Costa Rica’s Volcanoes and Wildlife
Day 1: Transfer to Monteverde
On arrival at Puntarenas port you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in Monteverde. Perched on the Continental Divide between the Pacific and the Caribbean, it is thought that there has been indigenous habitation in Monteverde since 3000 BC. However, the turning point in its recent history came in 1950, when a group of pacifist Quakers from Alabama moved here to avoid subscription in the Korean War. They sought a lifestyle in a country in which they could embrace their peaceful beliefs and continue to cultivate their dairy farms. These families went on to establish the community of Monteverde and some of its famed cloudforest reserves. No meals included.
Day 2: Selvatura tree-top canopy tour.
This morning an exciting canopy tour takes you along nearly two miles of trails and bridges, on one of Costa Rica’s longest canopy tours, allowing great views of the forest from tree-top height. Your guide will point out the many different types of flora, including a huge number of trees, mosses, hanging vines and epiphytes, and birdlife, including nearly 30 species of hummingbird, plus it is one of the best places in the country to spot the beautifully coloured quetzal. You are then free to explore at your leisure, where you could spend time visiting the hummingbird gardens, or the butterfly and reptile houses. Breakfast included.
Day 3: Journey to Arenal
A bus journey down the through the cloudforest takes you to the little town of Río Chiquita, from here you’ll transfer by boat across Arenal Lake. A scenic boat ride across Costa Rica’s largest and most important artificial lake affords the opportunity of spotting different species of resident and migratory birds, and you may be able to spot various monkeys and sloths too. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax. Breakfast included.
Day 4: Arenal Volcano hike and hot springs
With lots of optional activities available in the area, this morning has been left free for you to explore at your leisure. This afternoon you’ll hike a short distance in Arenal Volcano National Park and, subject to cloud conditions, you will be rewarded with fabulous views of the volcano, while the sun sets around you. En route back to the town you will stop at the thermal baths for a rejuvenating soak and dinner.
Breakfast & Dinner included.
Day 5: Visit Poas Volcano National Park
Transfer to San Jose and visit Poas Volcano National Park where the smoke from one of Costa Rica's most active volcanos rises majestically from the beautiful tropical rainforest. At almost a mile in diameter, the main crater is one of the largest in the world. The national park has many interesting trails which you can explore. Lake Botos fills an extinct crater at the end of one walking trail and is home to many cloud forest birds including hummingbirds, tanagers, flycatchers and toucanets. Afterwards you transfer to the airport in time for your onward flight. Breakfast included.