Central and South America

Costa Rica | Rainforests, Cloud Forests, and Gardens

Activity Level:
EASY
Duration:
10 Days
Interests:
Garden Tours
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Cloud Forest Sky Walk at Villa Lapas, Tarcoles
Brown-Throated Three-Toed sloth (Bradypus variegatus) in Carara National Park
A Magnificent Hummingbird, seen near Savrege
The Quercus bumelioides tree, native to the area, seen on the Robles Trail at Savegre Lodge
Rio Savegre near San Gerardo de Dota
San Gerardo de Dota
Rio Savegre
A Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) at Carara National Park
Are surrounding Villa Lapas, Tarcoles
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Organize This Trip

About this trip

From towering ancient trees in thick transitional forests to well-maintained collections of ornamental plants in formal gardens, Costa Rica’s flora is as diverse and abundant as its famed wildlife. This 10-day garden tour visits rainforest, cloud forest, botanical gardens, and research stations to see examples of tropical, sub-tropical, rare, endangered, and unusual plants. In addition to the botanical highlights, enjoy opportunities to hike to waterfalls, spot wildlife, meet with research scientists, and sample local cuisine among many other activities. Discover why Costa Rica is known as one of the world’s top biodiversity hotspots!

Highlights

  • Examine the varying vibrant flora of different types of Costa Rican forests including cloud forests, tropical rainforests, and premontane forests.
  • Walk through the heart of the tropical rainforest on a Sky Walk at Villa Lapas.
  • Take a guided hike through transitional forest at Carara National Park.
  • Hike the trails at Savegre Lodge to see 700 year old tropical oak trees and magnificent waterfalls.
  • Keep your eyes peeled for the Resplendent Quetzal, Savegre’s most iconic species.
  • Tour the Wilson Botanical Garden, home of one of the world’s largest collections of palms and cycads.

What makes us different

Custom-tailored trips

We can customize your itinerary so that it’s the ideal match for your interests, travel dates, and budget

Support local communities

We work with local guides and organizations so your trip includes authentic cultural experiences while supporting the economy of the region

Sustainable travel

We believe travel should have a positive impact on the world. We are committed to maintaining responsible travel practices and partner with ClimateSafe to provide carbon offsetting.

Expert guides

We take pride in hiring local guides who are carefully selected for their knowledge, sensitivity and skill in the field

Service anytime

Enjoy worry-free travel — our emergency line is monitored 24/7/365 so we can assist you if any problems arise while you’re traveling with us

Flight arrangements

We’re a full service travel provider and are happy to assist with arranging the flights for your group if desired

AND MORE!

