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Costa Rica - Nature's Museum
Friendly Costa Rica teems with natural wonders. From pristine rainforests filled with exotic fauna to fascinating geothermal activity surrounding its volcanoes, it offers endless amazing vistas. This Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures tour features a Costa Rican naturalist to guide your discoveries. Enjoy two nights in an eco-lodge in Tortuguero National Park. Visit Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, Braulio Carrillo Rainforest National Park and soak in springs heated by the Arenal Volcano. Learn about conservation efforts at the Green Turtle Research Station.

HighlightsPoas Volcano, Coffee Plantation, Braulio Carrillo National Park, Tortuguero National Park, Sarapiqui, La Tirimbina Biological Reserve, Penas Blancas River Safari, Lake Arenal Cruise, Arenal Volcano Rain Forest

Collette Experience

  • Our local Costa Rican naturalist takes you off the beaten path to discover the nation's spectacular flora and fauna, geological wonders and tropical forest ecology as you journey from the coastal lowlands into the cloud forests of the central highlands.
    ? Learn about the unique flavors and processing techniques of Costa Rican coffee production at a coffee plantation.
    ? Enjoy a discussion on the geology of Costa Rica's active and dormant volcanoes, and their environmental and economic impact on the nation.
    ? Learn about the differences between Costa Rica's varied forest environments.
  • Call (770) 436-1334 for more information or to book today! Mention code 9284426
    Tour OperatorCollette Vacations
    OfferOffer valid through 8/31/2010
    Duration
    9 Days
    Itinerary
    DayDestinationDescription
    Day 1San JoseSan Jose, Costa Rica : Welcome to Costa Rica, a land of rich natural wonders. During your timeless journey, explore an outstanding variety of flora and fauna in the nature reserves of Braulio Carrillo National Park, Tortuguero National Park, La Tirimbina Biological Reserve and Arenal Volcano Rain Forest. Upon your arrival today in Costa Rica's vibrant capital, San Jose, relax and spend the remainder of the day at leisure, soaking up your new surroundings.
    Day 2San JoseSan Jose - Poas Volcano - Doka Estate Coffee Plantation : View the spectacular scenery of the Central Valley, ringed by soaring mountains, as you travel to the mammoth Poas Volcano. Walk to the edge of the crater for a magnificent view of this amazing landscape. Next, attend a tour of the Doka Estate Coffee Plantation that highlights the importance of the coffee industry in Costa Rica. Tonight, gather for a special reception and dinner.

    Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
    Day 3Tortuguero National ParkSan Jose - Braulio Carrillo National Park - Tortuguero National Park : Travel through Braulio Carrillo National Park which offers one of the richest rain forest canopies in the world. Stop at a local banana plantation, learning about its economic and social value to Costa Rica. Board your transport to cruise the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park, as your guide explains the rain forest eco-system and points out sites of interest. Tortuguero National Park protects over 350 species of birds and mammals, including 13 of Costa Rica's 16 endangered species such as tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters and manatees. 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 by visiting the world's first Green Turtle Research Station and discover how to protect the turtle's nesting habitat and eggs.

    Today breakfast , lunch and dinner will be included.
    Day 4Tortuguero National Park Canal CruiseTortuguero National Park Canal Cruise : 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.

    Today breakfast , lunch and dinner will be included.
    Day 5San CarlosTortuguero National Park - Sarapiqui - San Carlos : A leisurely boat ride returns you to the mainland to travel to the fascinating Sarapiqui region. At La Tirimbina Biological Reserve, see first hand the process of making chocolate from the cacao bean and learn about the history and continuing importance of cacao to Central America's economy. Continue to San Carlos where you will spend three nights in a sprawling rain forest resort nestled in 35 acres of magnificent gardens and tropical fruit trees overlooking the San Carlos River. Enjoy a tour of the botanical and butterfly gardens upon arrival.

    Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
    Day 6San CarlosSan Carlos - Penas Blancas River Safari : Your day begins with a river safari adventure as you leisurely float or personally paddle your raft down the Penas Blancas River. The local guide will point out the wide variety of trees, birds, giant iguanas, sloths, monkeys and other wildlife that you may see as you glide through the jungle. This eco tour, without the noise of a motor boat, is the perfect way to relax and enjoy the wonders of nature. You'll also meet a local family who has lived on the river for generations and learn about their history and lifestyle.

    Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
    Day 7San CarlosSan Carlos - Arenal Volcano : Breathtaking views of Arenal Volcano await you on a delightful cruise on Lake Arenal, the largest and most important lake in Costa Rica. Enjoy a wonderful lunch while overlooking the majestic Arenal Volcano which has been generating lava for the past 30 years. Later, experience the unique eco-system of pure air and rain forest with a delightful Arenal Hanging Bridges tour. Located in front of the Arenal Volcano, the nature trails and bridges within the primary forest bring you close to the birds, flowers and the lush vegetation. Observe the natural beauty and learn about the great variety of flora and fauna of the Arenal Volcano rain forest.

    Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
    Day 8San JoseSan Carlos - San Jose : Returning to San Jose, tour the colorful Plaza de Cultural; the National Museum, which houses a collection of pre-Columbian art and other exhibits detailing the history of Costa Rica; and the National Theater, a magnificent building of post-baroque splendor. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner.

    Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
    Day 9Tour ConcludesSan Jose - Tour Concludes : Your tour ends today, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation.

    Today breakfast will be included.
    Dates/Pricing
    Click Quote or call (770) 436-1334 to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

    DateDescriptionPrice FromQuote
    September 17, 2010Land Only$1,499.00 (USD)Quote
    November 05, 2010Land Only$1,499.00 (USD)Quote
    February 04, 2011Land Only$1,599.00 (USD)Quote
    March 11, 2011Land Only$1,599.00 (USD)Quote
    April 08, 2011Land Only$1,599.00 (USD)Quote
    Lodging
    Doubletree Cariari Hotel, San JosePachira Lodge, Tortuguero
    Aninga Lodge, TortugueroTilajari Resort, San Carlos
    Doubletree Cariari Hotel, San Jose 
    Disclaimer
    Note
    Tour prices are Land Only rates based on per person double occupancy. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices shown. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking.

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    Within Georgia: 770-436–1334 (877) 634-1199