Costa Rica Panorama

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from US$1747

A true nature lover’s paradise, Costa Rica is known for its spectacular natural beauty, boasting over 15 different ecosystems, micro-climates and some of the most breathtaking flora and fauna in the world. On this trip you’ll view the best of its landscapes, from the pristine beaches and verdant rainforests of Tortuguero and Manuel Antonio National Parks to the volcanoes, mountains and cloud forests of Monteverde and Arenal

Overview
Itinerary
Dates
Accommodation
Inclusions

Itinerary Highlights
- Discover the range of wildlife in the lush green network of canals of the Tortuguero National Park.
- Costa Rica’s most active and spectacular volcano in Arenal.
- Monteverde Cloud-forest Reserve - a mystical temporal forest hiding a myriad of bird life.
- Visit the Manuel Antonio National Park with its beautiful white sand beaches
Itinerary in brief
- Day 1: San Jose arrival transfer
- Day 2: San Jose - Tortuguero National Park
- Day 3: Tortuguero National Park excursions
- Day 4: Tortuguero National Park – Arenal Volcano
- Day 5: Arenal Volcano & hot springs tour
- Day 6: Arenal Volcano – Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Day 7: Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Day 8: Monteverde – Manuel Antonio National Park
- Day 9: Manuel Antonio National Park tour
- Day 10: Manuel Antonio day at leisure
- Day 11: Manuel Antonio - San Jose
- Day 12: San Jose departure
Tailor-made suggestions for this itinerary
- Consider more beach and wildlife time in Costa Rica at the incredible Osa Peninsula.
- If you have an early arrival or late departure you might be able skip one of the nights in San Jose.
Day 1: San Jose Arrival
On arrival at San Jose airport you will be met by a representative and transferred to your centrally located hotel.

Located in the central highlands, San José enjoys a moderate climate. Like most cities, San José has its good and bad sides with beautiful parks and museums, and a few beggars on the streets. It is big and often noisy, but even from its crowded downtown streets, you’ll often enjoy a view of the surrounding lush mountains. If you have time we recommend exploring the city centre, in particular in the main plaza which is a great place to people watch.

*Please note, you are only permitted to take a bag weighing 11kgs per person when travelling to Tortuguero National Park. Our local supplier is able to transfer the rest of your luggage on to your next destination.

Day 2: San Jose - Tortuguero National Park
An early start for a transfer from San Jose to the canals of Tortuguero National Park by coach via banana plantations and lush forests. As we approach the coast you will also notice a change in the climate as the weather becomes warmer and more humid. A two hour boat ride to your lodge will take you through the canals surrounded by lush rainforest where you will have the chance to see different birds.

Upon arrival, there will be a short briefing of the lodge and the activities included during your stay, followed by lunch.

This afternoon you have a choice of wildlife excursions and in the evening, if you are lucky, you will have the opportunity to witness the green sea turtles nesting on the beach (between July-Sept only).

Dinner is included at your lodge.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.
Day 3: Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero is a great place for ecotourism lovers. During this day and depending on the weather conditions, you can enjoy a guided hike through the jungle, learning about it’s wide arrange of flora and fauna or exploring the canals of Tortuguero in search of caimans, tropical water-birds, howler and capuchins monkeys.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included.

Day 4: Tortuguero National Park – Arenal Volcano
In the morning the journey continues with a boat transfer back to the local dock and transportation to the area of Guapiles, where lunch will be served. Afterwards, we continue on towards Arenal, enjoying beautiful mountain scenery and crops of pineapple, bananas and sugar cane.

Set on the northern plains of Costa Rica, Arenal Volcano sits on the shore of Lake Arenal, separating the two mountain ranges of Guanacaste and Tilarán. The lake was created by a hydroelectric dam. The volcano, once quite active, has been in a dormant state since the beginning of 2011 but still is a dramatic backdrop to the town of La Fortuna. During the day, its reflection on Lake Arenal is truly enchanting.

Evening at your leisure.

Breakfast, Lunch included.

Day 5: Arenal Volcano and hot springs
This morning is at your leisure. This beautiful and diverse region holds an abundance of incredible experiences for all to enjoy, from adrenalin adventure activities to more relaxed, leisurely walks and hot springs.

