Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio and Corcovado National Parks.
8 days / 7 nights
From $2,436 per person, double occupancy for 2011

Day 1: San Jose
Upon arrival at the airport you will be met and transferred to your San Jose hotel. Overnight accommodations at the Hotel Grano de Oro (or similar), breakfast included.

Day 2: San Jose - Arenal
This morning you will be picked up at your hotel by our driver/guide and driven through the dramatically scenic forested mountains of Braulio Carrillo National Park on your journey to Arenal Volcano. En route stop at the Rainforest Aerial Tram where you will travel through the forest canopy by choosing either a tram ride or an adventurous canopy zip line tour. After lunch continue on to Arenal, one of the youngest and most active volcanoes of Costa Rica. Arenal has flows of 1800°F blocky lava, emissions of superheated steam and occasional noisy eruptions of steam, ash and rocks, and is set in front of a beautiful wilderness forested national park. Spend the night at the Arenal Observatory Lodge (or similar). (B,L,D)

Day 3: Arenal
During the morning you will explore the area near Arenal Volcano with your guide. While viewing the volcano from a safe vantage point, your guide will recount this volcano’s fascinating history and its explain its various types of activity. After enjoying a typical Costa Rican lunch at a local farm, you will visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges. These bridges consist of 6 suspension bridges through and above the jungle canopy and almost 2 miles of trails through lush rainforest. Spend the night again at Arenal Observatory Lodge (or similar). (B,L,D)

Day 4: Arenal - Manuel Antonio
In the morning you will be taken overland from Arenal to Manuel Antonio, one of the country's most popular national parks because of its unique mix of beach, forest growing to the beach’s edge, easy trails and wildlife. At Manuel Antonio visitors usually have up-close views of white-faced capuchin and squirrel monkeys, sluggish sloths, and black iguanas. Protected from rough surf by a cove, this favorite beach in the park is where most visitors sun themselves on the light cream-colored sand and enjoy bathing in the warm waters. Spend the night at Hotel Costa Verde (or similar). (B)

Day 5: Manuel Antonio
Today you will take a relaxing walk through Manuel Antonio National Park to enjoy the beautiful beaches, nature trails, wildlife and the area’s natural settings. Spend the day at your leisure. Overnight at your Manuel Antonio area hotel (B)

Day 6: Manuel Antonio - Drake Bay
This morning you will be picked up at your hotel for a transfer to the domestic airport in nearby Quepos for your flight to the South Pacific Coast where Drake Bay is located. In the area you use a comfortable jungle lodge as your base to explore. Here you will venture into the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s protected areas: Corcovado National Park, described as “the most biologically intense place on earth” by National Geographic. This coastal wilderness park is home to shy and elusive jaguars (you may see their tracks on forest trails!), tapirs, all four of Costa Rica’s monkey species, white-lipped peccaries, stunning scarlet macaws, several species of parrots, toucans and an incredible number of other bird and wildlife species. You will find plenty to keep you busy during your stay, from a number of optional tours such as sea kayaking, visit to Caño Island, horseback riding, etc. (at additional cost), to beachcombing, hiking or simply relaxing in this exuberant wilderness environment. (B,L,D)

Days 7, 8: Drake Bay/Corcovado National Park
Days at leisure. (B)

Day 9: Drake Bay - San Jose - Int'l departure
You will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the domestic airport for your flight to San José. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight. (B)