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Costa Rica Adventure
2009 Itinerary featuring 8 days from $2,291        One Week  
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Glimpse the grandeur of nature in this dramatic landscape of active volcanoes, misty cloud forests, the powerful Pacific Ocean, and the mysterious jungle. Visits to a butterfly sanctuary, a tropical agricultural college and a jungle cruise provide up-close views of nature. Costa Rica travel invites active participation in order to get the most out of the adventure, including exciting "sky walks" on suspension bridges high above ground in the cloud forest canopy. This tour also features stays at acclaimed eco-resorts, a river float trip, a lake cruise in the shadow of a volcano, visits to conservation and nature centers, and a look at local farm life. Sightseeing excursions with expert naturalists offer insights into the region's unique ecosystems, as well as native birds and wildlife, are highlights of your Costa Rica travel experience.
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2009 Itinerary


Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica
Your Costa Rica travel experience begins at 6 p.m. at the Real InterContinental in Escazú, a suburb of San José. A transfer from Juan Santamaría International Airport to your hotel is included. Meet your tour director and travel companions at the welcome reception and dinner as you prepare to begin your Costa Rica travel adventure.
Meal:
Dinner
Lodging: Real InterContinental Costa Rica, Escazú, Costa Rica

Day 2: Cloud forest canopy walk
Enter the cooler climactic zone in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve for a two-night stay. Become a part of the cloud forest's unique ecology as you challenge yourself on the Sky Walk, crossing high suspension bridges through the treetop canopy and over ravines. There are 400 bird species here, including 30 hummingbird species, but most are quite shy. You can rely on your experienced naturalist to point out any that reveal themselves – along with other residents of the cloud forest from howler monkeys to the resplendent quetzal. A lecture this evening by a local Quaker settler from the community that created the cloud forest reserve gives you a new perspective on conservation.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Monteverde Lodge, Monteverde, Costa Rica

Day 3: Marvelous Monteverde
An exciting day of bio-diversity awaits in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve! Meet a wide variety of reptiles at the Serpentarium, and see more than 50 of over an estimated 1,000 native Costa Rican butterfly species, including the stunning blue morpho, at the enclosed Butterfly Garden; our naturalists pass along their expert insights on the butterflies' complex life cycles. The Hummingbird Gallery introduces you to several species of these fascinating birds, and you'll see photos and slides by noted wildlife photographers. Visits to a private reserve and the Frog Pond of Monteverde offer even more opportunities to see wildlife up close; throughout your stay at Monteverde, keep your binoculars at the ready to spot wildlife that may reveal themselves. Spend tonight relaxing amidst the orchid-filled gardens of your eco-lodge, where your room features bay windows looking out on the cloud forest!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Monteverde Lodge, Monteverde, Costa Rica

Day 4: Volcanic eruptions and soothing soaks
Take in vistas of coffee plantations and cattle farms on the way to Arenal National Park, home to Arenal Volcano, one of the world’s most active volcanoes – it's been erupting continuously for over 40 years. Enjoy a short cruise across Lake Arenal, and soak in hot springs rich with therapeutic minerals. Spend the next two nights at a tropical resort nestled in a rainforest overlooking the San Carlos River.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Tilajari Resort Hotel, Muelle, Costa Rica

Day 5: Jungle float trip and local farm visit
Your Costa Rica travel adventure continues in the jungle today with a float trip down the scenic Penas Blancas River aboard a raft; look for wildlife ranging from sloths to giant iguanas along the shore. Visit the home of a local farmer and his extended family for a glimpse of their daily life. Later, spend time enjoying all there is to see and do at your resort in the heart of one of Costa Rica's most richly diverse ecosystems, from tennis or horseback riding to botanical and butterfly gardens.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Tilajari Resort Hotel, Muelle, Costa Rica

Day 6: E.A.R.T.H. University and a cruise to Tortuguero
En route to Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, visit E.A.R.T.H., a tropical agricultural university, where you'll learn about their educational programs seeking a balance between conservation and agricultural production. No Costa Rica travel adventure is complete without a visit to Tortuguero National Park, one of the world’s most important green sea turtle nesting sites. Cruise through jungle-lined canals to get to your remote riverfront lodge, reachable only by boat. Keep an eye out for a roseate spoonbill, or perhaps crocodiles and howler monkeys with the help of expert naturalists.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Tortuga Lodge, Tortuguero, Costa Rica

Day 7: Tortuguero excursions

Renowned as one of the country's most varied national parks, Tortuguero National Park is known for its 11 ecological habitats, ranging from high rainforest to herbaceous marshes. Explore the park's vast network of waterways on private morning and afternoon cruises with a naturalist, visit sleepy Tortuguero village, and check out the Caribbean Conservation Learning Center to learn about the area's endangered sea turtle. There will be plenty to talk about tonight at the farewell dinner!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Tortuga Lodge, Tortuguero, Costa Rica

Day 8: Adios Costa Rica
Fly to San José in the morning on a private charter flight, and catch your flight home. Your Costa Rica travel adventure ends at 10 a.m. at Juan Santamaría International Airport. Some flight schedules may require additional nights in San José; inquire at booking.
Meal: Breakfast

Don’t miss nature’s spectacles and surprises on this memorable

Costa Rica travel experience! Book your journey today.


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