San José, Tortuguero, Arenal & Guanacaste - 9 Days

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 Touch down in San Jose the capital of Costa Rica, then explore Tortuguero the most important breeding area for the Green Sea Turtle in the Caribbean. Continue to Arenal and experience walking through natural trails and hanging bridges that offer views of the volcano. Then continue to Guanacaste, where the warm water of the Pacific Ocean, awaits you. 

• Explore Tortuguero Channels by Boat
• Arenal Ecoglide Canopy and Tarzan Swing Tour

Depart for Costa Rica
Board your flight to San Jose, Costa Rica. Upon arrival, transfer by van to your hotel in San Jose and overnight. 
San Jose - Tortuguero
Early departure (between 6 and 7 am) by motorcoach from San Jose, passing through misty Braulio Carillo National Park. Depending upon visibility you may be able to see Barva and Cacho Negro Volcanoes, within the park. This wet forested area is filled with ferns, orchids, and bromeliads. From Braulio Carillo, you will be dropping down into the tropical lowlands of the Caribbean side of the country. The scenery changes drastically as the road winds through banana plantations, and you notice a different style of local architecture. After a stop at one of the local Tico restaurants for breakfast, continue to the Tortuguero Canal where you will board a boat for a 1 hour fascinating trip through the meandering waterway to your selected lodge. The Canal, which runs parallel to the ocean, is the water highway from the city of Limon to the northern coastal region. As you motor up the canal it is possible to see monkeys, tree sloths, and a variety of birds in the dense jungle. You will arrive at your lodge in time for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Park Museum and hike the nearby nature trails. Tortuguero National Park is an important breeding ground for the green sea turtles. Their nesting season is from July to early October. End the afternoon with a visit to the small village of Tortuguero. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)
Tortuguero
After breakfast, depending upon which lodge you are staying in, you will enjoy a morning hike with a naturalist guide in the rainforest. After lunch, there will be an opportunity for further exploration of the Tortuguero channels by boat. Before dinner, enjoy a dip in the pool. (B, L, D)

Tortuguero - Arenal
After breakfast, board the boat for the return trip through the Canal. At the dock, you will board a motorcoach that will take you to the town of Guapiles. After lunch, continue by van to Arenal. You will arrive at your selected Arenal hotel in the late afternoon, just in time to see Costa Rica's most famous active volcano before sunset. (B, L)
Arenal
After breakfast, experience the tropical forest on your Ecoglide Canopy Tour. Enjoy spectacular views! The canopy tour is not only a great adventure but also offers the opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. Each platform has been designed so that you can observe the forest from different angles allowing you to enjoy the impressive scenery. The canopy consists of 15 cables and 18 platforms divided into three sections plus the Tarzan Swing. (B)

Arenal - Guanacaste
After breakfast, (between 8:30 and  9 am) transfer by van for approximately 4 hours to the beaches of the Guanacaste Province. From Arenal, you will travel from the highlands to the lowlands of the North Pacific, the driest region of the country. Here you will see cattle ranches. Continue to the coast to your Guanacaste beach resort. (B)

Full Day in Guanacaste
Breakfast at your hotel.  Enjoy the day at leisure to relax by the pool, walk along the beach, or arrange optional tours and adventures. (B)

Full Day in Guanacaste
Breakfast at your hotel.  Enjoy the day at leisure to relax by the pool, walk along the beach, or arrange optional tours and adventures. (B)

Depart Costa Rica
Breakfast at your hotel.  At the time indicated, transfer to the Liberia Airport for your return flight home. (B)

INCLUSIONS

• 8 nights accommodation 
  • 1 night San Jose
  • 2 nights Tortuguero
  • 2 nights Arenal
  • 3 nights Guanacaste
• Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
• 13 Meals: 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
• Sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary in a modern air-conditioned vehicle
• Services of English-speaking guide during tours as mentioned in the itinerary