Introduction to Costa Rica

Spend 12 days immersed in Costa Rica: A World of Nature and discover the vibrant, living Eden on the Central American isthmus. Visit the Green Turtle research Station. Settle in for two nights in an Eco-lodge in Tortuguero National Park. Look for birds in the early morning light of Selva Verde Private Reserve. Visit plantations growing pineapples, coffee, bananas and cacao. Explore Manuel Antonio National Park, Tirimbina Biological Reserve and Braulio Carrillo Rainforest National Park.

Highlights:

• Poas Volcano
• Coffee Plantation
• Tortuguero National Park
• Sarapiqui Rain Forest
• Pineapple Plantation
• Cacao Plantation
• Arenal Volcano
• Manuel Antonio National Park

Experiences:

• Enjoy a memorable two night stay in Tortuguero National Park surrounded by the beauty of a tropical forest and amazing wildlife.
• Visit coffee, banana, cacao and pineapple plantations and learn of their history and social importance to the economy.
• Spend two nights in Arenal with breathtaking views of the lava producing volcano.
• Explore the pristine beauty and wildlife of famous Manuel Antonio National Park.

Itinerary

In brief:

San Jose – 2 nights, Tortuguero – 2 nights, Sarapiqui – 2 nights, Arenal – 2 nights, Tarcoles – 2 nights, San Jose – 1 night, Flight – 1 night.

Journey to Costa Rica and explore a land of rich natural wonders and friendly people. Discover Costa Rica’s outstanding variety of flora and fauna at Tortuguero National Park, Sarapiqui Rainforest, Arenal Volcano and Manuel Antonio National Park. Enjoy the many pristine natural wonders of Costa Rica through exclusive excursions and learning experiences as well as unscheduled time for personal discovery.

Day 1: San Jose, Costa Rica – Tour Begins

FREE CHAUFFUER TRANSFER within 50kms of the airport. Depart Dublin via New York to San Jose. On arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2: San Jose – Poas Volcano – Coffee Plantation Visit

Your adventure begins with a walk to the edge of the Poas Volcano crater for magnificent views of this amazing landscape. Enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Central Valley, ringed by soaring mountains, strawberry plantations and flower farms. Later, a tour of the Doka Coffee Plantation highlights the history and cultivation of coffee and its importance to the Costa Rican economy.

Day 3: San Jose – Tortuguero National Park

Begin the day traveling through the Braulio Carrillo Rainforest National Park to the Caribbean low lands. En route, experience spectacular mountain scenery, changes in eco-systems and picturesque Caribbean-style villages. A special stop is made at a local banana plantation where you learn about its economic and social value to Costa Rica. Later, your guide explains the rainforest eco-system and points out sights of interest as you cruise the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park. Enjoy a memorable two night stay at your eco-lodge surrounded by the beauty of a tropical forest and amazing wildlife. Learn more about your surroundings with a visit to the world’s first Green Turtle Research Station and discover how to protect the turtle’s nesting habitat and eggs.

Day 4: Tortuguero National Park

An early morning bird watching excursion is offered so you may learn about the variety of local species and migratory birds that flock this area. Later, experience a spectacular boat cruise through the various canals and be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife including howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, aquatic birds, bats and caimans, as well as exotic flora. Tortuguero National Park is a study in rainforest, freshwater, and marine biology. It protects over 350 species of birds and mammals including green macaws; 57 species of amphibians; 111 species of reptiles; and 60 mammal species, including 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered species including jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters, and manatees.

Day 5: Tortuguero National Park – Sarapiquí

A leisurely boat ride returns you to the mainland to travel to the fascinating Sarapiqui region. Enjoy a visit to an organic pineapple plantation and learn about the various types of this exotic fruit and why Costa Rican pineapples are amongst the world’s best. At La Tirimbina Biological Reserve, a local expert provides a fascinating bat tour, explaining the biological importance of these unique flying mammals.

