Costa Rica: A World of Nature
$3,049.00
From $3,049* pp | 11-12 Days • 19 -24 Meals *Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy.
Discover the hidden gems of Costa Rica, such as Tortuguero National Park and the Arenal Volcano Rainforest, which have transformed Costa Rica into the world’s most popular eco-destination.
- Enjoy a 2-night stay in Tortuguero National Park surrounded by the tropical forest and wildlife.
- Spend 2 nights in the heart of Manuel Antonio National Park.
- Savour your farewell dinner overlooking the pristine beauty of the Villa Blanca Cloud Forest.
- Dazzle your senses with experiential tours surrounding coffee, craft beer, farm-to-table food, spice cultivation and more.
Through Rainforests, Plantations, and Waterways
Spend 10 days immersed in this vibrant, living Eden on the Central American isthmus. Visit the Green Turtle Research Station. Settle in for two nights in Tortuguero National Park which protects 13 of Costa Rica’s endangered species. Dazzle your senses with experiential tours surrounding coffee, farm-to-table cuisine, craft beer, and spice cultivation. Enjoy an exhilarating Corobici River rafting adventure. Stay overnight at the foot of Tenorio Volcano. Discover Costa Rica’s little-known indigenous population with a visit to the Maleku Indigenous Reserve. Explore the white sandy beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park, just minutes from your hotel. Behold the spectacle of the Villa Blanca Cloud Forest from your individual casitas.
Itinerary
Day 1. San Jose, Costa Rica – Tour Begins
Journey to Costa Rica and discover the fascinating tropical ecosystems of Tortuguero National Park, Tenorio Volcano and Rainforest, and Manuel Antonio National Park. Embark on many exclusive explorations of the country’s natural gems. Take time for independent personal discovery.
High 26 Low 16 Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel
Begin the day surrounded by dormant volcanos and crater lakes as you journey through Braulio Carrillo National Park en route to the Caribbean lowlands. Along the way, take in the mountain vistas and Caribbean-style villages. Later, discover the natural wonders of the rainforest of Tortuguero National Park as you cruise the rivers and canals with your guide. Enjoy a 2-night stay at your eco-lodge surrounded by the beauty of a tropical forest and an array of wildlife. Learn more about your surroundings with a visit to the world’s first Green Turtle Research Station. Discover how to protect the turtle’s nesting habitat and eggs. Join your fellow travellers this evening for a welcome reception followed by dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner High 31 Low 22 Evergreen Lodge
Day 3. Tortuguero National Park
Set out on an early morning bird-watching excursion* that explores the variety of local species and migratory birds that flock to this area. Find yourself surrounded by wildlife as you embark on a nature cruise through the national park – keep an eye out for howler monkeys, sloths, toucans and caimans, as well as exotic flora. Tortuguero National Park, a study in rainforest, freshwater and marine biology, protects over 350 species of birds and mammals. Savour time to explore and seek out green macaws; 57 species of amphibians; 111 species of reptiles; and 60 mammal species, including 13 of Costa Rica’s endangered animals including jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters and manatees.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner High 31 Low 22 Evergreen Lodge
Day 4. Tortuguero National Park – Sarapiquí – Tenorio Volcano
Embark on a leisurely boat ride to the mainland as you travel to the fascinating Sarapiquí region. Afterwards, the choice is yours: visit a cacao plantation to discover the history and continuing importance of cacao to Central America’s economy or stop at a pineapple plantation to learn about the different varieties of this exotic fruit. Observe the production process and sample the delicious finished product. Next, continue to your resort, tucked away in the rainforest at the foot of the Tenorio Volcano.
Breakfast High 27 Low 17 Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel
This morning, take an exhilarating river rafting adventure on the Tenorio and Corobici rivers where you’ll experience breathtaking views. Later, meet some Tico artisans as you discover the world of the craft-brewing culture in Costa Rica on the shores of Lake Arenal.
Breakfast & Dinner High 27 Low 17 Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel
Day 6. Tenorio Volcano – Maleku Indigenous Village – Tenorio Volcano
This morning, set out on a cultural adventure in a Maleku indigenous village. Interact with one of the last indigenous tribes of this region and learn about how they live. Sit down for lunch with these local people before heading back to your resort. This afternoon, enjoy some free time or perhaps take an optional hike out to the spectacular light blue waters of the Rio Celeste waterfalls.
Breakfast & Lunch High 27 Low 17 Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel
Day 7. Tenorio Volcano – Manuel Antonio National Park
Travel the beautiful chequered landscape of Costa Rica to the Pacific Coast, arriving at the world-famous Manuel Antonio National Park. After soaking up the sweeping views and stopping at a seaside village, experience the spice of life at the Villa Vanilla organic spice farm. Learn about bio-dynamic vanilla production and other spices. Later, take in the sunset from your hotel overlooking Manuel Antonio National Park and the Pacific Ocean.
Breakfast & Dinner Si Como No Resort Spa Wildlife Refuge
Day 8. Manuel Antonio National Park
Travel just minutes down the road to explore spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its pristine beaches and primary forest. Spend the morning leisurely walking the forest trails in search of native inhabitants like the three-toed sloth, agoutis, squirrel monkeys and iguanas. Take a swim in the inviting blue waters of its beaches. Relax for the remainder of the day by the pool and absorb the natural beauty of your surroundings. If you’re looking for an adventure, perhaps you’ll choose an optional zip-line tour in the afternoon or an optional night-time nature reserve walk.
Breakfast Si Como No Resort Spa Wildlife Refuge
Day 9. Manuel Antonio National Park – Villa Blanca Cloud Forest – San Ramón
Say goodbye to the coast and travel north to the Villa Blanca Cloud Forest, originally owned by the former president of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Carazo Odio. En route, meet a local family at their coffee farm. Discover this organic coffee plantation and the natural growing methods used to make some of the best coffee in the world. Continue to the city of San Ramon – referred to as “The City of Presidents & Poets” – for a tour. Then, settle into your hotel set in the Los Angeles Private Biological Reserve, and enjoy the amazing view from your individual casitas.
Breakfast Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel Nature Reserve
Day 10. Villa Blanca Cloud Forest
Wake up to a cool breeze and spectacular views. Prepare to try your hand at organic farming. Local guides will take you on an immersive nature reserve tour: explore sustainable agriculture, farming techniques, and greenhouse cultivation. Get a taste of what they grow during a lunch created with ingredients grown on the farm. The afternoon is yours to relax and take in the natural beauty that surrounds you. Tonight, partake in a tree adoption ceremony followed by an incredible farewell dinner overlooking the cloud forest, where we’ll toast the natural richness that is Costa Rica.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel Nature Reserve
Day 11. Villa Blanca Cloud Forest – Tour Ends
INCLUSIONS
Accommodation
Meals as per itinerary
Tour guide
Activities as stated
Please note: Accommodation is subject to change.
EXCLUSIONS
Flights
Meals not indicated on the itinerary
Drinks
Optional activities
Visas
Comprehensive travel insurance
Items of a personal nature – laundry, telephone, room service
Tips and gratuities
- Costa Rica is 17 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.
- The highest elevation on this tour does not exceed 1,000 feet.
- The highest elevation on this tour does not exceed 1,000 feet.
- Costa Rica uses 110 Volts.
- Why not consider a pre and post tour extension. Start and end your holiday rested.
This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, upstairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
March 2017.
Mar 13 – Mar 24. $3,469
Mar 27 – Apr 7. $3,599
April 2017.
Apr 3 – Apr 14. $3,729
Apr 24 – May 5. $3,729