Costa Rica Extended Stay
Extensive 12 Day Adventure
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Day 1   Our flight departs to San Jose, Costa Rica. We are greeted at the airport by our friendly staff and transferred directly to the mountain suburb of Heredia. While getting acquainted, enjoy a light snack of fresh fruit, pastries and fruit drinks.

Day 2  Today experience the "Sky Walks". This morning will find us in (not under) the canopy of Monteverde's cloud forest. Five hanging bridges are suspended from the forest providing insights and views that are breathtaking. Traverse from tree to tree and platform to platform using pulleys on horizontal traverse cables. We sail through treetops and over the trails far below. Expert guides assist you in this exciting journey that in the past was available only to naturalists and botanists. The preserve protects more than 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds and 1200 species of amphibians. O/N nearby.

Day 3  After breakfast we explore Monteverde further on a suspended walkway. Orchids, Bromeliads, and ferns share the upper reaches of the forest with an abundance of animal life. With a little luck we may see the resplendent Quetzal. After lunch visit the Monteverde Biological Cloud Forest Preserve, which is acclaimed as one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the New World Tropics. End the day with a visit to the Hummingbird Gallery and witness a wide variety of these elusive winged wonders. Overnight nearby.

Day 4   After a hearty breakfast the group will transfer directly to the mighty slopes of the Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica’s most active volcano. At Fortuna, standing at the base of the volcano, we begin the hike to a pristine waterfall, which pours out of the rain forest. Swim in the beautiful pools at the base of the waterfall. After lunch explore the surrounding forests and farms on horseback. That night bathe in the delightful Tabacon Hot Springs. Words cannot describe the sensation of splashing in hotspring streams, waterfalls, and pools of swirling water.

Day 5   After breakfast at our lodge we head to La Selva, a 1500 hectare lush rain forest reserve linked to the northern extension of Braulio Carillo National Park. While hiking through the reserve we hope to catch a glimpse of some of the 400 species of birds that have been identified within the reserve. We also tour the facilities that have made La Selva one of the world’s leading research and educational stations. Overnight the Bambu Hotel or similar.

Day 6   We explore the banks of the Sarapaqui River by boat. We may see Caimans, giant Iguanas, river Otters, and the fascinating Sloths, as well as the deleterious effects the banana corporations have had on this region. We feast on lunch by the river and even have the opportunity to swim in this pristine setting. Overnight at the Las Palmas Hotel or similar.

Day 7   The adventure continues. Enjoy another hearty breakfast and drive past coffee plantations and farms to Cahuita National Park. This natural haven is an ideal place to explore the tropical wet rain forest, and to catch a glimpse of sloths, toucans and monkeys! Later snorkel the most beautiful reefs in Costa Rica. Savor a native Caribbean lunch at Miss Edith's. Overnight at the Hotel Yare or similar.

Day 8   One of the highlights of the tour is meeting the indigenous inhabitants of Costa Rica, the Bri-Bri Indians. After an easy two-hour hike through primary rain forest we arrive at the heart of their village. We see how they make everything from crafts to chocolate. A delicious, native, three-course lunch is served with all ingredients coming from the forest. The afternoon is spent kayaking on a tropical river. As dusk falls we can expect to see numerous animals and birds at the river’s edge. We can arrange a special treat with overnight at the Almonds and Corals Lodge. Groups on a budget can stay at alternate hotel.

Day 9   Another incredible day awaits! We promise that this is one of those days you will remember for the rest of your life. With an early start we hike to Punta Mona (Monkey’s Point) where we experience the Afro-Caribbean culture. This hike is unbelievable, as our guide leads us through virgin forest and points out the numerous animals and indigenous flora. The day will be spent snorkeling, fishing and gathering local fruits and vegetables for the night’s feast. As an excersize in sustainable living, all food will be gathered in the forest or caught in the ocean. Rest assured, no one will go hungry. In the evening observe the nesting rituals of the giant Green and Leatherback turtles. These turtles can grow as large as 1700 pounds. People come from all over the world to witness the turtles. Don’t miss it. We fall asleep to the sound of the ocean as we camp overnight at Punta Mona. Camping gear and tents are provided.

Day 10   After breakfast on the beach we return to Manzanilla by boat and spend the morning exploring the fabulous gardens in Puerto Viejo. You will be amazed by the variety of fruit trees, and exotic plants. We then leave the Caribbean and head into the mountains to the town of Turrialba. Marvel at the beautiful mountain views and vistas. After dinner at the famous Turrialtico Hotel, we have the opportunity to visit a Serpentarium and view the various snakes and reptiles of Costa Rica.

Day 11   Head to the banks of the Pacuare River for an exhilarating day of white water rafting. This enchanting river slices through virgin forest and plunges through mountain gorges that drop the most beautiful waterfalls right along side your raft. We stop on the riverside for an fabulous outdoor lunch. The Pacuare is a Class 3/Class 4 river which is considered both exciting and safe. This is the most scenic rafting river in Costa Rica. We return, exhausted, to the Posada de la Montana.

Day 12   Today we transfer to the airport for our flight home. Bid adios to Costa Rica until to the lucky day we return to Paradise.

Prices will vary with group size and departure dates US$ 1749.00  + airfare, insurance and air taxes