The perfect winter escape. Explore the magic of a lush tropical rain forest. Relax on one of Costa Rica's most beautiful beaches. Experience the wonder of the prehistoric Leather Back Turtles nesting. Unwind in the thermal waters of the Tabacon Resort, while watching the brilliant light show of Arenal Vocano.
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 your 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 3: 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 4: After breakfast we will travel to Playa Grande, one of Costa Rica's most beautiful beaches and a well known nesting ground for the giant Leatherback Turtles. After lunch we will visit the turtle museum. In the afternoon there will be time for a leisurely walk on the beach, or a chance to take in a little sun. In the evening and into the night we will venture out looking for nesting turtles.
Day 5 & 6: After a morning at the beach we will travel to the small town of La Fortuna, which offers breath-taking views of the thundering Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica's most active volcano. The Arenal Volcano National Park offers a labyrinth of trails allowing 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.
While in Arenal we spend an evening at 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. We are sure to enjoy some fireworks. Great photo opportunities!
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 7: Spend a leisurely drive back to San Jose, stopping along the way at Sarchi, a typical town known for it artisan shops, to do some shopping. Farewell dinner
Day 8: Breakfast. Depart for home.
Tour includes all lodging and meals starting with dinner on day 1 and ending with breakfast on day 8; 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.
