Costa Rica Fixed Departures

HIGHLANDS & LOWLANDS  8 days / 7 nights

Costa Rica is about nature. Our fixed departures are intended to bring you close to nature and the culture developed in it. Our expert naturalist guides will unveil the marvels of the tropics as well as the cultural and historical background of Costa Rica . At the end of your trip you will have seen Costa Rica through the eyes of Costa Ricans.

(Click on photos to enlarge.)

ROUTE: San Jose, Irazu Volcano, Cartago, San Gerardo de Dota, Savegre River. Cruise Sierpe River and its mangroves, hike in Corcovado National Park, snorkel in Caño Island, local flight back to San Jose.

Included Services:     
Transportation: to /from airport transfers, all land private transport in comfortable a/c vehicle.
Lodging: 7 night lodging based on double occupancy
Meals:  as indicated B, breakfast; L, lunch; D, dinner
Activities:
--San Jose and Cartago City tour
--Irazu Volcano guided hike
--Quetzal quest tour
--Savergre River hike to waterfall
--Sierpe River boat ride
--Guided hike in Corcovado National Park
--Caño Island snorkeling trip
--Services of Naturalist bilingual guide for the entire trip
--Taxes and entrance fees to all included features

From USD$1525 per person in double occupancy.
Min.age 12 years, except for family groups.
Your expert naturalist guide will be a wealth of knowledge as well as taking care of your comfort.   
Not included:   international airfare, airport taxes, excess baggage fees, services not specified in itinerary, personal equipment, hotel extras (laundry, phone calls, room service, alcoholic beverages), personal insurance coverage (recommended).

DETAILED ITINERARY: Highlands and Lowlands

Arrival day, San Jose 1nt
Day 1. Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Meet and greet at Juan Santamaria airport. Welcome to Costa Rica, your guide will give you a brief introduction to your trip while taking you to your hotel in San Jose. Overnight in Parque del Lago.

San Gerardo de DOTA, 2 nts
Day 2. San Jose / Irazu Volcano / San Gerardo de Dota (B, L, D)
This morning your guide will meet you and your travel companions for an orientation briefing prior to departing. Start out your adventure exploring a bit of San Jose as you go east towards the summit of our tallest volcano, Irazu. Along the way enjoy scenic views of crop land and dairy pastures. Irazu´s summit at 3432meters (aprox. 10500ft) above sea level hence the scarce vegetation, reveals a landscape that makes you feel walking in the moon. After lunch continue to San Gerardo de Dota. Here you will find a deep cloud forest filled with massive oaks and other native species. The woods serve as a sanctuary for a large number of animals including the elusive quetzal. Overnight in Trogon Lodge.
Day 3. Birdwatching for quetzals / hike along Savegre River (B, L, D)
Enjoy a very exciting morning looking for quetzals and other highland birds. Birdwatching is one of the main attractions in this area. The beautiful environment of biological corridors makes this attractive region a paradise, where over 100 bird species coexist. In the afternoon go for a nice hike along the Savegre River . Your guide will take you through the forest and show you the gorgeous flora and fauna that spreads alongside the river until the waterfall. Overnight in

OSA PENINSULA, 3nts
Day 4. to Osa Peninsula , across Sierpe River (B, L, D)
This morning leave the highlands, to go to the lowland tropical rainforest in Osa Peninsula . You will cruise the Sierpe River where you will see the largest mangrove area in the country. Osa Peninsula is a geological formation which developed independently from the rest of the country and then joined the isthmus several million years ago. Its unique formation and naturally wet systems, which differ from the rest of the dry Pacific, have produced high levels of biodiversity. Therefore it well-deserves your visit. This afternoon, along with your guide, explore the grounds surrounding you, enjoy some birdwatching and relax at the beach.
Day 5. Osa Peninsula / Corcovado National Park (B, L, D)
A fourth of Costa Rica´s tree species, is found on the Osa Peninsula . This lowland rainforest is made up of 700 tree species—the greatest tree species diversity in all of Central America . Get ready today to be immersed in Corcovado , unique home of many vascular plant species. A boat will take you to the northern station of San Pedrillo within the park. Truly worth a nice walk in the trails of this amazingly rich tropical forest. After a hearty pic nic lunch, this afternoon do some more walk or just enjoy the beach.
Day 6. Caño Island snorkeling (B, L, D)
Found 12 miles off the Osa Peninsula´s western coast, Caño Island is a treat to visit. The boat will bring you near the island first to try some snorkeling (water conditions permitting). Otherwise you will arrive in the island and go snorkeling later. The island itself is a rich archaeological site. Enjoy your day in Caño Island , snorkeling, hiking, and relaxing at the beach. Back to the hotel in the afternoon.

Day 7. back to San Jose (B, D)
This morning after breakfast, a short boat to Sierpe where our van will be wating for you to take you back to San Jose. Lunch is on your own along the way and any last minute shopping can be done today. Farewell dinner tonight.

Day 8. Departure day.
Shuttle service to the international airport. Or extend your stay with optional two and three night packages.

You can customize this trip in several ways: use local guides´ services instead of a private guide, use of shuttle transport services, add extra nights at the end, ask for a pre trip and post trip extensions in your comments as you fill the Request Form.

Fixed Departure Dates & Prices  / HIGHLANDS & LOWLANDS

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