See all the reasons why you should travel with Holbrook

What makes us different

Daily Itinerary

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San José
Day 1
Upon arrival at the airport in San José, after clearing customs and collecting your luggage, you will be met and transferred to Hotel Bougainvillea. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Hotel Bougainvillea
San José
Day 2
After a delicious breakfast, meet with your fellow travelers and guide for an orientation in the beautiful gardens at the hotel. If available, meet the owner of the property, who created the gardens with his love of the flora and fauna of Costa Rica. Next visit a local nursery that exports to the United States and elsewhere. Expect to see many species of tropical flora. Enjoy lunch at a typical tico restaurant then enjoy some free time in the late afternoon before dinner at the hotel. Hey
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Bougainvillea
Tarcoles
Day 3
After breakfast, travel to Villa Lapas, stopping first at Else Kientzler Botanical Garden, which was created by Mr. Ludwig Kientzler and dedicated to his mother, who was of great assistance in the forming of the gardens. Enjoy lunch en route as you continue your transfer to Villa Lapas. After getting situated in your room, go on the Sky Walk at Villa Lapas with your guide. The Sky Walk consists of five suspended bridges at more than 180 feet above the ground. Each of these bridges is 300 feet in length, crossing through the tropical rainforest.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Villa Lapas
Tarcoles
Day 4
This morning visit the nearby Carara National Park for a guided walk through beautiful transitional forest. This is the northernmost region of Pacific rainforest remaining in Costa Rica, and is the beginning of the transition zone into the tropical dry forests of the northwest. Trails through Carara feature thick, ancestral forest that’s remained unchanged for thousands of years, replete with towering ancient trees, vines and dense shady canopies that block out the light. Flocks of Scarlet Macaws swarm the palm trees in search of fruit. After lunch at the lodge, you will have the remainder of the day to explore the area on your own or take advantage of the Villa Lapas zip line canopy tour (available at extra cost; please make arrangements upon check in). After dinner, meet with your guide for a night walk and look for nocturnal wildlife.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Villa Lapas
Las Cruces
Day 5
If you wish, wake up early and enjoy a walk with your guide as you watch and listen to the wildlife start their day. After breakfast visit the Organization of Tropical Studies Las Cruces Station, located in the mountains close to the Panamanian border. Stop in the town of San Vito for lunch at a typical tico restaurant. This afternoon, receive a site lecture by the director of the station. The station is a mid-elevation site, and protects more than 740 acres of premontane wet forest habitat, some 500 of which are primary forest.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Las Cruces Biological Station
Las Cruces
Day 6
Breakfast is served early at Las Cruces, so be prepared to wake up with the birds. Take a morning guided walk through the on-site Wilson Botanical Garden. Wilson Botanical Garden is the most famous botanical garden in Central America, featuring beautifully diverse plantings of tropical and subtropical ornamentals, representatives of unusual plant families, and rare and endangered plants from Costa Rica and elsewhere. The garden also boasts the second largest collection of palms in the world. Other well-represented groups include ferns, aroids, bromeliads, gingers, heliconias, and marantas.The afternoon is at leisure for an opportunity to explore the gardens and trails on your own or with your guide.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Las Cruces Biological Station
San Gerardo de Dota
Day 7
This morning travel to San Gerardo de Dota with lunch en route. After checking in at Savegre Lodge, meet with your guide to learn the history of the lodge and the area, with a visit to the on-site research station. The property has nearly 1,000 acres of trails, both in virgin and secondary forests, and has been owned by the Chacon family for more than 40 years.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Savegre Lodge
San Gerardo de Dota
Day 8
If you wish, your guide will meet you for an early morning birding walk. After breakfast, take a guided hike on the Los Robles Trail. Hiking this trail takes you to trees more than 700 years old and up to 197 feet tall. The varying degrees of incline are not particularly strenuous, apart from the effort needed for the mountainous 2.8 mile stretch. Stop for a photo opportunity next to the magnificent Centenary Oak, given the Exceptional Tree Award in 2010 by the Costa Rican National Biodiversity Institute (INBio). Lunch at the lodge. If desired, enjoy another hike with your guide on the Las Cataratas Trail. This trail takes you along the banks of the Savegre River and leads to two waterfalls: the first is 1 mile from the hotel and the second, just 0.34 mile further, is more challenging and recommended only for those in good physical shape. If you would rather not go on one or either of these hikes, you can take advantage of the on-site spa and arrange treatments upon check in (at additional cost).
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Savegre Lodge
San José
Day 9
Following breakfast, enjoy an easy guided hike through primary rainforest on the La Quebrada Trail. Along the way, look out for many bird species and other wildlife. After lunch at the lodge, travel back to San José. Enjoy a delicious farewell dinner at the hotel.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Hotel Bougainvillea
San José
Day 10
Today you will be transferred to the airport in San José for your flight home.
Breakfast- included
What's Included
What's Not Included

Travel Info

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Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. and Canadian citizens must have a valid passport to enter Costa Rica. Passports must be valid for at least the duration of your stay. As this requirement is subject to change at any time without notice, we recommend at least 6 months' validity.

A visa is not re­quired for visits up to 30 days.

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Costa Rican Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.

When leaving Costa Rica there is a departure tax of approximately $29, which may be included in the cost of your ticket depending on your airline. 

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Costa Rica, unless you are traveling from an endemic yellow fever area within six weeks prior to entry.

Some physicians recommend that travelers get hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines before visiting Costa Rica.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

MALARIA

The CDC warns that travelers to Central America may be at risk for exposure to malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. Prevention is twofold: the use of anti-malarial drugs and the prevention of insect bites. If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription.

CHIKUNGUNYA

In June 2014, El Salvador reported locally transmitted cases of chikungunya in Central America. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with chikungunya and are spreading it to people. Local transmission of chikungunya is now being reported in other countries in Central America. CDC recommends that travelers to the Central America area protect themselves from mosquito bites.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

Resources

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Suggested Packing List

CLOTHING

  • T-shirts and one long-sleeved shirt for sun and mosquito protection
  • Shorts for the field and in towns
  • Pants (lightweight cotton), for protection against mosquitoes
  • Lightweight jacket/poncho or sweater/sweatshirt
  • Underwear
  • Bathing suit
  • Socks
  • Shoes
  • Hat or sun visor
  • Waterproof gear -- coat, hat, shoes/boots

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Binoculars (expensive ones are not necessary) and lens cleaner
  • Camera and extra batteries
  • A pocket calculator or phone to assist with currency exchange
  • A small backpack for day walks
  • Photocopies of all documentation, passport, and tickets
  • Prescription drugs and a copy of the prescription
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Non-perishable snacks

In addition to your toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items include bandages, mosquito repellant, antihistamine, a pain-reliever, individually wrapped moist towlettes, anti-diarrhea medicine, anti-fungal cream, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.

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