Highlights include Veragua Rainforest Research Park, Tortuguero National Park, La Selva Biological Station, Arenal and the beautiful South Pacific Coast.
We pride ourselves on the excellent caliber of our Costa Rican guides. Each individual has been chosen for their level of expertise, knowledge, people skills and sincere enthusiasm. The guides are fully equipped with professional telescopes, binoculars, field guides, and other tools to offer the best nature experience possible.
2012 Departure Dates & Costs
Departures daily based on minimum 2 persons
Cost from San Jose $ 3,875 USD
Single Supplement: $ 950 USD
Itinerary
Day 1: SAN JOSE
On arrival in San Jose you will be met by our land operators after you have cleared immigration and picked up your luggage. You will be transferred to the Bouganvillea Hotel or similar for overnight.
Day 2: SAN JOSE/VERAGUA RAINFOREST/TORTUGUERO (B,L,D)
Morning depart to the Caribbean/Atlantic Coast. The road takes us through the Braulio Carrillo National Park, crossing breathtaking mountain passes rich with emerald-green vegetation, waterfalls and raging rivers. We will make a stop at Veragua Rainforest Research & Adventure Park, Costa Rica?s new natural history park. Opened in July 2008, this remarkable facility is located on a 1300-hectare (about 4000 acre) private reserve surrounded by 100% rainforest. The park is a buffer zone for La Amistad National Park (Friendship National Park), named so because it is shared between Costa Rica and Panama.
As we approach the coastal region, the landscape changes to scenes of palm, banana and pineapple plantations, quaint rural villages, and coastal jungle. Arrive on the Caribbean coast and drive north to the canals of Tortuguero. Catch the boat that will take us to Tortuguero National Park that protects thousands of acres of rain forest, which are dissected by a large network of waterways. Afternoon for some exploration. Dinner and 2 nights at Laguna Lodge.
Day 3: TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK (B,L,D)
Full day to explore the waterways and trails of this rich ecosystem. Expect to see beautiful shorebirds, monkeys, crocodiles and sloth while exploring this dense rainforest.
Day 4: TORTUGUERO/SARAPIQUE (B,L,D)
Early morning drive to Sarapique County where the famous La Selva Biological Station is located. Arrive to Sarapiquis Lodge for 2 nights.
Day 5: LA SELVA BIOLOGICAL STATION (B,L,D)
After breakfast drive to nearby La Selva for a day visit. At the confluence of two major rivers in the Caribbean lowlands of Northern Costa Rica, La Selva comprises 1,600 hectares (3,900 acres) of tropical and premontane wet forests and secondary forest. Visit the Biological Station run by the Organization for Tropical Studies. Hike its well-maintained forest trails and look for oropendolas, parrots, tanagers, woodcreepers, antbirds, manakins and so many other species of neotropical birds.
Day 6: ARENAL VOLCANO (B,L,D)
Drive to Arenal Volcano, stopping en route at La Paz Waterfall Gardens for an up close view of five different waterfalls and also for lunch. Afternoon to relax in the gardens and enjoy the hot springs. 2 nights Arenal Paraiso or similar.
Day 7: ARENAL (B,D)
Morning hike in the Arenal National Park and a close-up exploration of a lava flow. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 8: ARENAL - SAVEGRE (B,L,D)
Mid-morning departure to Savegre Mountain Lodge. 2 nights. 
Day 9: SAVEGRE (B,L,D))
Full day to hike in the forest of Savegre.
Day 11: SAVEGRE/LA CUSINGA (B,L,D)
In the morning, hike through the reserve viewing the misty forest with its dense vegetation and majestic trees. Drive to La Cusinga, a wonderfull beach & forest resort in Costa Rica's South Pacific area. 4 nights.
Day 11: LA CUSINGA (B,L,D)
Dy to enjoy the beach and forests.
Day 12: BALLENA NATIONAL PARK (B,L,D)
Enjoy a day on the water to Ballena National Park where we will hope to observe whales and dolphins and snorkel in the clear waters.
Day 13: LA CUSINGA (B,L,D)
Day at leisure.
Day 14: LA CUSINGA/SAN JOSE DEPARTURE (B)
Transfer to the airport for the flight home.
