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COSTA RICA cultural only tour This program includes:
ITINERARY: Day 1: Leave California on major carrier. Arrive in San Jose via one stopover. Transfer by private bus to Hotel Don Carlos in downtown San Jose. Day 2: Today after breakfast we will begin with a tour of the Café Britt Coffee Factory, located about 45 minutes from San Jose. This award-winning musical tour explains the history of coffee and the production process. This is also a great place to purchase gifts to take home. After lunch, we will have a walking tour of downtown San Jose to visit the Plaza de la Cultura, the National Theater and the local market. Free time this evening. Overnight again at the Don Carlos. (meals included: B, D) Day 3: This morning we will leave early for Tortuguero, 99 miles of Amazon jungle-type canals, lagoons and waterways located on the coast of the Caribbean Ocean. Tortuguero is the most important nesting ground for Sea Turtles and tourists go to watch the turtles come up to the beach to lay their eggs. August is the peak season but nesting goes on from June to September. Tortuguero is for nature lovers! It is home to many other interesting endangered species, including sloths, monkeys, jaguars, manatees, and river otters. In all, 13 of the 16 endangered species found in Costa Rica are found here. The region has 57 species of amphibians, 300 species of birds, 54 species of fish and 11 species of reptiles. With an annual rainfall of almost 200 inches, you are sure to get wet. We will first stop for breakfast and head to the boat dock where we will board our boat for a 1 ½ ride through the canals of this national park. We often see animals along the way, including monkeys, bats, turtles and other local flora and fauna. Upon arrival at the Paquera Lodge, we will have lunch and time to rest or use the pool. Then, we will have a nature hike through the tropical forest. This evening after dinner, we will have the opportunity to view the endangered sea turtles that are nesting on the nearby beach. Overnight here. (meals included: B, L, D) Day 4: Today is another day full of activities here in Tortuguero. We will have a boat ride through the tranquil canals before breakfast on the canals to search for more local animals species. After breakfast, there will be additional nature activities offered. We will also visit the local Turtle Conservation and Research Center, in the “town.” You can also choose to participate in an optional activity, such as horseback riding or kayaking. Overnight again at the Paquera Lodge. (meals included: B, L, D) Day 5: Today we will return to San Jose to the Don Carlos Hotel. Free time in the afternoon. This evening we will have a welcome dinner at Ram Luna, a gorgeous restaurant overlooking the lights of San Jose. There is a fabukous all-you-can-eat-and-drink buffet of more than 40 traditional Costa Rican dishes. There is also a folkloric dance show and fireworks that follow dinner. Overnight at the Don Carlos. (meals included: B, L, D) Day 6: After breakfast, we will head north in our private bus to the town of La Fortuna, located at the base of the Arenal Volcano. Upon arrival in La Fortuna, we will have lunch and check into the Hotel Tacotal. After time to change and rest, we will go to the Tabacon Hot Springs. This gorgeous natural springs resort is heated by the volcano and offers beautiful gardens. We will spend about 3 hours enjoying the pools and lush vegetation before having a buffet dinner. We hope to catch a glimpse of the active Arenal as it erupts every night. Overnight at the Hotel Tacotal, with a fabulous view of the volcano. (meals included: B, L, D) Day 7: Today, after breakfast, we will drive to the tropical Fortuna Falls. It takes about 15 minutes of hiking to reach this waterfall, located in the middle of the rainforest. We will have the chance to swim or just enjoy the scenery before heading back to town to change. This afternoon is free for an optional tour, a spa treatment or a return visit to the hot springs. We will have dinner at a local pizzeria tonight. Overnight again at Hotel Tacotal. (meals included: B, L, D) Day 8: After breakfast and check out of our hotel, we will head to Monteverde in our private bus by a very scenic road around Lake Arenal. We will stop for a late lunch about half-way along our 4 hour drive. The last part of the road to Monteverde is very bumpy but it is a well worth it! Upon arrival in Monteverde, check into the Sapo Dorado Hotel. Overnight here. (meals included: B, L) Day 9: After an early breakfast, we will visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve with a local guide. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is a popular destination in Costa Rica. Originally settled by American Quakers, a small area was set aside for conservation. When the small golden toad (sapo dorado) was found, international scientists and conservationists started taking an interest in the area as the only place in the world where this bright orange toad, about an inch long, existed. This rainforest is also famous spot for birdwatching & hiking trails through a scenic cloud forest & a national park. The park is filled with wonderful animal sounds and huge, green ferns and flora and fauna and offers easy hiking trails. Different elevations provide different habitats for all kinds of wildlife. Many visitors consider this area one of the most beautiful places on earth. Keep in mind it is quite undeveloped and rainy here. After time for lunch in “town”, we will head to the Sky Walk, a series of suspension bridges. Here, in the rainforest canopy, we will have time to enjoy the peaceful scenery and walk in the clouds of the canopy. Return to the hotel around 5pm. Dinner will be at a nearby restaurant. Overnight again at the Sapo Dorado Hotel. (meals included: B, D) Day 10: We will have breakfast and some time to hike the trails around our hotel before we head South in our private bus to the Pacific Beach town of Manuel Antonio. It will take about 4 hours to arrive and we will stop along the way for lunch. Upon arrival, check into the Costa Verde Hotel. Everyone is on their own for the evening. (meals included: B, L) Day 11: Today is a free day in Manuel Antonio. We will offer a walk to through the national park for those who are interested at 9am. This national park, the smallest in Costa Rica, is located nearby and offers 3 private beaches for visitors, as well as numerous hiking trails. Other activities, such as rafting, kayaking, fishing, etc are also available. Overnight again at Costa Verde Hotel. (meals included: 0) Day 12: We will spend the morning in Manuel Antonio. At 2pm, we will leave by private bus for San Jose. Upon arrival, check into the Hotel Don Carlos for our last night. (meals included: 0) Day 13: Leave for the airport for the return flight to the U.S.
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