Costa Rica: Eruptions of Beauty

DAY 1 – Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica
Today is a free day to relax or explore on your own. Hotel Sleep Inn San Jose or similar.  (B)

DAY 2 – La Fortuna
After breakfast at the hotel this morning, we board our bus and head to La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano. On the way, we stop in Sarchí and Zarcero. Sarchí is a small town known for its woodworking and craftsman-ship, especially its wide variety of handmade oxcarts–a common and traditional symbol of Costa Rica. Zarcero is famous for its topiary garden, an elaborate garden with trees and bushes manicured into various figures. Upon arrival in La Fortuna, we visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges for a nature walk that takes us high above the canopy as we cross six hanging suspension bridges! During the 1.86-mile walk, we get breathtaking views of the Arenal Lake, a waterfall and the majestic Arenal Volcano. After the walk we check into our hotel where we have dinner and the rest of the evening to relax. We spend the next two nights in La Fortuna. Hotel Montaña del Fuego or similar.  (B,D)

DAY 3 – La Fortuna
We start the day with a refreshing float down a local river. We enjoy the sun and the fresh air as we glide through the water. All the rafts are escorted by certified rafting and naturalist guides who are anxious to point out interesting flora and fauna along the way. We will likely see monkeys, birds, turtles, iguanas and maybe even the Jesus Christ lizard which walks on water. The afternoon is free to spend as you wish! You will likely find many optional activities available at the hotel, or you can relax in our hotel’s thermally heated pool and view the mighty Arenal Volcano (weather permitting). Perhaps we’ll see boulders tumbling down the mountain, or hot lava flowing down the side. Hotel Montaña del Fuego or similar.  (B,D)

DAY 4 – Monteverde
We begin the day with a relaxing boat ride across the beautiful Arenal Lake. When we reach the other side, we continue on bus to Santa Elena—a ride which affords us spectacular views of the rain forest, the lake and the mountains. Late this afternoon we will arrive in Santa Elena, an area originally settled in the 1950’s by North American Quakers. Upon arrival, we have some free time to spend as we wish. You may want to take a stroll through this small town to get a taste of the local culture, or if time allows visit the Butterfly Garden—a local attraction featuring over 40 species of butterflies. We spend the next two nights in Monteverde. Hotel El Establo or similar.  (B,D)

DAY 5 – Monteverde
Today we experience the Monteverde Cloud Forest like never before—zipping by cable through the treetops! The Monteverde Sky Trek system includes over 1.25 miles of cable connected by three platforms, a 72 ft. high observation platform, two suspension bridges, and requires 1.5 miles of walking (including some stairs). Participants are attached individually to the cables with two high quality harnesses, which support the body so that you feel as though you’re sitting in a chair. Safety is the number one priority of the Sky Trek team, and as such, fun and excitement become the prevalent memory of visitors. An alternative will be the Sky Tram for those that like a slower and less lofty experience. Either is an option and the price will be the same. The afternoon is free to spend as you wish. Perhaps you’d like to spend some time on the ground at the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, trekking on the many paths or watching out for exotic birds such as toucans and the shining quetzal bird, the most famous in Costa Rica! Hotel El Establo or similar.  (B,D)

DAY 6 – Manuel Antonio
After breakfast we descend from the mountains to the Inter-American Highway built in the early 1940’s to connect the 49th state with the southern tip of South America. Here we head south, passing through various climatic zones and ecosystems on our way to the famous Manuel Antonio National Park. En route, we pass through palm oil plantations, and if we’re lucky, we see a locally famous 14-foot crocodile near the Tarcoles River. Upon arrival at our hotel, the afternoon is free to relax around the pool, visit the town of Manuel Antonio, or trek down the road to the beautiful beach. We spend the next two nights in Manuel Antonio. Hotel La Colina or similar.  (B,D)

DAY 7 – Manuel Antonio
This morning, a private naturalist guide takes us across the estuary to the Manuel Antonio National Park. A conveniently paced nature walk through the park affords us the opportunity to view an abundance of wildlife—this is where white-faced monkeys have been known to steal snacks from one’s knapsack. We sample some tropical fruits on the beaches of Manuel Antonio Park at the end of our tour. The afternoon is completely free to spend as you wish. You may want to spend the day dozing on the white sand beaches or splashing in the warm waves. Maybe you’ll choose to shop for handmade products among the many stalls near the beach. This evening dinner is on your own, to give you the opportunity to try one of the many intriguing restaurants in Manuel Antonio. Our bus driver will be available to transfer you up the road to the restaurant housed in a crashed plane, if you would like a unique dining experience! Hotel La Colina or similar.  (B)

DAY 8 – San José
After breakfast at the hotel, we head back through the mountains to San José. Upon arrival we have a fascinating tour of San José. We visit the National Theater, built between 1890 and 1897 and modeled after the Paris Opera House. We then have some free time for exploring the pedestrian zone and last minute shopping. This evening we have a farewell dinner out on the town, during which we can relive the trip highlights and enjoy good company. We overnight in San José. Hotel Sleep Inn San Jose or similar.  (B,D)

DAY 9 – Return to the USA
After the hotel’s breakfast, we are transported back to the international airport with fond memories of a delightfully entertaining, educational and adventurous week in Costa Rica, the Garden of the Americas.(B)