Stop at Nectandra Botanical Garden for lunch en route to
Monteverde and its nearby Cloud Forest. Founded by a group of
Quakers in 1954, Monteverde is a peaceful community of dairy
farmers, naturalists and tourism service-providers who joined
together to create a model for sustainable development and
environmental protection. Tonight, meet for a private wine and
cheese reception and presentation showcasing its history, flora and
fauna, preparing you for your cloud forest visit tomorrow.
Monteverde Lodge B L D
Day 1: USA or Canada/San Jos?, Costa Rica
Visit the enchanting Butterfly Garden, located in the scenic
Tilar?n Mountains, where you have the chance to closely observe
these wonderful creatures. This afternoon explore the unique
and spectacular Cloud Forest Reserve, containing six ecologically
diverse habitats. As many as 400 species of birds, 490 butterfly
species, 100 species of mammals and a staggering 1,500 species
of plants reside here. Later, meet with one of the original Quaker
settlers of the area, Marvin Rockwell.
Monteverde Lodge B L D
Day 2: San Jos?/Monteverde
Travel along scenic gravel roads to Rio Chiquito, then cruise across
Lake Arenal on the way to Fortuna. Settle in to your hotel, set on
100 acres overlooking the Arenal Volcano and Arenal River Gorge.
You have time to relax before your visit to the Hidalgo family's farm
for a traditional dinner and a swim in their hot springs-fed pools.
Giant strangler fig and kapok trees provide shade as you enjoy a
natural massage from the small cascade of hot spring water.
Arenal Nayara Hotel B L D
Day 3: Monteverde
Explore the Arenal region on an excursion with a bird's eye view
from a vantage point of 15 hanging bridges poised above the trees.
Observe the natural beauty of flowers, lush vegetation and birds as
you walk along the beautiful trails that were designed to blend in
with the natural environment. Later, embark on an afternoon float
trip down the slow-moving Pe?as Blancas River in search of the
howler monkey, caiman, toucan, sloth and blue jean frog.
Arenal Nayara Hotel B L D
Day 4: Monteverde/Fortuna (Arenal)
Fly to the Caribbean coast this afternoon. Slow moving tropical
rivers define the essence of Tortuguero, and you explore its narrow
canals by boat in search of wildlife often hidden by thick vines and
other flora that often engulf your path. Originally intended to protect
a major nesting beach of the Atlantic green sea turtle, Tortuguero
National Park now protects over 50,000 acres, one of the last large
areas of tropical rainforest in Central America.
Tortuga Lodge B L D
Day 5: Fortuna/Pe?as Blancas/Fortuna
Continue exploring the canals by boat and visit the Caribbean
Conservation Corporation (CCC) Museum to learn about the
Atlantic green sea turtle or wander the beach where thousands of
sea turtle nest from June through October. It is thought that these
gentle vegetarians return to nest on the beach where they were
born. Optional kayaks and canoes are available to access the most
remote areas of Tortuguero National Park at your leisure.
Tortuga Lodge B L D
Day 6: Fortuna/Tortuguero
Return this morning to San Jos?. On arrival, transfer to Britt Coffee
Plantation for a tour. View the production process from the seed to
the roasting plant. This evening gather with your fellow travellers
for a festive farewell dinner.
Marriott Hotel B L D
Day 7: Tortuguero
Board your homebound flight or continue to your next Latin
American destination.
B
Day 8: Tortuguero/San Jos?
Day 9: San Jos?/USA or Canada