Costa Rica: A World of Nature

Spend 12 days immersed in Costa Rica: A World of Nature and discover the vibrant, living Eden on the Central American isthmus. Visit the Green Turtle research Station. Settle in for two nights in an Eco-lodge in Tortuguero National Park . Look for birds in the early morning light of Selva Verde Private Reserve. Visit plantations growing pineapples, coffee, bananas and cacao. Explore Manuel Antonio National Park, Tirimbina Biological Reserve and Braulio Carrillo Rainforest National Park.

Details

Tour Operator
Collette Vacations
Offer
Offer valid through 8/31/2008
Duration
12 Days
DayDestinationDescription
Day 1San Jose, Costa Rica - Tour Begins San Jose, Costa Rica - Tour Begins : Journey to Costa Rica and explore a land of rich natural wonders and friendly people. Discover Costa Rica's outstanding variety of flora and fauna at Tortuguero National Park, Sarapiqui Rainforest, Arenal Volcano and Manuel Antonio National Park. Enjoy the many pristine natural wonders of Costa Rica through exclusive excursions and learning experiences as well as unscheduled time for personal discovery.

Day 2San JoseSan Jose - Poas Volcano - Coffee Plantation Visit : Your adventure begins with a walk to the edge of the Poas Volcano crater for magnificent views of this amazing landscape. Enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Central Valley, ringed by soaring mountains, strawberry plantations and flower farms. Later, a tour of the Doka Coffee Plantation highlights the history and cultivation of coffee and its importance to the Costa Rican economy.

Today breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 3Tortuguero National ParkSan Jose - Tortuguero National Park : Begin the day traveling through the Braulio Carrillo Rainforest National Park to the Caribbean low lands. En route, experience spectacular mountain scenery, changes in eco-systems and picturesque Caribbean-style villages. A special stop is made at a local banana plantation where you learn about its economic and social value to Costa Rica. Later, your guide explains the rainforest eco-system and points out sights of interest as you cruise the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park. Enjoy a memorable two night stay at your eco-lodge surrounded by the beauty of a tropical forest and amazing wildlife. Learn more about your surroundings with a visit to the world's first Green Turtle Research Station and discover how to protect the turtle's nesting habitat and eggs.

Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
Day 4Tortuguero National ParkTortuguero National Park : An early morning bird watching excursion is offered so you may learn about the variety of local species and migratory birds that flock this area. Later, experience a spectacular boat cruise through the various canals and be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife including howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, aquatic birds, bats and caimans, as well as exotic flora. Tortuguero National Park is a study in rainforest, freshwater, and marine biology. It protects over 350 species of birds and mammals including green macaws; 57 species of amphibians; 111 species of reptiles; and 60 mammal species, including 13 of Costa Rica's 16 endangered species including jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters, and manatees.

Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
Day 5SarapiquiTortuguero National Park - Sarapiqui : A leisurely boat ride returns you to the mainland to travel to the fascinating Sarapiqui region. Enjoy a visit to an organic pineapple plantation and learn about the various types of this exotic fruit and why Costa Rican pineapples are amongst the world's best. At La Tirimbina Biological Reserve, a local expert provides a fascinating bat tour, explaining the biological importance of these unique flying mammals.

Today breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 6SarapiquiSarapiqui : See first hand the process of making chocolate from the cacao bean and learn the history and continuing importance of cacao to Central America's economy. Later in the afternoon add some zest to your life with an exhilarating river rafting adventure on the Sarapiqui River.

Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
Day 7ArenalSarapiqui - Arenal : Begin your day with an early morning bird watching tour at Selva Verde Private Reserve, one of the world's most important sites for tropical eco-system research. You will discover the species' diversity is spectacular, including more than 1,850 species of plants, 350 species of trees and 448 species of birds. Later, relax and enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside of San Carlos Valley to Arenal Volcano. Enjoy leisure time to admire the spectacular views of Arenal Volcano or relax in the volcanic hot springs.

Today breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 8ArenalArenal : Today is at leisure to participate in one of the many optional activities available. Your choices include an exciting canopy tour with an amazing variety of birds and indigenous wildlife, a horse back riding adventure, or an excursion to Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge.

Today breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 9TarcolesArenal -Tarcoles : Travel the beautiful checkered landscape surrounding Lake Arenal while en route to the Pacific Coast. Your destination for the next two nights is charming Villa Lapas. The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore its beautiful natural surroundings.

Today breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 10TarcolesTarcoles - Manuel Antonio National Park : Get your cameras ready! Today you explore spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park. This paradise is known for its three pristine white sand beaches surrounded by emerald waters and forest. Spend the morning leisurely walking the forest trails in search of the native inhabitants including the three-toed sloth, agoutis, white faced and squirrel monkeys, iguanas and birds. If you wish, take a swim in the inviting blue waters of its breathtaking beaches. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax by the pool and absorb the natural beauty of your surroundings.

Today breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 11San JoseTarcoles - Sarchi - San Jose : After breakfast, travel through the Carara National Park to Sarchi, an important crafts center. Learn the history and witness local artisans as they produce colorful, traditional oxcarts. Journey back to San Jose for your farewell dinner and overnight stay.

Today breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 12San JoseSan Jose - Tour Ends : Your tour ends today, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation.

Today breakfast is included.
Dates/Pricing
DatePrice / DescriptionQuote
November 03, 2008Quote
January 19, 2009Quote
February 23, 2009Quote
April 27, 2009Quote
Lodging
Herradura Hotel, San Jose
Pachira Lodge or Aninga Lodge, Tortuguero
Selva Verde Lodge or La Quinta Inn, Sarapiqui
Volcano Lodge or Arenal Paraiso, Arenal
Villa Lapas, Tarcoles
Herradura Hotel, San Jose
Dining
Total meals - 24
Breakfasts - 11
Lunches - 3
Dinners - 10
Disclaimer
Base Rates Per Person
Air rates are based from the following airport: Hartsfield Intl Airport-Atlanta

Tour and air prices are lead-in rates from a specific gateway based on double occupancy and include fuel surcharges and internal flights, these rates are subject to change. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. Taxes and fees are additional, for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices above.

*All special offers are valid on non-group and new bookings only. Special offers can not be combined with any other offer, except AARP discounts.

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