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 Day 1: Arrive in Stunning Costa Rica
Today the adventure begins when you arrive in San Jose. Tonight you'll enjoy a welcome reception, orientation and dinner hosted by your guide. Sleep in San Jose
Day 2: Coffee Plantations, Active Volcanoes & Lush Jungles
After breakfast we are off to explore Costa Rica’s exciting capital city of San Jose. Your guide will escort you through the national museum, sharing a wealth of information about Costa Rica’s ancient civilizations, and explaining the rich history that leads from the past to the vibrant culture of present-day. After the National Museum, you will depart San Jose for Poas Volcano where, weather permitting, we will enjoy a spectacular view into the crater of this active volcano just a short distance from Costa Rica’s largest city. Lunch in Poas National Park will be followed by a scenic ride across the continental divide and through the heart of lush jungles. Our home for the next two nights will be at the base of Arenal Volcano. This volcano is known for its spectacular and frequent displays of volcanic fireworks. Over the course of the next two days we’ll take advantage of Arenal’s rugged beauty, great nature trails and superb location. Sleep in the shadows of Arenal Volcano
Day 3: Thundering Waterfalls & thermal Hot Springs
After breakfast we spend a full day exploring this spectacular area. Our itinerary will include an early morning bird walk and then a trip into the jungle to explore an amazing waterfall. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit for the ultimate swimming experience! In the afternoon you'll spend your time relaxing in the warm thermal waters of a nearby Hot Spring. Sleep in the shadows of Arenal Volcano
 Day 4: Butterfly Gardens and a Walk in the Clouds
Following breakfast, we’ll say adios to Arenal and make our way to the renowned Cloud Forest of Monteverde. Our scenic route will take us along the windswept shores of Lake Arenal before heading up over the continental divide once again. We will make a number of stops where the scenery is at its best and end our drive at Monteverde itself.
Upon arrival in Montevderde we will enjoy the rare opportunity to visit the Cloud Forest canopy. Skywalk is a series of suspension bridges that will allow you to walk where jungle life is at its most complex. Eighty percent of all life in the Cloud Forest is to be found in its canopy. Hovering one hundred feet above the dark floor of the jungle, the sun-soaked canopy explodes with life. Former guests have stated that Skywalk is the trek a lifetime. Having spent the afternoon getting a new perspective on this zone, we will come back down to earth for a visit to Jim Wolf’s amazing Butterfly Garden for a close look at these fragile creatures. Sleep in Monteverde
 Day 5: Vibrant Cloud Forests and an Energetic Hummingbird Gallery
This morning we’ll depart for the overwhelming lushness of the Cloud Forest of Monteverde, which is home to numerous species of plants, birds and animals. Your guide will take you on a walking journey through this abundant environment, pointing out the many exciting plants and animals, and keeping a keen eye out for Quetzals, considered by many as the most beautiful bird in the world. Having heightened our interest in birds, we will make a quick stop at the Hummingbird Gallery to enjoy their outstanding slide show about these tiny and beautiful members of the Cloud Forest community. The afternoon is yours to explore the area of Monteverde further. Of course, you may just want to take a siesta, or relax at the hotel.
Sleep in Monteverde
Day 6: River Rafting and Active Volcanoes
Our drive will take us out of the Cloud Forest and through the dry “African” grasslands of the province of Guanacaste. Our itinerary will include a leisurely float trip down the beautiful Corobici River, where we will enjoy beautiful lush scenery, skilled local guides and excellent opportunities for bird watching. We will also visit the Hagendauer injured animal reserve en route to our evening stop. Sleep in Rincon de la Vieja
Day 7: Thermal Springs and a Trek into the Outback
Called the “Yellowstone of Costa Rica,” Rincon de la Vieja boasts an active volcano, geysers, bubbling mud pots and mineral springs, virgin forest and countless species of birds, monkeys and other wildlife. We’ll get our visit started with an early morning bird walk and after breakfast, for those interested, we’ll take a horseback ride into the forest to see one of the national park’s many beautiful waterfalls. Along the way we’ll keep our binoculars at the ready for monkeys, birds, butterflies and more. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch by the river, and return in the afternoon in time for a siesta before dinner. Sleep in Rincon de la Vieja
 Day 8: Stunning Beaches
We’ll enjoy another bird walk today and visit the "Sector las Pailas" as well as see some of the smaller volcanoes, geysers, and mud pots. Some may choose to have a mud bath and maybe even a massage at the hotel! Later in the day, we’ll depart the forest and volcano for our beach stop, where we can enjoy the coastline of Costa Rica far from the crush of the crowded resorts. Sleep in Pacific beach
Day 9: A Day at the Beach
Today is your day to truly relax. The only thing on the agenda is lying in a hammock contemplating the incredible beauty of Costa Rica from a suspended position. If you are interested in tide-pooling, our resident naturalist will be available for an educational walk along the beach. For those who prefer a more active day you may wish to set out on a hike or simply discover the joy of body surfing in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. Sleep in Pacific beach
Day 10: Pacific beach to San Jose via the artisan village of Sarchi
Our drive back to San Jose will take us past coffee plantations and striking scenery. We’ll make a stop in the artisan village of Sarchi to do any last minute shopping you have in mind. Tonight, enjoy a farewell feast hosted by your guide. Sleep in San Jose
Day 11: Tour over after breakfast
For those of you staying on in Costa Rica, your guide will be available for a post-tour consultation.
Buen Viaje!
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Length: 11 Days/10 Nights
