| Option
#2: Explore Sarapiquí and Tortuguero 3 nights / 4 days |
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| From
Arenal, this trip ties in nicely with the lush lowlands of the northeastern
region of Sarapiquí. Primary tropical rainforest and rich second-growth
habitats are found in this region, which borders Braulio Carrillo National
Park. More than 500 species of birds, 100 species of mammals, thousands
of insects and 2,000 species of plants, including 800 species of trees
(more than in Canada and the United States combined) have been identified
in this biologically rich area. The forests of Sarapiquí provide
refuge for species such as tapirs, jaguars, sloths, white-nosed coatis,
white-faced capuchins and howler monkeys. As you travel from Sarapiquí
to Tortuguero, you meander through lush natural and manmade water canals
through rainforest teeming with wildlife. Upon arrival, you can explore
the tropical rainforest of Tortuguero National Park, on Costa Rica's northern
Atlantic coast. Between the months of July and September, you'll have
an opportunity to experience nighttime turtle nesting - an unforgettable
sight! |
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| Day
4 - Overnight in Sarapiquí |
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| From
Arenal Volcano you travel to Sarapiquí and the tropical Sueño
Azul Resort. Your afternoon here may be spent either horseback riding
around the resort's 500-acre farm, on a guided hiking tour along nature-rich
trails or on an invigorating waterfall tour (weather permitting). Stay
overnight at Sueño Azul, where you may rest from your journey
as you take in the spectacular river scenery from your private terrace,
or sip a refreshing cocktail in the relaxing jacuzzi. After an adventure-packed
day, Sueño Azul's exquisite cuisine awaits you... |
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| Day
5 - Tortuguero National Park |
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After rising early, you will be transported to the town of Guápiles, where a hearty breakfast awaits you at the Río Danta Restaurant, about an hour later. Following breakfast, Mawamba Lodge staff will transfer you to their private dock at the town of Matina, where you will enjoy 90-minute boat ride to Tortuguero. Pachira Lodge is located near the town of Tortuguero, on the northern Caribbean coast, near the park of the same name. Pachira Lodge is located right on the Tortuguero main canal. Along the beautiful shore, marked trails are cut inland where visitors might admire the jungle and spot toucans or a flock of brightly colored toucans. Howler monkeys playfully swing among the treetops along some of the paths. Also inhabiting these forests are tiny bright poison dart frogs, which make great photos - as long as you keep your distance! After checking into the rustic Pachira Lodge, a hearty lunch awaits you, followed by a guided jungle hike and a canal boat trip in the afternoon. The hiking trails take you through humid tropical rainforest, which spans a territory of more than 47,000 acres and is home to abundant wildlife. Tortuguero National Park covers nearly 14 miles of coastline and is an important nesting beach for four species of marine turtles, including the Green Turtle, which has existed for more than 200 million years and can weigh more than 400 pounds. The Tortuguero Jungle Canals are Costa Rica's version of the Amazon, comprising a vast system of natural waterways and man-made canals used both for basic transportation and jungle exploration. The journey through the canals to Tortuguero National Park is fascinating, offering visitors a chance to see monkeys and myriad colorful birds. You may also spot large iguanas and mightier reptiles, such as caimans and crocodiles, along the banks of the canals. After a
full day, return to your comfortable room at the lodge, each with private
bath, hot water and ceiling fan. Sundown may be spent swimming in a
large pool surrounded by tall palm trees, or soaking in the jacuzzi.
That night, you will enjoy delicious international and local cuisine
at an expansive, family-style restaurant, staffed by friendly local
residents. Your evening doesn't end here, between the months of July
and October, when Green Turtles nest along these beaches! Night tours
are offered, allowing you to witness the unforgettable miracle of gigantic
turtles laying their eggs on the beach. The nesting of these massive
creatures is one of Nature's most amazing spectacles - Costa Rica is
proud to be one of the few countries that protect turtle-nesting sites.
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| Day
6 - Tortuguero to San José |
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|
The
final morning at Tortuguero may be spent relaxing in a hammock or playing
a spirited game of volleyball with fellow visitors before saying goodbye
to this marvelous region of Costa Rica. After breakfast, you will be
transferred back to San José, with a rest stop and lunch break
at the Río Danta Restaurant. Overnight in San José at
Hotel Don Carlos. Above itinerary includes: One night at Sueño Azul Lodge or similar, breakfast and horseback riding tour; one night lodging at Pachira Lodge, all meals and jungle canal boat tour.
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| Tourist minivan: On Day 2, a comfortable minivan will pick you up at your hotel at 8 a.m. to transport you to Monteverde. Pick-up time from Monteverde to Arenal is 1 p.m. arriving to Arenal at 5 p.m. The Arenal-Sarapiquí-Guápiles routes are arranged by private transfer. Mawamba Lodge will provide the remainding Guápiles-Tortuguero-San José transfers. Car rental: The day after your arrival, your rental car will be delivered at your hotel in San José. You will drive to Monteverde and follow onto Arenal and Sarapiquí. On Day 5, you will return your rental car upon reaching Guápiles. Pachira Lodge will provide the remaining Guápiles-Tortuguero-San José transfers. Private
tour: The day after your arrival, a driver and a bilingual
naturalist guide will pick you up at your hotel. Your guide will remain
with you during your transfers from San José to Monteverde, from
Monteverde to Arenal, from Arenal to Sarapiquí and from Sarapiquí
to Guápiles. Once you reach Guápiles, you will have Pachira
Lodge's specialized tour guides with you throughout the remainding itinerary.
Option
#3:
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