Toucan, symbol of the rainforest

From Monteverde's cloud forest to the tranquil waterways of Tortugero National Park, we savor Costa Rica’s tropical biodiversity with our naturalist guide.

Photo by Keren Su / Danita Delimont Agency

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Costa Rica Wildlife

Monteverde Cloud Forest, Arenal Volcano, and Tortuguero National Park

Nature is at its most bountiful in the tropics, and in lush Costa Rica, huge swaths of the ecosystem have been protected in parks and reserves that are now world famous. With our expert naturalist guide, we explore Costa Rica on walks in Monteverde Cloud Forest, with its 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. At trip’s end, we offer an extension to Corcovado National Park, a magnificent rainforest with glorious beaches on the Pacific Coast. Delightful nature lodges keep us comfortable and well fed as we explore and appreciate the biological wonderland of the tropics.

Highlights

  • Boat in pristine rainforest, walk in cloud forest, hike hanging bridges across treetop canopies
  • Monteverde Cloud Forest, Arenal Volcano, Tortuguero National Park
  • Fantastic naturalist guide with in-depth knowledge of Costa Rica’s ecosystems

Details

  • 9-day trip begins and ends in San Jose
  • 3 nights in hotels, 5 nights in lovely lodges in beautiful settings
  • All meals included except Day 1
  • Easy nature hikes

Tour Costs

$3195 (11-15 members)
$3595 (6-10 members)

Single supplement: $645
Internal airfare: $260-640 (based on group size)
December surcharge: $200 per person

Corcovado Rainforest Extension from: $790

Prices are for 2010 dates

Departures & Leaders

Mar 13-21, 2010  Federico Alban
Jul 10-18, 2010
Dec 22-30, 2010
Dec 29, 2010-Jan 6, 2011

Suggested Reading

Reading list, click here.

Itinerary at a Glance
Costa Rica Wildlife route-map

Days 1-4
Monteverde Cloud Forest

One of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the New World tropics, Monteverde is home to more than 400 species of birds and over 1,500 plant species. In this elfin “cloud forest,” the floor is carpeted in fern, mosses, and shade-loving plants, while high above is a dense, green canopy made by the branches of tall trees reaching for the sun. The most famous avian resident of Monteverde is the resplendent quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno), sacred bird of the Mayas and Aztecs, with its long, trailing plumes of iridescent green. From our lodge at 4,600 feet, we enjoy nature walks on mystical forest paths draped in orchids and bromeliads. We also visit the Jardin de las Mariposas, with its netted flyway and hundreds of species of stunning butterflies, including shimmering blue morphos soaring in the sunlight.

Day 5
Arenal Volcano

A perfect cone towering above gentle green hills, Arenal first became active in 1968 with a spectacular eruption of fiery lava. In the rainforest environment of Arenal Volcano National Park, we walk a series of hanging bridges suspended high up in the forest and enjoy stunning views of Arenal. Our lodge, nestled among 100 acres of rainforest, has views of the volcano and the Arenal River Gorge.

Days 6-7
Tortuguero National Park

A wonderland of coastal forest and inland waterways, Tortuguero is accessible only by water or by air. We explore by boat on natural canals, a fantastic way to view wildlife including caimans and brilliantly colored toucans. Thirteen of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered mammal species make their home in the Caribbean deltas of Tortuguero, and green, leatherback, hawksbill, and loggerhead turtles nest here (we visit the turtle research station). Three species of monkey (spider, howler, and white-faced), three-toed sloths, and river otters are often seen along the winding canals. Our base is lovely Tortuga Lodge, with its lush gardens and riverside pool.

Days 8-9
San Jose

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

This is the Itinerary-at-a-Glance. For the complete trip description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Optional Extensions

If you would like to extend your adventure, we offer the following option:

Hotel Bougainvillea

Day 1 (1 night),
Day 8 (1 night),
San Jose, Costa Rica

The Hotel Bougainvillea is set among 10 acres of lush tropical gardens in the residential district of San Domingo de Heredia, just 15 minutes from ...
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Monteverde Lodge

Days 2 to 4 (3 nights), Monteverde, Costa Rica

The winding paths of Monteverde Lodge’s beautifully manicured gardens are flanked by ferns and bromeliads, and a stream, pond, and small ...
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Lost Iguana Resort & Spa

Day 5 (1 night), Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

This wonderful resort is like an oasis in the middle of nowhere. While the rooms are not luxurious, they are very comfortable and private, and ...
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Tortuga Lodge

Days 6 to 7 (2 nights), Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica

Surrounded by acres of landscaped gardens and dense forest, Tortuga Lodge offers 24 spacious and comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and ...
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Extension Accommodations

If you would like to view the accommodations offered with our extensions option:

Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.