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Costa Rica - Via Verde with Savegre

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This nine day vacation includes a varied cross-section of Costa Rica’s natural highlights. The trip begins at Selva Verde Lodge, 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 Savegre Cloud Forest, where you can see tropical birds and wildlife on magical walks along the trails.

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.

Take magical walks through the cloud forest at Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve and Spa.

Spot tropical birds in their natural habitats such as the magnificent Resplendent Quetzal.

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 the Buena Vista for overnight. Overnight Buena Vista

Day 2 - Sarapiqui Rainforest

This morning you will transfer to Selva Verde Lodge where you will be staying the next two nights. 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 resident naturalists. 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 large, spacious, wooden balconies. This afternoon you will enjoy a guided hike of the primary forest of Selva Verde Lodge, walking the forest trails with English speaking naturalist guide who will teach you about the unique ecosystem of 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 of the Sarapiquí River. Get to know the Sarapiquí area and enjoy a float down the river through forested and agricultural areas full of wildlife. Your boat will depart from the 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, you will depart from Selva Verde Lodge to Arenal. You will be staying the next two nights in the Arenal area. Arenal Volcano has been active since 1968. 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 Volcano

This morning you will be met for your guided walk of Arenal Volcano. The tour begins with a 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 Fortuna town development model. Afterwards continue to the primary tropical rainforest, where you can spend some time exploring the Silencio Trail, which is located in a private primary forest, facing the majestic Arenal Volcano. Also, your guide will point out indigenous rainforest plants and tell you about their medicinal properties. Finally, we will continue to the observation point, which offers the closest and most direct lava flow vista and a excellent spot to take pictures.The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the activities and attractions of the area. Overnight Arenal Springs Hotel (BD)

Day 6 - Savegre

This morning you will transfer to Savegre Cloud Forest, this transfer is about 5 hours including breaks to stop for meals and photo opportunities – meals not included). You will be staying the next two nights at Savegre Mountain Lodge. Rising into the clouds on the continental divide is the Talamanca mountain range, home to the montane rainforest, or cloud forest. The region, which includes largely unexplored areas, is home to birds such as the Quetzal (pharomachrus mocinno) and several species of the Trogon family, and mammals such as the Jaguar and the Ocelot. Savegre Lodge is Located at 7,200 feet above sea level, this family farm is surrounded by beautiful cloud forest and spectacular views. The lodge is surrounded by their private nature reserve, with activities such as hikes through nature trails or trout fishing on clear streams. It is a great location to try to observe the Resplendent Quetzal, one of the most beautiful birds in the Americas. Overnight Savegre Lodge (BD)

Day 7 - Savegre

The morning you will have a guided hike in Savegre, with over 35 kilometers of forest trails mostly through virgin woods. The altitude varies from 2,200 to 3,470 meters (7,220 ft to 11,384 ft). Enter the forests into a cathedral-like setting with columns of hundred-year old trees, multi-colored plants and mushrooms, celestial choirs of birds, and multitudes of insects, amphibians and mammals that will make your walk magical and unforgettable. This afternoon is at leisure to explore the different areas of the cloud forest. Overnight Savegre Lodge (BD)

Day 8 - San Jose

Today you will transfer to San José to your hotel for your overnight stay. 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 $1,169 per person

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

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