Day 6: Sarapiquí

See first hand the process of making chocolate from the cacao bean and learn the history and continuing importance of cacao to Central America’s economy. Later in the afternoon add some zest to your life with an exhilarating river rafting adventure on the Sarapiqui River.

Day 7: Sarapiquí – Arenal

Begin your day with an early morning bird watching tour at Selva Verde Private Reserve, one of the world’s most important sites for tropical eco-system research. You will discover the species’ diversity is spectacular, including more than 1,850 species of plants, 350 species of trees and 448 species of birds. Later, relax and enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside of San Carlos Valley to Arenal Volcano. Enjoy leisure time to admire the spectacular views of Arenal Volcano or relax in the volcanic hot springs.

Day 8: Arenal

Today is at leisure to participate in one of the many optional activities available. Your choices include an exciting canopy tour with an amazing variety of birds and indigenous wildlife, a horse back riding adventure, or an excursion to Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge.

Day 9: Arenal – Tarcoles

Travel the beautiful chequered landscape surrounding Lake Arenal while en route to the Pacific Coast. Your destination for the next two nights is charming Villa Lapas. The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore its beautiful natural surroundings.

Day 10: Tarcoles – Manuel Antonio National Park

Get your cameras ready! Today you explore spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park. This paradise is known for its three pristine white sand beaches surrounded by emerald waters and forest. Spend the morning leisurely walking the forest trails in search of the native inhabitants including the three-toed sloth, agoutis, white faced and squirrel monkeys, iguanas and birds. If you wish, take a swim in the inviting blue waters of its breathtaking beaches. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax by the pool and absorb the natural beauty of your surroundings.

Day 11: Tarcoles – Sarchi – San Jose

After breakfast, travel through the Carara National Park to Sarchi, an important crafts center. Learn about the traditional crafts of this region and witness local artisans as they produce colourful oxcarts. Journey back to San Jose for your farewell dinner and overnight stay.

Day 12: San Jose – Tour Concludes

Your tour concludes after breakfast with your transfer to the airport for yuor overnight flight home.

Day 13: Arrival in Dublin.

FREE CHAUFFEUR TRANSFER within 50kms of the airport

Price inclusions

• FREE Chauffeur transfer within 50kms radius of the airport.
• Flight Dublin to New York, with onward flight to San Jose
• Airport transfer to your hotel
• 11 nights accommodation (see Itinerary)
• Meals : half board
• All tours outlined in the itinerary
• Return transfer from your hotel to airport
• Flight San Jose to New York, onward flight to Dublin (overnight)
• Services of guide and local representatives
• Taxes and charges of €169

Booking remarks

• Inclusive of taxes and service charges as indicated
• Single room supplement €510 for the duration
• Non refundable or transferrable booking deposit 10% per person
• Full payment due 12 weeks before travel
• 2% surcharge if balance is paid by credit or charge card
• Optional Insurance €48 (conditions apply)
• Taxes, charges or compulsory charges introduced after publication are not included in the above price.

Accommodation details

The hotels are all what Costa Ricans might term “eco-friendly”. Whilst precise definition of this will vary from property to property, it generally implies a scenic setting, environmentally sensitive architecture and operation, an active involvement in schemes to protect and regenerate Costa Rica’s indigenous fauna and a desire on the part of an establishment’s management to facilitate in some way its guests’ enjoyment and appreciation of Costa Rica’s superb natural world heritage.

HOTELS:

San Jose – Herradura Hotel – 4 star

Tortuguero National Park – Pachira Lodge

The lodge is strategically located only 5 minutes away from the extraordinary Tortuguero National Park, and right across the main “canal” facing the town of Tortuguero. Surrounded by a network of very scenic canals, this is considered one of the most exotic regions of the world, characterized by its rich in flora and fauna.

The newest lodge in Tortuguero.

