Costa Rica Eco-Adventure: Tortuguero, La Selva, and Arenal

 

San José

Day 1

Upon arrival, after clearing customs and immigrations at the airport, meet your driver and transfer to the Hotel Balmoral, situated in the heart of the city near the Gold Museum and National Theater along the pedestrian traffic only zone. This evening, dinner is on your own at El Patio featuring a variety of options, including a full service restaurant, pizzeria, coffee shop, full bar and wine cellar. Hotel amenities include free Wi Fi, free ambulance services, and on site shops including a pharmacy, leather goods, souvenirs, candy and much more! This evening program orientation at hotel. In order to arrive in time for Orientation, participants must book flights that arrive in San José no later than 4:30 p.m.

Overnight at Hotel Balmoral

Tortuguero

Day 2

This morning check out early and transfer from San José to Guápiles. En route, admire the beauty and biodiversity of the rainforest while driving through Braulio Carrillo National Park. Stop for a hearty, tropical breakfast buffet, and if time and weather allow, visit a banana processing plant to learn more about one of Costa Rica's prime exports. Continue to the dock, where you will board a private boat for the water transfer to Pachira Lodge. Upon arrival at the lodge, relax with a cocktail and lunch. This afternoon boat across the canal waterway to Tortuguero Village and visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy museum to learn about sea turtle conservation. Take a walk on the beach, explore the town, then meet with a resident of Tortuguero where he will give an interactive presentation on the importance of coconuts in the Village. Return to the lodge for dinner. If traveling between the months of July through September, there is an optional sea turtle nest walk available at additional cost.

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included

 

Overnight at Pachira Lodge

Tortuguero

Day 3

This morning have breakfast at the lodge and then experience the flora and fauna of the Tortuguero National Park while kayaking the waterways of Tortuguero. Return to the lodge for lunch. This afternoon, take an interpretive hike on the lodge's trails. This evening set out on a night walk around the lodge grounds to see nocturnal creatures.

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included

 

Overnight at Pachira Lodge

Sarapiqui

Day 4

This morning transfer by boat and coach to Selva Verde Lodge & Rainforest Reserve, situated in the lush lowlands of north central Costa Rica on a large private tract of primary and secondary tropical rainforest. After settling in, receive an orientation to Selva Verde's facilities and the private reserve, and then hear a lecture by a local naturalist to learn about the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. Relax in the lodge's rooms, which are equipped with ceiling fans, and then have a buffet style dinner in the upstairs dining room. After dessert, explore the nocturnal world of the rainforest during a short night hike on the walkway in search of amphibians, mammals, owls, and insects. The lodge has Wi Fi access in the reception and dining room areas.

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included

 

Overnight at Selva Verde Lodge

Sarapiqui

Day 5

This morning after breakfast there will be an exciting whitewater rafting adventure. The river has a gentle current with several minor class I, II, and III rapids. A professional river guide escorts all rafting trips and all of the necessary safety equipment (helmet, life jackets, etc.) is provided along with a lesson on rafting and safety instructions and procedures. For those not interested in rafting, a boat trip along the river can be arranged as an alternative. Return to lodge. This afternoon, visit a local pineapple plantation to learn about organic farming and harvesting techniques. The pineapple industry is an important source of foreign exchange for Costa Rica.

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included

 

Overnight at Selva Verde Lodge

Arenal

Day 6

This morning depart Selva Verde and visit Don Alvaro's Macaw Farm, where previously caged or abused macaws fly free. Continue to La Fortuna town, enjoy lunch en route. Check -in at Arenal Springs Hotel. This afternoon is at leisure to experience the thermal hot spring pools that are heated by the volcano. Dinner this evening is in the dining room. Weather permitting; the hotel affords excellent views of the immense Arenal Volcano from every room.

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included

 Overnight at Arenal Springs Hotel

Arenal

Day 7

This morning take a hike in Arenal Volcano National Park. Return to hotel for lunch. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to Arenal Vida Campesina for dinner. Participate in making your own tortilla and enjoy a meal prepared with produce fresh from the farm. The hospitality is as heartwarming as the shot of their farm fermented liquor, a traditional farewell gesture, and fitting end to a memorable visit.

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included

 

Overnight at Arenal Springs Hotel

San José

Day 8

This morning after breakfast, depart for Arenal Hanging Bridges before returning to San Jose. Lunch en route. This evening attend a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included

 

Overnight at Wyndham Herradura Hotel, Standard

Farewell!

Day 9

This morning transfer to the airport via hotel shuttle for flights back to the U.S.

Breakfast- included