Costa Rica, Caribbean to Pacific

Day 1 Arrive San Jose

Meeting and assistance upon arrival to San Jose and transfer to the Grano de Oro or similar hotel for overnight.

Day 2 San Jose / Puerto Viejo

After breakfast, we depart towards the Caribbean coast to Puerto Viejo. Palm trees and virgin rain forests can be viewed along the road. This is the least developed region in Costa Rica, providing for an ideal paradise in a unique and remote nature setting. If available, we will be arriving at the charming Shawandha Lodge you’ll soon appreciate the primitive delight and serene setting of the lodge. Designed as a primitive village in harmony with nature, the 12 wood bungalows are nestled in more than 2 hectares of enormous trees and extravagant colored tropical flowers. But do not let this simplistic description fool you; refinement and comfort can be seen in your Neo-primitive style rooms. Each bungalow has its own special atmosphere with original designed furnishings and a bathroom that is a work of art from French ceramist, Filou Pascal. Complimented by exquisite French cuisine served as the sounds of nature harmonize with every delicious bite. Overnight at Shawandha Resort. (B)

Day 3 Puerto Viejo (Gandoca Manzanillo National Park)

After breakfast, you will visit Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. This 22,000 acre refuge is home to valuable turtle nesting beaches, with a coastal wetland of international importance. After walking a little deeper into the humid tropical rain forest jungle, you will surely find some wildlife such as howler monkeys, toucans, parrots and many other mammals can also be seen. Most of the trees are covered by lichens, bromeliads, orchids and other epiphytic plants that cascade from the branches. Return to Shawandha Resort for overnight. (B,L)

Day 4 Puerto Viejo

After breakfast, day at leisure to enjoy some time relaxing at a nearby white-sand beach or take an optional excursion to Cahuita National Park to walk along a 4-mile nature trail that leads to Puerto Vargas. Here you can stop and swim in the warm Caribbean waters while howler monkeys swing in the tree tops overhead. Overnight at Shawandha Resort. (B)

Day 5 Puerto Viejo / Tortuguero

Early morning departure towards the Port of Matina where you board a boat to begin our journey along waterways adorned with the flora and fauna of a tropical rain forest of the Tortuguero Canals. Your tour of the region begins with the transfer offering opportunities to spot many tropical birds and occasionally monkeys and sloth. Arrive at the lodge for lunch and a relaxing afternoon. In the afternoon a resident guide will lead us on a reconnaissance tour along the Caribbean beach where turtles nest (in season), followed with a visit to the indigenous town of Tortuguero and visit to the Turtle Museum of the Caribbean Conservation Corporation. Overnight Mawamba Lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 6 Tortuguero (Canal Tour)

Tortuguero National Park, originally intended to protect a major nesting beach of the Atlantic Green Turtle, now protects 21,000 hectares of tropical rain forest -- one of the last, large areas of tropical rain forest in Central America still in its natural state. Early morning exploration of the Tortuguero canals by boat with your naturalist guide to observe the wildlife and flora. More activities are offered after 9am with a quick boat transfer followed by a hike along forest trails. Here you will experience first hand the rainforest’s magic, with its luxuriant vegetation and unique residents including monkeys, sloth, toucans, red frogs, bullet ants and other incredible creatures. A more challenging option will take you to the top of Tortuguero Hill for sweeping views of the park, canals and beach. This afternoon, after lunch at the lodge, we depart on another boat excursion, conducted by our guides who will take us to their favorite spots in the park. Overnight Mawamba Lodge. (B,L,D)

Note: In the evening, there will be an optional tour to watch turtles nesting on the beach (July to September).

Day 7 Tortuguero / Arenal

Following breakfast begin the boat transfer via the canals to Suere and transfer San Carlos Region and continuing our drive to the Arenal Volcano area nestled amidst the northern region of Costa Rica, near the base of the magnificent Arenal Volcano. As we approach La Fortuna Arenal Volcano’s imposing silhouette will start emerging on the horizon arriving at the Arenal Springs Resort. Tonight is free to relax and view the drama of the still-active Arenal Volcano as it spews the red hot lava along the side of the mountain. Overnight at the Arenal Springs Resort. (B)

Day 8 Arenal (Sky Tram & Trek and Arenal Hike)

