Spend 11 days immersed in this vibrant, living Eden on the Central American isthmus. Visit the Green Turtle Research Station. Settle in for two nights in Tortuguero National Park which protects 13 of Costa Rica’s endangered species. Behold the spectacle of Arenal Volcano on the Hanging Bridges tour. Visit plantations growing pineapples, cacao, bananas, and coffee. Explore the white sandy beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park. Enjoy an exhilarating Sarapiqui River rafting adventure.
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Day 1
San Jose, Costa Rica - Tour Begins
Journey to Costa Rica and discover the outstanding variety of flora and fauna of Tortuguero National Park, Sarapiqui Rain Forest and Manuel Antonio National Park • Embark on many exclusive excursions • Take time for independent personal discovery.
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Day 2
San Jose - Tortuguero National Park
Begin the day travelling through the Braulio Carrillo National Park to the Caribbean low lands • En route, experience mountain scenery, changes in eco-systems, and Caribbean-style villages • Later, your guide explains the rain forest eco-system as you cruise the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park • Stay for two nights at your eco-lodge surrounded by the beauty of a tropical forest and wildlife • Learn more about your surroundings with a visit to the world’s first Green Turtle Research Station • Discover how to protect the turtle’s nesting habitat and eggs • Join your fellow travellers this evening for a welcome reception followed by dinner.
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Day 3
Tortuguero National Park
Set out on an early morning bird watching excursion** that explores the variety of local species and migratory birds that flock to this area • On a boat cruise, keep an eye out for wildlife that includes howler monkeys, sloths, toucans and caimans, as well as exotic flora • Tortuguero National Park, a study in rain forest, freshwater, and marine biology, protects over 350 species of birds and mammals • Seek out green macaws; 57 species of amphibians; 111 species of reptiles; and 60 mammal species, including 13 of Costa Rica’s endangered animals, including jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters and manatees.
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Day 4
Tortuguero National Park - Sarapiqui
Embark on a leisurely boat ride to the mainland as you travel to the fascinating Sarapiqui region • Visit an organic pineapple plantation and learn about the various types of this exotic fruit and why Costa Rican pineapples are among the world’s best • Join a local expert at La Tirimbina Biological Reserve for a fascinating bat tour explaining the biological importance of these flying mammals.
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Day 5
Sarapiqui
See firsthand the process of producing chocolate from the cacao bean • Learn the history and continuing importance of cacao to Central America’s economy • Add some zest to your life with an exhilarating Sarapiqui River rafting adventure • Before tonight’s dinner, a Costa Rican chef offers a cooking demonstration including the palmito (Hearts of Palm) picadillo, tortillas, plantains and refried beans.
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Day 6
Sarapiqui - Arenal
Begin the day with an early morning bird watching tour along the natural forest trails and nearby stream • Visit a local school*** and learn about Costa Rica’s educational system and the children’s way of life in a small farming community • Later, in Arenal, behold the spectacular views of Arenal Volcano.
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Day 7
Arenal
Share in the experience of a real “Costarican lechero” (Costa Rican milkman) • Learn about local fruits and organic farming during a tour of the family-owned Finca Don Carlos with fields of orchards, grasslands, medicinal plants, rivers and a private forest reserve • Follow a cheese-making demonstration with a traditional farm-style lunch • Spend the afternoon at leisure and enjoy the lodge’s amenities, relax in a hot spring, explore nature trails or go horseback riding.
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Day 8
Arenal Horseback Ride, Arenal Canopy Zip-Line or Hot Springs
Today you get to choose from 3 amazing experiences! Explore Arenal Volcano Rain Forest by horseback, see it from above on a zip-line, or soak in the soothing waters of one of the region’s famous hot springs • You may explore the Arenal Volcano Rain Forest on horseback, crossing rivers and following the trails, enjoying views of the San Carlos plains and the amazing lava paths of the majestic Arenal Volcano • Or, choose to go to Arenal Volcano Rain Forest for an amazing zip-line canopy tour • Gain a bird’s-eye-view of the endless primary forest, Lake Arenal and the majestic Arenal Volcano • Or, soak away your worries in the luxurious soothing waters of one of the region’s famous hot springs.
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Day 9
Arenal - Tarcoles
Travel the beautiful chequered landscape surrounding Lake Arenal while en route to the Pacific coast • After arriving at your destination, the remainder of your day is at leisure • Explore the natural surroundings and exotic wildlife.
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Day 10
Tarcoles - Manuel Antonio National Park - Tarcoles
Explore spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its pristine beaches and primary forest • Spend the morning leisurely walking the forest trails in search of native inhabitants like the three-toed sloth, agoutis, squirrel monkeys and iguanas • Take a swim in the inviting blue waters of its beaches • Relax for the rest of the day by the pool and absorb the natural beauty of your surroundings • This evening, enjoy dinner by the beach, overlooking the Pacific Ocean (weather permitting).
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Day 11
Tarcoles - Sarchi - San Jose
After breakfast, travel to Sarchi, an important crafts centre • Learn about the traditional crafts of this region and witness local artisans as they produce colourful oxcarts • Tour the Espiritu Santo Coffee Plantation which highlights the history and cultivation of coffee and its importance to the Costa Rican economy • Journey back to San Jose for your farewell dinner and overnight stay.
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Day 12
San Jose - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today.
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