With its abundance of reefs and rainforests, concern for conservation and truly incredible birdlife and amphibians, Costa Rica is the favored destination for those travelers with less time, but a love of nature. Discover the secrets of the rainforest from a bird’s point of view on the Rainforest Aerial Tram and by boat as you glide along the natural inland waterways and canals in Tortuguero National Park. Witness as thousands of turtles lumber ashore, lay their eggs and return to the sea. Watch the spectacular display of Arenal Volcano’s eruptions in the distance as you sip your drink and enjoy the hot springs. Your head and heart will literally be in the clouds as you explore Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to over 320 species of birds, including the Resplendent Quetzal.
Degree of Difficulty –
Fly from Miami to San Jose, where you are escorted to your beautiful hotel which is surrounded by coffee plantations, citrus orchards and lush gardens. A perfect setting for jogging through the winding trails, birding or relaxing by the swimming pool. HOTEL BOUGAINVILLEA.
Meals Aloft
Discover the beauty of the rainforest from a bird’s eye view. Soar through the air on the Rainforest Aerial Tram in a 1,000-acre private reserve of virgin tropical forest that borders the Braulio Carrillo National Park and learn about the small ecosystems that have formed at tree-top level for the flora and fauna in search of light and space. See orchids, bromeliads, moss, ferns and bejucos and spot some of the 350 bird species that call the canopy home – Solitary Eagle, Yellow-eared Toucanet and Common Potoo. Back on the ground, drive through banana plantations to board your speedboat to Tortuguero National Park. As you boat along this system of rivers and man-made channels through one of the richest regions of Costa Rica in biological diversity and wildlife, watch nature’s circus as spider and howler monkeys frolic in the tree-tops overhead. Spanish for turtle, ‘Tortuguero’ is the most important nesting site in the entire western-half of the Caribbean for the green turtle – which gathers in large numbers to nest between July and October. Other sea turtle species that nest on the wide beaches of the park are the leatherback and hawksbill. Your accommodations are rustic and delightful. EVERGREEN JUNGLE LODGE or MAWAMBA LODGE.
(All Meals Daily)
Your drive takes you to Arenal, where the volcano rises 5,357 feet majestically above the Tabacon Hot Springs – the ultimate place to inspire and indulge yourself. Fountains of spring water from the heart of the volcano create the Tabacon River, running at a soothing 102 degrees Fahrenheit and forming cascades, waterfalls and natural pools throughout the exotic tropical gardens. Take a dip in a pool for an unforgettable sensation! The Arenal Observatory Lodge is located just over one mile from the active crater of the volcano. Your guestrooms are reached via a 134-foot suspension bridge through a small patch of rainforest and feature huge glass walls that provide premier views of the volcano. A host of activities await you, such as mountain biking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, hanging bridges, butterfly gardens, canopy tours, fishing, horseback riding and more. ARENAL OBSERVATORY LODGE.
(B,L; B,D)
Continue to Monteverde, Costa Rica’s most beautiful forest and home to over 320 species of birds, including the Resplendent Quetzal and exotic hummingbirds. Go boldly where few walkers have gone before on the Sky Walk, considered by many the last terrestrial frontier. Experience the buoyancy of walking among the clouds as you traverse the tree-tops on a series of bridges, trails and platforms. Your mountain suite is nestled in a rustic setting providing you with spacious, comfortable accommodations just minutes from the Monteverde Cloud Forest and other natural attractions. FONDA VELA.
(B Daily)
Drive back to San Jose, stopping at Sarchi for some of Costa Rica’s best shopping of local handicrafts. Upon arrival in San Jose, check into your hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner. HOTEL BOUGAINVILLEA.
(B,L,D)
Time to return home as you will be transferred this morning to the airport for your return flights. Bid a sad “adios” (farewell) to this lovely land.
(B)
Prices vary by season and package. Please inquire by phone at (800) 627-1244 or email info@classicescapes.com for more information and a pricing estimate.
YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES:
- All ground transportation in air-conditioned motorcoach.
- Superior accommodations throughout as indicated or similar.
- Services of professional naturalist throughout the tour.
- All meals as specified.
- All hotel/lodge taxes and gratuities for baggage handling.
- All park entry fees.
- Complimentary passport wallet and baggage tags.
- Complimentary emergency evacuation insurance.
Costa Rica is tropical and enjoys warm weather year-round. January through March is the hottest period, but is also the driest. Moderate rain can be experienced June through August, but the heaviest rains are reserved for September and October. Turtles come ashore to nest in Tortuguero between July and October, and in Guanacaste October through February.
