Monteverde Cloud Forest, Arenal Volcano, and Tortuguero National Park

Costa Rica Wildlife

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"One of the best trips we’ve ever had. Our granddaughter never stopped smiling." Paula Cronin, Cambridge MA

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Nature is at its most bountiful in the tropics. The lush ecosystem of Costa Rica has been protected in a series of national parks and reserves that are now world-famous. We explore Costa Rica on hikes in Monteverde Cloud Forest, with its complex forest canopy and distinct ecological communities, and at Arenal, a towering volcano with glowing red lava flows and inviting thermal springs. At Tortuguero National Park, we travel by boat in a vivid green mosaic of Caribbean waterways with a fantastic array of wildlife. Our trip extension visits Corcovado National Park, a magnificent swath of rainforest along the Pacific Coast. Delightful nature lodges keep us comfortable and well fed as we explore and appreciate the biological wonderland of the tropics.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-4
Monteverde Cloud Forest

One of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the New World tropics, Monteverde Cloud Forest is home to more than 400 species of birds, 100 species of mammals, and over 1,500 plant species. From our lodge at 4,600 feet in the Tilarán Mountains, we walk on Monteverde’s trails through forests draped in orchids and bromeliads. With luck, we may see the resplendent quetzal, sacred bird of the Mayas and Aztecs, with its long, trailing plumes of iridescent green. We also visit Monteverde’s butterfly garden, with its greenhouses and netted flyway, and Santa Elena Forest Reserve, a community-owned conservation project.

Day 5
Arenal Volcano

A scenic journey by 4WD and boat brings us to the lush San Carlos Valley east of spectacular Arenal Volcano, with its massive cone. We enjoy an exciting walk across “hanging” bridges suspended high up in the forest—views of Arenal here are stunning—then enjoy a traditional homemade Costa Rican dinner at a private natural thermal spring surrounded by lacy waterfalls, with a chance for a relaxing soak.

Days 6-7
Tortuguero National Park

Thirteen of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered mammal species make their home in the tranquil Caribbean deltas of Tortuguero, and green, leatherback, hawksbill, and loggerhead turtles nest here (we visit the turtle research station). By boat, we explore quiet waterways draped with colorful heliconias and orchids and enjoy observing a wealth of wildlife. Our base is lovely Tortuga Lodge, with its lush gardens and riverside pool.

Days 8-9
San Jose

Return to San Jose in the afternoon and depart on Day 9, or join our Corcovado Extension.

Corcovado Extension Days 9-11

Corcovado National Park is one of the most incredible rainforest reserves in the Americas, preserving a wild, scenic stretch of the Pacific. From our safari-style tented lodge, enjoy magnificent walks and a tree-top platform for exploring the magic forest canopy.

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Tour Costs $2895 (11-15 members) $2995 (7-10 members) $3095 (4-6 members) Single supplement: $560 Internal airfare: $260-640 (based on group size) December surcharge: $350 per person Corcovado extension from: $699 *Prices are for 2008 dates only **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

Trip Rating Rating Explanation

Departures & Leaders

1 August 9 - 17, 2008
2 December 18 - 26, 2008*, Sofia Cordero
3 December 27, 2008 - January 4, 2009*, Sofia Cordero
4 January 17 - 25, 2009
5 February 7 - 15, 2009
6 March 7 - 15, 2009
7 July 25 - August 2, 2009
8 December 21 - 29, 2009
9 December 28, 2009 - January 5, 2010

*Holiday departures fill early! Call us for availability or to reserve these trips

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