When Columbus landed at Limon on the Caribbean coast on his fourth and final voyage to the Americas, he could only guess at what beauty the interior possessed. With long sandy beaches, towering volcanoes and unspoilt tropical rainforest, Costa Rica is a naturalist's paradise - the habitat of some 800 species of bird and over 1,200 species of orchid.
Poas Volcano & Guayabo Ruins
Arriving in San Jose, we visit the gigantic Poas volcano (2707m) - a towering (and still smoking) crater, where fumeroles are surrounded by tropical forest and humming birds can be seen hovering among wild orchids. We'll visit the Indian ceremonial centre at Guayabo, Costa Rica's most important archaeological site.
Tortuguero National Park
There's a chance to whitewater raft from Turrialba (optional), before we make our way into the tangled forests and swamps of Tortuguero National Park. Boarding our riverboat, we'll enter a network of jungle waterways, where brightly coloured parrots can be seen among thick creepers and vines. We pause to listen to the cry of howler monkeys and glimpse a variety of wildlife and flora.
Monteverde & Pacific Coast
We head for Arenal - a classic volcanic cone - and then travel by boat and 4WD up into the cloud forest of Monteverde Reserve where some 2,500 species of rare plants are found. Here, we'll enjoy a spot of birdwatching, perhaps catching sight of the unusual bare-necked umbrella bird or even the elusive yet resplendent quetzal. Finally we head to Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific coast. You can walk among a variety of flora and fauna or just relax on miles of beach, where monkeys and iguanas often come down to the sand.
Itinerary:
Day 1 Join San Jose. 2 In San Jose; city tour; visit Poas volcano. 3 Drive via Cartago to Turrialba. 4 At Turrialba; visit Guayabo ruins; optional rafting. 5 Drive and boat to Tortuguero NP. 6 Explorations in Tortuguero NP by boat and on foot. 7 Boat/bus Arenal area. 8 Optional excursion to hot springs; jungle float or walks. 9 Boat across Lago Arenal; 4WD to Monteverde. 10 & 11 In Monteverde; walks. 12 Drive via Carara Reserve to Manuel Antonio NP. 13 In Manuel Antonio NP; walks, swimming, relaxing. 14 Drive San Jose. 15 End San Jose.
Accommodation: 12nts hotel, 2nts lodge; 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 3 dinners included.
Transport: Bus/Riverboat/4WD/On foot.
Comment: An easy-going wildlife exploration of Costa Rica's diverse habitats and the opportunity for easy walks in one of Central America's most attractive countries.
Group: Approx. 12 to 16.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver, boatmen and some local guides.
Trip Reference: CC
