Costa Rica’s Rainforest and Wildlife
A wonderland of stunning vistas and astounding wildlife diversity. Costa Rica has coastlines on the Caribbean Sea as well as the Pacific Ocean. Tropical coastal plains rise up to the mountain peaks and active volcanoes then run down to a more temperate central plateau. The country enjoys continuing stability after over a hundred years of uninterrupted democratic government. Over 25% of the land enjoys protected status and the beauty of the ancient rainforest harbours some of the world’s most intriguing species. A healthy agriculture produces coffee, pineapples, bananas and sugar, many of which are prominent exports
Costa Rica demonstrates an environmental sensitivity unparalleled in the world. Eco tourists are exposed to botanical and animal marvels found nowhere else on Earth containing 5% of the world's biodiversity. The Tortuguero National Park alone has 320 species of birds with a wide variety of reptiles. It is recognised for the annual nesting of the endangered Green turtle as well as the Giant Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is home to over 2,000 plant species, including numerous orchids, over 400 types of birds and more than 100 species of mammals can also be found there
"A spectacular destination with the highlights being the National Parks, the Belize Zoo, Butterfly Gardens, Turtle Sanctuary and the Howler Monkeys. Just what the tour promised, “Costa Rica’s Rainforest and Wildlife”.
The markets we visited were also amazing and really, we just thoroughly enjoyed our fabulous and interactive tour of this incredible part of the world. Thanks Global Drift, we will see you again soon!"
Ian & Pat Scott, New Zealand
11 Day Itinerary | ||
Departure: | 14th November 2024 | (Thursday to Sunday) |
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Price: | USD$2290 |
***THIS TOUR CAN BE EXTENDED AS PART OF OUR GEMS OF CENTRAL AMERICA TOUR*** |
Day 1 - arrive San Jose San Jose is situated in the central highlands at over 1200m above sea level. A lovely blend of colonial buildings and a small city feel awaits. If you arrive early there is much to explore and we will have a group meeting this evening Day 2 - San Jose We have an insightful walking tour of the capital today and will share the hidden secrets and the gorgeous architecture with you. San Jose is Costa Rica’s cultural centre and has an excellent range of craft and artisan markets Days 3 - 4 - San Jose to Tortuguero National Park We start the day with an exhilarating bus ride over the mountains to the Caribbean coast. On arrival we enjoy a boat journey which takes us to Tortuguero. There is often spectacular wildlife viewing on the way. Tortuguero National Park was created in 1975 in order to protect four species of sea turtles which nest along the beaches. We may see a variety of bird life including herons, egrets, spoonbills, as well as amphibians and reptiles such as caimans and the “Jesus Lizard” (yes, it walks on water). The tropical rainforest makes its way down to beaches as is and nesting ground for the Green, Loggerhead, Hawksbill and Leatherback turtles. We cruise the canals and keep a watch for howler monkeys and toucans as well as other wildlife. We also include a visit to the Caribbean Conservation Centre which is an outstanding source of information about the turtles and their tropical habitat Day 5 - Tortuguero to La Fortuna We depart from the Caribbean Coast and we travel by boat and road through lush rainforest and palm plantations to La Fortuna. Here we are at the base of the Arenal Volcano on the northern plains of Costa Rica. The Volcano sits on the southeast shore of artificial Lake Arenal was created by a hydroelectric dam. An active volcano there has been recent occasional eruptions which makes it a natural wonder to be respected. Geologists say that recently it has entered a resting phase! We enjoy an evening soaking in hot springs at its volcanoes base Days 6 - 7 - La Fortuna to Monteverde Cloud Forest Today we ascend to the cool mountain air and enjoy a horse ride around Lake Arenal to Monteverde. We explore the town and the Forest Reserve which covers over 1500 hectares and is home to a myriad of wildlife. There are more than 2,000 species of plants, over 300 bird species and 100 different species of mammals which inhabit this small area. We may be lucky enough to see the ‘Resplendent Quetzal’ which is one of the most elusive and beautiful birds in the world. The village of Monteverde was founded by Quakers in the 1950s and still has quite a few local cooperatives including a community cheese factory and artist collectives. There are plenty of optional activities including the Sky Walk through the jungle canopy, a butterfly garden, Ranarium and a thrilling canopy zip line Days 8- 9 - Monteverde to Manuel Antonio National Park We depart from the cloud forest with splendid views down to the sea and travel to the Pacific coast and the Manuel Antonio National Park. We are in the deep and lush forest and may spy of Squirrel and troupes of Capuchin Monkeys. We enjoy a morning guided tour of the park and the rest of the time here is ours to utilise. We can explore the national park, take a rafting trip down the Savegre River or maybe a kayak tour in the Damas mangrove estuary. Alternatively we can relax in the sun on beautiful Espadilla beach Day 10 - Manuel Antonio National Park to San Jose As the drive back to San Jose for your last night in Costa Rica is only a couple of hours we can choose to enjoy more time in the National Park, spend the morning at the pool and beach or perhaps explore the local town of Quepos. We enjoy a final dinner in San Jose to celebrate our amazing journey together Day 11 - depart San Jose Departure day |
Trip Options
Single Travellers: | USD$840 | Details |
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Extra Accommodation: | Single USD$100 | Details |
Double USD$110 | ||
Arrival Airport Transfer: | USD$65 | Details |
***THIS TOUR CAN BE EXTENDED AS PART OF OUR GEMS OF CENTRAL AMERICA TOUR***
Local Payment
Your Local Payment is collected by your group leader in cash at your group meeting on Day 1 of the trip and is part of your tour price. The money is spent locally on your tour.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Extra Accommodation
Pre and post trip accommodation is offered on most journeys pending availability. Please indicate in your enquiry if you require any rooms before or after your tour and the amount of nights requested.
For tours where the start and finish points are different w can assist you with your arrangements in both locations.
Single Traveller
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
However, for those that would prefer a single room for the tour we do offer a single supplement. This also applies to single travellers who we are not able to match up.
It must be stated however that on many of our tours we stay in small family owned guesthouse accommodation. In certain instances with full groups the passenger combinations may not always allow you to enjoy a single room. Please keep this in mind when booking your single supplement. We will however, always do our best to accommodate you.
Please make your request for this service a minimum of 3 months prior to your journey.
The quoted extra payment is for the entire trip.
Single Travellers
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
Due to the exploratory nature of this journey no single supplement is offered.
Airport Arrival Transfer
Global Drift offers an optional arrival transfer to your hotel at the quoted fee.
In your trip dossier you will receive directions on how to make your way to your starting point hotel. It is quite easy and possibly cheaper than we are able to offer it.
Should you require this service please advise us at the time of your booking.