In the afternoon you will enjoy a visit to the Arenal Volcano, where you will observe the natural beauty of flowers, lush vegetation, howler monkeys and exotic birds as you walk along the beautiful trails. Later, you will have the chance to unwind in the natural hot springs with views of the majestic Arenal Volcano. This experience finishes with a delicious meal before we transfer you back to your hotel.

Breakfast, Dinner included.

Day 6: Arenal Volcano – Monteverde Cloud Forest

Morning depart from Arenal Volcano to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. The first part of the trip is adorned with the beautiful scenery of the Arenal Lake, which we cross by boat before driving through the beautiful scenery of the Tilarán Mountain Range and arriving in Monteverde. We arrive to our hotel in the late afternoon, with the evening spent at your leisure.

Breakfast included.

Day 7: Monteverde Cloud Forest
Morning tour of the Monteverde cloud forest, a habitat for rare flora and fauna, such as the quetzal. We visit the Tree Top walkway which is the ideal way to explore the beauty of the canopy and appreciate the incredible array of vegetation and exotic bird life that the region has to offer.

Afternoon at leisure or take one of the optional excursions on offer, including the Santa Elena Reserve.

Breakfast included.

Day 8: Monteverde – Manuel Antonio National Park
Today we transfer you to the the Manuel Antonio National Park located on the Pacific coast. Manuel Antonio is considered to be Costa Rica’s most beautiful park, with enchanting white-sand beaches ideal for swimming, and tropical rainforests forest alive with wildlife. Watch for the monkeys and iguanas that share the park with you and relax on one of the many spectacular beaches in the area. Whether you are looking for a romantic honeymoon hideaway or an action-packed visit, this premier destination has the answer.

Breakfast included.
Day 9: Manuel Antonio National Park tour

After breakfast you will enjoy a half day tour where we will show you the Manuel Antonio National Park (closed on Mondays). Manuel Antonio contains a charming combination of exuberant tropical forest and gorgeous beaches with clear waters. The park is home to 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds and you are likely to observe several species of monkeys, iguanas, birds and possibly even the three-toed sloth. After a short hike in the park, you can enjoy time to relax, enjoy the beach and sunbathe. You will spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Breakfast included.

Day 10: Manuel Antonio day at leisure

Day at leisure to relax on your choice from the many lovely beaches of Manuel Antonio. Or you can further explore the national park.

Breakfast included.

Day 11: Manuel Antonio - San Jose

A representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to your hotel in San Jose. Along the way you will observe the sweeping plains and spectacular mountains.

Breakfast included.

Day 12: San Jose departure
A representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to San Jose airport for your departure flight.

Breakfast included.
Departs - Daily

Suggested Hotels

City	Comfort	Superior	Deluxe
San Jose	Rincon del Valle	Hotel Presidente	Grano de Oro
Tortuguero	Turtle Beach	Manatus	Tortuga Lodge
Arenal	Volcano Lodge	Arenal Manoa	Arenal Nayara
Monteverde	Trapp Family Lodge	Belmar Hotel	El Establo
Manuel Antonio NP	The Falls	Parador Resort & Spa	Arenas del Mar

What's included
Accommodation with private facilities, hotel taxes, entrance fees, tours with English speaking guides, transfers, meals as specified.

What's not included
Airfares, airport entrance/departure taxes, gratuities, travel insurance, any items not mentioned as included.

Notes
Hotel rates are based on lead-in rooms. Other room types and hotels are available. Rates are subject to change and different rates may apply during holiday seasons and special events.

Categories: Central America, Costa Rica

Duration: 12 days

Lan, Air New Zealand, Qantas

Itinerary Highlights

Itinerary in brief

Tailor-made suggestions for this itinerary

Day 1: San Jose Arrival

Day 2: San Jose - Tortuguero National Park

Day 3: Tortuguero National Park

Day 4: Tortuguero National Park – Arenal Volcano

Day 5: Arenal Volcano and hot springs

Day 6: Arenal Volcano – Monteverde Cloud Forest

Day 7: Monteverde Cloud Forest

Day 8: Monteverde – Manuel Antonio National Park

Day 9: Manuel Antonio National Park tour

Day 10: Manuel Antonio day at leisure

Day 11: Manuel Antonio - San Jose

Day 12: San Jose departure

Departs - Daily

Suggested Hotels

City

Comfort

Superior

Deluxe

San Jose

Tortuguero

Arenal

Monteverde

Manuel Antonio NP

What's included

What's not included

Notes

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