Itinerary

Day 1: Saturday. Home to San Jose, Costa Rica
We arrive into San Jose. We will be met at the Juan Santamaria International airport and transferred to our lodge on the banks of the Rio Sarapiqui. During the scenic drive we visit the spectacular La Paz Waterfall Gardens, and tonight we enjoy a candlelit Welcome Orientation dinner.
Overnight Selva Verde Lodge (D)

Day 2: Sunday. Selva Verde
Sounds of the forest abound - parrots, toucans, monkeys, macaws and more, as this morning we head out for our first hike in the rainforest. After lunch at the lodge we head out for an exhilarating whitewater rafting trip on the Class III and Class IV Rio Sarapiqui. Along the way all manner of wildlife can be spotted and we will make a stop (planned or otherwise!) for a quick swim in the refreshing waters.
Overnight Selva Verde Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 3: Monday. Selva Verde to Arenal Volcano
Early morning (optional) bird walk and after breakfast we depart our lodge for a scenic drive to the slopes of the still active Arenal volcano. The forested slopes of this National Park abound with wildlife, and we will have a chance for a walk this afternoon. This evening we plan to enjoy the spectacle of the volcano erupting as we eat under the stars at the Mirador Kioro Restaurant.
Overnight Arenal Paraíso or Tilajari Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 4: Tuesday. Arenal Volcano
A relaxed day of exploration, nature walks, relaxing in the thermal pools, canopy walks, and more are all possible. Or, of course, we can just relax in the lush tropical grounds of our lodge, enjoying the hummingbirds and other wildlife that come to feed in the tropical flowers and feeders. Tonight we will visit the Ecotermales Hot Springs, where you can relax in the soothing waters and be caressed by the cool night air while observing the stars and the incredible night sky above the volcano. At a convenient time after your arrival, we will be treated to a splendid dinner.
Overnight Arenal Paraíso or Tilajari Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 5: Wednesday. Arenal Volcano to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Today we venture higher up in these spectacular mountains, to the famed cloudforest reserve of Monteverde. To get there we will take a boat ride across Arenal Lake and then horseback ride through the forest, and up to our lodge for the next two nights. We will settle in this afternoon and enjoy the sunset over the distant (and sometimes visible) Pacific Ocean.
Overnight Belmar Hotel, Trapp Family Lodge or Montaña Monteverde (B,L,D)

Day 6: Thursday. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
We devote the whole day to exploration of the Monteverde cloud forest as we search for the famous Resplendent Quetzal. Here we also hope to see Three-wattled Bellbirds, Howler Monkeys and more, including the dazzling hummingbirds that are found in abundance at the Hummingbird gallery at the entrance to the reserve! We may also choose to visit the suspended bridges and walkways of the Canopy Tour, or zoom through the treetops on the Zip-line. Tonight we will hear about the work of the Fundacion Conservacionista Costaricense and their efforts to protect this mystical and special area. Before we enjoy dinner this evening at the colorful and festive local restaurant, Johnny's Pizza.
Overnight Belmar Hotel, Trapp Family Lodge or Montaña Monteverde (B,L,D)

Day 7: Friday. Monteverde Cloud Forest to Villa Caletas
We head down the mountains this morning, by bus, so we can spend and enjoy some well deserved rest, sun and relaxation or "beach time", as we spend the next two nights in luxury at the Villa Caletas. Perched atop a headland that spills down to the Pacific Ocean, this is the perfect place to watch the sunset over the Ocean each evening.
Overnight Villa Caletas (B,L,D)

Day 8: Saturday. Villa Caletas and Carara National Park
Today is left free to allow you to relax. Of course we can also venture off property to visit nearby Parks or wildlife preserves, or go sport fishing from Los Suenos marina, or perhaps try surfing at nearby Jaco Beach. But our last day is also a chance to relax and reflect on the remarkable achievements of Costa Rica in protecting so much biodiversity. Farewell dinner tonight will be overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Overnight Villa Caletas (B,L,D)

Day 9: Sunday. San Jose and home
After breakfast drive back to the Juan Santamaría International Airport and our flights home.
(B)

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