Costa Rica Nature Quest: Arenal Post-trip Extension

This morning, depart for Arenal, stopping at Arenal Vida Campesina, an organic farm and education center dedicated to advancing environmentally-friendly agriculture. Enjoy a traditional lunch prepared with fresh produce from the farm, then get hands-on as you learn how to make tortillas. The hospitality is as heartwarming as the shot of their farm-fermented liquor - a traditional farewell gesture, and fitting end to a memorable visit. After lunch, take a hike in Arenal Volcano National Park to learn about the geography and wildlife of the area. Upon arrival at Arenal Paraiso, check in and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure to relax in the thermal hot spring pools heated by Arenal Volcano. Weather permitting, the hotel affords excellent views of the volcano from every room.

Early this morning go birding on the lodge's trails. Have breakfast, and then take a hike on the Bogarin Trail. Have lunch at a local restaurant then depart for Arenal Hanging Bridges. Six of the 15 bridges are suspended in the upper canopy of this mature forest trail system (elevation is approximately 1,900 feet). The trail system straddles different types of ecosystems, forming a transitional vegetation-strip of high biodiversity where both highland and lowland species reside. There is an excellent chance to see motmots and jacamars. Return to the lodge later this afternoon to continue birding on the lodge's trails. Return to lodge for dinner (at own expense) then experience and up-close encounter with bats. Learn about the history and characteristics of bats then observe live bats that have been captured by researchers as part of a research project.

Transfer back to the airport in San José for your flight home. Check out is at 12 pm. *All flights must depart from San José after 1 pm; there will be one transfer from Arenal to San José.