The Discovery Journey to
Costa Rica
With its abundance of reefs and rainforests, concern for conservation, and truly incredible birdlife and amphibians, Costa Rica is fast becoming the favored destination for those travelers with less time, but a love of nature. Discover the secrets of the rainforest from a bird’s point of view on the Rainforest Aerial Tram and by boat as you glide along the natural inland waterways and canals in Tortuguero National Park. Witness as thousands of turtles lumber ashore, lay their eggs and return to the sea. Watch the spectacular display of Arenal Volcano’s eruptions in the distance as you sip your drink and enjoy the hot springs. Your head and heart will literally be in the clouds as you explore Monteverde Cloud Forest, home to over 320 species of birds, including the Resplendent Quetzal.
Day 1 - Miami/San Jose
Fly from Miami to San Jose, where you are escorted to your beautiful hotel. Surrounded by coffee plantations, citrus orchards and lush gardens, it is the perfect setting for jogging through the winding trails, birding, or relaxing by the swimming pool. HOTEL BOUGAINVILLEA. (Meals Aloft)
Days 2/3 - Braulio Carrillo National Park/Tortuguero National Park
Discover the beauty of the rainforest from a bird’s-eye view. Soar through the air on the Rainforest Aerial Tram in a 1,000-acre private reserve of virgin tropical forest that borders the Braulio Carrillo National Park and learn about the small ecosystems that have formed at tree-top level for the flora and fauna in search of light and space. See orchids, bromeliads, moss, ferns and bejucos, and spot some of the 350 species of birds that call the canopy home – Solitary Eagle, Yellow-eared Toucanet, Common Potoo.
Back on the ground, drive through banana plantations to board your speedboat to Tortuguero National Park. As you boat along this system of rivers and man-made channels through one of the richest regions of Costa Rica in biological diversity and wildlife, watch nature’s circus as spider and howler monkeys frolic in the tree-tops overhead. Spanish for turtle, “Tortuguero” is the most important nesting site in the entire western half of the Caribbean for the green turtle – which gathers in large numbers to nest between July and October. Other species of sea turtles that also nest on the wide beaches of the park and refuge are the leatherback and hawksbill. Your accommodations are rustic, but delightful. EVERGREEN JUNGLE LODGE or MAWAMBA LODGE. (All Meals Daily)
Days 4/5 - Arenal Volcano
Your drive now takes you to Arenal, where the volcano rises 5,357 feet majestically above the Tabacon Hot Springs – the ultimate place to inspire and indulge yourself. From the heart of the volcano spring fountains of thermo mineral water form the Tabacon River, running at a soothing 102 F, forming cascades, waterfalls, and natural pools through exotic tropical gardens, and flowing into pools, to guarantee an unforgettable sensation. The Arenal Observatory Lodge is located just over one mile from the active crater of the volcano. Your guestrooms are reached via a 134-foot suspension bridge through a small patch of rain forest and feature huge walls of glass that provide premier views of the volcano in addition to daily treks that are included in your program. A host of optional activities await you at an additional cost. Mountain biking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, hanging bridges, butterfly gardens, canopy tours, fishing, horseback riding and more are all available. ARENAL OBSERVATORY LODGE. (B,L;B)
Days 6/7 - San Jose/Monteverde Cloud Forest
Continue to Monteverde, Costa Rica's most beautiful forest, and home to over 320 species of birds, including the Resplendent Quetzal and exotic hummingbirds. Go boldly where few walkers have gone before on the Sky Walk, considered by many, the last terrestrial frontier. Experience the buoyancy of walking among the clouds as you traverse the tree-tops on a series of bridges, trails and platforms. Your mountain suite is nestled in a rustic setting providing you with spacious, comfortable accommodations just minutes from the Monteverde Cloud Forest and other natural attractions. EL SAPO DORADO. (B Daily)
Day 8 - Sarchi/San Jose
Drive back to San Jose, stopping at Sarchi for some of Costa Rica’s best shopping of local handicrafts. Upon arrival in San Jose, you will check in at the Bougainvillea where the remainder of the day is at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel. HOTEL BOUGAINVILLEA. (B,D)
Day 9 - San Jose/Miami
Time to return to the USA, as you will be transferred this morning to the airport for your return flight home. Bid a sad “adios” (farewell) to this lovely land. (B)
Optional Extension to Tamarindo Beach
Bid farewell to the rest of the group returning to San Jose and to the USA, and drive through the scenic countryside to yet another exciting destination, Tamarindo Beach. Enjoy 2 nights at the Tamarindo Diria Hotel, which has the best location on the beach, with huge trees, flowers and plenty of wildlife in the gardens. You will literally find everything you need within the walls of your oasis, your sanctuary from crowds and noise and your haven of deep green and infinite sunsets. The beauty of Tamarindo will become a part of you. Spend your days carefree in one of the most accessible, yet unspoiled beach areas in Costa Rica. This beach has reef for snorkeling and surfing. Tamarindo offers first class sport fishing, sailing, surfing, golf, ATV tours, diving, horseback riding, canopy tours, jungle boat rides and more. A multi-cultural community, Tamarindo boasts several bakeries, an outdoors vegetable market and more than 40 restaurants.
Your Journey Includes:
- All ground transfers in air-conditioned motorcoach.
- Superior accommodations throughout as indicated or similar.
- Services of naturalist throughout the tour.
- All meals as specified above.
- All park entry fees, applicable hotel and lodge taxes and gratuities for included services.
- Complimentary backpack, passport wallet, and baggage tags
2008 |
Price Main Trip Land Only |
Single Supplement Price/Main |
Price |
Single Supplement Price/Ext |
Feb 4-12 |
$2,295 |
$595 |
$695 |
$295 |
Mar 10-18 | $2,295 |
$395 |
$695 |
$295 |
Jul 6-14 |
$2,295 |
$395 |
$695 |
$295 |
Nov 10-18 |
$2,295 |
$395 |
$695 |
$295 |
Dec 26 - |
$2,495 |
$395 |
$695 |
$295 |
Prices do not reflect applicable departure taxes.