Costa Rica: Wildlife and Conservation

• 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.

9 DAYS FROM $5,495

Signature Land Light/Moderate

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 & 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

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 4 I ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK Spend the morning exploring Arenal Volcano National Park, where lush rainforests flank 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 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 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

efforts, and participate in bird mist netting and tagging. Then hike trails through the cloud forest and cross hanging bridges to get a close up view of the canopy. Fondavela Monteverde Hotel | Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAY 7 I SANTA ROSA NATIONAL PARK/ GUANACASTE Head for the coastal province of Guanacaste, and set out on a guided visit to Santa Rosa National Park, one of the oldest national parks in Costa Rica. Here, tropical dry forest reaches all the way to the beach, harboring a wealth of wildlife. Get a closer look on a guided walk along a forest trail. Settle into our beachfront boutique hotel this afternoon, and meet with a representative of the Leatherback Trust to hear about efforts to protect sea turtles. El Mangroove | Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAY 8 I LAS BAULAS NATIONAL MARINE PARK/TAMARINDO WILDLIFE REFUGE Las Baulas National Marine Park stretches along Tamarindo Bay, protecting mangroves, beaches, and waters where sea turtles nest. Board small boats to explore the mangroves of the adjacent Tamarindo Wildlife Refuge, on the lookout for crocodiles, white-faced capuchin monkeys, and many bird species. After lunch, head to the Goldring-Gund Marine Biology Station, home of the Leatherback Trust. Tour the station with a researcher and learn about their work studying, tagging, and monitoring the nests of leatherback, olive ridley, and black turtles. Tonight, toast your Costa Rica wildlife adventure at a farewell dinner. El Mangroove | Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D

DAY 9 I GUANACASTE After breakfast, transfer to the Guanacaste Airport to catch your flight home. Meals: 1B

An alert brown-throated three-toed sloth leaves one claw free for belly-scratching. A National Geographic Expert, Expedition Leader, and local guides will accompany this trip.

Vanessa Bezy Marine Biologist Vanessa Bezy is a National Geographic Explorer focused on protecting sea turtles in Ostional National Wildlife Refuge. A Costa Rica resident, Vanessa established a non-profit dedicated to sea turtle and wildlife conservation in the area. She is also a 2019 National Geographic Early Career Leader. Find the departure(s) Vanessa will join on our website.

INFORMATION

Dates: This expedition is offered from January through March and in May. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change at any time without notice.

Visit website for complete details and dates.