Walking The World

At the bottom was the waterfall and a deep, blue-green pond. Some of us cooled off with a swim beneath the falls.”<

February 6-16, 2006
New Date March 6-16, 2006

Land Cost: $2,495 U.S.
Single Supplement Rate: $425 U.S.
Trip Begins: San Jose, Costa Rica
Trip Ends: San Jose, Costa Rica
Lodging: Hotels/Inns

Detailed Itinerary
What we Provide

For years you’ve probably heard friends rave about Costa Rica: its natural beauty, wildlife, friendly people, the political stability of the area, reasonable prices, erupting volcanoes, beautiful beaches, and the mysterious rainforests. You know what? It’s all true! It’s hard to imagine that there can be such diversity in landforms and wildlife in such a small country, but you’ll soon be back telling your friends about that amazing place called Costa Rica.

Part of the reason Costa Rica is so popular with visitors is its commitment to preserving the nation’s natural areas and wildlife. In fact, proportionately, Costa Rica protects more of its land in parks and reserves than any other country in the world. Until recently, Costa Rica could boast of protecting 11.4 percent of their national territory in their parks system. A new initiative will extend this total to nearly 19 percent of Costa Rica’s mountains, volcanoes, forests, and beaches. When you join us in Costa Rica, you’ll be traveling to one of the most diverse areas in the world. Costa Rica’s parks shelter some of the planet’s most important examples of biological diversity including 5 percent of all plant and animal species on Earth. Costa Rica’s National Biodiversity Institute has identified an absolutely amazing number of both plant and animal species. Those species presently known include 209 mammals; 850 birds; 220 reptiles; 163 amphibians; 130 freshwater fish; 350,000 insects, spiders and crabs; 13,021 plants; 1,500 trees; and over 1,400 types of orchids. All in all, Costa Rica offers one of the most attractive and hospitable destinations in the world. So, brush up on your Spanish, load your camera, open your senses, and join us in magical Costa Rica!

This itinerary may be changed at the discretion of the trip leader.
( B = Breakfast included, L = Lunch included, D = Dinner included )

Day 1 - Arrive San Jose... Transfer to our hotel from the airport. You can arrive anytime today. Overnight in San Jose.

Adventure Trips: Costa Rica

Day 2 - Poas Volcano & La Paz Waterfall... After a hearty breakfast, we will meet our local guide at 8:00 am, learn a bit of Spanish, and then head for our first walk at Poas Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica and the second largest crater in the world. The La Paz waterfall is our next destination. La Paz is actually the final portion of a spectacular 4-tiered waterfall. This will also provide an opportunity to spot our first hummingbirds – 6 different types of varying shapes and sizes. B, L, D

Day 3 - La Selva Biological Station... We will start prior to dawn this morning, because as the saying goes, “the early tourista catches the bird!” La Selva is considered one of the best places in Costa Rica for bird watching and also has one of the greatest diversities of plant, animal, and butterfly species. Chances are good we will also encounter a group of local monkeys, including the ever entertaining howlers, meet the infamous poison dart frog, and if fortune is with us, even catch a rare glimpse of the giant green macaw. In the afternoon we will visit a local banana plantation to learn how this important cash crop is grown and harvested. B, L, D

Day 4 - Sarapiqui River... Talk about immersion! Today we’ll trade our boots for sandals and enjoy a rafting trip on the beautiful Sarapiqui River. It’s a gentle river, class II rapids, so we’ll all be able to enjoy a leisurely float through this tropical paradise. After lunch, we’ll drive through the San Carlos valley to La Fortuna, home to the famous Arenal Volcano. On the way to Fortuna, we’ll stop at a small farm to learn about the production of pepper. Arenal Volcano is currently active, erupting approximately every 2-4 hours. If the weather is clear, we’ll be able to see lava flung skyward! Tonight we will have the opportunity to meet some local people and learn a few Costa Rican dances at a very special Tico fiesta. Overnight in Fortuna. B, L, D

Adventure Trips: Costa Rica

Day 5 - Penas Blancas River & Tabacon Hot Springs... We’ll begin our morning with an opportunity to prepare your own “typical” breakfast at the “La Casona” culture area. Then it’s off to board our boats for a gentle float trip on the Penas Blancas River. During our time on the river we’ll be treated to a veritable smorgasbord of wildlife, including howler and white-face monkeys, caimans, grackles, blue Herons, egrets, hummingbirds, Roseate Spoonbills, White Ibis, American Anhingas, turtles, the Amazon Kingfisher and the Basilik lizard to name but a few. Along the way, we’ll stop at a typical Costa Rican house for a visit, and coffee, with a long time resident and his family. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a luxurious soak and dinner at Tabacon Hot Springs, an extravagantly landscaped series of hot pools and waterfalls. Overnight in Fortuna. B, L, D

Day 6 - Arenal Lake & Monteverde Cloud Forest... Today we travel across Lake Arenal and then take the “shortcut” to Monteverde, home of the world famous cloud forests Costa Rica is so famous for. Biologically rich, Monteverde is home to thousands of species of plants, animals and butterflies. The reserve itself covers approximately 10,000 acres and contains six different ecological communities. In addition to our regular hike through the Cloud forest, we’ll enjoy an afternoon walk in the very top of the canopy on the exciting “sky walk”. You’ll love it. Overnight in Monteverde. B, L, D

Day 7 - Monteverde... Today we spend the morning exploring the Monteverde Cloud Forest, an area so rich biologically that scientists from around the world come to study this rich ecosystem. In the afternoon we’ll also take time to visit a local “Ecological Farm”. Overnight in Monteverde. B, L, D

Day 8: Gulf of Nicoya, Guaitil and Tamarindo... Leaving Monteverde, we travel to the gulf of Nicoya, via the largest bridge in Costa Rica. We’ll stop along the way for a visit to the artisan village of Guaitil and an introduction to the local pottery made here. Our next stop is the town of Santa Cruz and the “Coope Tortillas”, a corporation of older women who make a traditional style pancake from corn. Tonight, packing our pillows in preparation for a late night adventure, we will head to Grand Beach to marvel at the nesting sea turtles. We will be on “turtle time,” but the opportunity to watch a Leatherback turtle lay her eggs is something you will never forget. B, L, D

Day 9 - Tamarindo... Beach Beautiful beaches, warm waters, and fresh fish dinners all make Tamarindo a delightfully charming experience. A free day in Tamarindo – relax by the beach, shop, or ride horseback – the choice is yours! B, L, D

Day 10 - San Jose... Departing early in the morning, we will drive to San Jose, where we’ll arrive late in the afternoon. There will be plenty of time to pack and have a lovely farewell dinner and enjoy a visit to San Jose’s unique Central Market. Overnight in San Jose. B, L, D

Day 11 - San Jose... Transfer to the airport for flights home. Flights can be booked at any time. B

Walking The World® experienced guide
Meals as listed
All ground transportation while on tour
All admission fees to scheduled stops
Costa Rican Naturalist Guide
10 nights accommodation (double occupancy)
Unique and original Journal of your trip
Walking The World® T-shirt or hat

Read about Costa Rica

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