Days 1-2
Depart for San José, arriving the same day and transfer to your hotel. The following morning we drive to the impressive Irazu volcanoe, looming above the city of Cartago. We then visit the Orosi Valley and the Lankaster Gardens with its large collection of orchids and other indigenous plant species. (B)

Day 3
After breakfast, we drive to Poás Volcano National Park, where we witness the clouds of steam rising out of the depths of the active volcano, Poás. We continue to a second crater with a lake, surrounded by rainforest shrouded in cloud, where twisted lianas hang thick from the tropical trees, home to 80 species of birds. The road winds down to the Pacific lowlands before ascending again into the mountains, affording great views of the Gulf of Nicoya. Continue to Monteverde Cloud Forrest. (B)

Day 4
A fascinating and beautiful half day excursion, accompanied by expert local guides, in the surrounding Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, which embraces a variety of climes, and is home to a fascinating variety of birds and mammals, including the noisy howler monkeys and the resplendent quetzal. In the afternoon we visit the Butterfly Garden, a living laboratory of butterflies, snakes and frogs. (B)

Days 5-6
Our journey continues with a drive, skirting the northern banks of Lake Arenal, to our hotel. In the evening, weather permitting, witness the volcanic activity of the Arenal Volcano with it's colourful lava flows. Next morning, walk on the hanging bridges trails and optional excursions including a trip to the lava flows in the national park, or relaxing at the hot springs. (B)

Days 7-9
Morning transfer down the mountains to the pier where we take a boat on the river journey to our lodge in the Tortuguero Park staying for 3 nights. Accompanied by guides, we explore the area by boat in the backwaters and lagoons, observing the abundance of bird species in this glorious jungle setting, home to spider monkeys, macaws, threetoed sloths, caiman and otters, amongst many others. Visit the Caribbean Conservation Corporation, protecting the nearby nesting beach of the Atlantic green sea turtle and surrounding tropical rainforest. From July to September or October it may be possible to see turtles nesting. The setting at Tortuguero is tranquil so you can also unwind, take walks along the coast, the beach and the area surrounding the lodge (B,D)

Days 10-11
Early morning departure for a short flight to San José. Afternoon at leisure, overnight. Depart the following day, arriving home on Day 12. (B)

 

EXTENSIONS

Rincón de la Vieja National Park

Explore the delights of this park, punctuated by the mighty Rincón de la Vieja Volcano in an area of dry rainforest, and hot sulphur springs.

• Day 11 
  Transfer from San José to Rincón de la Vieja and overnight.
• Day 12
  Full day excursion to the national park. (B,)
• Day 13
  Explore the area in the morning, and after lunch return to San José and overnight at the colonial Grano de Oro Hotel. (B)
• Day 14
  Departure transfer. (B)

Turrialba Valley

The lush Turrialba Valley embraces stunning scenery of exotic flora and brightly coloured birds, and produces coffee, sugar cane and vast amounts of tropical fruits.

• Day 11
  Transfer to Turrialba and overnight.
• Day 12
  Explore Turrialba. (B)
• Day 13
  Transfer to San José for 1 night in a delightful colonial hotel. (B)
• Day 14
  Departure transfer.

Carara Biological Reserve

Follow trails through the 4,700 hectare Carara Biological Reserve, where scarlet macaws, parrots, white-faced monkeys, coatimundis, crocodiles and poison-dart frogs can be seen.

• Day 11
  Transfer from San José to Villa Lapas. Afternoon exploring.
• Day 12
  Full day excursion to the Carara National Park. Overnight in Villa Lapas. (B,)
• Day 13
  Transfer to San José, overnight in the Grano de Oro colonial hotel. (B)
• Day 14
  Departure transfer.