8 Days / 7 Nights
San Jose (2), Arenal Volcano (1), Monteverde Cloud Forest (2), Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Pacific Beach (2)
Day 1 - Arrive into San Jose, capital city of Costa Rica, where you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening we will have a welcome dinner, to explain the upcoming events. Costa Rica Marriot (D)
Day 2 - Danta
Reserve Hike and Sarapiqui River Boat Excursion and Arenal Volcano: The
day begins with a scenic drive through the 50,000-hectare Braulio Carrillo
National Park. Along the way, the guide will give you an overview of the
tour. The first stop? The beautiful Danta Reserve, which lies on the lowlands
of the National Park. Cement trails are perfect for a leisurely hike after
an outdoor breakfast. Then on to Puerto Viejo of Sarapiqui. There, board
a canvas-covered boat for an exciting trip along the Sarapiqui River.
Along the banks of the river you can look for alligators lazing in the
sun and listen for the sounds of howler monkeys in the trees. Chances
are you will catch a glimpse of the most common birds found here, which
include kingfishers, toucans, ibises and colorful and loud oropendolas.
There is also a good chance of sneaking a peek at the endangered Great
Green Macaw in amongst the tall trees, entwined with lianas and laden
with bromeliads and orchids. You cannot find this bird anywhere else in
the world. Evening observation of Arenal Volcano, watch for sudden eruptions..
Tilajari Resort or Arenal Observatory (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Arenal Volcano - Monteverde Cloud Forest: After a hearty breakfast morning leisurely hike around the Arenal Volcano area and then depart on a scenic route to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. The reserve protects six different wildlife communities on both the Caribbean and Pacific slopes. Monteverde Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Monteverde Cloud Forest: During our morning hike of the reserve we hope to catch sight of the world-famous Resplendent Quetzal. Even so, at least 400 bird species and 2,500 plant species flourish here. In the evening, the hotel will supply a slide presentation to educate you on the area and its flora and fauna. Afternoon free for optional Canopy Tour or to visit the Ecological Park and the Hummingbird Gallery. Monteverde Lodge (B,L,D)