Days 1-2 | San JoseYou can arrive at any time on day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting tonight. Your leader will leave a note at reception telling you where and when this important meeting will take place. Please ask a member of reception for this information. After the group meeting there is the option of joining the group for dinner.
Your leader will collect your local payment at this meeting. Please bring notes/bills in large denominations.
On day 2 your leader will take you on an orientation walk and show the best known and not so known highlights of San Jose.
San Jose sits in the middle of the fertile Meseta Central, ringed by volcanoes and jagged mountains just begging to be explored. The city itself has all the sights and modern conveniences you would expect from a capital city. The main plaza is a good place to start exploring, get comfy and do some people watching. Artisan booths are common here and you never know when there'll be a spontaneous art fair. Have a look at the Gold Museum which has an amazing collection of indigenous gold art. If these cultural gems get you in the mood for a bit of shopping, head to the outdoor market in Plaza de la Cultura or the Central Market where you can pick up some handicrafts, boots or even fish.
Arriving in Costa Rica be sure to drink plenty of bottled water and try not to do too much in any one day; you'll soon adjust to the heat and humidity.
Located in a quiet, older district of San Jose, our hotel has the comfort and character of a genuine Costa Rican home while still only a few minutes walk from downtown. Rooms have ensuite bathrooms, tvs and fans and the hotel has a small cafe.
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Days 3-4 | Tortuguero National ParkWe leave San Jose and descend to the Caribbean lowlands by bus and boat to Tortuguero National Park (approx. 5 hours).
Established in the 1960s, Tortuguero stretches out over 189 square km (117 square miles) and is filled with thick forests, waterways and beaches. The park is best known as a nesting ground for the green and leatherback turtles who can be seen between July and October.
On day 4, your leader will lead you on a walk around the park's main paths. Keep your eyes peeled to spot monkeys, birds, frogs and perhaps a sloth or two.
Optional activities here include a canoe trip, canopy tour or heading our at night on a turtle watching trip (seasonal).
We overnight in cabins, run by a Costa Rican family with a famous local restaurant on site.
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Days 5-6 | SarapiquiAround midday we travel to Sarapiqui in the heart of Costa Rica's banana growing region.
The budding town is surrounded by virgin forests, banana and pineapple plantations and several key biological reserves including La Selva Biological Station. There is plenty of free time to explore the jungle that surrounds the town by mountain bike or horse, or find a comfy spot to watch the colourful birdlife glide by. Alternatively you could also visit the Sarapiqui Insect Museum.
Tonight we stay at a hotel run by a father and son, nestled into the jungle.
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Days 7-8 | La FortunaA 2 hour trip takes us to La Fortuna, our base for exploring the Arenal Volcano and its wild surrounds.
Set in the plains of Costa Rica, the volcano sits on the shores of Lake Arenal, a large artificial lake. With big winds sweeping in from the Caribbean, the lake is one of the best windsurfing destinations in the world. The volcano is quite active and at night you can often see glowing lava blast into the sky as the cone glows red. Take a guided walk through the exotic plant life, wildlife and lava formations of the National Park to get up close views of the volcano.
From La Fortuna, the views are spectacular and the volcano is reflected on the lake for postcard perfect photos. Other activities include a dip in the chilly La Fortuna waterfall, a canopy tour for a bird's eye view of the forest or a full day of adrenaline pumping white water rafting. Otherwise, head out into the beautiful surrounds and explore by bike or horse. At the end of a long day of exploring you can ease into the Baldi Hot Springs and hope the clouds part long enough for the ultimate bathing view, the Arenal Volcano and its glowing lava.
Our comfortable and modern hotel has good views of the volcano and a restaurant with local and international cuisine.
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Days 9-11 | MonteverdeToday we travel for about 5-6 hours along rutted dirt roads through the mountains to reach the cool cloud-forests of Monteverde.
These forests are similar to rainforests, but instead of relying on rain for essential moisture, adequate water comes from the semi-permanent cloud that covers the region. The surrounding pastures were once covered in dense forest, but now only a small protected section remains; known as the Reserva Biologica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde, it is lush and full of wildlife. This is truly a nature lover's paradise.
On day 9 your leader will take you on a walking tour to the park main sights. The following two days are at your leisure.
Explore by foot, horse and mountain bike or ride over the rainforest canopy on a zipline. For more easy going adventures, walk through the canopy on the Sky Walk, or watch butterflies at play in the specially created butterfly garden. Local guides are very knowledgeable about the area and passionate about conservation and the local communities have several cooperatives worth visiting. More than 2,000 species of plants, 320 bird species and 100 different types of mammals call Montverde home. Be sure to keep an eye out for the resplendent quetzal, one of the most elusive birds in the world.
Our hotel is run by a local man who grew up in Monteverde and knows lots of local stories and history!
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Days 12-13 | QueposAfter about a 7-8 hour travel day, we arrive in Quepos.
The town is laid back but has a vibrant nightlife. Spend your time here enjoying the best of the park. If you have jungle on the brain, head straight to the park for a hike along its many trails. Keep one eye on the great views and the other looking out for the abundant wildlife. Spot monkeys, armadillos, sloths and hundreds of birds. The park also boasts turquoise seas and white sand beaches; it would be easy to spend the whole time here in or by the water. Go swimming, fishing, kayaking, boogie boarding, sailing or surfing.
Our hotel is in a quiet location but is also close the the centre of town and many restaurants.
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Days 14-15 | San JoseA 4 hour journey takes us back to San Jose in time for you to pick up an last minute souveniers at the city's colourful and vibrant markets. Then we can head out for an optional dinner and a final night on the town sampling the huge variety of nightlife. The perfect way to end our adventure.
We return to our comfortable hotel in San Jose for our final night.
There are no activities planned for day 15 and you are able to depart the hotel at any time.
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Itinerary DisclaimerPlease note: occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travellers' comments and our own research and may change with no prior notice.
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