Anne's Journeys - Amazing Costa Rica

9 DAYS

costa_rica_beach_lrg.jpg

Highlights:

  • Hike in a variety of National Parks
  • Explore the still-active Arenal Volcano

costa_rica_map_med.jpgStyle: Traveller
Maximum group size: 15
Staffing: Fully escorted by tour leader days 2-9, services of local guides in San Jose.
Transport: Bus
Accommodation: 8 nights tourist class hotels and lodges.
Activities: Hiking in National Parks
Meals: As per itinerary. B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner.
Entrance Fees: Not included. Allow US$40 for visiting National Parks.

Tipping: Please allow approximately US$18 per week for tips to people who assist you during your tour. This does not include a tip for the tour leader which is entirely at your own discretion.

ITINERARY

Day 1 - SAN JOSE
Arrive and transfer to hotel.

San Jose
Costa Rica’s capital sits in the centre of a lush, wide valley which has a comfortable subtropical climate. The streets of the town are laid out along a grid iron pattern, with avenidas running east to west and callés running north to south. Many of the most interesting buildings are in the region of Avenida Central – the Teatro Nacional is an elaborate confection of marble staircases, statues, frescoes and mirrors. There are a number of interesting museums in the city; the Museo de Oro has a good collection of golden pre-Columbian figurines. The Mercado Central is the main market which dates back to 1881 – there are some good food stalls here as well as countless artefacts for sale.

Day 2 - SAN JOSE – FORTUNA
We travel by bus to Fortuna, a small town nestled at the base of the Arenal Volcano. (B)
costa_rica_volcano_lrg.jpgArenal Volcano The small town of Fortuna is overshadowed by the continually active Arenal Volcano. The cone shaped volcano stands 1,630m tall with clearly visible red-hot lava flows at night.

Day 3 - ARENAL VOLCANO
A free day allows you to explore the lower slopes of the volcano or soak in one of the hot springs nearby. (B)

Day 4 - FORTUNA - MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST
Head south to the Cloud Forest Reserve of Monteverde, a beautiful park that teems with flora and fauna. Monteverde is internationally renowned as one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the tropics. Approx. 4 hrs driving time. (B)

costa_rica_canopy_walk_med.jpgMonteverde Cloud Forest
Located 6km south-east of Santa Elena de Monteverde and straddling the Continental divide, Costa Rica’s Montverde cloud forest is amongst the most precious natural environments in the country. The clouds of mist that cloak the tropical forest produce a variable climate which combined with the altitude has resulted in an array of exotic flora and fauna. Widely regarded as the most beautiful bird in the western hemisphere, the resplendent quetzal, with its scarlet chest plumage and long green tail feathers, is found in the area. Jaguar are also present, although seldom seen. Altogether Monteverde Cloud Park has over 2,500 plant and 6,000 insect species, many  unique to Costa Rica. Studied for research and education, the Tropical Science Centre has hiking tracks throughout the park allowing the visitor to appreciate why Monteverde has been described as Costa Rica’s ‘Jewel in the Crown’.

costa_rica_monkey_med.jpgDay 5 - MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST
A full free day. You can explore the reserve, following trails that wind through the most spectacular sections or trying the spectacular canopy walks. If you're lucky you might see the beautiful quetzal as well as a variety of monkeys, wild cats and reptiles. (B)

Day 6 - MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST - MANUEL ANTONIO National Park
Drive to Manuel Antonio National Park, where we spend two nights. This park features some of Costa Rica’s finest beaches, with long stretches of beautiful white sand backed by lush jungle. Approx. 4 hrs driving time.(B)

Manuel Antonio National Park
Situated south of Punto Quepos on the Pacific Coast 132km from San Jose, the area of mangrove swamps and beaches now known as the Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio was first documented by Spanish Explorer Ponce de Leon in 1519 during his (unsuccessful) search for the Fountain of Youth. Long, white beaches extending around the headland of Punta Catedral are set against evergreen forest backdrops that grow up right up to the high tide line. The park is home to 109 mammal and 184 bird species in a region of lagoons and fertile mangrove swamps.

Day 7 - MANUEL ANTONIO
A full free day to relax on the beach or follow hiking trails through the tropical forest. (B)

Day 8 - MANUEL ANTONIO - SAN JOSE
After a relaxing morning we travel back to San Jose. Approx. 4 hrs driving time.(B)

Day 9 - SAN JOSE
Tour ends. (B)

COST:

  • NZ$1965 per person twin/double share plus local payment of US$170 cash
  • Optional single supplement NZ$605.00

DEPARTURE DATES:

2009 – 20 Feb; 27 Mar; 01 May; 05 Jun; 10 Jul; 14 Aug; 18 Sep; 23 Oct; 27 Nov


For availability & bookings please contact Anne.

Rates are subject to currency fluctuation and availability at time of booking.

*In Association with Travel Managers Group*
TAANZ Bonded & IATA Licensed