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Costa Rica - Via Verde with Monteverde

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Lush rainforests, active volcanoes, and magical cloud forests are just the beginning of what awaits you in beautiful Costa Rica. This nine day vacation begins at the ecofriendly Selva Verde Rainforest Reserve, located in the lowlands of northeastern Costa Rica, where you can learn about conservation and see an amazing diversity of wildlife, from tree frogs to kinkajous to iconic tropical birds. Continue your expedition by hiking the famous Arenal Volcano. Next you`ll visit Monteverde Cloud Forest and Reserve, an area with one of the highest densities of wildlife in the country. Your trip will conclude with a visit to the small traditional town of Sarchi, the perfect place to pick up authentic souvenirs. Combine the best of relaxation and fun on this fantastic adventure.

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.

Exhilarate all your senses as you fly through the magical Monteverde Cloud Forest on a zip line.

See the traditional handicrafts and witness local customs in the small town of Sarchi.

Day 1 - San Jose

You will be met outside of baggage claim of San José International Airport by our representative and will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight Buena Vista

Day 2 - Sarapiqui Rainforest

This morning you will transfer to Selva Verde Lodge. Selva Verde 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. This afternoon you will take a guided hike of the primary forest of Selva Verde Lodge. Walk through the trails in Selva Verde’s forest, learning about the unique ecosystems for the rainforest and its flora and fauna. Overnight Selva Verde Lodge (BLD)

Day 3 - Sarapiqui Rainforest

Following breakfast you will meet for a boat ride on the Sarapiquí River. Get to know the Sarapiquí area and enjoy floating through forested and agricultural areas full of wildlife. Your boat trip will depart from Puerto Viejo dock. 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. 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 4 - Arenal Volcano

Your early morning is at leisure before transferring to Arenal. Arenal Volcano has been active since 1968 and draws people from all over the world to see it`s plumes of smoke from its active vent. 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 (BLD)

Day 5 - Arenal Volcano

This morning you will have a guided walk of Arenal Volcano. The tour begins with a drive to the far west side of Arenal Volcano. Your guide will teach you about the volcano’s formation, eruptions, and contributions to Fortuna town development model. This is the best way to look at the volcano from a safe point and the best panoramic view of the volcano and Arenal Lake. Afterwards continue to the primary tropical rainforest, where you will spend time exploring the Silencio Trail, with your guide identifying indigenous rainforest plants along the way. Finally, you’ll continue to the observation point, where you can enjoy beautiful vistas of the volcano and Lake Arenal. Overnight Arenal Springs Hotel (BD)

Day 6 - Monteverde Cloud Forest

This morning you will transfer to Arenal Lake. Upon arrival transfer to Monteverde Cloud Forest. Located 5,000ft above sea level, the Monteverde Cloud Forest offers 26,000 acres of protected wilderness and is home to over 400 species of birds, 100 species of mammals, 500 types of butterflies, and 2,500 plant species. The exotic ferns, orchids, jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, howler monkeys, emerald toucans, and the elusive Quetzal are just a few of the attractions nature enthusiasts come to experience. Overnight Trapp Family Lodge (B)

Day 7 - Monteverde Cloud Forest

This morning you will have a guided exploration through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Within this small area are more than 2,000 species of plants, 400 species of birds, and 100 different species of mammals. This afternoon your adventure is the Sky Tram and Sky Trek, a ride on a silent tram up through the canopy before a flight across the canopy on zip lines. Flying across the misty cloud forest of Monteverde is one of Costa Rica’s signature experiences. Overnight Trapp Family Lodge (B)

Day 8 - San Jose

You will be met in the reception of your hotel and will transfer to San José, stopping en route at Sarchi. Nestled in the countryside of Costa Rica’s Alajuela province, Sarchi is the perfect place to finish off your trip and find those last minute shopping for gifts and souvenirs for family and friends. Upon arrival in San José you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight Buena Vista (B)

Day 9 - San Jose

This morning you will be transferred to San José International Airport. Check in at San José International Airport is 3 hours prior to flight time. (B)

Pricing

From $1,199 per person

Cost does not include airfare or $28 departure tax. Based on four travelers in double occupancy rooms.

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