Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloudforest, Manuel Antonio Beach
9 days / 8 nights
From $1,578 per person, double occupancy for 2009

Day 1: San Jose
Airport reception and transfer to your San Jose hotel. Overnight accommodations at the Hotel Don Carlos, breakfast included.

Day 2 (Mondays/Thursdays): San Joes - Arenal
This morning you'll be picked up at your San Jose hotel by your English speaking guide for a scenic drive with a small group* to Arenal Volcano. En route you will drive through Braulio Carillo National Park and across the Rio Sucio bridge to the 1000-acre private nature reserve where the Aerial Tram is located. An open-sided vehicle will shuttle you 1.5 km. to the Aerial Tram Visitor's Center. You will first be introduced to the rainforest on a walk prior to boarding the tram cars for the 1.3 km long aerial excursion. The round-trip takes approximately 2 hours as the cars glide on a breathtaking journey below, through and above the rainforest canopy. The ride will stop several times along the way. Before continuing to Arenal you will have lunch at a local restaurant serving typical Costa Rican fare. *You will be with the small group and guide until returning to San Jose (or arriving at the beach). After lunch continue to Arenal. At the volcano, stop to explore the west flank prior to continuing on up to the Arenal Observatory Lodge. The Arenal Volcano (elevation over 5350 feet and still growing) erupted for the first time this century on July 29, 1968 with a tremendous explosion. Having released pressure that had built up for more than 450 years, Arenal today continues to erupt but on a smaller and much safer scale. Due to its continuous activity Arenal is considered one of the world's most active volcanoes - there are only 5 or 6 volcanoes worldwide that are perpetually active. Arenal is the only volcano in Costa Rica producing continuous lava flows. The eruptions are variable and range in frequency from several times daily to a few times per month. When these eruptions occur on a cloudless night, visitors are awed by the natural fireworks display of the ejected red-hot rocks and thunderous booms that accompany them which can be heard over 10 miles away. Seismologists from the Smithsonian Institute and the National University of Costa Rica have been intensely monitoring Arenal for over 25 years. The Arenal Observatory Lodge was established in 1987 to study the volcano on a site chosen by these scientists for its proximity and safety. The Observatory is 1.6 miles south of the volcano and faces it on a ridge crest at an elevation of 2428 feet. From this mid-level vantage you'll have an impressive view of the volcano as well as a spectacular view of nearby Lake Arenal. Surrounding the Observatory is the Arenal Forest Preserve encompassing thousands of acres of pristine rainforest and teems with tropical birds and wildlife. A visit to Arenal is truly a spectacular natural history experience. Overnight at the Arenal Observatory Lodge in a Smithsonian Room. From the Observatory, which is situated only 1.6 miles south of the volcano, visitors have an impressive view of this "giant which rumbles" and erupts with spectacular displays of vapor and lava. The Observatory is the only lodge situated within the Arenal Volcano National Park, which encompasses thousands of acres containing pristine rainforest, teeming with tropical birds and wildlife. Time permitting; you will visit the Kioro or El Silencio lookouts. Dinner included at the lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Arenal - Monteverde
This morning enjoy a hike with your guide inside the Arenal National Park through rainforest where monkeys, toucans and parrots are frequently seen. Continue over a cold blocky lava flow from Arenal Volcano that formed in 1992 and provides panoramic vistas of the volcano, forests, mountains and Arenal Lake. Return to the lodge before being picked up and transferred around Arenal Lake to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the most diverse and richest tropical cloud forests in the New World. It is best known as home to the Resplendent Quetzal but has hundreds of other birds, mammals and plant species. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is the richest and most complex tropical cloud forest in the New World, and home to the beautiful Resplendent Quetzal. There are at least 400 other bird species, including the three-wattled bellbird, not easily seen but frequently heard, over 100 species of mammals and an estimated 2500 species of plants. For the most part you will experience a misty forest with dense vegetation and majestic trees. Here you will find many wild relatives of familiar tropical houseplants including philodendrons, ficus trees, bromeliads and ferns. Orchids abound with over 300 species occurring here, however many are tiny and inconspicuous while others thrive among the lush vegetation of the canopy 125 feet above the forest floor. This diversity of flora and fauna throughout the eight distinct ecological communities at Monteverde makes it a paradise for the nature lover. The reserve encompasses approximately 10,200 hectares and one can enjoy an extremely rich variety of species with relatively little walking on well-maintained trails. The Monteverde Cloud Forest is one of the most beautiful forests in Costa Rica and is a naturalist's dream come true. In addition to the Reserve itself, the nearby communities host visitors in the true Tico style with the famous Monteverde Cheese Factory, the women's cooperative where local women hand paint and embroider clothing with ecological themes, the Hummingbird Gallery where outside hummingbirds fearlessly feed at feeders within inches of visitors and their cameras, and inside beautiful photographs of nature by world famous photographers Michael and Patricia Fogden are displayed and sold, and the Butterfly Garden which features many species of tropical butterflies native to Costa Rica. Overnight accommodations are at a typical lodge located close to the entrance to the reserve. Hotel Fonda Vela (or similar), daily breakfast and dinner included. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
In the morning visit Selvatura's Treetop Walkways, a 1.9 mile (approx. 3 kms.) trail that crosses through the cloud forest, visitors walk through eight bridges of various lengths ranging from 150 feet (50 meters) up to 510 feet (170 meters) and elevations ranging between 36 feet (12 meters) up to 180 feet (60 meters). Each of the bridges features a five foot width and capacity of up to 80 people per bridge. The treetop walkways are suitable for people of all ages and physical condition the duration of the tour is usually between 1.5 and 2 hours. After lunch this afternoon, hike with your guide through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve viewing the misty forest with its dense vegetation and majestic trees. Overnight in Monteverde at the Hotel Fonda Vela (or similar), dinner and breakfast included. (B,L,D) Optional Canopy tour (at additional cost): Selvatura's Canopy zip line tour, considered one of the longest of its kind it is located inside the actual virgin cloud forest of Monteverde. The tour starts with a safety talk by the guides and getting fitted with the appropriate equipment, then the adventure begins through each of the 15 cables and 18 platforms, at the end you may choose to take the optional Tarzan Swing. Tour usually takes between 2.5 and 3 hours

