Costa Rica

Classic tours / multisport / watersport / self drive

COSTA RICA: NATURE'S MUSEUM
10 days • 17 Meals

Journey to Costa Rica, a land of rich natural wonders and friendly people. Travel beyond San Jose, Costa Rica’s colorful capital city, to explore the outstanding variety of flora and fauna in three important nature reserves: Braulio Carrillo National Park, Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, and Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Enjoy the many pristine natural wonders of Costa Rica through exclusive excursions and special presentations, as well as unscheduled time for personal discovery.

Educational Highlights in Costa Rica
Our expert Costa Rican naturalist takes you off the beaten path to discover the nation’s spectacular flora and fauna, geological wonders, and tropical forest ecology as you journey from the coastal lowlands into the cloud forests of the central highlands.
• Learn about the unique flavors and processing techniques of Costa Rican coffee production at a coffee plantation.
• Enjoy a discussion on the geology of Costa Rica’s active and dormant volcanoes, and their environmental and economic impact on the nation.
• Learn about the differences between Costa Rica’s varied forest environments.
• Enhance your visit to the Butterfly Farm with a discussion on the diverse, colorful butterflies and unique indigenous insects found in Costa Rica.

Day 1: Arrive San Jose, Costa Rica
Tonight, gather for a special reception and dinner. (D) Melia Cariari Golf Resort

Day 2: San Jose - Braulio Carrillo National Park
Braulio Carrillo National Park offers one of the richest rain forest canopies in the world, the perfect introduction to the variety of forests in Costa Rica. Ride on the aerial tram to view the unique flora and fauna of the canopy, then take a brief nature walk for a different perspective. Returning to San Jose, tour the colorful Plaza de Cultural; the National Museum, which houses a collection of pre-Columbian art and other exhibits detailing the history of Costa Rica; and the National Theater, a magnificent building of post-baroque splendor. Tonight, immerse yourself in local culture as you dine with a Costa Rican family. (B, D)

Day 3: San Jose - Poas Volcano - San Carlos
View the spectacular scenery of the Central Valley, ringed by soaring mountains, as you travel to the mammoth Poas Volcano. Walk to the edge of the crater for a magnificent view of this amazing landscape. Attend a tour of the Doka Coffee Plantation that highlights the importance of the coffee industry in Costa Rica. Continue north to San Carlos where you spend two nights at a thermal spa resort, set in the midst of a tropical rain forest. (B, D) Occidental El Tucano & Spa,

Day 4: San Carlos - Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge
The Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge is a remote 20,000-acre jungle refuge with an amazing variety of birds and indigenous wildlife, including spider and howler monkeys and two-toed sloths. Today, embark on a guided riverboat trip down the Rio Frio to observe this exotic wildlife. Later, arrive at Tabacon Hot Springs where you can walk through the beautiful grounds and soak in the soothing, hot mineral-rich waters. Dine this evening with magnificent views (weather permitting) of impressive Arenal Volcano. (B, D)

Day 5: San Carlos - Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Travel to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, a privately operated reserve situated high in the Tilaran Mountains. One of the best-known protected parks, Monteverde supports six distinct ecological zones. It is known for its majestic tall trees festooned with orchids, other bromeliads, ferns, vines, and mosses, and more than 400 species of birds, including the rare Resplendent Quetzal. Upon arrival enjoy some time at leisure to pursue individual interests or relax in the tranquil setting of your hotel. (B, D) Hotel Heliconia or Hotel Belmar

Day 6: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Explore the rich collection of flora and fauna in the reserve as your naturalist identifies a wide variety of species during a nature walk. At the nearby Hummingbird Gallery observe dozens of vividly colored hummingbirds as they gather around the many feeders. Continue to the Butterfly Farm to attend a special presentation and walk through the fully screened gardens where hundreds of delicate, exotic butterflies are easy to identify. (B, D)

Day 7: Monteverde - Playa Herradura
Travel to the Pacific beach resort of Los Suenos, set within a 1,100-acre rain forest. Enjoy the resort's relaxing atmosphere and world-class amenities. (B, D) Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort

Day 8: Playa Herradura
Your day is at leisure to enjoy the beautiful Los Suenos Marriott and its many resort amenities. An optional morning excursion features Carara Biological Reserve, a transition zone that features both wet forest and tropical dry forest. A guided nature walk offers a rare opportunity to look for diverse wildlife such as the Scarlet Macaw, howler and white-faced capuchin monkeys, and white-tailed deer, all of which make their home here. Your afternoon is at leisure. (B)

Day 9: Playa Herradura - San Jose
Enjoy a final morning at leisure at your tropical beachfront hotel. Depart for San Jose and gather this evening for a festive farewell dinner. (B, D) Melia Cariari Golf Resort

Day 10: San Jose - Tour Ends
(B)

On some dates alternative hotels may be used.

Extend Your Journey
Stay a little longer... with a 1 night pre-tour or post-tour stay in San Jose starting at $60 per person, double.

Optional 3-Night Jungle Adventure Post-Tour Extension
Price: $349 US per person, double, land only. Meals: 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners.

Enjoy an exciting soft-adventure Jungle Extension to Tortuguero, the Amazon of Costa Rica. Explore the region's wildlife by boat, viewing macaws, sloths, monkeys, falcons and other native species. This price includes roundtrip transportation to Tortuguero, 2 nights at the Pachira Lodge, 1 night at Melia Cariari Hotel in San Jose, and transfers in San Jose.
Please note: this extension is fully escorted by a local representative who will provide all included services.

2006 Prices and dates(land only)
January 19; February 9; March 16; April 20 - $1599 double, $2399 single
May 25, June 8, Aug. 3, Sept. 28, Oct. 26, Nov. 9 - $1399 double, $2199 single
2007 Prices and dates (land only)
Jan. 11, Feb. 8, March 8, April 12 - $1599 double, $2399 single

Important Information
• Taxes/fees to be paid in local currencies upon exiting the country are approximately $27 USD.
• Hotel check-in on your day of arrival is 3:00 PM. Rooms may not be available prior to that time.
• In order to enjoy the natural wonders, a good amount of walking on unpaved paths is required on some days.
• This tour will visit Poas Volcano which has an elevation of 9,000 feet.
• Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed with the exception of visits to wildlife parks.
• Tour price does not include fees for a passport, which is required.
• Itinerary featured is for May 2005 – April 2006 departures. The itinerary may vary for other departures. Please confirm at time of reservation.