Description
Day 1: London - San José
Fly from London Gatwick to San José with Continental Airlines via Newark. On arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel, the Corteza Amarilla Art Lodge & Spa.
Day 2: Tortuguero National Park
After an early start, leave San José for your journey to the Cano Blanco Dock (breakfast on the way) and a 2-hour boat ride to Tortuguero National Park, which is the most important natural hatchery in the western Caribbean for green turtles. After lunch and a short briefing, visit Tortuguero Village and the Caribbean Conservation of the Turtle Museum (small local charge). Dinner and overnight at Pachira Lodge. (B/L/D)
Day 3: Tortuguero National Park
Today, explore the backwater canals of Tortuguero in greater depth on a guided boat tour. There will be time to disembark for a short walk if weather permits, allowing you to get even closer to nature. At night, relax once again and enjoy a local dinner in a beautiful setting at Pachira Lodge. (B/L/D)
Day 4: Arenal
Catch an early morning flight back to San José, followed by a picturesque drive through the mountains to Arenal. Time at leisure to enjoy the multitude of activities available. Overnight at the charming 3-star Montana de Fuego Hotel, which offers stunning views of the Arenal volcano. (B/L)
Day 5: Arenal - Casona Rio Fortuna
Up bright and early for a visit to the Arenal Volcano National Park - home to the most active volcano in Costa Rica. The volcano often spews ash and smoke, and on some days blows its top several times over! After hiking its various trails, continue to Casona Rio Fortuna, a historic country estate, dedicated to preserving local customs and traditions. Aided by local women, you will be given the opportunity to cook your own lunch before wallowing all afternoon in the hot springs at Ecotermales Fortuna. Dinner is prepared by a local family at Ecotermales. (B/D)
Day 6: Monteverde
Leave Arenal and take a cruise across the lake to Monteverde. Drive through the town of Tilaran, which was founded in 1954 by a group of Quakers searching for a peaceful place to live. Monteverde is home to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the Santa Elena Reserve. Dinner and overnight at the Fonda Vela Hotel. (B)
Day 7: Monteverde Sky Walk Park
After breakfast, take to the air at the Monteverde Sky Walk Park, world famous for its cloud forest. Learn about this very complex ecosystem as you walk along suspended bridges, marvelling at the sights below. Visit CASEM in the afternoon (Art and Craft Committee of Santa Elena and Monteverde) to marvel at sights of another kind - the handicrafts of local women. Again, dinner and overnight at the Fonda Vela Hotel. (B)
Day 8: Monteverde - San José/Beach
After a fascinating week experiencing the highlights of Costa Rica, head back to San José, for an overnight stop before your flight back to London via Newark on day 9 (B). Alternatively, you may wish to extend your holiday and spend 7 nights at leisure on the beach at Playa Conchal. (AI)
Day 16: playa conchal - London
Transfer to Liberia airport for your overnight Continental Airlines flight back to London, via Houston.
Departs: Every Mon from London Gatwick.