Villa Lapas







Costa Rican cuisine







Crocodiles do not
have sweat glands,
they release heat
through their mouth







Walk across one of
Manuel Antonio National
Parks canopys







Squirrel monkeys
spendmost of their
time in the trees
searching for fruit
and insects to eat


Affordable Nature
Costa Rica

Surround yourself with lush rain and cloud forests, brilliantly-colored tropical birds, rare butterflies and white, sandy beaches…no, it’s not a dream!  Those luxuries aren’t out of your reach on an adventure to beautiful Costa Rica. Discover one of the most rich and bio-diverse landscapes on earth as you explore Carara Biological Reserve and Manuel Antonio National Park.  Be entertained by troupes of squirrel monkeys and look for the slow-moving and incredibly interesting sloths. Secrets of the rainforest will be revealed with ample time to reap the rewards of miles of beaches along the Pacific Coastline.

Day 1 - Miami/San Jose
Board your flight to San Jose.  Upon arrival, you will be escorted to your hotel in the exclusive district of San Rafael de Escazu. SAN GILDAR HOTEL.

Day 2 - San Jose
Become familiar with the exceptional biodiversity of Costa Rica while visiting INBio – a combination museum, educational center and nature park.  Hike on trails, learn about butterflies at their butterfly garden and inspect a delightful series of animal sculptures created by one of the country’s premiere artists, Jose Sancho.  SAN GILDAR HOTEL. (B)

Days 3/4/5 - Villa Lapas/Tarcoles River/Carara Biological Reserve
On your drive to Villa Lapas, stop off at the Tarcoles River, known to have one of the most important crocodile populations in Costa Rica, with some reaching more than 12 feet in length. A diverse group of birds may be found here, including Roseate Spoonbills, Wood Storks, frigatebirds and pelicans. Arrive at your eco-resort surrounded by 500 acres of private reserve and one of the last tropical rainforests on the Pacific Coast. In a unique position for guests to experience two distinct eco-systems, Tropical and Dry Pacific, it also features a replica of the country’s historical past – the quaint, charming Santa Lucia town complete with church, cantina, restaurant and lake. Next day, trek through the Carara Biological Reserve, a living laboratory for scientists and nature enthusiasts and one of the country’s greatest areas of biodiversity. Look for crocodiles and caimans along with wading birds – Anhingas, jacanas, Pied-billed Grebes and Bare-throated Tiger-Heron.  The incredible beauty combines a rare mix of varied tropical vegetation, with unique mammals and birds. Carara is also one of the few nesting areas remaining for the Scarlet Macaw, who can always be heard throughout the day and often seen in flight, particularly around dusk.  Your last day in this paradise is at leisure. You may want to indulge in your resort’s Skyway Walk, a series of nature trails and hanging bridges that take you deep into the heart of the rainforest. Or fly over exotic trees and see birds and monkeys up-close while swinging from one treetop to another on the Canopy Tour (both at additional cost). VILLA LAPAS HOTEL. (B Daily)

Days 6/7/8 - Quepos/Manuel Antonio National Park
Travel to Quepos and your lodge nestled in 180 acres of virgin rainforest, home to coatis, sloth, anteater and iguana. Troupes of an endangered squirrel monkey, also called the ‘titi monkey’ only found in this part of the world, often come out to play in the early morning hours. Enjoy searching for countless tropical birds and rare butterflies. Next day, go to nearby Manuel Antonio National Park, one of Costa Rica’s national treasures. Explore the park’s two white sandy beaches, Espadilla Sur and Manuel Antonio – perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Look for dolphins and the odd pod of migratory whales. Numerous short trails meander through the park, passing scenic overlooks and beaches. More than 100 mammals and 180 bird species inhabit the park, including the rare White Ibis. Squirrel monkeys play in the trees above the trails, and in the foliage lurk two-toed sloth, raccoon, white-nosed coati, howler monkey, white-faced capuchin and squirrel. Your last day is at leisure.  Relax, hike, birdwatch or take the Titi Canopy Tour (at additional cost) traveling on suspension cables from platform to platform affording you a bird’s eye-view of primary and secondary forest. This is a lush, moist wonderland where epiphytes grow on every tree and green garden tracts are filled with ferns, flowers and mosses. RANCHO CASA GRANDE.  (B Daily)

Days 9/10 - San Jose/Miami
Return to San Jose, where the remainder of your day is at leisure. The next morning transfer to the airport and your return flight home. SAN GILDAR HOTEL. (B, B)

Optional Post-Extension to Monteverde & Arenal Volcano
Explore Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, rich in bio-diversity and wildlife due to a variable climate and six distinct ecological zones. Get a bird’s-eye view during the Selvatura Treetop tour and enjoy hiking the numerous trails that lead to elfin woodlands or majestic trees embellished with orchids, bromeliads, ferns and mosses. Then discover Arenal Volcano, one of the most active in the world and relax for an afternoon in the thermo-mineral waters straight from the heart of the volcano at Tabacon Hot Springs Spa and Resort.

Your Journey Includes:

  • All ground transfers in air-conditioned motorcoach.
  • Superior accommodations throughout as indicated or similar.
  • Services of professional naturalist throughout the tour.
  • All meals as specified in the itinerary.
  • All park entry fees.
  • All applicable hotel/lodge taxes and gratuities for baggage handling.
  • Complimentary baggage tags and passport wallet.

For reservations or more information, please contact:
Classic Escapes Inc. at (800) 647-1244