presents
Costa Rica July 10, 2012
SPACE IS LIMITED. SIGN UP EARLY TO SECURE YOUR SEAT!
TOUR ITINERARY** Day 1: Depart USA - Arrive San Jose, Costa Rica Overnight: San Jose e Arrive in San Jose, meet your Professional Naturalist Guide and transfer to your hotel. On the 4th voyage of Christopher Columbus in 1502, the explorer and his crew discovered the Caribbean side of a beautiful territory he called, “Costa Rica” or “Rich Coast”. Costa Rica is Central America’s greatest hidden gem, a haven for eco-tourism. Experience the lush forests, magnificent waterfalls, rumbling volcanoes, endless coastlines and diverse ecosystems in a place that preserves its delicate ecology for all to enjoy. This evening an International Business Exchange will be available for anyone interested in learning about local business practices. Day 2: San Jose - Tortuguero National Park (B,L,D) Overnight: Tortuguero o This morning, travel east along a scenic route of lush pasture lands and banana plantations, through the Braulio Carillo National Park to the northern Caribbean’s lowlands. A brief visit is made to a Banana Plantation to learn about this interesting process. Arrive at the Caño Blanco Pier and transfer by riverboat and cruise through the Tortuguero Canals, waterways crisscrossing a national park dedicated to the protection of endangered turtles. Your guide and boatman help you spot turtles, caymans, herons, egrets and monkeys. Check into your hotel for a 2-night stay. Day 3: Tortuguero (B,L,D) Overnight: Tortuguero o Early this morning, board a boat to Tortuguero National Park. Your leisurely boat tour will take you through the canals sheltered in the jungle of the rainforest for up-close observation of the flora and fauna, birds & wildlife so unique to this special part of the world. Tortuguero is an area of ess great biological diversity, where 11 different habitats have been identified. There are 309 species of birds including toucans, macaws, egrets, and many more. Wildlife is also impressive - crocodiles, endangered manatees, white-faced, howler & spider monkeys, iguanas to name a few. Later tour Tortuguero Village. Day 4: Tortuguero -La Fortuna - Arenal (B,L) Overnight: La Fortuna/Arenal al This morning transfer by boat to Caño Blanco and then motorcoach to La Fortuna/Arenal. The Arenal Volcano is one of the 10 most active in the world. Its constant emissions of gases and lava a will amaze you. Later check into your hotel for a 2-night stay. This evening is at leisure to relax orr explore on your own. Day 5: Arenal (B)
Overnight: La Fortuna / Arenal al This morning visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges, a network of suspension bridges designed to explore the fascinating life in the tropical rain forest with a bird’s-eye view. A wonderful opportunity to spot wildlife and enjoy the views . This afternoon, visit the Hot Springs Resort for a swim in n one of the natural hot mineral springs or just enjoy the lush beauty of the resort. The remainder off the day is at leisure.
Day 6: Arenal - Pacific Tranopy Tour - Jacó (B,L) Overnight: Jacó ó Morning departure to the Mid Pacific area with a stop to shop for local crafts and souvenirs. Today experience the innovative TRANOPY tour which combines the in-depth forest view of an aerial tram with the excitement of a canopy tour and zip lining. Your Naturalist Guide will accompany you, pointing out some of the secrets of the primary and secondary rainforest that surrounds you. The tram ride will bring you through the forest, over tumbling cascades and to the beginning of the canopy portion of the adventure. The canopy portion of the tour will take you through everything from the rich rainforest ecosystems to sweeping views high above the forest floor. Return via Zip-line as you glide above the tree tops. Later arrive in Jaco for a 3 night stay. Day 7: Manuel Antonio National Park (B)
Overnight: Jacó Today travel through of the town of Quepos to Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most visited national parks in Costa Rica. A tropical rain forest with beautiful beaches and coral reefs. Home to sloths, iguanas, the rare and adorable squirrel monkeys and millions of colorful crabs. Participate in an informative nature walk/hike with your naturalist guide with time at leisure to enjoy a swim at one of the beaches surrounded by forests and rocky headlands.
Day 8: Jacó - Day at Leisure (B) (Optional Crocodile Safari Cruise)
Overnight: Jacó Spend a full day at leisure relaxing or enjoy the amenities of your hotel. Explore the many activities available in the area such as hiking, rafting or just relax at the beach just a short walk from the hotel. An optional Crocodile Safari Cruise will be available. The 2-hour cruise highlights crocodiles and spectacular bird viewing while cruising the Tarcoles river.
Day 9: Jacó - San Jose - Return to USA (B) Today transfer to the airport in San Jose for your flight home full of wonderful memories of your Costa Rica Eco Adventure.
**There will be two schools visited (A city school and an urban school) to meet students and teachers - Details to follow.
HIGHLIGHTS • Tortuguero National Park • Banana Plantation • Arenal Hanging Bridges • Arenal Volcano • Hot Springs Resort • Pacific Tranopy Tour • Zip lining • Manuel Antonio National Park
INCLUSIONS • Round trip Airfare - Los Angeles (LAX) • Airline Fuel Surcharges / Fees • International Business Exchange • 14 Meals (8-B, 3-L & 3-D) • Sightseeing per Itinerary • Admissions per Itinerary • Professional Naturalist Tour Guide • Baggage Handling • Hotel Transfers • Airport Transfer & Greeting Services • Transportation by deluxe airconditioned motorcoach
ACCOMMODATIONS 1 Night - Hotel Ramada Herradura, San Jose 2 Nights - Evergreen Lodge or Pachira Lodge, Tortuguero 2 Nights - Montana De Fuego Hotel and Spa, La Fortuna 3 Nights - Hotel Amapola, Jaco *Small hotels / lodges have been selected for their location and may be considered rustic.
TOUR RATES $2,599 per person Dbl $550 Single Supplement