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Cosmopolitan San José, canals on the Caribbean coast, an active volcano and
the world's most famous cloud forest. This spectacular section lets you explore
Costa Rica's best natural history.Day 1 – San José We'll meet you at the San José airport and get you settled into your hotel. If you arrive early in the day, you can take a tour of the city. Founded in 1637, San José is filled with interesting architecture, bustling commercial districts and artisan craft and workshops. Stay at the Bougainvillea Hotel. Day 2 – San José to Tortuguero First thing in the morning we'll begin the drive through Braulio Carillo National Park, a large tract of primary lowland tropical forest, eating breakfast on the way. After crossing the park, we'll embark on our boat trip through the canals of Tortuguero, the enchanting "Region of Turtles." We arrive at our lodge for lunch, and then a tour of the area, including the beach, town and a local museum. Relax in the late afternoon before dinner.Stay at the Pachira Lodge. B, L, D Day 3 – Tortuguero Early risers can have a sunrise tour today before breakfast! After eating, head to Tortuguero Hill or boat through the canals in search of wildlife. You may see any number of amazing animals that inhabit this region, including caiman, poison-dart frogs, spider monkeys, toucans and parrots. After lunch explore around the lodge or head to the beach or into town. During the green turtle nesting season (July through September), you can take a night tour to look for turtles. Stay at Pachira Lodge. B, L, D Day 4 – Tortuguero to Arenal After breakfast, we'll begin our boat trip back to San José, eating lunch on the way. Once we arrive, we'll begin the two-hour drive to Arenal Volcano National Park. You'll have the afternoon free to look around and to plan your activities for tomorrow. You can choose from wildlife hikes, either to creeks or caves, horseback riding to the volcano or nearby waterfalls, mountain biking, rafting and much more. Stay at Arenal Paraiso Hotel. B, L
Day 5 – Arenal Volcano National ParkA must-see for any tourist in Costa Rica, Arenal is one of the world's most active volcanoes. With it's classic conical shape and crater, it can be seen for miles in the surrounding area, including from the sidewalk cafés of the nearby town of La Fortuna. The Park has many wonderful hiking trails with fantastic views of the summit. The volcano has minor eruptions daily, making for a great show of ash and lava. And at night, Arenal puts on its very own fireworks display! You have the full day on your own to enjoy your choice of the many activities offered here. Stay at Arenal Paraiso Hotel. B Days 6, 7 and 8 – Monteverde After breakfast, we'll take a boat ride across Lake Arenal, where your driver will meet you for a two-hour Jeep ride to the forests and mountains of the Monteverde Cloud-Forest Reserve. (There is also an option to horseback ride to Monteverde). Once in the cloud forest, the primary activities are the hikes and walks on
the trails that traverse the reserve. You can also explore the tree-tops in
the Canopy Tour, strapped into a harness and gliding from tree to tree via a
cable pulley system. For the less adventurous of spirit, the canopy can be
explored along the Sky Walk, a series of suspension bridges among the trees.The town of Monteverde is filled with interesting things to do. Artisans galleries show off photography, painting and sculpture. A local women's cooperative sells arts and crafts, including hand-embroidered clothing. A butterfly garden, hummingbird gallery and serpentarium are also worthy of exploration. Stay at Hotel El Establo. B Day 9 – Monteverde to San José Say goodbye to Monteverde and return to San José by car. Your city tour can be scheduled for this afternoon, or you can enjoy the city on your own. Stay at the Bougainvillea Hotel. B Day 10 – Depart San José We return to the airport for your international flight. B |
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