DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN SAN JOSÉ
Arrival at the Juan Santamaría International Airport. Private transfer to your Hotel in San José.
Lodging: Hotel Don Carlos or similar
DAY 2: SAN JOSÉ - TIRIMBINA RESERVE - SARAPIQUÍ
Early departure from San José to Sarapiquí. Upon arrival, visit to La Tirimbina Rain Forest Center, which protects 346ha (865 acres) of forest. The habitats include rivers banks, island, forest edge, gardens and others. Walk through one of the largest hanging bridges in Costa Rica to admire many of the 420 species of birds, such as parrots, tanagers and toucans. Discover the secrets and wonders of chocolate. Learn about the history and culture of cacao and the process for making chocolate: harvesting, fermentation, drying and grinding. Taste chocolate samples of organic cacao produced by the Amazilia Women Association.
Lodging: Selva Verde Lodge or similar
DAY 3: SARAPIQUÍ - CAÑO NEGRO WILDLIFE REFUGE
Departure to visit Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. This 9966ha (24000 acres) wildlife refuge is one of the richest virgin forest reserves in the country where rivers and lagoons abound. Observe many different animals and plants. During the green season, you will ride by boat on the 800ha (2000 acres) lagoon, which is almost empty during the dry season. The average temperature is 25oC (77oF). Some of 31the flora and fauna are in danger of extinction. Great opportunity to watch cattle egrets, wood storks, white ibis and black-bellied tree ducks among other birds. This area comprises virgin forest, rivers and a lagoon.
Lodging: Caño Negro Natural Lodge or similar
DAY 4: CAÑO NEGRO - LA FORTUNA - ARENAL LAKE - TENORIO
Early morning drive from Caño Negro to the Arenal Volcano Area. After sleeping quietly for more than 400 years, the Arenal erupted with tremendous force in July 1968. With an altitude of 1633m(5358ft) above sea level, the volcano has an almost perfect cone with a 140m(460ft) deep crater formed over an ancient “caldera” (boiler). The journey continues around the Arenal Lake to arrive at Bijagua, close to the untamed Tenorio Volcano National Park, which attains a maximum height of 1913m(6287ft) and consists of four volcanic peaks and two craters.
Lodging: Tenorio Lodge or similar
DAY 5: RÍO CELESTE AT TENORIO NATIONAL PARK
The micro-climates and habitat diversity existing between the Tenorio and Miravalles volcanoes lead to a very distinctive fauna. Visit the 74ha (180 acres) primary rainforest and cloud forest neighboring the 12550ha (31000acres) Tenorio Volcano National Park. Hike in the forest to reach the famous falls of the Celeste River. This stream crosses the green hill to fall approximately 20m (65 feet) into a basin of an incredible sky-blue color. The trail takes you to “Teñideros” where the river takes its blue color after merging with a small creek.
Lodging: Tenorio Lodge or similar
DAY 6: RÍO CELESTE - PALO VERDE NATIONAL PARK – RINCÓN DE LA VIEJA AREA
Early morning drive from the Tenorio area to visit Palo Verde, a famous site for migratory birds. With its 17000ha (42000acres), it is part of the Tempisque River Lowlands. A boat tour offers the opportunity to see diverse habitats bordered by rivers and a ridge of limestone hills. More than 150 species of trees and 55 species of water plants have been identified here. This tropical dry forest is home to the largest concentration of waterfowl and wading birds in all of Central America. After the visit, continue on the Pan American Highway passing by the city of Liberia, the capital and largest city of the Province of Guanacaste, to arrive at Rincón de la Vieja National Park and Volcano.
Lodging: Hacienda Guachipelín or similar
DAY 7: RINCÓN DE LA VIEJA NATIONAL PARK - SAN JOSÉ OR BEACH ON THE PACIFIC COAST
With an extension of 14084ha(34802acres), Rincón de la Vieja National Park comprises an active strata volcano. Nature is diverse, with giant trees and more than 257 bird species. At the foot of the southern flank enjoy Las Pailas, which covers approximately 50ha (124 acres) of hot springs, solfataric lakes, and soffioni or holes that expel clouds of steam. Or in “Azufrales” relax in the small pools with hot springs. Swim near refreshing waterfalls in Cataratas. After the visit, drive to the city of San José or to your selected beach: Tamarindo, Sámara or Papagayo Gulf.