Costa Rica-Nature's Museum
Journey to Costa Rica, a land of rich natural wonders and friendly people. Travel beyond San Jose, Costa Rica' colorful capital city, to explore the striking flora and fauna in three important nature reserves: Braulio Carrillo National Park, Tortuguero National Park and Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy the many pristine natural wonders of Costa Rica through exclusive excursions and special presentations, as well as unscheduled time for personal discovery.
Our local Costa Rican naturalist takes you off the beaten path to discover the nation's spectacular flora and fauna, geological wonders and tropical forest ecology as you journey from the coastal lowlands into the cloud forests of the central highlands. Learn about the unique flavors and processing techniques of Costa Rican coffee production at a coffee plantation. Enjoy a discussion on the geology of Costa Rica's active and dormant volcanoes, and their environmental and economic impact on the nation. Learn about the differences between Costa Rica's varied forest environments.
Highlights
Braulio Carrillo National Park, Poas Volcano, Coffee Plantation, Tortuguero National Park, Sarapiqui, Rain Forest, Arenal Volcano, Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge
Collette Experience
Call (800) 388-1207 for more information or to book today! Mention code 7690669
- Tour Operator
- Collette Vacations
- Offer
- Offer valid through 2/28/2009
- Duration
- 9 Days
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | San Jose | San Jose, Costa Rica: Upon arrival, relax in your new surroundings and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. |
| Day 2 | San Jose | San Jose - Poas Volcano - Coffee Plantation: View the spectacular scenery of the Central Valley, ringed by soaring mountains, as you travel to the mammoth Poas Volcano. Walk to the edge of the crater for a magnificent view of this amazing landscape. Next, attend a tour of the Doka Coffee Plantation that highlights the importance of the coffee industry in Costa Rica. Tonight, gather for a special reception and dinner. |
| Day 3 | Tortuguero National Park | San Jose - Braulio Carrillo National Park - Tortuguero National Park: Braulio Carrillo National Park offers one of the richest rain forest canopies in the world, the perfect introduction to the variety of forests in Costa Rica. En route to the park, experience spectacular mountain scenery, changes in ecosystems and picturesque Caribbean-style villages. Stop at a local banana plantation where you learn about its economic and social value to Costa Rica. As you board your transport to cruise the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park your guide explains the rain forest eco-system and points out sites of interest. A study in rain forest, freshwater, and marine biology, Tortuguero National Park protects over 350 species of birds and mammals, including endangered species such as green macaws and jaguars, as well as species of amphibians and reptiles. This includes 13 of Costa Rica's 16 endangered species, among them are tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters, and manatees. Enjoy a memorable two-night stay at your eco-lodge surrounded by the beauty of a tropical forest and amazing wildlife. Learn more about your surroundings by visiting the world's first Green Turtle Research Station and discover how to protect the turtle's nesting habitat and eggs. |
| Day 4 | Tortuguero National Park | Tortuguero National Park Canal Cruise: During an early morning bird-watching excursion, learn about the variety of local species and migratory birds that flock to this area. Later, experience a spectacular boat cruise through the various canals and be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife, including howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, aquatic birds, bats and caimans as well as exotic flora. |
| Day 5 | San Carlos | Tortuguero National Park - Sarapiqui - San Carlos: A leisurely boat ride returns you to the mainland to travel to the fascinating Sarapiqui region. Stop at an organic pineapple plantation and learn about the various types of this exotic fruit and why Costa Rican pineapples are among the world's best. Your travels continue to San Carlos where you will spend three nights in a sprawling rain forest resort set amongst 35 acres of magnificent gardens and tropical fruit trees overlooking the San Carlos River. Enjoy a tour of the botanical and butterfly gardens upon arrival. |
| Day 6 | San Carlos | San Carlos - Rain Forest Walk - Arenal Volcano: Explore the nearby rain forest's diversity of flora and fauna during a morning walk. Appreciate the great variety of birds and mammals in the area, such as crocodiles, caimans and giant iguanas. Experience the beauty of the geothermal region surrounding the impressive Arenal Volcano when you arrive at Ecothermales Hot Springs, a family-owned hot springs oasis. Enjoy a walk through the beautiful grounds, soak in the soothing, hot mineral-rich waters, or take advantage of the first rate spa services. Enjoy a wonderful dinner overlooking Arenal Volcano. |
| Day 7 | San Carlos | San Carlos - Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge: The Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge is a remote 20,000-acre jungle refuge with an amazing variety of birds and indigenous wildlife, including spider and howler monkeys and two-toed sloths. Embark on a guided riverboat trip down the Rio Frio to observe this exotic wildlife. |
| Day 8 | San Jose | San Carlos - San Jose: Returning to San Jose, tour the colorful Plaza de Cultural; the National Museum, which houses a collection of pre-Columbian art and other exhibits detailing the history of Costa Rica; and the National Theater, a magnificent building of post-baroque splendor. This evening, enjoy a festive farewell cultural dinner sponsored by a Rural Based Community Project. You will be captivated by the folkloric dances and traditional marimba music, presented by local performers. |
| Day 9 | Tour Concludes | San Jose - Tour Concludes: Your tour ends today, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation. |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- Note
Tour prices are Land Only rates based on per person double occupancy. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices shown. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking.
