Costa Rica tours and travel

COSTA RICA EXPLORATION tour

8 Day/7 Night Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival - San Jose
Airport reception upon arrival in San Jose and transfer to the Best Western Hotel Irazú. This large resort hotel has its own shopping mall, tennis courts, swimming pool and sauna, casino, restaurants and bars. It also has daily minibus shuttle to the downtown area.

Day 2: Rainforest Aerial Tram
Day begins around 9AM with drive through the rugged and beautiful Braulio Carrillo National Park, a 113,620 acres realm of primary forest in which some 6,000 species of plants and wildlife straddle the continental divide in the Central Volcanic Mountain Range and lead into the lowlands of the Caribbean.

Next comes a one of a kind adventure aboard biologist Don Perry’s Aerial Tram. The mile and a half tram ride takes about 90 minutes, with a naturalist in each cable car. On the outbound trip, the gondolas travel through the lower and intermediate levels of the forest. The way back is an exciting trip through the upper levels of the canopy, with a maximum altitude of 130 feet. The canopy is home to two thirds of all rainforest species, and the Aerial Tram site, possesses one of the richest canopy communities in the world. An exciting way to explore the biodiversity of a rainforest canopy with its countless species of plants, birds, mammals, reptiles and insects. After the tram ride you will have the chance to walk the bottom forest reserve and see the tropical life close up. Lunch in the park. In the afternoon, you return to the Hotel Irazú past tropical plant and macadamia nut plantations. (B/L)

Day 3: Arenal - Tabacón
Morning departure around 9AM visiting such places as Zarcero, San Carlos on the way to the town of Fortuna, where you will see the majestic cone of the Arenal Volcano. This classic-shaped volcano has been active since 1968. The frequency and intensity of eruptions and the sight of lava tumbling down the slopes is sure to impress. With clear skies at night you can view the fireworks of Arenal's eruptions! After lunch, visit the Tabacón Hot Mineral Springs where you will have the opportunity to soak in this natural hot river that comes from the base of the Arenal Volcano. Accommodations for two nights are in the Arenal Paraíso Hotel (or similar). An upgrade to stay at the Tabacon Hot Springs Resort is available. (B/D)

Day 4: Caño Negro Wildlife Reserve
After an early breakfast, you're off to explore the Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge. By boat you will penetrate the tropical rainforest to the 1,600 acre Caño Negro Lake, in the midst of 18,000 acres of marsh wetlands. The biological diversity is astounding and many of the species of wildlife may be encountered nowhere else! Capuchin, spider and howler monkeys, sloths, garfish, roseate spoonbills, toucans, herons and crocodiles basking in the sun are a common sight here.

By van you ride 1 ½ hours through the countryside to Los Chiles, a small border town located 4 km from Nicaragua. There you board a small boat for a 2 ½ hour guided tour through the rainforest and wetlands. A typical Costa Rican lunch with local fruits and natural fruit drinks is served at the “Río Frío” Restaurant. Sodas, fruit juices, water and cookies are also included on the boat tour

. (B/L)

Day 5: Jaco Beach
Enjoy beautiful and ever changing scenery in route to the Pacific coast resort village of Jacó for a two night stay. Your seaside resort is the Hotel Jacó Beach, complete with water sport equipment, swimming pool, tennis, bicycles and more! Lunch included. The afternoon is unstructured for relaxation or beach activities. (Available optional tours include the nearby Butterfly Farm or the new Pacfic Rainforest Aerial Tram canopy tour and its 210 acre private reserve.) Accommodations for two nights are at the in Best Western Jacó Hotel. Hotel upgrades are available - the Villas Caletas is highly recommended. (B/L)

Day 6: Manuel Antonio National Park
A day to explore beautiful forest-backed, tropical beaches, rocky coves, and nature trails in this lush coastal park. Manuel Antonio is famous for its secluded white sandy beaches with blue waters. It is home to huge iguanas, white-faced and other monkey species, three-toed sloths, and colorful birdlife. The 3000 acres of the Park are often considered some of the most beautiful the country. This National Park is considered one of the most beautiful parks in Costa Rica. Upon arrival, you hike across a small creek to access the park. Once at the park, you can simply enjoy the beaches, swim, sunbath, or take a walk through the park trails to explore the abundant flora and fauna. One of the trails bordering Punta Catedral (Cathedral Point), is popular for its spectacular views of the park and the sea. Lunch is in the nearby village of Quepos. (B)

Day 7: Río Tárcoles - San Jose
A morning boating excursion on the Rio Grande de Tárcoles which borders the biodiverse Carara Biological Reserve, a transition zone between wet and dry forest ecosystems. The river is home to one of the world’s largest crocodile populations with individuals up to fifteen feet long. The area holds countless species of plants and abundance of such birds as; scarlet macaws, guans, trogons, wood storks, herons and motmots! Also commonly seen are monkeys, iguanas, basilisk lizards (aka the Jesus Christ lizard) coatimundi, and dazzling butterflies. The two-hour, guided boat tour also takes you through the Guacalilo estuary lined with mangrove forest. Afternoon return to the verdant Central Valley for overnight in San Jose at the Hotel Irazú. The evening is free so you can rid yourself of excess money by shopping or at the casino. (B)

Day 8: Departure
Transfer to the airport for flight home. (B)

NOTES:
1. This program can be operated year-round with a minimum of 2 persons. Call or email for trip brochure with pricing and more details.
2. We can provide a "Land Only" package, starting and ending in San Jose, or provide air from your home city. Call regarding airfare quotes.

Click below for other other tour options in Costa Rica:

COSTA RICA RAINFOREST CANOPY TOUR
9 Day/8 Night Itinerary

COSTA RICA OPTIONS
(A La Carte) Day tours and multi-day tours

COSTA RICA RAINFOREST TOUR
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COSTA RICA FUN AND SUN
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COSTA RICA GETAWAY
12 Day/11 Night Itinerary

COSTA RICA ESCAPE
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COSTA RICA ROMANCE
8 Day/7 Night Itinerary

COSTA RICA EXPERIENCE
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COSTA RICA GUANACASTE
7 Day/6 Night Itinerary (using Liberia airport)

COSTA RICA & NICARAGUA
7 Day/6 Night Itinerary (using Liberia airport)

You are welcome to call us for a DETAILED TRIP BROCHURE at 1-239-992-9660, or toll free at 800-446-9660, or email us at travel@GoExploring.com

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Costa Rica Exploration

A great overview of Costa Rica at a great value

COSTA RICA EXPLORATION tour

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