing the jungle's dense vegetation and majestic trees. In the afternoon, we'll be fitted into special gear to zip from platform to platform high above the forest floor, and try the famous Tarzan Swing drop! For those looking for a bit of lighter adventure, there's a nearby sky walk suspended in the canopy that's great for birding and learning more about the local ecology.
Day 6: Monteverde - Manuel Antonio (B)
We leave in the morning to make the 4-5 hour drive to Quepos where we'll stay in a hotel near Manuel Antonio. In the afternoon, spend some hours exploring the popular Manuel Antonio National park and then we'll say good-bye to our guide this evening.
Day 7: Whitewater Rafting (L)
This morning we rise and head to the Class III whitewater of the Savegre River (or try class III-IV on the Naranjo during green season). Plunge through jungle clad gorges and float past cascading waterfalls. Along the way enjoy the variety of bird life such as egrets, osprey, kingfishers, cormorants, parrots and more. The four-hour trip on the is one of the best whitewater adventures in Costa Rica. After the river trip, we return to Quepos.
Days 8: Quepos
This morning spend your time as you like. There is no guide service today, so you are free to explore Quepos at your own pace. Walk along the expansive white beaches of nearby Manuel Antonio Park, or explore the lush vegetation, alive with 109 species of mammal and over 184 species of birds. Late this afternoon transfer back to San Jose, or if your international flight does not depart until late on Day 9, spend tonight relaxing in Quepos.
Day 9: Return Home
Accommodations: 6 nights comfortable hotels, 2 nights volcano lodge
Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.
Transportation: private car or van
A fantastic adventure for nature and conservation enthusiasts. Spend time exploring volcanoes, cloudforest, and lush rainforest. A day of whitewater rafting keeps your adrenaline flowing!
Start Dates 2008: Aug 30, Sep 27, Oct 25, Nov 22, Nov 29, Dec 20*, Dec 23*, Dec 26
Start Dates 2009: Jan 3, Jan 17, Feb 14, Feb 16, Feb 20, Mar 10, Mar 14, Mar 21, Mar 28, Apr 4, Apr 5, Apr 11, May 9, Jun 6, Jul 4, Nov 21
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Single Supplement: US$460
US$145 - Triple room discount
US$145 - Quad room discount
US$2310 - 12 day option that spends time at Corcovado at the end of the tour
Personal Budgeting: Allow $150 for meals not included, $80 for optional excursions, $27 international departure tax, gratuities
Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: Share US$60, Single US$110
Arrival/Departure Transfers: 1 person US$50 each, 2 or more people US$25/person
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount
Also see tour packages in:
Central America and Caribbean
Costa Rica
Rainforest
Volcano Tours
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