Central America's Garden of Eden
Using specialist naturalist guides and charming small-scale accommodation
In brief:
| San José - 2 nights. Tortuguero - 2 nights. Sarapiqui - 2 nights. Arenal - 1 night. Monteverde - 2 nights. San José - 1 night. Flight - 1 night. |
Day 1 Fly from London Heathrow, via Miami or Madrid, to San José. Transfer to the Fleur de Lys Hotel for a two-night stay.
Day 2 Visit the National Theatre and the Gold and Jade Museums. Afternoon at leisure for independent exploration.
Day 3 Drive to the Caribbean influenced Atlantic coast via the Braulio Carrillo National Park. Transfer by boat to the Evergreen Lodge or similar in Tortuguero for a two-night stay. Lunch included. Visit the Turtle Museum.
Day 4 A morning boat tour, exploring the Amazonesque channels surrounding the Tortuguero Lagoon and in the evening there will be a sunset cocktail cruise. Afternoon free.
Day 5 Transfer by boat to Caño Blanco and continue by coach, enjoying a typical Costa Rican lunch en route, to the Quinta de Sarapiqui for a two-night stay. Late afternoon visit to the entomological collection of over one million varieties of insects from all over the world. Attend an evening lecture by your naturalist guide.
Day 6 A morning walk through the intriguing Selva Nature Reserve with a resident naturalist guide.
Day 7 Drive to Arenal Volcano to bathe in the hot springs at Ecotermales feeding the Tabacon River. Continue to Las Cabanitas or similar for an overnight stay.
Day 8 Traverse the scenic Tilarán Mountains to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. This high elevation rain forest offers miles of trails and excellent opportunities for bird watching. Two nights at the Belmar Hotel.
Day 9 A guided walk explores the trails of the reserve and is followed by time at leisure prior to a night walk in the grounds of the lower altitude Ecological Farm.
Day 10 An unforgettable tour of walkways and bridges built high in the cloud forest canopy. Later transfer back to the Fleur de Lys Hotel in San José for the night.
Day 11 Fly via Miami or Madrid to London Heathrow.
Day 12 Arrive Heathrow in the morning.
Extension-Manuel Antonio Nature Reserve
A four-night extension at the Manuel Antonio Nature Reserve combines idyllic white sand beaches with wonderful wildlife. Accommodation (with breakfast) is in superior sea view rooms at the stunningly located and beautifully decorated 4-star Hotel Parador. A frequent complimentary shuttle service operates between the Parador, the nature reserve and nearby beaches. A final night is spent in San José.
