Costa Rica Tours
See Costa Rica through the eyes of Costa Ricans

Ellen, Jeff, Josh, Dana and Jordie MA

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CLASSIC COSTA RICA 8 days / 7 nights:

Costa Rica is about nature. Our fixed departures are intended to bring you close to nature and the culture developed in it. Our expert naturalist guides will unveil the marvels of the tropics as well as the cultural and historical background of Costa Rica . At the end of your trip you will have seen Costa Rica through the eyes of Costa Ricans.

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DETAILED DEPARTURE: CLASSIC COSTA RICA 8 days / 7 nights

From USD$1355 per person in double occupancy. Min.age 12 years, except for family groups.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner

Day 1. San Jose arrival

Upon your arrival a Travel in Paradise CR representative will be meeting you at the Juan Santamaria International airport. Welcome to Costa Rica . Overnight in Hotel Parque del Lago.

Day 2.
Poas Volcano / La Paz Waterfalls / Arenal (B, L, D)

Meet your guide this morning as you also will be introduced to your travel companions. Start out going north through coffee plantations. Your guide will thoroughly explain about this crop. Further on dairy farms and strawberry fields compete with the beautiful views of Central Valley . Once in the national park, visit the summit of Poas Volcano. Continue to visit La Paz Waterfalls Gardens , a nature park where the largest enclosed butterfly observatory is located. Enjoy a typical lunch and continue to Arenal area. Overnight in Arenal, Hotel Montaña de Fuego or similar.

Day 3. Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge / Arenal (B, L)

Caño Negro was established as a wildlife refuge for the impressive diverse population of aquatic birds that migrate here and also live year round. The boat trip easily will allow you to see great amount of this variety of bird life plus howler monkeys, iguanas, caymans, sloths and lizards. You will be leaving early today till the town of Los Chiles just a half hour away from the Nicaraguan border. Here our boat will be ready to take you along the Rio Frio towards Caño Negro. With keen eyes your guide will assist you in viewing the well-hidden creatures, explaining their natural history. Be back at your hotel in the late afternoon. There is plenty time to go to the hot springs (optional). Overnight in Arenal.

Day 4. Santa Elena town / Monteverde (B, D)

Leave Arenal towards Monteverde. Enjoy a nice ride around Lake Arenal and then ascend to the now well-known area of Monteverde; one of Central Americas most attractive inland destinations. Monteverde established by nine quaker families back in the 1950´s seemed in a very remote place having practically no roads. Over the years the area has developed more and conservation rules here. Ecotourism has allowed private reserves to continue their growth and accomplish their goals of a sustainable, enjoyable, wilderness experience. We´ll give you time to stroll in the quaint town of Santa Elena . Later this afternoon go for a horseback riding tour filled with marvelous landscapes. Overnight in Monteverde, Hotel El Establo or similar.

Day 5. Monteverde Cloud forest. (B, D)

This morning your guide will bring you on a natural history walk in the cloud forest protected area. Learn about nature, animals and vegetation of the Monteverde area. The reserve traverses the Tilaran Mountain Range. It has most appropriately been named Monteverde, ¨Green Mountain¨, for its rich and lush forest. In the afternoon optional activities such as the canopy or zip lines tour. Overnight in Monteverde.

Day 6. Tarcoles boat ride / Manuel Antonio (B, L)

After being immersed in the highlands wealth forest it is time to go to the beach. Going down the road you will see the beautiful landscapes of this area. On the way not just the mandatory stop at the Tarcoles River bridge but a boat ride, the best way to catch sight of the impressive crocodiles. Tarcoles River is known by its population for crocodiles and along also, you will have opportunities to see coastal, migratory and native birds such as Scarlet Macaws. You will be arriving in your hotel in Manuel Antonio area in the late afternoon. Relax and enjoy a leisure evening. Overnight in Hotel Espadilla similar.

Day 7. at the beach in Manuel Antonio (B, D)

Find a splendid combination of forest and beach. Manuel Antonio, of almost 700 hectares , is one of our small national parks. This condition offers close encounters with monkeys, sloths, birds and lizards. Enjoy this morning a nice walk with your guide in Manuel Antonio National Park with plenty leisure time at the beach. Enjoy the remaining part of the day at the beach. Optional tours at extra cost. Farewell dinner.

Day 8. Departure day.

Shuttle service to the international airport. Or extend your stay - with optional two and three night packages.

Included in the trip:

Transportation: Airport/hotel transfers, private land transportation as described in itinerary.

Lodging: for 7 nights at Superior Tourist-class hotels, in comfortable rooms with private bath.

Meals: 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners.

Services of Expert Naturalist Guide.

Highlights: Poas Volcano National Park , La Paz Waterfalls , Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, Horse back riding in Monteverde, Cloud forest Reserve, Tarcoles River Safari boat, Manuel Antonio National Park .

Taxes and entrance fees: of all included features.

Not included: airport taxes, services not specified in itinerary, personal equipment, hotel extras (laundry, phone calls, room service, alcoholic beverages), personal insurance coverage (recommended).

CLASSIC COSTA RICA: