Costa Rica Natural Wonders

The principle of this trip: easy strolls and naturalistic observation, visits to the most prestigious sites of the country, the Monteverde cloud forests with their majorly active Arenal and Poas volcanoes, from the Pacific coast to Punta Leona. On the program, walking, boating, discovered discovering visits, and swimming!  An excellent overall vision of the country and its natural resources.

• Day 1/ Arival in San Jose
• Day 2/ Poas volcano, La Paz waterfall gardens
• Day 3/ Sariquipi river, rainforest center
• Day 4/ Arenal volcano
• Day 5/ Crossing Arenal Lake
• Day 6/ Cloud's forest Monteverde reserve
• Day 7/ Pacific coast, Punta Leona
• Day 8/ Coast, back to San Jose
• Day 9/ Depart from San Jose

This trip, based on leisurely strolls and the observation of nature features the most prestigious natural sites in the country; such as the Saraquipi Valley, Monteverde and the Arenal volcano, to other more secret places that are just as exciting. We culminate our voyage at the Pacific Coast. Between the Atlantic and the Pacific, this small country offers a variety of impressive scenery. Ten volcanoes, mostly active, are of course, one of the main attractions. But Costa Rica is an incredible biodiversity. On a territory hardly equivalent to a twentieth of Colorado, the country is home to 5% of the world's species, a score unsurpassed! This treasure is protected through a proactive policy of protecting nature, including the establishment of many national parks, biological reserves and wildlife refuges.

Day 1/ Arrival in San Jose
Meeting at the San Jose airport. Transfer to the hotel out of town.
Dinner and overnight in Buena Vista Hotel (or similar), set amongst beautiful gardens.

Day 2/  Poas Volcano -  Sarapiqui Valley
Bus drive to Poas Volcano and its active blue lagoon crater. Walk in the National Park and visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens; a very scenic place in the middle of a tropical rainforest. The road down leads to the Caribbean. Dinner and overnight in La Quinta de Sarapiqui (or similar).

Day 3/ Sarapiqui - Arenal Volcano
Visit the insect exhibition's and visit the La Tirimbina Rainforest Center, a private reserve with beautiful trails near the Sarapiqui River. Visit a cacao tree plantation.  After lunch, drive to La Fortuna de Arenal, near the famous and very active volcano. Swim in the natural hot springs and dinner at Ecotermales. Overnight in Arenal Springs Resort (or similar).

Day 4/ Arenal Volcano
Depending on the weather and volcanic activity, we will walk thru different viewpoints, the closest possible to the forbidden zone. Very rich animal life: possible to observe 3 different species of monkeys, sometimes toucans and numerous other birds.  Then a walk to the impressive Catarata de La Fortuna waterfall: possibility to swim. At night, observation of permanent the constant volcanic activity (since 1968). Dinner and overnight in Arenal Springs Resort (or similar).

Day 5/ Arenal  - Monteverde
A beautiful bus/boat/bus trip crossing Arenal lake, with a splendid view of giant Arenal volcano. From Rio Chiquito, drive the dirt (or muddy) road to the Monteverde cloud forests. Dinner and overnight at Fonda Vela (or similar).

Day 6/  Monteverde
Morning walk in the world famous Cloud's Forest Monteverde Reserve : moss covered trees, numerous ferns, bromeliads and orchids that together make a fantastic décor, animated by insects and the song of birds ... After lunch, visit the Butterfly Garden and the Frog Pond. Dinner and overnight at Fonda Vela (or similar).

Day 7/ Pacific Coast
Bus trip from Monteverde to the Central Pacific Coast. Observe the gigantic crocodiles of the Tarcoles River.  Arrive in Punta Leona. Swim at the beautiful beach.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel Punta Leon (or similar).

Day 8/  Return to San José
After a last dive in the sea, drive back to San José. City tour with your guide and free time. Dinner in town and overnight in Hotel Grano de Oro (or similar).

Day 9 / Depart from San Jose
Transfer to the airport for return flight.

Naturalist observation walks, on paths: in general 2 to 3 hours of walking.

- The walking time schedules are given only as an estimate.
- For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior notice. 

During hikes, all of your belongings are dispatched between a back pack carried during the walk and a traveling bag with a lock.  Each participant walks with a light back pack, carrying only the personal items necessary for the day or half day (water bottle, camera, protective clothing, etc). Transport is ensured by the vehicle of assistance and the logistic team during the excursions.

The guide
- an American or an English speaking Costa Rican professional Mountain World Travel guide, hiking specialist with good knowledge of the environment  
The local team
- a driver.

Ground transportation, bus equipped with air conditioning and well adapted for the local roads (sometimes in bad shape)
Yacht specially reserved for the group depending on the circuit.

It is varied, in charming hotels or lodges of excellent standing (superior) in the wilderness. Trips are based on 4 star accommodations, sometimes 3 stars when there is no other option in the area.
Due to our goal of providing quality accommodations, we seek charming and reputable places located in the middle of the most beautiful landscapes, on the most beautiful view-points or close to the departure of the excursions.
In the cities, we book hotels of excellent category (superior), 4 stars local standard or similar when available, according to availability at the time of reservation.
We choose these hotels and lodges, not only for the excellent price/quality ratio, but also for their cordiality and hospitality.

The names of accommodations (hotels, lodges, etc...) when they are indicated, are only indicative.
Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels/Lodges, etc...) may be replaced by another equivalent type.
It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors.

Breakfast and dinner at the lodge or in restaurant.
Lunch, as a picnic, eaten on site, sometimes in restaurant when being transported by bus.
Drinks: water is drinkable everywhere. Fresh fruit juices, delicious and varied, accompany meals. You will also find beer and good rum! The Costa Rican coffee is excellent. Gastronomy: Tica cuisine kitchen is varied, a little bit spicy and containing excellent products. The basic dish is the Casado (rice, black beans, fresh vegetables, banana plantain, salad, cheese); accompanying chicken, meat or fish. You can easily eat vegetarian if you wish.

Although we are an experienced adventure travel company doing our best to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed itinerary, there is always the possibility that we may need to modify it for different reasons beyond our control. Please read the Registration Conditions: Terms and Booking conditions – Limitations of Liability.

• International flights in/out San Jose
• Airport tax (to date 26 $ per person)
• All services mentioned in Services +/extensions/options
• Medical & Travel Insurance
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

• Drinks (except mineral water during meals)
• Personal expenses
• Tips for guide and porters
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

As airfare is NOT included in our adventures, please check if your trip is "a guaranteed departure" before confirming your own airline travel arrangements. You can check your trip status at the website of Mountain World Travel or contact the Mountain World Travel office at 1 888-MWT-TREK (698-8735).

Our preferred airlines to fly to San Jose:
-      American Airlines: flights from anywhere in the States through Dallas, Miami
-      Continental: flights from anywhere in the States through Houston, New York
-      Delta: flights from anywhere in the States through Atlanta
-      United: flights from anywhere in the States through Miami, New York, Chicago, Denver, San Francisco.

Formalities for US, Canada, Australia, NZ passports travelers: a passport valid at least 30 days after the arrival of your journey; no visa needed for a stay up to 90 days.
For US citizens, please check with US Government Travel Entry Exit Requirements
For other nationalities, please contact the Costa Rica embassy of your country.

Costa Rica is the first country in Latin America in terms of quality of care. The techniques used are modern and the doctors are well trained.
Vaccines: No vaccine is obligatory. We however advise you to be up to date with traditional vaccinations: diphtheria, tetanus, polio, typhoid fever. Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended.
For more information visit the website of the US Department of Health.
A treatment against Malaria is sometimes advised, but not necessary in our opinion. However, we do highly recommend that you protect yourself carefully against mosquitoes (mosquito repellent and shirts with long sleeves), because in certain zones, occasional seasonal cases of dengue have been announced.
Dentist and doctor:
A check up before departure is recommended.

LEVEL 1
2 months prior:  Hike 6 miles every weekend or on two consecutive days.  Pay attention to your lifestyle and your weight.

Basic equipment
- A warm fleece hat
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun
- Sun glasses (minimum index 3 or 4 for high mountain)
- Thermal top and bottom, short and long) underwear (fast drying).
- Fleece turtle neck top
- A warm fleece jacket (light weight/well insulated).
- A waterproof/breathable shell jacket (Gore-Tex).
- A pair of gloves
- A rain poncho
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight hiking long pants
- A Camelback or a water bottle.

Shoes and technical material
- Hiking socks
- Light ventilated hiking shoes with a good traction on different type of terrain, for people with fragile ankles: waterproof ankle hiking boots and a sole offering good traction.
- A pair of telescopic walking poles

Luggage
- A back pack equipped with broad straps, with an adjustable anatomical back reinforcement, and a capacity of 7 to 9 gallons, for your daily belongings
- A soft travel bag, which can hold between 18 to 23 gallons that will be transported by the porter team or by vehicle during the day.

Miscellaneous
- A change of clothes.
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Toilet paper.
- A pocket knife (not in carry on luggage).
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- A bathing suit.
- A small pocket anti-theft protection device, to always keep on yourself, along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance.

Some advice
During your flight your back pack should contain fragile and useful items that you might need while on the plane (camera, memory cards, jacket, books, magazines, medication, dop-kit etc).