Rainforest Adventure - Overland Trip

2 weeks: San Jose to San Jose (IMT-LTRA)

Intro

Costa Rica is a nature lover’s paradise with an overwhelming breadth of scenery and wildlife. There are active volcanoes that belch lava and clouds of sulphur, lush rainforest that teems with birdlife, remote cloud forest that offers unrivalled wildlife spotting opportunities and perfect white tropical beaches. We take in the best of the country’s National Parks and get up close to a wide range of animals and birds.

Group Size

Max 15

Activities

Hiking in National Parks, optional snorkelling, boat excursions

Accommodation

13 nights tourist class hotels and lodges

Transport

Bus, boat

Airport Transfer

To hotel day 1

Fully Escorted

By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of guides in Tortuguero NP

Entrance Fees

Included for Tortuguero NP. Allow US$40 for visiting other National Parks

Itineraries (San Jose - San Jose)

Day 1,SAN JOSE

Arrive and transfer to hotel.

Day 2,SAN JOSE

Today we head out to the smoking Poas Volcano, in the heart of the lush tropical rainforest. In the afternoon we return to San Jose. (B)

Day 3,SAN JOSE - TORTUGUERO NP

Travel by bus and boat into the Tortuguero National Park, home to howler monkeys, brightly coloured parrots and a wide variety of other wildlife. This is where green and leatherback turtles come to lay their eggs once a year (June-September). We spend two nights in a lodge in the rainforest. Approx 4 hrs driving time and 1 hr boat journey.(BLD)

Day 4,TORTUGUERO NP

We spend a full day exploring the jungle waterways of the park by boat. (BLD)

Day 5,TORTUGUERO NP – CAHUITA

We leave the rainforest behind and head by boat and bus to Cahuita National Park on the Caribbean coast. Cahuita's main attractions are its white sandy beaches, miles of coconut groves, tranquil seas and coral reefs. Approx. 1 hr boat ride and 3 1/2 hrs bus journey.(B)

Day 6,CAHUITA

A full free day. You can explore the National Park where white-faced monkeys and sloth are very common, go snorkelling on the impressive reef, or simply relax on the beach. In the evening we can visit Cahuita village where there are lots of little restaurants and bars. (B)

Day 7,CAHUITA - FORTUNA

Leaving the Caribbean coast behind, we head through mountains and typical small villages to Fortuna, a small town nestled at the base of Arenal Volcano. (B)

Day 8,ARENAL VOLCANO

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 free day. You can explore around the lower slopes of the volcano or soak in one of the hot springs nearby. (B)

Day 9,FORTUNA - MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST

Head south to the Cloud Forest Reserve of Monteverde, a beautiful park that teems with flora and fauna. Monteverde has gained international renown as one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the tropics. (B)

Day 10,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. There is abundant wildlife and if you are lucky you might see the beautiful quetzal as well as a variety of monkeys, wild cats and reptiles. (B)

Day 11,MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST - MANUEL ANTONIO NP

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. (B)

Day 12,MANUEL ANTONIO

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

Day 13,MANUEL ANTONIO - SAN JOSE

After a relaxing morning we travel back to San Jose. Approx. 4 hrs driving time.(B)

Day 14,SAN JOSE

Tour ends. (B)


Departures

Reference Departure Arrival Price GBP Kitty Notes
IMT-IT-LTRA-081207 07 Dec 08 San Jose 21 Dec 08 San Jose £749 0
IMT-IT-LTRA-090111 11 Jan 09 San Jose 25 Jan 09 San Jose £865 0
IMT-IT-LTRA-090215 15 Feb 09 San Jose 01 Mar 09 San Jose £865 0

Last updated: 2nd December 2008

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