Considered one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world, Costa Rica has 20 natural parks, 8 biological reserves, and a series of protected areas that captivate ecotourism lovers. Activities available include boat trips, hiking mountainous paths in the cloud forests, and guided bird-watching tours. Enjoy all this on this tour!
Day 01 Arrival in San Jose
Upon arrival in San Jose International airport, our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in downtown San Jose. Overnight at the Hotel Fleur de Lys in San José
Day 02 Poas Volcano – La Paz Waterfalls Tour (B, L)
You begin your journey driving by the city of Alajuela passing by the monument of our National Hero "Juan Santamaria". You’ll then start to ascend the mountains passing through coffee plantations on the way to the Poas Volcano National Park. You will feel a change in temperature and the lush vegetation becomes apparent, preparing you for the pleasures of the exuberant cloud forest of this area. On a clear day, the view of the main crater is admired by all visitors, its diameter considered one of the widest in the world. As we continue, you will stop to discover La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a Nature Park where you will walk on the truly spectacular trails that lead us to Magia Blanca Falls (the largest and the most spectacular of the falls in the area). At the Park you will also witness the largest enclosed butterfly observatory in the world with a beautiful collection of tropical jewels. After enjoying a terrific buffet lunch, return to San Jose Overnight at the Hotel Fleur de Lys in San José
Day 03 Rain Forest Aerial Tram (B, L, D)
Departure from San José to the Rain Forest Aerial Tram – Caribbean Located 50 minutes away from San José. You will enjoy the beautiful sites of the Costa Rican coffee plantations and agricultural areas on the way. Upon arrival to the Rain Forest Aerial Tram you will be welcomed by their friendly staff. At this boarding area you will be invited to board the tractor experience. A stop will be made for a short walk over the hanging bridge, where you can experience the fascination of the forest and the clear fresh water river that is filled with machacas, a local fish. Lunch will be ready at our main Restaurant Afterwards, we will proceed directly to the boarding station for the Tram Ride. The idea is to show you the different levels of a rainforest, including the treetops or canopy - the hardest level to access and up to now the least scientifically known part of the forest. The duration of the tram ride is about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Dinner is included that night (note: no electricity is available at the lodge at night). Overnight at the Rainforest Lodge in Braulio Carrillo area
Day 04 Sarapiqui Whitewater Rafting (B, L, D)
After breakfast, you’ll be picked at the Rainforest Lodge for the approximately one hour drive to the river put-in. After a short safety briefing, you will rig your raft and begin the journey downriver. This narrow, low-volume river is ideal for white-water novices, as well as families, all of whom will enjoy its moderately flowing rapids, interspersed with tranquil stretches. The journey is also excellent for bird-watchers and other nature lovers, as the river stretches its way through lush vegetation that is home to hummingbirds, toucans, woodpeckers, and scores of other native bird species. Don't miss this classic tropical river experience! Lunch is served on the banks of the river. Take out will be in the afternoon, at which time you can shower and change into dry clothes. Transfer will be provided back to the Rainforest Lodge. Dinner included that night at the lodge. Overnight at the Rainforest Lodge in Braulio Carrillo area
Day 05 Tortuguero National Park (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we will pick you up at the main gate of the Rainforest Lodge, and will be transferred approximately 2 hours to Caño Blanco Port. Then, we will enjoy a boat ride along the canals of Tortuguero National Park. Along the way, we’ll make a short stop for breakfast. One of Costa Rica’s most popular ecotourism destinations, the canals and rivers of Tortuguero National Park are a study in rainforest, freshwater and marine biology. The park and small town of Tortuguero can only be accessed by boat or small aircraft. Considered one of the world’s major nesting sites for the Atlantic green turtle, you can see these great creatures between July and October. Arrive at Laguna Lodge for lunch. The lodge will schedule a tour to the village in the afternoon. This tour to the village of Tortuguero will provide detailed information of its history, culture and work in favor of conservation of the sea turtles and the flora and fauna in general. Overnight at Laguna Lodge in Tortuguero
Day 06 Tortuguero Canals (B, L, D)
After breakfast, you will enjoy the boat tours along the canals of Tortuguero to discover a large variety of birds and receive detailed information on the flora and fauna of the area. Return to the lodge for lunch. Afterwards take a hiking trip to the Hill of Tortuguero: It provides impressive views on the whole valley of Tortuguero and from the trail it is easy to discover different species of inhabitants among which are three different kinds of monkeys, sloths, caimans, turtles, iguanas, poison arrow frogs and many birds and insects including the blue butterfly (Morpho peleides). Overnight at Laguna Lodge in Tortuguero
Day 07 Return to San Jose (B, L)
Take a boat and bus trip back to your hotel in San Jose. Overnight at the Hotel Fleur de Lys in San José
Day 08 Departure (B)
Private transfer will be provided to the International airport at the appropriate time.
