This is a nature lovers dream vacation. Explore the lush lowland rain forests of the Caribbean slope as well as the diverse tropical rainforest of the central pacific, relax in the therapeutic geo-thermal pools of the Tabacon Spa while taking in the beauty of Arenal Volcano and still have time to bask in the sun at Manuel Antonio's jungle lined beach. This tour is the perfect blend of activity and relaxation.
Day 1: Arrive in San Jose where you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and chauffer and escorted back to your hotel. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the poolside or taking a walk in the lovely gardens to recuperate from your long day of travel. If you feel like getting some exercise, there are lighted tennis courts available to you at the hotel. Depending on arrival time, you may also be able to visit the nearby town of Santo Domingo and take a tour of the surrounding area. Here you will experience the charm of a typical Costa Rican town.
Day 2: Travel to Sarapiqui in the tropical lowlands at the base of the Caribbean slope. We will stop along the way to spend the morning at the lovely Waterfall Gardens on the edge of the Braulio Carrillo National Park, where we will enjoy the extensive butterfly and hummingbird gardens. Up to 12 different species of jeweled hummingbirds visit the garden as well as a variety of colorful butterflies, including the giant blue Morpho. Then, you may walk along the river, experiencing close-up views of 5 spectacular waterfalls. After lunch, we will continue on to the Caribbean slope where you will explore the wildlife-rich riparian zone along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. This lowland rain forest region is well known for hosting one of the greatest diversity of tropical flora and fauna in the country. This is the most likely spot on the trip to see the Great Green Macaw, an endangered species that depends on the Dipteryx tree for feeding and nesting. This is one of the emergent trees commonly found in Sarapiqui. Also lurking in the forest are two- and three-toed sloth, 3 different species of monkeys, peccaries (wild Pigs), and brilliantly colored poison-arrow frogs.
Day 3: Spend the morning at La Selva Biological Station, run by the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS), clearly a highlight of the tour. The station is among the four most famous tropical research facilities in the world. We will see an outstanding abundance of wildlife. The station is home to more than 420 bird species, more than 500 species of butterflies, 55 species of snakes (including four varieties of the colorful eyelash viper), and 120 species of mammals. A vast variety of different species of trees can be seen in the arboretum. Animals here are not camera shy, so there will be ample photo opportunities. Peccaries (wild pigs), agoutis, coatis, sloth, iguanas and monkeys frequent the area. All of which makes for an unforgettable experience. After lunch you may choose from two options:
1. A leisurely motorboat ride down the tranquil section of the jungle-lined Sarapiqui River (an excellent options for wild-life viewing.) Screeching monkeys, slow-moving sloth, a variety of birds, Balalisk lizards also known as Jesus Christ lizards for their ability to run on water, Caimans, and Crocodiles frequent the banks of the river.
2. A white-water rafting trip down the fast-moving section of the Sarapiqui River. It is a class 2 and 3 river with sections that can rise to class 4, depending on the water level. It makes for an adventurous but safe trip with lush scenery all around.
Day 4 & 5: Travel to La Fortuna, which offers breath-taking views of the thundering Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica's most active volcano, where we are sure to enjoy some fireworks. Great photo opportunities! The extensive trails in the area allow for tremendous opportunities to view the Crimson-collared Tanager, White Hawk, Brown-hooded Parrot, and the Golden-olive Woodpecker, along with an array of colorful hummingbirds, and three species of Toucans. We spend an afternoon and evening it the beautiful Tabacon Hot Springs Resort, where you will relax in the natural hot springs pools surrounded by lush tropical gardens. You may also enjoy a cool drink at the swim up bar, let the hot volcanic water massage your back as you sit under the cascading waterfall, while taking in the spectacular views of the rumbling volcano nearby.
One night, we will go owling in search of the Black-and-White Owl, Mottled Owl, and Striped Owl in the open fields, below the lodge
Day 6: Travel to our hotel, situated at the edge of the Carara Biological Reserve on the banks of the Tarcoles River near the pacific coast. We will have a few hours in the afternoon to relax by the pool, take a dip in the Jacuzzi or play a round of miniature golf. At dusk we will visit the nearby bridge overlooking the Tarcoles River where pairs of Scarlet Macaws fly over en route to their roosting grounds. Here giant crocodiles basking along the riverbanks will also impress us.
Day 7: Visit Carara Biological Reserve, a unique climatological zone where the ecosystem of the humid southern coastal region joins the dry climate of the northern Pacific area, becoming a rich meeting ground for species from both regions. This is an excellent spot for bird watching. You will relish in the incredible experience of seeing the famous Scarlet Macaws who find refuge during the day in the reserve. We also hope to find the brightly colored Orange Collared Manakins dancing in their lek, fascinating antbirds following the army ant's trail gobbling up insects as they try to escape the predaceous ants, up to four different species of brilliant Trogons (in the same family as the Resplendent Quetzal), Boat-billed Herons, and many more. Monkeys, sloth, pecaries (wild pigs), agoutis, coatis, raccoons, turtles and iguanas also inhabit the rich area of Carara.
In the afternoon you will enjoy a boat ride on the calm waters of the Tarcoles River. You will see an impressive variety of water birds and raptors, including the Roseated Spoonbill, several species of herons, Anhingas, Amazon kingfishers, Crested Caracara and Double-toothed Kites to name a few. You will also experience excellent views of the Giant Crocodiles as you travel through the mangroves.
Day 8: Travel to Manuel Antonio National Park located on the pacific coast. Manuel Antonio protects 1800 acres of coastal forest and 14,5000 acres of marine habitat The in-land part of the park is a "biological island" refuge surrounded by cattle and agricultural farmland as well as an area that is rapidly becoming consumed by the development of tourism. This patch of rain forest, typical of the south pacific, is home to several endangered species like the Squirrel Monkey. The National Park offers well-kept trails through the forest and along the white sand beaches. It is home to 184 species of birds and 109 species of mammals like the Coati-mundi (raccoon family), Agouti (second largest rodent of Costa Rica), Two- and Three-toed Sloth, Howler monkeys, White-faced monkeys, and again the a sub-species of the Squirrel monkey which is endemic to the Park.
Day 9: Spend the day relaxing on Manuel Antonio's beautiful beaches. You may also explore the trails at your leisure.
Day 10: After a delicious breakfast we will start heading back to San Jose making a few cultural stops along the way. Farewell dinner.
Day 11: Breakfast before departing home.
Tour includes all lodging and meals starting with dinner on day 1 and ending with breakfast on day 11; all transportation in Costa Rica in a modern and spacious air-conditioned vehicle with clear glass windows ideal for wildlife viewing; full time private bi-lingual professional naturalist guide specializing in birds and natural history; entrance fees to parks, reserves, boat tours and transportation; and taxes (airport taxes and tips to local staff not included). Price based on double occupancy.
