SAN JOSÉ - SAN JOSÉ

14 DAGAR

This is the ultimate tour for nature lovers who want to experience Costa Rica’s complete spectrum. From outstanding national parks to volcanoes, exceptional beaches, coral reef and a plethora of wildlife, Costa Rica has it all. Explore the misty cloud forest of Monteverde, hike up Arenal Volcano, then enjoy some amazing underwater scenery at the reefs of Cahuita National Park.

DAY 1 - ARRIVE SAN JOSÉ
The capital city of Costa Rica, San José, is nestled in a fertile valley among coffee and sugar-cane farms. There is not much left of the colonial era architecture, due to the damage done by earthquakes, but it is certainly worth seeing the National Theatre, built in 1897. Maybe you'll be lucky enough to catch a performance whilst you're here. The Gold, Jade and National Museums are also particularly recommended for a visit

There are plenty of interesting optional day trips that can be undertaken within a close vicinity of San José such as visits to the Poás or Irazú volcano, white water rafting, the Turu BaRi Tropical Park or the Rain Forest Aerial Tram.

Please note: If you are are travelling into Costa Rica from Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Panama then you will need a valid yellow fever certificate.

  Optional Excursions:
>  Jade Museum
>  Museum National
>  Theatro National

  Accommodation:
>  1 night(s) in hotels at Rosa del Paseo Hotel or similar 

DAY 2 & 3 - MANUEL ANTONIO
We travel from the Central Valley to the Pacific coast, through very lush green countryside to the small village of Manuel Antonio, where we will visit the Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most popular parks in the country. This celebrated park is blessed with beautiful lagoons, palm fringed beaches, a vast array of animals and lush green forests. Some of the many creatures that call Manuel Antonio National Park home include sloths, pelicans, white-faced monkeys, anteaters and huge iguanas. It is also famous for its beaches - keep a sharp eye on your belongings, as the monkeys and raccoons are seasoned thieves!

  Included Excursions:
>  Entry to Manual Antonio National Park

  Optional Excursions:
>  Manuel Antonio National Park Catamaran Tour
>  Zip Coaster
>  Enjoy the beach

  Accommodation:
>  2 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Manuel Antonio or similar

DAY 4 & 5 - SANTA ELENA & MONTEVERDE
We travel to the old town of Quepos, once a very important port for the exportation of bananas. We then ascend a steep and bumpy mountain road that offers great views over lush green hills that flatten to meet the Pacific Ocean. We reach the small town of Santa Elena, nestled up in the clouds and established by American Quakers in the 1950's.

From here we visit Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in search of the mysterious endangered Quetzal, a very rare and timid bird with incredibly beautiful and unique plumage. There are several paths to explore in this privately owned reserve, one of which takes you to the continental divide. On a clear day both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans can be seen! We'll also stop at the Hummingbird Gallery where you can grab a drink and a slice of cake. Here you can watch dozens of these energetic birds buzz around sipping on nectar. The area around Santa Elena is famous for its ziplines and hosts the longest zip line in the world. Here you'll have the option to go flying over the cloud forest on a series of cables strung out between the giant trees. For the less courageous, you may opt for a sky walk along a series of suspension bridges above the forest canopy. Along with the lovely horse treks, nature-spotting twilight walks, visits to coffee and dairy farms, you may find it hard to choose between all of the exciting excursions!

  Included Excursions:
>  Entry to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

  Optional Excursions:
>  Bungee jump (the highest in Central America)
>  Wildlife night walk
>  Sugar cane tour
>  Zip Lining

  Accommodation:
>  2 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Don Taco or similar 

  Meals:
>  1 Breakfast(s)

DAY 6, 7 & 8 - LA FORTUNA
Our next journey takes us through the mountains of the cloud forest using a combination of minivans and boats. The first leg to Lake Arenal takes about one hour 30 minutes and the landscape is truly spectacular. Rolling hills eventually give way to the distant views of Arenal Volcano and we can stop for photos at some of the best lookouts. Stopping by the side of the road a last time, we walk down a dirt path to our boat on the shores of Lake Arenal. The scenery is truly stunning of the lake and we travel for approximately an hour slowly approaching Arenal Volcano. Once we reach the other side, where we board another minibus and travel for thirty minutes to La Fortuna.

