Costa Rica Adventure & Corcovado

Day 1 San Jose / Arenal

Meet and greet services upon arrival and transfer to the Arenal region and the Springs Resort & Spa. The resort perches one thousand feet above the Arenal Valley on a mountain ridge just six kilometers north of the active volcano but safely outside the government declared danger zone. This vantage point provides for magnificent views of the volcano, the lush valley, and the surrounding towns that sparkle at night, not to mention access to the region’s famous breezes. Evening is at leisure to relax or enjoy the thermal hot springs.

Day 2 Arenal (Volcano & Zip Lines)

This morning we 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.

This afternoon 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 for overnight.

Day 3 Arenal (Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge)

Today, you will visit the Cano Negro National Wildlife Refuge, home to a variety of migratory and native birds, mammals and other animals. You will be driven to Los Chiles and then board a boat which will take you through the lush wetlands of the reserve to the Cano Negro Lagoon. At Playuelas, enjoy your box lunch before continuing your exploration of the refuge. Return to your hotel for overnight. (BoxL)

Day 4 Arenal / Manuel Antonio

After breakfast, we drive south towards Quepos. We stop for lunch at Villa Lapas before continuing to Manuel Antonio and the El Parador Hotel. Enthroned atop a majestic bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by 400 acres of lush tropical rainforest, Hotel Parador “Boutique Resort”, is located in the most remote and pristine area of Manuel Antonio, yet within minutes from the World Famous Manuel Antonio National Park, the small sport fishing town of Quepos, and the local airport. Exciting tours such as canopying, rafting and jungle cruises are all close by. Just 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. The hotel was built in an elegant Mediterranean – style architecture, modeled after the Traditional Spanish Paradores and quaint European “boutique hotels”, renders the resort as one of a kind. Since opening in 1995 the Hotel Parador has been a hidden getaway in Costa Rica for many celebrities including Don Johnson, Charlie Sheen, Lorenzo Lamas, Eric Roberts and many more. Today is free for you to enjoy the hotel and its surroundings. (L)

Day 5 Manuel Antonio

After breakfast, relax or take an optional 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 including the Fiery-billed Aracari, Chestnut-Backed Antbird, White-necked Jacobin, Baird's trogon, Orange-collared Manakin, Blue-throated Goldentail and Blue-black grosbeak. An early morning trail walk should allow you to spot Squirrel Monkeys, Three-toed sloths and Agoutis. Overnight at Hotel El Parador. (B)

Day 6 Manuel Antonio / Osa Peninsula

This morning sets the stage for an extraordinary jungle adventure. We begin with air transfer from Quepos to San Juan del Sur and the Aguila de Osa Inn. Situated at the remote Osa Peninsula, on a high bluff overlooking the Aguitas river with panoramic views of Drake Bay. Reaching out into the Pacific Ocean along the southwest coast, the Osa was once described by National Geographic as one of the most biologically intense places on earth. Encompassing Corcovado National Park and Caño Island, two of Costa Rica's most prized protected areas; the Osa Peninsula is a priceless natural treasure with an abundance of tropical plants, mammals, insects and over 350 species of birds. Dinner and overnight at Aguila de Osa Inn. (B,D)

Day 7 Osa Peninsula (Corcovado National Park)

This morning we visit Corcovado National Park, a protected wilderness reserve boasting the greatest bio-diversity in Costa Rica. It is considered one of "the most biologically intense places on earth", according to National Geographic. Its rain forest is by far the most exuberant in Central America boasting a vast range of flora and fauna. 500 different varieties of trees grow here and up to 100 species can be found growing on just 2 acres of land. Situated along the western region of the Osa Peninsula along the southern Pacific coast and protects 41,788 hectares of shallow lagoons, marshes, mangrove swamps and rivers amid virgin rain forests with low altitude cloud forests and miles of sandy beach coastlines.

Your Corcovado tour begins with a visit the San Pedrillo Ranger Station, which is the Park's northern most ranger station. From here your guide will lead you up into the dense jungle comprised of primary and secondary forest, during which time you'll be introduced to some of the more interesting aspects of the Park's natural surroundings. The trails themselves are clearly marked and easy to navigate, ascending and descending through the verdant rainforest. One particular trail leads to a large waterfall, ideal for photos and/or bathing. Overnight at the Aguila de Osa Inn. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Osa Peninsula (Caño Island)

Today we visit Caño Island, situated just 12 nautical miles from Aguila de Osa Inn, and can be seen just minutes after leaving the protected cove of the hotel. The boat ride to the Park entrance takes approximately 45 minutes, during which time you might be lucky enough to see whales and/or dolphins frolicking in the ocean.

Your tour to Caño Island includes ample time to snorkel in front of the ranger station. This will provide snorkelers with an excellent opportunity to familiarize yourself with the underwater terrain and sea life surrounding Caño Island. The dark, volcanic rock is home to numerous species of marine life, much of which you'll see just a short swim from the beach. As well, you'll have time for a relatively short hike, which begins just behind the ranger station. After an initial climb, the trail tapers off and remains rather flat throughout the remainder of your hike. Caño Island is not known for its prolific wildlife; however, the Park does have rodents, crustaceans, amphibians, birds, lizards, and insects. As well, there are archeological remains on the island, which can be found at the very end of one of the island's trails. Small, completely round spheres can be observed, which is believed date back to the days when the island was inhabited by indians. Overnight at the Aguila de Osa Inn Hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 9 Osa Peninsula / San Jose

Transfer to the airfield for your flight to San Jose and then ground transfer to the Hotel Double Tree Cariari. Rest of day at leisure. Overnight at your hotel. (B)

Day 10 Depart San Jose

Transfer from the hotel to the airport for your flight home.

Remarks

Not included:
Airfare, Gratuities of any kind; airport departure taxes; meals unless included in the itinerary.