GT-601A – COSTA RICA – NORTHERN LANDS

ITINERARY:

DAY 1: Arrival in San Jose, Costa Rica

Meet and greet at the Juan Santamaría International Airport by our local English speaking guide and transfer to your hotel in San Jose.
Overnight accommodations at Hotel Grano de Oro – Deluxe Room

DAY 2: San Jose / La Paz Waterfall Gardens / Arenal

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you’ll depart towards the North of country. The head of the canton of San Carlos, Ciudad Quesada, lies the plain of San Carlos to the border with Nicaragua, which is limited by the Rio San Juan. This region grows pineapples, palm and citrus and a large extension is use for livestock. This region has experienced significant economic growth due to agriculture and the increase of tourism. Rain and clouds are often in this area throughout the year, however, from February to April shows a marked decrease in the amount of rainfall and number of rainy days. San Carlos offers a landscape of exceptional beauty with its forests, lakes, fields, springs, and the most active volcano in Costa Rica: Arenal, well … sanctuaries where you can feel peace, purity and the majestic power of nature. Arenal Volcano become active in July 1968 and kept its activity until 2010, nowadays the volcano remains sleep. Tours to the base of the volcano can show old lava emissions.

On the way you will visit La Paz waterfall gardens. Five waterfalls, cloud forest and rain forest, safe hiking trails, aviary with 40 species of birds, toucan feeding, marmoset monkeys, insect exhibit, butterfly observatory and butterfly gardens, butterfly laboratory, two-toed sloths, Capuchin (white-faced) monkeys, black-handed spider monkeys, hummingbird garden with 26 documented species, hummingbird hand feeding in the mornings and afternoons, serpentarium (snake exhibit), Jaguar, pumas, ocelots, jaguarundi, margays, casita de la paz with petting zoo and ox cart, ranarium (frog exhibit), orchid exhibit, heliconia exhibit, bromeliad exhibit. All of these offered at one place. The gardens are a rescue center for all these animals. As you wander the trails of La Paz Waterfall Gardens your senses will delight at the five waterfalls that line the trail. Originally, the only way one could view the falls was by literally hanging over the side of the mountain, looking through trees and ferns, not very inviting for picture taking. With the construction of Waterfall Gardens, guests are afforded views from platforms above, below and in front of the falls for great waterfall photo opportunities. Lunch is included during the visit. Then continue the tour to Arenal.
Overnight accommodations at Arenal Springs, Jr Suite room (B/L)

DAY 3: Arenal

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you have a share tour to the hanging bringes. During this tour, the guide will take you through the private nature reserve and introduce you to its rich biodiversity. During the walk you will learn more about the fauna and flora of the area as your guide will share his knowledge with you and show you all kinds of species from tiny insects and frogs to snakes, birds and if you’re lucky, the peculiar Ocelot. You can enjoy this unforgettable tour in all safety. This walk is a fun and educative option to learn more about the forest and the local environment and enjoy the close contact with nature. The trail makes a loop with a total length of 3100 meters within the mountainous area. Along these three kilometers of trails you will be immersed in the divers fauna and flora of the rainforest and admire exotic animals, colorful birds and tropical plant species. While you’re walking along the trails, the fascinating world of the tropical forest will open to you. Our goal is to offer you a safe and sustainable way to enjoy the abundant natural resources and at the same time protect it for our future generations.
Overnight accommodations at Arenal Springs, Jr Suite room (B)

DAY 4: Arenal / San Jose

Breakfast at the hotel. Private transfer from Arenal to San Jose. After arrival the rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight accommodations at Hotel Grano de Oro – Deluxe Room (B)

DAY 5: Depart San Jose

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to your next destination in Costa Rica or to the airport for your flight home. (B)

RATE PER PERSON BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY: $890.00

INCLUDED:

Arrival and departure private transfer. Two nights at Grano de Oro hotel  Two nights at Arenal Springs hotel  Private land transfers in minivan with a/c  Daily breakfast.  Private tour to La Paz Waterfall Gardens  Share tour to Arenal Hanging Bridges.  Meals as indicated in itinerary  Hotel taxes .

NOT INCLUDED:

International air between USA and San Jose. Quoted separately on request. Meals and beverages not mentioned in the program. Optional tours or ground services not specified in the itinerary. Tips to tour guides & drivers. Expenses of personal nature. Costa Rica departure tax (US$29,00 per person).