Your journey begins in Costa Rica's bustling capital, one of the youngest in Central America. Set in a fertile landscape of coffee and sugar cane plantations, San José was founded in the middle of the 18th century by order of Cabildo de León and today provides us with one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the region. On arrival you will be met at the airport by your local guide and transferred to your hotel.
The drive on towards the Caribbean coast today traverses most of Costa Rica's varied terrain, taking you across mountainous divides, through lush rainforest and past banana plantations towards the deserted beaches of the Tortuguero National Park. Encompassing a vast expanse of evergreen swampland and volcanic islands, the park is famed for its large green sea turtles, which come to these protected shores to lay their eggs during the nesting season (July and September). You will cross Braulio Carrillo National Park, banana plantations and the town of Guapiles until you reach the dock to board a boat to Tortuguero. The boat ride to Mawamba Lodge takes around an hour depending on water levels. This afternoon sees you enjoying a privately guided visit to Tortuguero village. Participate in the artisanal process of harvesting, drying and grinding the cocoa beans and learn why cocoa was so important to the Mayas, Aztecs and Caribbean pirates. Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant owned by the wonderful Miss Junnie.
Boasting over 20 miles of coastline and 11 different habitats, Tortuguero is a haven, not only for turtles, but also for spectacled caiman, manatees, sloths and three of Costa Rica's four species of monkeys. You will spend the day visiting Mawamba Park within the lodge’s grounds. See the butterfly farms, frog garden, the bio-digester and river turtles' area. Then, continue exploring the lodges nature trails. This afternoon sees you navigating the parks tranquil canals by boat, discovering a beautiful and timeless landscape that was formed by a combination of river sedimentation and volcanic activity from the young mountains that lie farther inland.
Following breakfast, you will be transferred to the local airstrip by boat for your flight to La Fortuna. La Fortuna is known as the base from which to explore the magnificent Arenal Volcano and national park. Naturally heated thermal springs originate from its depth, so several places in the area offer the chance to be surrounded by nature and waterfalls while soaking and relaxing on the mineral waters. Upon arrival, you will be taken to Tabacon Hot Springs to enjoy the naturally heated waters and a delicious meal. Then continue to Arenal Springs Resort & Spa, your base for the next two nights.
The smouldering cone of Arenal, Costa Rica's most active volcano, rises over 1,630 metres above the park beside the waters of the largest man-made lake in the country. A ride on the exhilarating Sky Tram to the top of the reserve presents some spectacular views of the lake and its surrounding forest. It also provides the starting point for a breathtaking adventure through the treetops, as you negotiate a series of zip lines across the park. After an exciting morning, you will visit Don Juan Farm to learn about sustainable agriculture (Don Juan Farm uses no pesticides and attracts a variety of bird species) and traditional sugar processing. Don Juan invites you into his family home and to take a tour of the plantation before sitting down to a delicious mouth-watering lunch made with some of the products he produces.
The journey towards Monteverde today begins by boat and crosses Arenal Lake, an ideal way to take in the stunning volcanic scenery and the forested peaks of the Tilaran Mountain Range. Arenal Lake is the largest and the most important lake in Costa Rica, it was made in 1974 to provide hydroelectric energy for the country. The boat ride provides the opportunity to view some of the abundant species and wetland birds that have made these lake shores their home. Disembark and take an hour and a half (weather dependent) minibus to Monteverde Country Lodge. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a superlative natural setting with over 2,000 species of plants, some 400 different types of birds and over 100 mammal species settled within its lush confines.
One of the last remaining refuges of the rare and colourful Resplendent Quetzal, the Monteverde Cloud Forest is made up of 90% virgin forest. Spanning six ecological zones, it can boast some 5% of the total biodiversity of the entire planet and a gentle hike through it today provides the perfect setting to learn more about its history, flora and fauna. Alongside the quetzal, you could also hope to see sloths and primates, rare golden toads and wild pigs and any one of half a dozen species of beautiful hummingbirds.
Heading down the Central Pacific coast today you’ll stop beside the Tarcoles River for a jungle river and crocodile adventure. Along the banks of the Tarcoles lies the opportunity to observe one of the largest populations of American Crocodiles on the continent. Take by boat to explore the mangrove swamp area with its four different mangle species, each one representing an important ecological habitat for the different bird species and fauna of the region. Enjoy fresh fruit and an ice-cold beer, tropical cocktail, or soft drinks during the tour. Then it is on to Parador Boutique Resort & Spa in Manuel Antonio National Park, located along Costa Rica's Pacific coastline just to the south of the city of Quepos.
A national treasure, Manuel Antonio National Park has been voted amongst the most beautiful anywhere. Boasting one of the most impressive landscapes of any national reserve, the park is a wondrous mix of mountains and forests, beautiful coral reefs and white sand beaches. In the company of a naturalist guide today, you will set off in search of sloths and hunt for several types of non-poisonous snakes as you listen to the birdsong echoing through the forest. Afterwards there will be the opportunity to enjoy some of the unspoiled beaches, before returning to the hotel for your final evening.
A private transfer back to San José in time to catch your international flight back home.
