Volcanoes and Toucans Hiking Trip

Crossing the national parks of the Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes, observation of wildlife and flora, and the pleasure of swimming in the warm waters of the Pacific. A trip resolutely sport oriented (nine consecutive days of walking), with an emphasis on hiking in the heart of the mountains and volcanoes.

• Day 1/  Arrival in San Jose
• Day 2/  Irazu volcano
• Day 3/  Turrialba volcano
• Day 4/  Cerro la Muerte, Dota valley
• Day 5/  Quetzal bird watching, waterfalls, Pacific coast
• Day 6/  Nauyaca waterfalls
• Day 7/  Boat to Drake bay
• Day 8/  Corcovado park/Cano island
• Day 9/  Flight Drake bay - San Jose, visit
• Day10/  Depart from San Jose.

Costa Rica stretches along a line of mountains and volcanoes (a dozen are active). On both sides, the Caribbean and the Pacific, the sea is never far away. On both seacoasts one can experience a full range of tropical lands: dry or damp coastal forests, cloud forests and altitude clouds of the Paramo Andean Eco region. This program emphasizes hiking in the heart of the mountains and the often active volcanoes of Costa Rica. On the menu is the crossing of national parks, tours, and crossed ascents of volcanoes; while not neglecting naturalistic observation and swimming in the turquoise waters of the Pacific and the numerous rivers.

Day 1/  Arrival in San José
Meeting at San Jose airport. Transfer to the hotel.
Dinner and overnight in Gran Hotel Costa Rica (or similar) in the heart of San José.

Day 2/  Crossing from Irazu to Turrialba Volcano
Bus drive to the entrance of Irazu Volcano's National Park, the highest active volcano in the country (11,260 feet). Plunging view of its principal crater with its fuming jade colored lake. After a short visit, walk between pastures and high altitude forests (Costa Rican oak trees) to arrive at the Volcan Turrialba Lodge, wonderfully situated at 8,202 feet high at the foot of the Turrialba volcano.
Dinner and overnight at Volcan Turrialba Lodge (or similar).
4 hours walk.

Day 3/  Climbing Turrialba Volcano - Paraiso
This nice walk will take us to this randomly visited volcano (10,922 feet), recently classified as a National Park. At the summit, we discover three craters; one of which, in the past few years, has blown some smoke. Superb panoramic view of the Caribbean coast, the Central Valley and the Talamancas. Bus to Paraiso. Visit a butterfly farm.
Dinner and overnight at Sanchiti Lodge (or similar).
4/5 hours walk.

Day 4/  Paraiso - San Gerardo de Dota
Early bus departure on Interamericana Road through the Talamanca mountains till Cerro La Muerte (11,453 feet). From here, a steep and magnificent track leads to San Gerardo de Dota Valley (7,218 feet). It is an interesting walk passing through different life stages from Paramo Eco region, from giant oak trees, cultivation and apple orchards. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Savegre (or similar).
6 hours walk.

Day 5/  San Gerardo de Dota - Baru
Morning bird watching in search of the resplendent Quetzal, living year round in the valley. Walk in the Hotel Savegre Reserve and towards the wild Rio Savegre Waterfall. Bus to San Isidro and the Pacific Coast where we reach Dominical, a famous beach for surfers. Easy walk and nature observation in Hacienda Baru Wildlife Refuge. Dinner and overnight at Hacienda Baru (or similar).
3/4 hours walk.

Day 6/  Nauyaca waterfalls
Beautiful walk along the Rio Baru to the scenic Nauyaca Waterfalls. Swim in the natural pool. In the afternoon, go to Dominical Beach or option for  Baru's Canopy tour « Flight of the Tucan » ($35 per person)
Dinner and overnight at Hacienda Baru (or similar).
5 hrs walk.

Day 7/  Dominical - Bahia Drake
Bus to Palmar Norte (antique round stones in the park) and Sierpe.
45 minute boat trip to Drake Bay. Walk along Playa San Josecito, swim and enjoy the sunset at the bay. Dinner and overnight at Aguila de Osa (or similar).

Day 8/  Corcovado or Caño Island
You can choose between two day trips with local guides from the lodge
a beautiful hike in Corcovado NP from San Pedrillo or a boat day trip to Caño Island, well-known for snorkeling.
Dinner and overnight at Aguila de Osa (or similar).
5 hours walk (Corcovado)

Day 9/  Flight Drake Bay to San José
After breakfast, go to the local airport for a 45 mn flight to San José.
City tour with your guide and free time.
Dinner in town and overnight in Gran Hotel Costa Ric (or similar).

Day 10/  Depart from San Jose
Transfer to the airport for return flight.

- 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 the 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.

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 standard, 4 stars when available, according to availability at the time of reservation, normalizes local standard or similar.
We choose those hotels and lodges, not only for the excellent price/quality ratio, but also for its 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
• Personal 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 3
2 months prior:  Hike 9 to 10 miles every weekend or on two consecutive days OR if you are regularly committed, on an annual basis, to another sports activity for a cumulative duration of 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes per week, you should be up to speed.  

 

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).