Day by day itinerary
Day 01: Arrival to Costa Rica. Transfer to San Jose. Hotel Grano de Oro. Transfer to hotel in San Jose. After passing through Immigration you will be met by one of our representatives. He will take you to your hotel and give you your welcome kit. Overnight in San Jose City.
Day 02: Transfer from San José to Tortuguero National Park. Pachira Lodge. Early in the morning a bilingual guide will meet you at the Hotel. The park has a great biological variety, due to the existence within the reserve of eleven different habitats, including rainforest, swamps, beaches, and lagoons. The park is located on the Caribbean coast, and its beaches are key nesting ground for endangered sea turtles, such as Hawksbill, Loggerheads, Green and Leatherbacks. The rivers within the park are home to sensitive populations of manatees, as well as caimans, crocodiles, and Tropical Gar, which is considered a living fossil. The forests are home to jaguars, three-toed sloths, and three of Costa Rica's four species of monkey. Basilisk lizards and poisonous frogs also inhabit the area, along with 375 species of birds including kingfishers, toucans, blue herons, peacocks, and parrots. There are more than 400 species of trees and approximately 2,200 species of plants.
Day 03: Tortuguero National Park. Pachira Lodge. Opportunity to explore the Tortuguero National Park area. Hiking and boat trips are included. On turtle nesting season (from august to November), there is an optional tour at night available upon request at the hotel.
Day 04: Self drive to Sarapiquí. Pick-up the rental car 4X4. Selva Verde Lodge. Sarapiquí is a well-known place that is popular because of the big populations of Trogons, These are beautiful birds witch contains also the quetzal. Mountains, plains, volcanoes, lakes, rivers, forests, fruit farms, and cattle ranches form a colorful diverse mosaic in this region of Costa Rica. The accommodation: The bungalow rooms are discreetly tucked into the forest near the botanical garden located across the roadway from the main lodge. Their secluded location affords a peaceful ambiance for relaxing and keeping an eye out for wandering wildlife.
Day 05: Early Bird watching hike at La Selva Biological Station. Selva Verde Lodge. You can enjoy the naturalist guide for an investigation of the prolific avifauna of more than 300 species found in the Sarapiquí region in both the morning and afternoon. Our guide helps you to identify native and migratory birds by sight and song. A very good opportunity to add new species in the birding list!
Day 06: Self drive to Arenal. Montaña de Fuego Hotel. The Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal lies within the Arenal Conservation Area, protecting eight of Costa Rica's 12 life zones and 16 protected reserves in the region between the Guanacaste and Tilarán mountain ranges, and including Lake Arenal. Arenal Volcano has been constantly active since it woke up after 400 years. One of the world's most active volcanos; Arenal produces huge ash columns, explosions and glowing red lava almost every day. Fascinating fauna and flora exist here in amazing quantities making this a prime location for viewing many many different species of both plants and animals.
Day 07: Full day tour to Caño Negro Biological Reserve. Montaña de Fuego Hotel. The Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge and the Rio Frío are biological humid areas considered to be one of the richest in biological diversity in Costa Rica. Here you can find a great variety of resident and migratory birds plus three different species of monkeys, also iguanas, sloth, turtles and caymans. Some birds are residents in the area and it is possible to see hundreds of them especially during the dry season. Some of them are Anhinga or Snake - bird, Roseate Spoonbill; it is possible to see little groups of this bird eating in the surroundings of the river. Wood Storks, the Jabirus, the largest bird in Central America and very endangered. Also the Olivaceous Cormorant, that makes its nest in the area, it is also the most popular bird in the refuge. Caño Negro has the largest colony of cormorants in Costa Rica.
Day 08: Self drive to Monteverde. El Establo Hotel. The Monteverde Cloud Forest area is known around the world for its conservation efforts and lifestyle centered on respect for nature. Santa Elena is the area’s main service center with various shops and tourism companies. Though its main attraction is the Monteverde Biological Preserve, the region also features a variety of natural places, picturesque paths, flora- and fauna-watching opportunities, natural landscapes and more. El Establo Hotel is located in Monteverde in one of the nicest places of Costa Rica. From the balconies you will experience sunsets and a breathtaking view.
Day 09:  Birdwatching Tour at Monteverde Reserve. El Establo Hotel. The tour starts at 6:00 am at Stella's Bakery and proceeds towards the Reserve. The tour is on foot and observations are made on the way up to the Reserve and in the park.
Day 10:  Self drive to San Jose. Hotel Grano de Oro. Car drop off.
Day 11: Transfer out to Juan Santamaría International Airport.