The main attraction in La Fortuna is the nearby Arenal Volcano, which was constantly erupting between 1968 and 2010. Although not erupting anymore, the occasional puff of steam can be seen. After settling into our hotel you'll have time for a leisurely lunch and to explore the town. You can visit the luxuriant local hot springs for a relaxing dip.

There is also plenty of free time to partake in a variety of spectacular and exhilarating optional excursions while in La Fortuna; a visit to the some local waterfalls, caving, rappelling, white water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, horse-riding, trekking, biking, and wild-life spotting.

  Optional Excursions:
>  Paddle Boarding 
>  Canyoneering
>  Mountain Biking
>  Arenal Volcano Walk
>  Hot Springs
>  Horse riding
>  Hanging Bridges
>  Zip Lining
>  Night walk tour

  Accommodation:
>  3 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Fortuna or similar 

  Meals:
>  3 Breakfast(s)

DAY 9 & 10 - TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK
We travel by bus to the port of Moin near Limón, where a boat will be waiting to take us along inland jungle canals and into Tortuguero National Park, located on the Atlantic/Caribbean coast. We spend two nights in a remote jungle lodge, surrounded by wildlife and hiding in the dense vegetation, we are sure to spot a large variety of animals, possibly including monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, turtles, numerous different bird species, and the 'Jesus Lizard' so named because it can walk on water!

While in Tortuguero, with luck we will observe the Green sea turtles which, between July and October, arrive at the beaches to lay eggs in the sand. During the period seven to ten weeks after nesting the turtles hatch which, to witness, is one of life's most inspiring events. There is an interesting visitor's centre in the tiny village where you can watch videos and learn all about the turtles. During our excursions around Tortuguero we may also have the chance to see the tiny but brightly coloured poison arrow frogs.

  Included Excursions:
>  Entry to Tortuguero National Park

  Optional Excursions:
>  Night guided beach walk to spot turtles
>  Sunset beach walk to spot baby hatchlings

  Accommodation:
>  2 night(s) in hotels at All Rankin Lodge or similar 

  Meals:
>  2 Breakfast(s)

DAY 11 & 12 - CAHUITA
We continue on to the small beachside town of Cahuita close to Cahuita National Park. Arriving at lunch time, there is plenty of time to explore one of the Caribbean coasts best national parks. Aside from one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, there is also walkways and trails going out to lookout points. Watch out for monkeys, sloths, lizards, frogs and tonnes of other wildlife. Cahuita is also home to the only coral reefs in the country. The only way to snorkel on the reef is on a guided tour so you can hire a guide locally to take you out onto the reef.

From Cahuita you have the option of taking a short bus journey down the coast to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. This laid-back Caribbean village has some of the best surf in the country and you can hire a bike and cycle to secluded beaches for a spot of sunbathing. From Puerto Viejo you can also visit the Jaguar Centre, a place of rescue and rehabilitation of animals native to Costa Rica. The animals are all nursed back to full health and released back into the wild as soon as possible and depending on what animals they have, you can see sloths, monkeys, birdlife and crocodiles.. From Cahuita we return to San José.

  Optional Excursions:
>  Cahuita National Park
>  Snorkelling tour

  Accommodation:
>  2 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Vaz or similar 

Meals:
>  2 Breakfast(s)

DAY 13 - SAN JOSÉ
We then return to San Jose for a final night.

  Accommodation:
>  1 night(s) in hotels at Rosa del Paseo Hotel or similar 

  Meals:
>  1 Breakfast(s)

DAY 14 - DEPART SAN JOSÉ
Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.

  Meals:
>  1 Breakfast(s)