Day 5: Manuel Antonio
You will be transferred to Manuel Antonio, one of the country's most popular national parks because of its unique mix of beach and forest trails. Overnight accommodations at the Hotel Costa Verde (studio room). Nestled on jungle covered hills, the hotel is a short walk from Manuel Antonio. The hotel offers views of the Pacific Ocean and has easy access to the abundant wildlife of the jungle, a cliffside pool, bar and restaurant. Rooms feature hardwood furniture and kitchenettes. MANUEL ANTONIO Manuel Antonio National Park, on Costa Ricas' Pacific coast, is a favorite for both nature enthusiasts and beach lovers. The national park is famous for its white sandy beaches and adjacent evergreen forest which grows right down to the high tide mark. Fortunately, these beautiful shores were made a National Park, protecting them from the environmental hazards of tourism. Facilities at the park include an information center, museum and a variety of trails. One of the most interesting trails leads you through the jungle to the top of Cathedral Point where you can look down the vertical cliffs to the crystal clear water below. Other activities in the park include snorkeling, horseback riding, boat rides and fishing programs are available. More than 100 species of mammals have been identified, including the endangered squirrel monkey. The park is also home to two and three toed sloths, common raccons, white-nosed coati, white faced capuchin monkeys, iguanas and tree squirrels. Many of these species can be observed right from the beach. Also frequenting the beach are several species of turtles. Manuel Antonio is a paradise for birdwatchers and snorkelers. Some of the most common species of birds in the park include the Brown Pelican, Gauco, Black-Collared Hawk, White Ibis, White-Collared Cuejo, Fiery Billed Aracari, Green Kingfisher and the Northern Jacana. The six main communities of marine life are home to 10 species of sponge, 19 of coral, 24 of crustacean, 17 of algae and 78 of fish. Especially interesting is the Mouthless Crab, a medium sized crab with a light blue shell, very strong bright yellow claws and red legs.(B)

