Costa Rica Explorer - 14D/13N

San José, Tortuguero, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Manuel Antonio National Park.

photo of Tortuguero, courtesy of Tourism Board of Costa RicaAn action-packed exploration with options of rafting, horseback riding and zip lining. From the Pacific to the Caribbean beaches this stunning 2-week tour embodies some of the best that Costa Rica has to offer.

G.A.P. Adventures Tours
To emphasize our eco-friendly approach even more, we have elected to operate many programs with G.A.P. Adventures, a leader in eco tourism operation, committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveler and host alike, working with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts. These adventures offer travelers a grassroots, small group adventure vacation, with a focus on culture, nature and active travel.

Comfort Tour
By day, dart around markets, explore the heritage sites and hike through the jungle to discover rare flora and fauna; by night, cozy up in a comfy bed or have a nice dinner with new found friends. Authentic experience doesn’t have to mean sacrificing a good night’s sleep. Comfort is ideal for travelers looking for a little extra cushiness from their adventure, while maintaining the grassroots travel experience. Comfort adventures make use of upgraded hotels with continental breakfast, travel by private and first class transportation, and include your arrival transfer.

Local Payment - Helping to keep the cost to you down…
Most of our adventure tours involve a Local Payment that is paid to the Leader/Representative in cash on day 1 of your tour. This Local Payment is put towards local expenses, such as arranging internal flights as well as entrance and guide fees. Local Payments also reduce the need to wire or transfer funds which can become very expensive. This lowers our operational costs so we can pass the savings on to you. The local payment is in addition to, and is not included in, the base tour price.

Included: Comfortable hotels (11 nights), lodge (2 nights), Boat tour of Tortuguero National Park - Visit to Hot Springs in La Fortuna - Guided visit to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve - Coffee plantation tour in Monteverde - Sunset sail from Quepos (weather permitting) - Arrival transfer and daily continental breakfast

Not Included: International Airfares - Local payment - Passport and visa expenses - Government arrival and departure taxes - Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is compulsory) - All items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar and beverage charges and telecommunication charges.

Departure Dates: Nov 09, 2008 ; Nov 23, 2008 ; Nov 30, 2008 ; Dec 20, 2008 ; Dec 21, 2008 ; Dec 28, 2008 ; Jan 04, 2009 ; Jan 18, 2009 ; Jan 25, 2009 ; Feb 15, 2009 ; Feb 22, 2009 ; Mar 15, 2009 ; Mar 22, 2009 ; Mar 29, 2009 ; Apr 19, 2009 ; Apr 26, 2009 ; May 03, 2009 ; May 17, 2009 ; May 24, 2009 ; Jun 07, 2009 ; Jun 14, 2009 ; Jun 21, 2009 ; Jul 05, 2009 ; Jul 12, 2009 ; Jul 19, 2009 ; Aug 02, 2009 ; Aug 09, 2009 ; Aug 16, 2009.

Tour rates from: $ 1,375.00 + Local Payment 250 USD.

photo of San José de Costa Rica, courtesy of Tourism Board of Costa RicaDay by day Itinerary:

  • Day 1 Arrive San José - Arrive in San José at any time.
  • Day 2-3 Tortuguero (2B, 2L, 2D) - Travelling east by private shuttle, then by boat through the canals, we end up in Tortuguero, an important nesting area for Green and Leatherback sea turtles. Plenty of opportunities to observe the wide variety of birds and wildlife that call this area home.
  • Day 4-6 La Fortuna / Arenal (3B) - A five-hour van/boat trip brings us to La Fortuna, in the foothills of the spectacular Arenal Volcano. La Fortuna is a hotspot for adventure travel in Costa Rica. Here you can try river rafting, mountain biking, caving, horseback riding or taking a walk through the lava fields. Relax in one of the many local hot springs, fed directly by the active volcano.
  • Day 7-9 Monteverde (3B) - Make our way up into the misty mountain air of the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Spend 2 days exploring the town and nearby Forest Reserve, truly a bird lover’s paradise. We also tour a coffee plantation learning how the beans are harvested and the importance of the coffee industry for Costa Rica. Other optional activities include a horse ride en route from La Fortuna to Monteverde, the Sky Walk, butterfly garden, and a zip line canopy tour.
  • Day 10-12 Quepos / Manuel Antonio National Park (3B) - Head to Quepos, where the nearby white sand beaches and warm Pacific waters are the ideal atmosphere to relax at the end of your adventure. Enjoy swimming, fishing, kayaking, horseback riding, boogie boarding, sailing or surfing. A short distance away, Manuel Antonio offers excellent hiking and wildlife viewing. Snorkel, swim and try to spot dolphins as your trip nears an end with a sunset sail (included).
  • Day 13 San José (B) - Travel back to San José for one last night in the city.
  • Day 14 San José (B) - Depart.

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Also tagged with: Adventure Expeditions, Escorted Journeys, Central America, Costa Rica, Active Travel, Ecological Travel, Educational, Cultural, Nature / Ecology, Bird Watching, Special Interest, Horseback, Join-In Tour, Hosted Tours, Snorkeling, GAP