Itinerary
Day 1 San José
Upon arrival we are met and transferred to the hotel. Following check-in, if time permit, we visit The Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad to learn about biodiversity in Costa Rica as well as important projects developed in the fields of conservation and sustainable use. InBio also have exhibits on Costa Rica’s efforts to conserve its biodiversity through the establishment of protected areas such as national parks and biological reserves. Overnight at selected hotel.

Day 2 Sarapiqui
Today we are transferred to Selva Verde Lodge, built on stilts above the forest floor, connected by a network of covered walkways and located in the tropical lowlands of northeastern Costa Rica on the Sarapiqui River. We drive through Braulio Carrillo National Park. Which has exuberant jungle growth, incredible waterfalls, hundreds of bird species and interesting wildlife? En route to Selva Verde we visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens. The park is a celebration of bio-diversity as it is blessed with an altitude ranging from 4,300 feet (1,320 meters) to 5,000 feet (1,540 meters) that provides an ideal climate for both cloud and rainforest to coexist. The trail design, which includes three kilometers of paved trails and viewing platforms, allows us to experience and photograph the forest and the awesome power of four majestic waterfalls. Includes the Hummingbird Garden and Butterfly Observatory. Overnight at Selva Verde Lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 3 Sarapiqui
This morning we take a guided hike into Selva Verde’s private rainforest reserve. Our guide will point out things of interest and help us learn about the unique ecosystem of the rainforest, its flora and fauna. We won’t need to look too hard to find the well-known poison dart frog with its blue or red coloring or the superb variety of wildlife close at hand. This afternoon we are ready to enjoy the thrill of a White Water Rafting down the Sarapiquí River, which winds through mostly cultivated countryside. On this river journey we’ll have the opportunity to view aquatic animals, birds, and reptiles in their natural habitat, as well as to observe rural Costa Ricans going about their daily lives. Overnight at Selva Verde Lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 04 Arenal
Today we are transferred to Arenal Volcano area. Late afternoon we enjoy the relaxing Tabacon Hot Springs. The Tabacon River begins inside Arenal Volcano. The magma heats the water to 101 degrees, which then flows through the base of the volcano down about 3/4 mile to Tabacon Hot Springs. From here the river splits into several smaller rivers, joining with cool water from a different river to make dozens of pools of varying temperatures, shapes and sizes. These rivers meander through acres of verdant tropical gardens, which create a magical atmosphere. If weather permit we will have a perfect view of some volcano activity. Overnight at selected hotel (B,D)

Day 05 Arenal
Morning Arenal Volcano Guided Hike. We enjoy the most extraordinary view of the Arenal Volcano on a gentle hike along the base of this marvelous "Mountain of Fire". Arenal Volcano, continuously active since 1968, is young as volcanoes go - only about 4,000 years old - and relatively small at 5,358 feet. The volcano’s eruptions can be an awe-inspiring sight, especially at night. Short periods of inactivity are usually followed by the emission of hot, red rocks that crash down the steep gray slopes of the volcanic cone. The explosive eruptions can plume up to 1,000-feet into the air and can easily be heard more than a mile away. The hike begins on the active side of the volcano that takes us through the forest over recent lava flows to the destroyed area now in the process of regeneration. Afternoon at leisure for optional activities Overnight at selected hotel (B)

Day 06 Monteverde
This morning we journey to the cloud forest realm of Monteverde. We will cross the Arenal Lake by boat and a 4 x 4 will be waiting for us in the other side of the lake to continue in a bumpy ride to get to our hotel in Monteverde. The afternoon adventure activity is the Sky Walk a complex of suspended bridges affording a spectacular chance to view the flora and fauna of the cloud forest canopy from an “up-in-the- branches” perspective – a new alternative in tourism for nature lovers. These bridges allow the observation of both flora and fauna from the ground floor through the tops of the emergent layer. A total of 3,280 feet of paths are built to offer 6 suspension bridges for a total of more than 1640 feet in length and over 130 feet in height. Overnight at selected hotel (B)

Day 07 Manuel Antonio
After breakfast we venture into the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve for a guided hike. Cloud forests occur near mountain peaks, where rains turn into a continual mist that sustains life. Receiving over three meters of rain annually, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a consistently cool and wet home to an astounding diversity of flora and fauna. From the lush ferns and mosses on the ground, to the dark canopy formed by tall, vine-laden trees, this region is a treasure-trove of natural phenomena. Following the hike we visit the Hummingbird Gallery where we will see many species of hummingbird buzzing by and feasting on the feeders placed out to attract them. This afternoon we depart for Manuel Antonio, located at the Central Pacific Coast. Overnight at selected hotel (B).

Day 08 Manuel Antonio
Day at leisure for optional tours or just enjoy the hotel facilities and the beach. Overnight at selected hotel (B).

Day 09 Manuel Antonio
Morning guided hike to Manuel Antonio National Park, consider the country's smallest national park of just over 683 hectares. Home to one of the last sizable populations of the endangered Squirrel Monkey, also White Faced and Howler monkeys are common in the park. The Cathedral Point with forest topped cliffs is connected to mainland by a thin land bridge that separates the park’s two most popular beaches, Playa Espadilla Sur and Playa Manuel Antonio. Playa Manuel Antonio is one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. The beach is a half mile long, perfect white sand crescent bordered by deep green mangroves and palms. The park abounds with wildlife and in a days visit it is possible to see iguanas, monkeys, sloth agoutis, peccaries, armadillos, pisotes, coatimundis and raccoons. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the beach. Overnight at selected hotel (B).

Day 10 Departure
Early departure to San Jose Airport, for flight back to USA,

Meals: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner