Travel to Tropical Costa Rica
with optional 3-night jungle adventure post tour extension
October 9-17, 2010
Pre-tour information meeting:
April 21, 2010
5:30 p.m.
777 Peters Avenue
Highlights
San Jose - Coffee Plantation - Guanacaste - Monteverde Cloud Forest Sky Walk - Arenal Volcano - Lake Arenal Cruise - Cano Negro Refuge Poas Volcano
- Learn about Costa Rica's unique vegetation on a guided nature walk through the cloud forest.
- Spot indigenous wildlife on a Cano Negro river boat cruise.
- Enjoy the tropical landscapes and breathtaking scenery surrounding Poas and Arenal volcanos.
9 Days - 14 Meals (8 breakfasts - 6 dinners)
Day 1: Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica
Lush forests and stunning waterfalls...rumbling volcanoes and endless coastlines...Costa Rica is truly a slice of paradise. Your tour begins in the colorful capital city of San Jose. Upon arrival, relax and soak up the sights of your new surroundings.
Day 2: San Jose - Doka Coffee Estate - Tamarindo Beach (Guanacaste)
Travel through the verdant countryside of the Central Valley to the fertile region world-renowned for coffee. *A tour of the Doka Coffee Estate highlights the history and cultivation of coffee and its importance to the Costa Rican economy.* This afternoon, arrive in the Guanacaste region, known for its breathtaking beauty and fine sandy beaches. Here, rest and relaxation go hand-in-hand with mesmerizing ocean views and lush tropical greenery. Settle in for a relaxing two night stay in beachfront accommodations. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 3: Tamarindo Beach
Fun in the sun is in store for you as you enjoy this tropical paradise. Explore the nearby town and beaches, take an optional sunset cruise or simply relax by the pool and take advantage of the amenities offered at your beach and golf resort. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 4: Tamarindo Beach - Monteverde
You won't believe your eyes as you travel into the Monteverde Cloud Forest, where trees grow to heights of 100 feet! In this spectacular ecosystem, you will encounter many incredible species of flora and fauna. Upon arrival in Monteverde, a nature walk allows you to discover the natural beauty of the cloud forest first-hand. This forest is the home of the world's largest population of endangered quetzal, celebrated for its gorgeous jewel-toned plumage. Keep your eyes peeled and you may be lucky enough to spot this elusive bird! Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 5: Monteverde
Begin your day by strolling past the colorful hummingbirds at the entrance of the Monteverde Butterfly Garden, where you will observe and learn about some of the most beautiful and fascinating insects in the tropics. The gardens contain more than 50 species of butterflies including the unique Calico butterfly, the only butterfly in the world to produce sound. Later, enjoy a sky walk tour above the tree top canopy of the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Enjoy viewing and learning about the flora and fauna of the area on a leisurely-paced walk along a series of hanging bridges with lengths of up to 984 feet. After your tour you have the opportunity to plant a tree that is indigenous to the area and aid in the crucial reforestation work that is taking place here. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 6: Monteverde - Lake Arenal Cruise - Arenal
Travel through the beautiful mountainous landscapes of Monteverde to Tierras Morenas. Visit a local school sponsored by the Collette Foundation, meet the children and learn about the educational system and lifestyle of this small farming community. Continue on to Arenal, where breathtaking views of the volcano await you during a delightful cruise on Lake Arenal, the largest and most important lake in Costa Rica. Later, check in for a two night stay at a typical lodge overlooking the majestic Arenal Volcano which has been generating lava for the past 30 years. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 7: Arenal - Cano Negro - Arenal
Of all Costa Rica’s nature preserves, the remote 20,000 acres of Cano Negro are home to the largest viewable selection of indigenous wildlife. Embark on a Cano Negro guided river boat trip in a panga (covered canoe), making frequent stops to watch and photograph the wildlife around you which may include crocodiles, river otters, sloths, river turtles, exotic birds and rare butterflies, all known to live in the area. The Arenal Volcano area is also known as the land of spas and hot springs. Later in the day you will have an opportunity to attain a state of complete relaxation with an optional visit to one of the finest spas in the region. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 8: Arenal - Poas Volcano - San Jose
Take a leisurely ride through the countryside for a visit to ancient Poas Volcano, a powerful symbol of the geothermal forces that formed Costa Rica. Its crater is 1,050 feet deep and a mile wide, making it the largest active crater in the world. The lower slopes of Poas Volcano are dotted with fruit farms and huge ornamental flower farms of roses and lilies. Continue on to San Jose where you will enjoy a wonderful farewell dinner. Today breakfast and dinner will be included
Day 9: San Jose - Tour Ends
Today you depart for home with fabulous memories of your adventure in Costa Rica. Today breakfast will be included.
Per person rates:
Double $2,499; Single $3,049
Registration Form & Credit Card Authorization Form
Included in Price: Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $80 (subject to increase until paid in full), Hotel Transfers, Round Trip Air from San Francisco, CA, 1st Class and Deluxe Hotel Accommodations, 14 meals, Sightseeing, All baggage handling (1 bag per person), Services of a professional tour guide, All taxes and service charges, Transportation via deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach, Collette Travel Gift.
Not included in Price: Cancellation Waiver of $150 per person.
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Extend your vacation with
Optional 3-Night Jungle Adventure Post Tour Extension
Rate: $399 USD per person, double occupancy, land and air included
8 meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners)
Day 9: San Jose - Tortuguero National Park
Enjoy an exciting soft-adventure Jungle Extension to Toruguero, the Amazon of Costa Rica. Explore the region's wildlife by boat, viewing macaws, sloths, monkeys, falcons and other native species. Tonight, 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 with a visit to the world's first Green Turtle Research Station and discover how to protect the turtle's nesting habitat and eggs. Today lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 10: Toruguero National Park
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, toucans, aquatic birds and exotic flora. Tortuguero National Park is a study in rainforest, freshwater, and marine biology. It protects over 350 species of birds and mammals including green macaws; 57 species of amphibians; 111 species of reptiles; and 60 mammal species, including 13 of Costa Rica's 16 endangered species including jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters, and manatees. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 11: Totuguero National Park - San Jose
Return to San Jose today for your last night in Costa Rica before your return home. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
Day 12: San Jose - Tour Ends
Today breakfast will be included.
Please note: This extension is escorted by a local representative who will provide all included services. Extensions not purchased at time of deposit are subject to availability and applicable charges at time of request. This price includes roundtrip transportation to Tortuguero, 3 nights accommodations and transfers to San Jose.
Due to luggage size and weight restrictions on the boats, please bring an overnight bag for the two night stay in Tortuguero National Park. Your main luggage stays in San Jose and joins you upon your return to the mainland.
For more information contact Kate D'Or via email or phone 925-846-5858 ext. 203
