Get really close to nature

With its unspoiled scenic beauty and rich ecological habitats, Costa Rica is a grand slam when it comes to viewing wildlife. This exclusive active itinerary focuses on the spectacular wildlife and ecosystems of three of the country's top spots for wildlife viewing-with frequent nature hikes, canopy walks, ziplines, an easy whitewater rafting trip, and plenty of local cultural interaction!

You'll explore the exquisite cloud forest of Monteverde, home to the legendary resplendent quetzal, a bird prized by Maya kings; visit Arenal National Park, a pastoral countryside retreat with a canopy walkway, thermal hot springs, and dominated by one of the world's most active volcanoes; and discover the Sarapiquí area on the Caribbean slope, where you'll visit a biological field station and raft a spectacularly scenic river chockfull of wildlife! Gustavo Orozco, our expert naturalist guide, personalizes this trip and makes every minute fascinating-not to mention exceedingly fun!

Activities

Easy hiking, canopy tour, 1 day easy rafting (Class II/III rapids)

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike and take a zipline in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, home to the legendary resplendent quetzal
• Green iguanas, kingfishers, and monkeys abound on the Río Sarapiquí, where you'll enjoy an easy rafting trip
• Visit scenic Arenal National Park, dominated by one of the world's most active volcanoes
• Spend a day in an indigenous community and learn firsthand about their way of life

2010 PRICES
$2,995 (10-14 members)
$3,345 (4-9 members)
$800 single supplement
$300 discount for kids!

Duration: 9 days Start Location: San José End Location: San José Best time to go: January - July, November - December

Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive in San José

  Arrive in San José, Costa Rica.

• Day 2 : Sarapiquí – Nature Hike

  Drive to the lowland rainforest in the agricultural-rich Sarapiquí area. Afternoon walk in search of toucans, tanagers, and other avian fauna.

• Day 3 : La Selva & “Chocolate Tour”

  Guided visit of La Selva Biological Station, a rainforest reserve and research station with a variety of ecosystems. Later, you'll enjoy a "chocolate" tour of La Tirimbina, a 350-acre nature reserve with an old cacao tree plantation.

• Day 4 : Rafting Río Sarapiquí – Arenal

  Get wet and wild on an easy rafting trip on the Río Sarapaquí. Continue to Arenal National Park and soak in hot springs owned by a local family (not open to the general public).

• Day 5 : Arenal Hanging Bridges & Don Juan’s Sustainable Farm

  Morning wildlife viewing from Arenal's "hanging" bridges through a ravine filled with huge trees, birds, and sometimes sloths. Afternoon visit to a local sustainable farm.

• Day 6 : Maleku Indian Reserve – Monteverde

  Spend the morning in a Maleku Indian village to learn about their way of life, then drive to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, where wreaths of mists nurture over 2,000 native plant species.

• Day 7 : Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

  Hike through Monteverde's forest in search of birds and visit the Hummingbird Gallery.

• Day 8 : Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve – San José

  Hike along forest trails, traverse a 300-foot-long, elevated suspension walkway, climb to high platforms, and zipline along steel cables over the forest canopy! Return to San José in the afternoon.

• Day 9 : Fly Home

  Depart San José (or join our optional extension to Corcovado National Park).

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  Hotel Fonda Vela

  The Hotel Fonda Vela is located in beautiful Monteverde, famous for its rare and gorgeous cloud forest and friendly community. The climate is refreshing, often referred to as "eternal spring." The views of the Gulf of Nicoya from the hotel's 1,400 meter (4,200 foot) elevation are spectacular. Monteverde is an ideal destination for relaxing and enjoying the wonders of the tropics. A visit of at least two nights in Monteverde is recommended.

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  Sueño Azul Hotel

  This Natural Paradise is in the Costa Rican Low Lands, just an hour away from San José. It’s proximity with the National Park Braulio Carrillo and the imposing rivers that surround the property turn Sueño Azul into a sanctuary for the lovers of nature, peacefulness, equestrian activities and adventure sports.

  
  Hotel Hacienda Sueño Azul has a perfect combination of a rustic-elegant setting, where good taste decor and nature stands out. It is the ideal place to rest with family or friends, and purify your body and mind. Our main goal is to offer our clients an unforgettable experience, by giving them spiritual and physical harmony by combining Nature with Comfort.

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  Mountain Paradise Lodge

  La Fortuna de San Carlos, Arenal Volcano National Park

  The Mountain Paradise Lodge sits at the base of Volcan Arenal, and features spectacular views. If you’re lucky, you may even get a glimpse of lava in the evening! This hotel’s lovely setting, pool, and jacuzzi allow guests to truly enjoy the relaxed pace of the Arenal region.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

• Gustavo Orozco

  Gustavo is our naturalist guide on our Natural History Costa Rica trip. A native of Costa Rica, Gustavo has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Costa Rica and studied English at the University of Kansas. He conducts ongoing research at a biological preserve near his home in San Ramon when he is not out in the field with our groups. His broad depth of total natural history is impressive and his teaching skills are fantastic. Gustavo is able to share his love of the wildlife of Costa Rica and the history of his country in a knowledgeable but fun-loving way. Everyone comes back from a trip with Gustavo raving about him and having had a good time.

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