• 88 comfortable guest rooms.
• 14 hectares (34 acres).
• 5 minutes from Tortuguero National Park main entrance.
• Stay at one of the comfortable rooms with private bathroom, hot water and ceiling fans.
• Important: from July to September, only a few minutes from the hotel, you can enjoy an unforgettable experience: the arrivals of the green sea turtle.

Sarapiqui Rainforest – Selva Verde Lodge

Selva Verde is more than a lodge and more than a rainforest reserve. It is your gateway into a magical world of towering Almendro trees, Mantled Howler Monkeys, and Keel Billed Toucans. Immerse yourself in tropical nature as you hike through deep green forest or reflect quietly in a comfortable hammock. Discover something new as you encounter Selva Verde’s amazing wildlife and vibrant people. Rekindle your sense of wonder and experience the out-of-the-ordinary.

Located just 2 hours from San Jose, Selva Verde provides easy access to the wonders of the rainforest. For over 30 years, Selva Verde has been a haven for nature enthusiasts from around the world. Their abundant biodiversity, comfortable rainforest lodge, and exciting activities are ideal for adventure seekers, bird and wildlife watchers, students, and families. Selva Verde’s have 500 acres of vibrant tropical nature in the heart of Costa Rica’s Sarapiqui Canton.

As one of Costa Rica’s legendary eco lodges, they are committed to a sustainable future – not only for Selva Verde, but also for the people and wildlife that call the Sarapiqui home.

40 well-appointed rooms Selva Verde’s Costa Rica eco lodge buildings are incorporated into the rainforest on platforms and elevated walkways that blend in with the natural environment. The walkways allow guests to go on long walks observing wildlife while staying dry.

Arenal – Montana de Fuego Hotel

Montaña de Fuego Hotel is located in La Fortuna, San Carlos, one of the most beautiful regions of Costa Rica. The hotel takes advantage of the natural beauty of the area and emerges as a peaceful oasis with magnificent vegetation and diverse fauna.

Its spacious and comfortable rooms offer you all the facilities to rest and relax. You will find yourself surrounded by a diverse natural environment and the most spectacular view of the Arenal Volcano. Its incredible and fascinating eruptions will astound you. Here you can feel the power of nature.

In addition, you will have the opportunity to choose among several adventure tours, such as river rides, waterfalls, jungle, lakes, horses, fishing, etc. In essence, this is one place that any nature lover will absolutely want to come and enjoy!

Each room provides a comfortable, pleasant, and peaceful atmosphere. All 66 rooms boast the spectacular view of the Arenal Volcano and the mountains.

The Standard Rooms offer a natural-style cosiness in the warmth of the wooden structure. It’s like a small refuge in the mountain; a special place where all your dreams may come true.

• Excellent view of the volcano
• One Queen and one Single bed
• Air conditioned
• Telephone
• Private bath with hot water
• T.V. with cable
• Private Terrace

Tarcoles – Villa Lapas

The hotel is situated along the border between the Tropical and Dry Pacific eco-systems. This unique situation allows guests to benefit twofold, allowing them to observe over 400 species of birds as well as exotic animals, such as the poison dart frog, deer, jaguar, wild pigs, bats, raccoons, anteaters, lizards and several types of monkeys (spider monkey and congo) and other jungle creatures.

Near reserves, rivers and protected areas Villa Lapas’s private natural reserve limits with that of Carara Biological Reserve, one of the biggest protected areas in the Costa Rican Pacific featuring one of the few remaining populations of Scarlet Macaws in the country, and with the Tárcoles River, home of many crocodiles that can be easily seen from the river bridge, and a favorite birdwatching spot as well.

Villa Lapas features more than 55 large rooms (single and double occupancy), all of them in an area surrounded by gardens and beautiful tropical rainforests.

All of rooms include:

• Hot water
• Air conditioning
• Safety Deposit Box
• Spacious Closets
• Telephone
• Ceiling Fan
• Double beds

Dates and Prices

03 May 2010	€2109
13 September 2010	€2109
01 November 2010	€2109