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Costa Rica - Via Pacifica South

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Costa Rica is a treasure of ecological diversity, interesting wildlife, natural wonders, and conservation efforts. Experience some of the highlights of this incredible country on a nine day adventure that includes pristine and remote rainforests, volcanoes, and white sand beaches. Begin with breathtaking views of the nearby volcanoes, the Central Valley and San José at your stop in the mountain town of Alajuela. Next visit Selva Verde Rainforest Reserve, located in the lush lowlands of northeastern Costa Rica, where you will learn about conservation and see an amazing diversity of wildlife from tree frogs to kinkajous to iconic tropical birds. Continue your expedition at Arenal Volcano, a young stratovolcano. Spend the last few days of your getaway relaxing and exploring the gorgeous white sand beaches and multitude of wildlife and activities at Manuel Antonio National Park.

Explore the 500 acres of pristine rainforest in the Selva Verde Rainforest Reserve.

Search the trails for vibrant tropical birds, fascinating insects, interesting reptiles and mammals, and exotic jungle plants.

Enjoy the thrill of whitewater rafting on Class I-III rapids.

Hike along the base of Arenal Volcano.

Visit the lush rainforest and perfect sand beaches at Manuel Antonio, home of Costa Rica’s most famous national park.

Relax and unwind in the beautiful surroundings of Costa Rica!

Day 1 - Sarapiqui

Upon your arrival at San José International Airport you will be met by our representative and will take an approximate two hour transfer to the Sarapiquí Rainforest area. We recommend your flight arrives in San José prior to 3PM. Selva Verde Lodge is located in the lush lowlands of northeastern Costa Rica, on a very large, private tract of virgin tropical rainforest and rich second-growth habitats. It is adjacent to Braulio Carrillo National Park and the Organization for Tropical Studies’ field station, La Selva. While at Selva Verde, guests may schedule an array of activities suited to every interest and ability, from relaxing in a hammock and absorbing the wonder of the forest, to rafting on the Sarapiquí, or hiking Selva Verde’s rainforest trails with a resident naturalist. Beyond its roughly 500 acres of preserved rainforest, the lodge boasts resident naturalists, local guides and an ever-expanding reference library. The Lodge provides ample accommodations with private baths with hot water. The rooms open into spacious wooden balconies. Overnight Selva Verde Lodge (D)

Day 2 - Sarapiqui

Following breakfast you will meet for a boat ride on the Sarapiquí River. Your boat will depart from the lively Puerto Viejo dock, offering you the chance to see the village life in Costa Rica. Our drivers are some of the best wildlife spotters on the river so make sure you have your camera. This afternoon you will enjoy the excitement of whitewater rafting. The whitewater stretches of the Rio Sarapiquí are some of the most beautiful in Costa Rica. Enjoy high adventure and gentle floats as you navigate the river with our professional river guides. A preliminary safety orientation will prepare you for the challenges you’ll face on the water. Keep an eye out for the diversity of wildlife seen at the river’s edge in between Class I-III rapids. If you are a skilled rafter, we can arrange a more challenging excursion on Class III-IV rapids. Overnight Selva Verde Lodge (BLD)

Day 3 - Sarapiqui

Following breakfast you will take a guided hike in the primary forest at Selva Verde’s Reserve. As you walk through the rainforest trails with your English-speaking naturalist guide you will have the opportunity to learn about the unique ecosystem of the rainforest and observe its flora and fauna. Overnight Selva Verde Lodge (BLD)

Day 4 - Arenal

Your early morning is at leisure before departing from Selva Verde Lodge and transferring to Arenal. Arenal Springs Resort, your home for the next two days, offers the perfect combination of relaxation, comfort and exuberant tropical scenery, as well as an incredible views of the Arenal Volcano. The Arenal Volcano has been active since 1968 and is a true show of nature.Arenal Volcano area also offers its visitors boat tours through the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, hikes in the rainforest, canopy tours, whitewater rafting tours, fishing in the Arenal Lake and much more. Overnight Arenal Springs Hotel (BD)

Day 5 - Arenal

This morning you will have a guided tour in Arenal National Park. The tour begins with a 15 minute drive to the far west side of the volcano. Upon your arrival, your guide will explain everything about the volcano’s formation, eruptions, and contributions to La Fortuna’s town development model. This is the best way to look at the lava flowing from a safe point and the best panoramic view of the volcano and Arenal Lake. Afterwards you will continue to the primary tropical rainforest where you will spend time exploring the Silencio Trail. You will finish with a visit to the observation point, which offers the closest and most direct lava flow vista as you relax and listen to the incredible sounds of the volcano. If the cloud cover is high enough, expect to see a dazzling lava show. The rest of the day will be spent at leisure to enjoy the activities and attractions of the area. Overnight Arenal Springs Hotel (B)

Day 6 - Manuel Antonio

This morning you will transfer to the beaches of Manuel Antonio, this transfer is about 5 hours. You will be staying the next three nights at Manuel Antonio, one of the most beautiful locations in the entire country. It is here where the rainforest meets the Pacific Ocean. This feature creates amazing views from the hills above and an amazing jungle that is home to many forms of exotic wildlife. You can expect to see white-faced and squirrel monkeys, three-toed sloths, purple-and-orange crabs, and many other species of birds, mammals and plant life. Manuel Antonio is home to one of the smallest national parks (1,700 acres) and is by far the most popular in Costa Rica. The nearly perfect sand beaches and the many walking trails to adventure through the rainforest are what make this park so popular. Overnight Costa Verde Hotel (B)

Day 7 - Manuel Antonio

These days are at leisure to relax and enjoy the many activities and attractions of Manuel Antonio. Overnight Costa Verde Hotel (B)

Day 8 - Manuel Antonio

These days are at leisure to relax and enjoy the many activities and attractions of Manuel Antonio. Overnight Costa Verde Hotel (B)

Day 9 - Manuel Antonio

This morning you will be transferred to San José International Airport. This transfer is about 3.5 hours so an afternoon flight is recommended. Check in at San José International Airport is 3 hours prior to flight time. (B)

Pricing

Green season: May 1 - Dec 14, 2012 except July and August
From $1,074 per person

High Season: December 15, 2012 - April 30, 2012, July and August
From $1,121 per person

Cost does not include airfare or departure tax. Based on four travelers in double occupancy rooms.

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