Wildlife Discovery - Overland Trip

Itineraries

Arrive and transfer to hotel.

The Poas Volcano National Park is one of the most visited protected areas in the country. The ride there is scenic and pleasant, only 47 kilometres away from San Jose. We also visit one of the exclusive coffee estates that benefit from the fertile soils of the volcano's slopes. (B)

Travel by bus and boat into the Tortuguero National Park. This vast park is one of the jewels in Costa Rica's crown and features miles of jungle-fringed canals and lagoons that are home to howler monkeys, brightly coloured parrots and a wide variety of other wildlife. We spend two nights in a comfortable lodge with swimming pool. (BLD)

We spend a full day exploring the National Park by boat with our knowledgeable local guide. (BLD)

We leave the rainforest behind and head for La Quinta de Sarapiqui Inn. This is a country inn run by a Costa Rican family. The hammocks at the wooden deck in front of the small swimming pool and the river invite you to relax.

After breakfast we drive through mountains and typical small villages to Fortuna, a small town nestled at the base of the Arenal Volcano. (B)

The Arenal Volcano is highly active and its cone-shaped peak constantly emits explosions of sulphurous gases, streams of red-hot lava and loud rumbles. We have a full day to explore around the lower slopes of the volcano. In the evening you will enjoy a perfect view of the volcano from the porch of your own room. (B)

Early in the morning a short ride take us to Arenal Lake. We drive to the Cloud Forest Reserve of Monteverde, an astonishingly beautiful park that teems with flora and fauna of every description. Monteverde has gained international renown as one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the tropics. (B)

Today we try the Sky Walk, a combination of suspension bridges and platforms built in the cloud forest, that offers an opportunity to explore the forest canopy in a safe and easy manner. The Sky Walk allows a vision of the forest from a different perspective which starts with a walk on the ground through the forest, and takes you up to explore the tops of the trees! There is abundant wildlife and we hope to spot the resplendent quetzal as well as a variety of monkeys, wild cats and reptiles. (B)

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, from which iguanas and monkeys often emerge. (B)

A full day to relax on the beach or follow hiking trails through the tropical forest. (B)

After a relaxing morning we travel back to San Jose. (B)

Tour ends. (B)