This morning experience the forest from a completely different perspective as you view the environs of the jungle from the canopy tops. We enter the Arenal Reserve, a tourism complex inside the tropical rain forest, offering adventure tours, bird watching, forest hiking, research and diverse entertainment for all ages. Our tour begins with a ride in the Sky Tram; a gondola will take you to the top of the mountain. From this point you can appreciate the forest, Arenal lagoon and Volcano, continuing with the Sky Trek a secure system of trails zip lines. Return to the hotel to get ready for the afternoon activity. This afternoon we depart for a leisurely hike and visit the Arenal National Park forming the Arenal Tilaran Conservation Region. The main attraction is the Arenal Volcano, the most active in the country. Here we hike through lush rainforest near the active volcano accompanied by an experienced naturalist guide. The Hike begins along the active side of the volcano providing extraordinary view of the Arenal Volcano. We continue exploring primary and secondary rainforest and the animals and plants that live along this region. The volcano will probably put on a new show of fireworks and incandescent flowing lava as it has been doing almost nightly for the last 40 years. Overnight at the Arenal Springs Resort. (B)

Day 9 Arenal (Sarapiqui River Rafting)

Early morning pick you up for the transfer to the Sarapiqui River. Upon arrival to the river there will be some brief safety instructions before starting out on this incredible rafting journey. This stunning rainforest river offers an excellent choice for a first rafting trip to Costa Rica. Vegetation and thick tree canopy along the narrow, winding river are home to cormorants, kingfishers, howler monkeys, hummingbirds and much more. Depending on weather conditions, we may be able to offer Class IV rapids but those opting for Class IV adventure must have proper experience – be of excellent physical condition and at least 14 years old. After finishing return to the Arenal for this evening’s activities. (B,L)

Day 10 Arenal / Monteverde

Mid-morning we make our way by car and boat to Monteverde passing magnificent vistas and unparalleled panoramic views as we arrive Monteverde including hillside pastures and in the distance, the Gulf of Nicoya. Afternoon free to relax or opt to visit the local cheese factory. Overnight at El Establo Lodge. (B)

Day 11 Monteverde (Monteverde Cloud Forest)

Today you will depart for an early visit to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve with your guide. Monteverde is a peaceful dairy community located 4,600 feet above sea level in the Tilaran Mountains. The most important cloud forest in Costa Rica, the reserve protects an area of approximately 20,000 acres. The temperature and humidity level in Monteverde changes dramatically over relatively short distances, allowing six different ecological communities to exist with relatively little change in elevation. Over 2,000 plant species are native to the area, including a host of wild orchids. This is home to more than 320 species of birds and 100 species of mammals. Overnight at El Establo Lodge. (B)

Day 12 Monteverde / (Carara ) / Manuel Antonio

Morning transfer to Manuel Antonio. En-route stop at Villa Lapas situated at the outskirts of the Carara Biological Reserve that protects one of the last remnants of an ecological transition zone and rich in a collection of plants and animals. We stop for lunch, followed by a short tour of the Carara Biological Park and then continue to Manuel Antonio and check in to the Parador Hotel overlooking the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by 400 acres of lush tropical rainforest. A mere 10 minutes walking distance from the hotel, hidden in a secluded bay you will find the most breathtaking white sand beach surrounded by tranquil turquoise waters and jungle. Overnight at the Parador Hotel. (B,L)

Day 13 Manuel Antonio (Tour of the National Park)

Morning tour of Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most beautiful parks in Costa Rica. The principal natural communities are the primary forest, secondary forest, mangrove forest, lagoon and beach vegetation. The park includes 12 small islands just off the coast which are excellent bird refuges. Although impacted by uncontrolled visitation, the fauna remains varied with 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds An early morning trail walk should allow you to spot Squirrel Monkeys, Three-toed sloths and Agoutis. Today we visit Manuel Antonio National Park with an easy hike through nature trails takes us into the heart of the forest to observe a variety of flora and fauna, including white-faced capuchin monkeys, raccoons, and countless tropical birds. We will also have time to take a dip in the warm waters of the Pacific. Afternoon free or take an optional Costa Kayaking tour. Overnight at the Parador Hotel. (B)

Day 14 Manuel Antonio

Today is free to relax at the hotel, go to the beach or take more optional tours like an ATV driving adventure through unpaved mountain trails, giant palm plantations and rustic Costa Rican towns – all nestled in the primary tropical rain forest. (ask for price and details). Overnight Parador Hotel. (B)

Day 15 Depart Manuel Antonio

After breakfast, transfer back to the airport in San Jose for your flight home . (B)