Day 1 Arrive San Jose
Overnight
Days 2-3 Arenal Volcano (L,2D)
This morning we're off to Arenal. Dormant for centuries, Arenal Volcano exploded in a massive eruption of molten lava and ash in 1968. Since that time, it has continued to belch great clouds of ash and occasional lava. It is now one of the world's most active volcanoes and volcanologists from all over the world come here to study this tropical volcano. You'll spend the night at the Arenal Observatory Lodge where the Smithsonian Institute has set up its research facilities. The dining hall offers spectacular views of the conical volcano, and the lodge's 870 acres, bordered by Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve and Arenal National Park, provide miles of trails through pristine forest. Our drive to Arenal takes about several hours and we stop for lunch at the famous Waterfall Gardens. On day 3, enjoy some freetime in the Arenal area. There are lots of optional excursions available in this area. You can go mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding or even take a hike in the miles of trails around the area. You could also visit the Ecotermales Hotsprings in the afternoon. Your guide is on hand to help you plan your day as you wish!
Days 4-5 Monteverde Cloudforest (B)
This morning we'll hike into the national park for close-up tours of lava flow. Mid-morning we leave the Arenal, driving around Costa Rica's Lake Arenal to the Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve, one of the richest and most diverse tropical cloudforests on the continent. Founded in 1972, the Reserve encompasses six different ecological life zones and protects more than 100 mammal species, 400 bird species, and upwards of 1,500 plant species. In our explorations we'll keep watch for one of the area's most famed residents, the Resplendant Quetzal. On the morning of Day 5, we'll be fitted into special gear to fly from platform to platform high above the ground, and try the famous Tarzan Swing drop! For the less adventurous, there's a nearby sky walk suspended in the canopy that's great for birding and learning more about the local ecology (please let us know ahead of time if you prefer this option). This afternoon we hike through the reserve, viewing the misty forest with its dense vegetation and majestic trees.
Day 6 Monteverde - Manuel Antonio (B)
We leave in the morning to make the 4-5 hour drive to Quepos where we'll stay in a hotel near Manuel Antonio. In the afternoon, spend some hours exploring the popular Manuel Antonio National park.
Day 7 Whitewater Rafting (L,D)
This morning we rise and head to the Class III whitewater of the Savegre River (or try class III-IV on the Naranjo during green season). Plunge through jungle clad gorges and float past cascading waterfalls. Along the way enjoy the variety of bird life such as egrets, osprey, kingfishers, cormorants, parrots and more. The four-hour trip on the Savegre is one of the best whitewater adventures in Costa Rica. After the river trip, we'll say good-bye to our guide and return to Quepos.
Day 8 Quepos to Corcovado (L,D)
This morning we enjoy a satifying breakfast before catching our flight to Palmar Sur. From here we'll drive to Sierpe Dock and take a relaxing hour and a half boat trip to Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge. There are no roads to this secluded lodge located on a 170 acre private reserve bordering the wild wonder, Corcovado National Park. We arrive at Casa Corcovado just in time for lunch. Spend your afternoon getting familiar with your accommodations, constructed with conservation, and the beautiful surrounding landscape and environment in mind.
Days 9-11 Casa Corcovado (3B,3L,2D)
The last Pacific coastal rainforest in Central America is located in the Osa Peninsula. Corcovado National Park is in the southwestern corner of the peninsula and teems with wildlife ranging from spider, squirrel, and capuchin monkeys, coatimundis, two and three toed sloths, tapirs, peccaries, giant anteaters and even ocelot, jaguarundi, and others. Commonly referred to as Costa Rica's crown jewel, this is one of the best places in the country to spot such elusive wildlife, and learn about rainforest ecology first hand. Casa Corcovado invites you to explore this remarkable region. Included in your stay is the option to take a hiking adventure in Corcovado National Park or visit the offshore biological reserve at Caño Island. The rainforest surround the lodge is also ideal for birdwatching, and offers miles of hiking trails. Your time at the lodge is free and flexible. There are a number of optional activities including horseback riding, scuba diving, dolphin and whale encounters, canopy tours, and kayaking trips! If you want to take is easy, feel free to relax by the pool or catch up on your reading in a hammock to make the most of your Costa Rica vacation. On Day 11, we'll take an early boat back to Sierpe Dock, and catch our flight back to San Jose where we'll stay for the night.
Day 12 Return Home
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US$ 2280
Add $105 if traveling during peak season. Subtract $200 per person if traveling during low season
12 day tour starting and ending in San Jose, Costa Rica
Tour Code: AP12
Single Supplement: US$595
Travel Highlights
Arenal Volcano
Monteverde
Manuel Antonio
Osa Peninsula
Whitewater Rafting
Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge
Accommodations: 6 nights comfortable hotels, 2 nights volcano lodge, 3 nights rainforest lodge
Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch,
D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.
Transportation: private car or van, motorized boat, internal flights
Note: Triple Room Discount: $145pp
Quad Room Discount: $145pp Group & Staff: 2 Min, 12 Max
Personal Budgeting: Allow $150 for meals not included, $150 optional excursions, $27 international departure tax, gratuities
Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: Share US$60, Single US$110
Is it for Me? A wonderful trip for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Spend your Costa Rican vacation exploring volcanoes, cloudforest, lush rainforest and pristine secluded beaches. A day of whitewater rafting keeps your adrenaline flowing!
Arrival / Departure Transfers: 1
person US$50 each
2 or more people US$25 /person
Start Dates
2008 : Jun 21, Jul 5, Jul 29, Aug 2, Aug 16, Aug 30, Sep 27, Oct 25, Nov 22, Dec 20*, Dec 23*, Dec 26*
2009 : Feb 20
» Custom dates are available! «
contact our adventure coordinators!
click here
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount
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