Volcanoes, cloud forests, canopy tours, screeching monkeys and white sand beaches. We have packed up the essentials in this well paced itinerary that highlights the best of Costa Rica. Hike on lava fields, relax in natural hot springs and spend the evenings watching volcano eruptions from our balcony. Then climb to the realm of the hummingbird, the toucanet and the resplendent quetzal. Walk in the cloud forest admiring the lush vegetation and abundance of birdlife and dare to a canopy tour for a different perspective of the forest. Wrap it up with a stay at the fishing village of Quepos: Search for sloth, monkeys and tropical birds in Manuel Antonio National Park and enjoy the white sand beaches, the most beautiful in the country.
PROGRAM DAY-BY-DAY
DAY
DESCRIPTION
1
Arrive in Costa Rica
After clearing customs and immigration, proceed to the reception area, where our local representative will be holding a board with your name on it. You will be greeted with a “Bienvenidos a Costa Rica” and transferred to Arenal, located three hours from San Jose. If time permits, this evening you may relax in the rushing waters naturally heated by the volcano at Tabacon Hot Springs (entrance fee included when staying at Tabacon Resort). At night, the most active of all Costa Rica's volcanoes may display a true show of fiery explosions.
Hiking in Arenal National Park
This morning don your hiking boots and join our guide for a hike around the growling volcano. You will trek across fields of solidified lava enjoying stunning vistas of Lake Arenal before entering a dense rain forest where you may spot howler and white-faced monkeys, coatis, toucans and parrots. Return to the hotel in time for lunch and a short siesta. The afternoon is free for you to continue exploring on your own or sign up for a horseback riding or a canopy tour. (B)
At leisure!
Today you may take a break from our eventful schedule. But if you are still in the mood for some more action, here are some ideas: Raft the Sarapiqui River, a class III, take advantage of Lake Arenal’s excellent conditions for windsurfing and fishing, visit the Venado Caves, go mountain biking or sign up for the full day tour to Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge. Or you may take a stroll in the surrounding countryside, catch up with your reading and revisit the hot springs. At night, we will be expectantly waiting for the volcano to offer one of its fiery performances. (B)
“Sky Trek” in Monteverde
Frequently draped in mist and clouds, Monteverde captures the imagination of even the most cynical among us. It emanates a sense of ancient and enduring life. Algae, mosses and lichens get a foothold on the constantly wet surfaces, providing a place for orchids, bromeliads, ferns and innumerable other plants to cling to. So prolific is this growth in the cloud forest that bare branches are virtually non-existent. You will be arriving in this exuberant region around mid morning, just in time to check in at our hotel, freshen up and have lunch. In the afternoon, go for a “sky walk” at canopy level, where you can scout for all those creatures seldom viewed from the ground. (B)
Exploring the cloud forest
Get up early and head out on a guided hiking tour of famous Monteverde Reserve. As the forest awakens to a new day, venture into the reserve trails among lush foliage. You will walk slowly, taking glimpses at a myriad of colorful birds and listening to our guide’s informative explanations on flora and fauna. Later you may be blessed with a unique sight: Sitting quietly overhead, its long feathery tail swaying gently in the breeze, there is a scarlet and emerald bird that seems to embody the spirit of the cloud forest: The Resplendent Quetzal. After the fascinating hike, you will have plenty of free time to roam around Monteverde on your own. We suggest you visit the cheese factory, owned by the Quaker community, hike in the Santa Elena Reserva, horseback riding, or, for the most adventurous, a canopy tour. (B)
From the forests to the coast
Back on the road, bound for the Central Pacific Coast. Your final destination today is the charming resort of Quepos. Originally a sleepy fishing village, Quepos is today a charming tourist spot featuring romantic hotels, lovely bays, exuberant national parks teeming with wildlife and a myriad of outdoor activities to choose from. You will arrive in time to scout the surroundings, take a dip in the pool and admire one of Quepos’ famous sunsets. (B)
Quepos by land and by sea
This morning we have scheduled a visit to the lovely Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica’s smallest national park and one of the most beautiful. Along a well maintained trail network we explore the heart of the forest, catching glimpses of sloth, monkeys and several tropical birds, admiring the dramatic rocky headlands, learning about the plants and trees and finally gasping at the magnificence of the forest-backed white sand beaches, probably the most beautiful in Costa Rica. The rest of the day is free to catch some rays or waves at the beach or join a cruise tour around Quepos Bay. (B)
One more day in paradise
Your final day in Quepos is free for you to do some shopping, relax in the swimming pool or take a leisure horseback riding tour. For restless spirits, here are some valuable recommendations: Raft the Naranjo River, kayak in the mangroves, go kayak surfing, hit the trails on a mountain bike or an ATV, or join a boat tour in search of dolphins. (B)
Depart Costa Rica
Today our local representative will be transferring you to the airport in time for your flight to San Jose and connecting flight back home. We wish you a pleasant trip back home and hope to enjoy your company in another exciting adventure very soon. (B)
PRICES FROM
From: $1970 per person in double occupancy
SPECIALS
Add a night in Manuel Antonio for free! Contact us for details.
FACTS
Departure: Daily year round
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Type of services: All services included in this itinerary are operated on a group basis.
Highlights: Hiking and admiring Arenal Volcano and its constant eruptions; soaring over the canopy in the cloud forest; the Monteverde Reserve; Manuel Antonio National Park; Quepos and its fiery sunsets.
Inclusions: All air and ground transportation at the destination; lodging, meals and tours per itinerary; hotel taxes; English-speaking assistance.
Not included: International airfares; airport departure taxes; tips of any kind; incidentals at hotels; any meals not included in the itinerary; alcoholic beverages; souvenirs.
VISA INFORMATION
It is the travelers responsibility to have all proper travel documents which can include passports and foreign visas. Learn more here: Passport & Visa Information
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel Insurance is highly recommended to protect your travel investment and for any emergencies that could occur while traveling. Learn more here: Travel Insurance
IMPORTANT NOTES
All rates are “From Prices”
and correspond to the lowest season in the year.
Expect moderate to high increases for high season
and holiday periods. Low season dates vary from
destination to destination. Please inquire for details.
All rates on this website are per person and based
on double occupancy, unless otherwise indicated.
If a hotel included in a program is not available
at the time of the reservation, we will substitute
it for a hotel of similar category.
Room and cabin upgrades are available at most hotels
and cruises. Please inquire at the time of reservation.
Most programs can be customized.
All itineraries are subject to change without notice.
Website is for research purposes only.
To receive an estimate, please contact Toll Free at 1-800-255-4266 us
or send
an email to us.
Maupin Journeys
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