| "...Did we like Costa Rica?? We LOVED Costa Rica! How could any one not like Costa Rica??!! The Corcovado Natl Park is truly a spiritual place. .... a wonderful blend of comfort and natural surroundings..." |
DAY 1 - SAN JOSE -
Arrive in San Jose, where our driver will meet you to transfer you to HOTEL RINCON DEL VALLE, a "bed & breakfast" hotel, in an elegant residential zone 19 kms. from the airport and five minutes away from Costa Rica's financial and business center.
DAY 2 - CORCOVADO -
 Transfer to airport for 9:00am flight, ground, and boat transportation to Casa Corcovado Lodge in Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula to visit Corcovado National Park. Corcovado National Park is an undeniably beautiful place, considered to be one of the most important natural preserves in the Americas, this virgin rain forest park invites superlatives from all who visit. At least thirteen distinct vegetation types in close proximity, including mangroves, palm swamps and bloodweed forest make Corcovado a botanist's dream. Jaguars, giant anteaters, hundreds of white-lipped peccaries, tapers, and a host of rare rain forest animals inhabit the vast reaches surrounding the crocodile-filled lagoon at the park's center. The captivating visual beauty of its forest and of its coastline, with miles of uninhabited beaches and roaring cascades, draws visitors from all over the world. Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge is a 170 acre private reserve, adjoining Corcovado National Park, providing the ideal base for exploring the rain forest, waterfalls, and miles of uninhabited beaches of the Osa Peninsula. The Lodge supplied with mountain spring water is surrounded by virgin rain forest and fruit trees which draws birds, monkeys and other wildlife. Enjoy beach combing on the Lodge's own half kilometer long sand beach and then refresh yourself under a waterfall or bathe in a shaded pool. Casa Corcovado offers individual deluxe thatched roof bungalows with private baths, and delicious home-cooked meals, allowing guests to enjoy the jungle in comfort. Activities offered include: Scuba diving (both resort courses and regular trips), sea kayaking, horseback riding, and sportfishing. (B) (L) (D)
***NOTE: A trip to Casa Corcovado and Drake Bay is geared towards the serious minded naturalist, hiker, photographer, birder, and adventurer. Due to the remote location, tours will involve surf landing and launches and it's recommended that visitors be in good physical condition.
DAY 3, 4 - CORCOVADO -
Full day guided tours to Corcovado National Park, recognized as one of the most "biological intense" places on earth and Caño Island Biological Reserve, only 10 miles from Drake but a world apart from the mainland. Indians once used the island as a burial ground, however little is known about the pre-Columbian artifacts found there. Take advantage of the Reserve's clear blue waters and snorkel the coral reefs. (B)(L)(D)
DAY 5 - CORCOVADO/SAN JOSE/ARENAL -
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After breakfast, boat trip up the Sierpe River, going through jungle, mangrove swamps and forest areas. Transfer to the airport for return flight to San Jose where your personal driver will pick you up to begin 4 hour journey to the ARENAL VOLCANO, Costa Rica's and one of the world's most active. Stop for lunch and tour of LA PAZ WATERFALL GARDENS. When you think about Costa Rica, you probably imagine lush tropical Rain Forests, flowing white rivers, spectacular waterfalls, birds, butterflies and flowers. At La Paz Waterfall Gardens, you will see all that and more. Scheduled visit for a relaxing soak and dinner at the thermal pools of ECO TERMALES HOT SPRINGS, whose warm, mineral-rich waters are heated within the volcano. Overnite at HOTEL ARENAL SPRINGS where you will have a spectacular view of the volcano's nighttime eruptions. (B) (L) (D)
 DAY 6 - ARENAL -
After an early morning breakfast, tour to the Rio Fortuna waterfall and hike down a steep trail to the base of the waterfall, where you can enjoy a cool swim in the river's crystal clear waters or just enjoy the exuberant vegetation surrounding the canyon. In the afternoon, begin 2 1/2 hour hike wading a beautiful stream and then a nice trail to a lava flow which was still moving only two years ago. Walking over the lava rocks, one has a fantastic view of the mighty Arenal Volcano on one side and Lake Arenal on the other. You might even be able to witness some eruptions, and observe some of the wildlife of the area. (B) Overnite at Arenal Springs
DAY 7 - ARENAL / MONTEVERDE -
After breakfast and an optional morning hike or ride, leave to begin scenic 4 1/2 hour drive around Lake Arenal to MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST RESERVE and FONDA VELA LODGE. Monteverde is one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the tropics. There are at least 400 bird species in this high elevation rain forest, including the Resplendent Quetzal, ancient holy bird of the Mayans, over 100 species of mammals, and an estimated 2,500 species of plants making Monteverde a true "nature lover's paradise". The reserve has a definite wet and dry season, though the upper levels have fog and rain much of the year. Fonda Vela is the closest hotel within walking distance to the famous Reserve. Situated on a 35 acre farm, surrounded by virgin rain forests, lush green fields and exotic birds, Fonda Vela provides a nurturing experience to all those who visit. The lodge offers spacious rooms with private bathrooms and hot water, and a restaurant specializing in home style and international cuisine with ingredients from the organic garden. (B)
 DAY
8 - MONTEVERDE -
Morning "CANOPY TOUR" or "SKY WALK" -
The CANOPY TOUR offers the adventurous tourist the opportunity to ascend into the forest canopy and see jungle life from a different perspective. This is accomplished by modifying techniques used by spelunkers (cavers) and canyon rappelers to provide a safe and enjoyable passage above the forest floor. SKYWALK is a complex of suspended bridges, platforms and paths, built within the Cloud Forest of Monteverde. These allow the observation of flora and fauna from ground level all the way to the top of the trees. 3,280' of paths have been designed and built, five suspended bridges, with a total of more than 1,640' in length and with heights of over 130'. This system offers the best opportunity, in a safe, comfortable and relaxed manner, to get to know and learn about the complexity and beauty of the tropical forest. Overnight at Hotel Fonda Vela. (B)
DAYS 9 - MONTEVERDE / SAN JOSÉ -
Morning guided hike to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, then leave for drive back to San Jose with an en route stop at the colorful town of Sarchí, home of Costa Rican handicrafts. Overnite at HOTEL RINCON DEL VALLE. (B)
DAY 10 - RETURN HOME -
Transfer to airport for return flight home and the end to an unforgettable adventure!! (B) |