Day 6: Manuel Antonio
The following list of activities are available while at Manuel Antonio (not included in trip cost): RAINMAKER A 1500-acre private reserve, located approximately 30 minutes from Manuel Antonio, within the Fila Chonta mountain range, consisting of mostly primary rainforest. The Rainmaker includes 2 activities – the River Walk and the Canopy Walk. Rainmaker River Walk tour is a comfortable walk along trails that weave up beside a mountain river with waterfalls cascading through the lush undercover of the jungle. You will be accompanied by a professional nature interpreter who'll explain and highlight the importance of the bio diversity of the rainforest sanctuary. Be sure to bring your bathing suit for you will be stopping to take an optional swim in pristine pools along this three hour tour. Rainmaker Canopy Walk is the area's only user friendly suspension bridge system. The design allows minimal impact to the forest below providing our guided groups an opportunity to explore the majesty of the canopy from a bird's eye view. Wear or bring a bathing suit. Hikes are rated as difficult. MANUEL ANTONIO GUIDED PARK TOUR A naturalist guide takes you on a 2 1/2 hour informative hike through the Manual Antonio National Park. You will learn about the flora and fauna along with a little history, and animal sightings, the most common being sloths, white faced monkeys, coatimundis, agouti, squirrel monkeys and numerous tropical birds. Included are transportation from/to your hotel, entrance fee and guide. Park is closed on Mondays. HORSEBACK RIDING TO WATERFALLS For beginners to advanced riders, horseback riding is available by the beach or in the rainforest. SEA KAYAKING ISLA DAMAS ESTUARY Paddle protected inland waterways, a perfect place to learn this magical way of exploring coastal mangrove areas and seeing wildlife. None of this trip is in the open ocean and the pace of this trip is according to your abilities. Lunch is at a nearby seafood restaurant. Transportation from your hotel is included. Duration – approx. 5 1/2hr. (12-years-old and older) MANUEL ANTONIO COASTAL PADDLE A more challenging open ocean kayak paddle along one of Costa Rica's most beautiful coastlines. Nearby islands are nesting sites for boobies and frigatesbirds. There is stop for a swim and snacks in isolated Biesanz Bay and lunch at the end of the trip, near the National Park of Manual Antonio. Duration – 6 hours. Requirements: some experience or reasonable fitness as waves and surf are common. ISLA DAMAS MANGROVE TOUR Treat yourself to a launch tour of the estuary with a biologist guide. There is great birding and wonderful vistas on this mangrove lagoon. You will stop at the island for a nice walk on the beach. Then enjoy lunch or dinner at a restaurant overlooking the mangrove canal. Good for the whole family. Time: Depends on tide CANOPY SAFARI Pick-up at your hotel to enjoy the adventure of “The Canopy Safari”. Enjoy a safari-style 4x4 ride through the rainforest. Along the way there are many opportunities to expand your knowledge of the Costa Rican wilderness. Then traverse from tree to tree and platform to platform, using pulleys on horizontal traverse cables, to sail through the treetops and over the trails far below you. It is a way in which to preserve the fragile ecosystem and gain a forest perspective available previously to only a select few researchers and photographers. Enjoy lunch and swim at the ranch along side the river. DOLPHIN WATCH TOUR Explore the entire coast from Quepos to the southern limit of the park in a Zodiac-type inflatable boat. Besides dolphins, you often see turtles, flying fish and nesting frigates and boobies. The rugged coast has blow holes, caves, the Indian burial island of Mogotes. You will stop to swim and have snacks on the beautiful Biesanz Beach. Half-day tour. WHITEWATER RAFTING The Savegre River (all year) (class II & III) – This full day adventure takes you to the Rio Savegre for a two-hour guided scenic rafting trip in 6-man rafts or in 2-man inflatable kayaks. There are great swimming holes and a large variety of birds such as egrets, toucans, osprey, kingfishers, and cormorants. Afterward, you will stop at the 'El Silencio' lodge for a tico-style lunch in a thatched roof restaurant with great views and a nature path. Afterward, you head to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area with many blooming heliconias in the shady ‘Garden of Eden’. Requirements: children over 10, relatively fit adults who can paddle and walk over river rocks. Parrita River (class II & III) – This is one of Costa Rica's most beautiful waterways cascading down from the Bustamente Mountain Range with a mix of jungle and subsistence farms. In the rainy season 6-man inflatable duckies are used making this even more challenging as you guide your own boat, following a safety kayaker. Lunch is 'tico' style at a small riverside restaurant. There are opportunities to swim and take pictures along the way. Time 8:30- 3:30 PM. Good for the whole family (9 years old and up). Naranjo River (April – Dec) – A class III & IV half day challenge for more experienced paddlers. The Naranjo drops steeply from the mountain above Quepos, through a beautiful jungle gorge and takes you on a wild ride to the sea passing nearby farmlands and palm plantations. Water levels can rise quickly on this river upping the difficulty and adrenaline levels, so rafters should be physically fit and adventurous. Fruits and snacks midway. Requirements: good physical condition (13 years and over).

Day 7: Manuel Antonio
Day at leisure.

Day 8: Quepos - San Jose
Transfer to airport for your flight to San Jose. Airport reception and transfer to your hotel. Overnight Hotel Don Carlos (or similar), breakfast included.

Day 9: Int'l departure
Hotel pickup and transfer to the airport. (B)

Single supplement - $645