C O S TA R I C A : W I L D L I F E A N D C O N S E R VA T I O N
• Explore cloud forests, rainforests, wetlands, and mangroves; and visit a local coffee farm. • Encounter wildlife with naturalists, from howler monkeys and sloths to caimans and toucans. • Meet scientists at three research stations for an inside look at conservation efforts.
DAY 1 I SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA Arrive in San José and transfer to our hotel. After time to enjoy a swim or wander through the hotel’s tropical gardens, meet for a welcome reception and dinner. Costa Rica Marriott Hacienda Belen | Meals: 1D DAY 2 I SARAPIQUÍ/ARENAL VOLCANO Travel north into the lowland tropical forests of Sarapiquí to La Selva Biological Station &
9 D AY S F R O M
Signature Land
$5,495
Light/Moderate
Reserve, home to 470 recorded bird species, 125 mammal species, and so much more. On naturalist-led hikes, look for colorful poison dart frogs and unusual plant species, learn about long-term research projects, and discover the important role of the reserve in creating a protected biological corridor. This afternoon, drive to our lodgings at the base of Arenal Volcano. Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa | Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
the conical peak of the most active volcano in Central America. On a naturalist-led hike, learn about the geothermal forces at work here, and discover the park’s diverse flora and fauna. Take advantage of a free afternoon to visit the nearby hot springs or relax at the hotel pool. Before dinner, try your hand at stirring up a guaro sour, a cocktail made with a Costa Rican sugarcane spirit. Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa | Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
DAY 3 I CAÑO NEGRO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Set out on a full-day excursion to one of the world’s great wetlands, Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge. Stretching along the border with Nicaragua, the reserve is a birder’s paradise, attracting hundreds of species of migratory birds to its shallow lagoons. Navigate the waterways in a covered boat, watching for all manner of wildlife, from roseate spoonbills to caimans, monkeys, and sloths. Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa | Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
DAY 5 I MONTEVERDE Cruise across beautiful Lake Arenal by private boat, and continue by road to Don Juan Tours, a family-run coffee farm, where we’ll take a tour of their coffee, cacao, and sugarcane plantations. Then journey to the cloud forest-covered mountains of Monteverde. Gather for a talk about the important fieldwork being done at the Monteverde Institute, and its long relationship with National Geographic. Fondavela Monteverde Hotel | Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
DAY 4 I ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK Spend the morning exploring Arenal Volcano National Park, where lush rainforests flank
DAY 6 I MONTEVERDE Awaken early for a morning in the field with researchers from the Monteverde Institute. You’ll have the chance to tend native plants at the nursery or pitch in with reforestation
Clockwise from above: A traveler takes in a leafy view of the cloud forest canopy in Monteverde; a newborn sea turtle skitters toward the surf; clouds obscure the pointed summit of Arenal Volcano; in the wetlands of Caño Negro, a roseate spoonbill wades through the shallows.
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12/7/21 9:43 AM
