This unique Costa Rica trip takes you to the wilds of Tortuguero National Park, the Selva Bananito Reserve to discover just why this region is so celebrated for it incredible wildlife. Your Costa Rica adventure begins with a trip to Tortuguero National Park and discovery of the rare nesting grounds the green sea turtle. The journey continues to the Selva Bananito Reserve. The reserve’s 2100 acres of untouched rainforest is the most rugged and unexplored region in Costa Rica and is just waiting for the adventurous traveler! An exciting whitewater trip down the Pacuare river tops off this wild and wet Costa Rica vacation!
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive San Jose
Day 2: Meet Tortuguero (B,L,D)
You'll be picked up early a lovely drive to the Atlantic coast, traveling through the lush tropical rainforest of Braulio Carrillo National Park. Banana plantations line the highway en route to La Pavona, where you will take a scenic boat ride on the La Suerte River, Tortuguero River, and through the Tortuguero Canals. The boat ride offers lovely views of the Costa Rican forest and mangrove swamps, which are teeming with such exotic wildlife as sloths, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, coatimundis, raccoons, crocodiles, egrets, parrots, and jaguars—just to name a few!
Arriving in the remote island village of Tortuguero, you'll enjoy lunch at Turtle Beach Lodge. You'll be spending the next two nights at the lodge, which offers optional garden tours, a refreshing turtle-shaped pool, a dugout canoe, and nightly turtle-watching tours. Today, the afternoon is free to relax and explore on your own.
Day 3: Jungle Explorations in Tortuguero (B,L,D)
Spend the day as you please – tour the town, visit museums or take a walk through the jungle. Be sure to take advantage of the miles of beach and jungle trails in Tortuguero National Park, horseback riding, kayaking to a nearby lagoon, or fishing in the Tortuguero River for tarpon, snook, and mackerel. You can explore the canals winding through the rainforest, which is home to exotic wildlife, from egrets to crocodiles to monkeys to butterflies. And keep your eyes open for turtles! Tortuguero has many highlights, but it is best known for the four species of sea turtles that nest in the region. Tortuguero's coastline is considered one of the Western Hemisphere's most important nesting sites of the green sea turtle, which can be found by the thousands in the summer months. The baby turtles hatch from July through early November, emerging from their nests to scrabble across the sand to the waiting waters of the Atlantic.
Days 4-6: Rainforest Retreat (B,L,D)
After a late breakfast, you travel to Selva Bananito Reserve for more jungle discovery and adventure. Bordering Costa Rica's largest and most pristine nature reserve, Selva Bananito is part of the same rich ecosystem as the 1.5 million acre La Amistad International Peace Park, and it's alive with hundreds of species of birds, and animals such as toucans, parrots, monkeys, sloths and the elusive jaguar and tapir.
There's an adventure here for everyone. There's horseback riding through the adjacent family farm to learn about the organic tropical farming techniques that their father, Rudi Stein, has developed over the past 25 years. The farm boasts a heliconia garden brimming with enormous tropical flowers, and a half day nature trail through the surrounding primary rainforest where guests can learn about the rainforest ecology.
You'll also have the chance to climb a giant kapok tree and enter the fascinating world of the rainforest canopy. With the encouragement of Jurgen or Sofia Stein, the brother and sister team that created the reserve, even land lovers will find themselves lost in a swinging world 100 feet off the ground and buzzing with life.
For the adventurous there's an all day trip deep into the jungle with a dip in a pool below a 70 foot waterfall, rewarding your hard effort. At the end of each day, locally grown food is served by candlelight before you retire to the tranquil retreat of your jungle cabana.
Day 7: Pacuare River Rafting (B,L)
This morning you travel east towards the Caribbean and the Class III-IV whitewater of the Pacuare River. One of Costa Rica's most exciting whitewater trips, the Pacuare plunges through spectacular mountain gorges and passes through virgin rainforests filled with howler monkeys, toucans, sloths, ocelots and more. After your river adventure you'll transfer to San Jose to complete your Costa Rica travels before returning home in the morning.
Day 8: Return Home
Turtle season runs from mid-June to the end of October
Accommodations: 2 nights comfortable cabanas, 3 nights simple beach house, 2 nights hotels. Note that Selva Bananito Lodge does not have electricity
Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.
Transportation: minibuses, 4x4 vehicle, river boat, raft
An itinerary filled with wildlife adventure and flexible enough to accommodate the most adventurous souls and those who prefer a more relaxed time. Any easy trip for any age. For those not comfortable with Class III-IV rapids, they may raft a tamer river, or take an Aerial Tram tour.
Start Dates: Weekly Departures Sat-Sat
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Single Supplement: US$255
US$140 Triple Room Discount
US$160 Quadruple Room Discount
Personal Budgeting: Allow $60 for meals not included, $27 international departure tax, $60 optional excursions, $10 Tortuguero Park Entrance Fee, 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
Wildlife Viewing
Rainforest
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