9 Day Costa Rica Escorted Tour Itinerary
Welcome to the “rich coast,” friendly land of democracy and rare natural beauty. With naturalist guides, see exotic birds and wildlife, hike in jungle rainforests, view volcanoes, soak in hot springs and cruise through biological reserves. Caravan provides transfers from the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San José, Costa Rica to your hotel for a two night stay. Rooms are available for check-in after 4:00 p.m. Join Caravan for an 8:00 p.m. welcome briefing. Dinner is served until 9:30 p.m. at your hotel. D
Day 2 – Sarchi, Coffee Plantation
This morning, head through Costa Rica's Central Valley. Stop at the artisan village of Sarchi, nestled on the slopes of the Central Mountain Range. Here you can shop for colorful, traditional Costa Rican handicrafts. Visit an oxcart factory where oxcarts are hand-painted with elaborate designs. Considered the national symbol of Costa Rica, oxcarts were historically used for the transport of coffee beans and supplies. Continue through Costa Rica's famous coffee growing region. Lunch. Enjoy a guided tour at a coffee plantation. Sample locally grown coffee. Costa Rica's climate and rich soil help create exceptional coffee. Visit a butterfly garden. Dinner. BLD
La Fortuna Waterfall
Day 3 – Wildlife Rescue Center, Fortuna
This morning, drive by San Jose’s Plaza de la Cultura, Central Park, and the National Theater. Next, visit a wildlife rescue center. Here, injured animals are rehabilitated for release back into the wild. Lunch. Continue to Fortuna in the San Carlos Valley for a two night stay. Dinner. BLD
Day 4 – Caño Negro Cruise, Hot Springs
Head north this morning, passing through sugar cane, teak, pineapple, and orange plantations. Then, cruise on the Rio Frio, gateway to the world famous Caño Negro wildlife refuge, home to many migratory birds found nowhere else in Costa Rica. Look for black turtles, whistling ducks, roseate spoonbills, cormorants, anhingas, blue heron, and northern jacanas. Watch for caimans, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, green iguanas, and water-walking lizards. Lunch. Return to Fortuna. This afternoon enjoy a relaxing soak in the volcanic hot springs. Dinner. BLD
Day 5 – Hanging Bridges, Leatherback Turtle Park. Morning visit to the Hanging Bridges. With a naturalist guide, hike the suspension bridges. Weather permitting, enjoy views of majestic Arenal Volcano. Next, enjoy a scenic drive around Lake Arenal. Lunch. Then, to Costa Rica’s beautiful Pacific Coast. Visit Leatherback Turtle National Park and learn about Costa Rica's efforts to protect this endangered giant. The leatherback is the largest marine reptile in the world, weighing over 1,500 pounds. Continue to the J.W. Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa for a relaxing two night stay. Dinner. BLD
Day 6 – Guanacaste Beach Resort
Free time today to enjoy your magnificent world-class beach resort. Visit the elegant spa or swim in your hotel’s infinity pool, the largest in Central America. Lunch. Time to beachcomb while strolling your resort’s pristine beach. Dinner. BLD
Day 7 – Bird Watching Cruise, Manuel Antonio
This morning, drive through the cattle ranches of Guanacaste. Stop at the Monteverde Cooperative. Lunch. Next, cruise on the Tarcoles River, adjacent to the Carara Biological Reserve. Float through a mangrove forest. Enjoy bird watching and crocodile spotting. Look for white and snowy egrets and the amazing nests of the Montezuma Oropendola. This tropical bird and wildlife sanctuary is a nesting site for the scarlet macaw. Continue to Manuel Antonio. You'll stay at the only hotel next to the National Park, conveniently located directly at the entrance. Dinner. BLD
Day 8 – Manuel Antonio
Early morning visit to world famous Manuel Antonio National Park, a natural habitat for the white face monkey, the rare squirrel monkey, and the three-toed sloth. Hike through the rainforest and along spectacular beach coves. Look for toucans and parrots. (Visit may take place on Day 7 due to park closures.) The rest of your morning is at leisure. Enjoy your hotel's pools and a rooftop terrace, or visit nearby artisan shops. Lunch at your Manuel Antonio hotel. Then, return to Costa Rica's capital, San José. Farewell dinner tonight. BLD
Day 9 – San José
Your tour ends after breakfast this morning at your hotel. Breakfast begins at 6:30 a.m. Caravan provides transfers to the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San José, Costa Rica arriving at 5:00 a.m, 7:00 a.m, 9:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. Thanks for vacationing with Caravan. ¡Hasta la vista! B
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