Day 1: San José
Arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport. You will be met at the airport in order to transfer to the Hotel. Overnight at Hotel Palma Real.Day 2: San José / Irazú Volcano / Lankester Gardens / Turrialba Volcano
The tour will begin with us trekking south along the Panamerican Highway until we reach the base of the behemoth “Iztaru” (a name of an indigenous village that was situated on the flanks of the volcano, and a likely candidate as a possible origin for the current name of the Irazu Volcano). The winding road traverses fertile lands in which all types and forms of vegetation are cultivated, all the while affording us a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys. And, at the very top of the summit, on a clear day, one can be privy to an unforgettable bird’s eye view of both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. As we descend to the city of Cartago we will stop at the Virgin of the Angels Basilica – a famous peregrination site for many believers, some of which travel for days or even weeks on foot, in a pilgrimage of faith, to the site. The Basilica has large vaulted ceilings and exquisite examples of stained glass windows, and is a must see. Next, after we visit the Basilica we will stop at the Lankester Gardens, a University of Costa Rica Center for investigation that protects more than 800 species of orchids, bromeliads and countless species of other plants. Then, we will continue to the Valley of Orosi, an area that overflows with unparalleled beauty. We will be able to visit one of the few remaining colonial churches and we will stop to enjoy a tasty typical lunch at one of the local restaurants. Transfer to Turrialba Volcano. Overnight at Hotel Guayabo Lodge. (Meals: B, L)Day 3: Turrialba Volcano
Veiled in the shadow of the Turrialba Volcano, like a mythical “lost city” from a storybook, lies to mysterious ancient city that was home to over 10,000 people who seemed to have mysteriously vanished just before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. This region, known as Guayabo National Monument, is Costa Rica’s most important archaeological site and it’s only named National Monument. A guide will walk you through the park while explaining the findings of the excavations and the history of the people that once lived there. Your guide will show you around this ancient area, that is geographically the perfect center-point of all of the Americas. Experience these ancient ruins in Costa Rica that hold a world of mysteries and unanswered questions! Overnight at Hotel Guayabo Lodge. (Meals: B)Day 4: Turrialba Volcano / Tortuguero National Park
We begin our trip early in the morning between 6:00 am from Turrialba. On the way we will stop for breakfast at Selva Tropical Restaurant where you can enjoy a butterfly garden with a variety of tropical flowers. After breakfast we will continue our trip to Caño Blanco deck driving by banana plantations. At Caño Blanco, you will board the covered boat to the lodge, passing the Tortuguero canals arriving between 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. In the afternoon you will visit to the Turtle Museum of the C.C.C. (Caribbean Conservation Corporation) and to the colorful Tortuguero town. You will return to the lodge around 5:30 p.m. Free time to enjoy the pool, the bar service and prepare for your dinner. Dinner service from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and then rest of the night free to enjoy the surroundings, pool and bar. Overnight at Hotel. (Meals: B, L, D)Day 5: Tortuguero National Park
6:15 am tour to admire the awakening of the wildlife of Tortuguero. Return for breakfast (service between 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.). Free time to enjoy the pool, the bar service and prepare for your dinner. Dinner service from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and then rest of the night free to enjoy the surroundings, pool and bar. (Meals: B, L, D)Day 6: Tortuguero National Park / Caribbean Coast
Continue to the best caribbean beaches. Overnight at Hotel Cariblue. (Meals: B)Day 7: Caribbean Coast / Veragua Rainforest
A day at the Veragua Rainforest is the perfect way to experience firsthand as many of Costa Rica’s wonders as possible: Glide through the rainforest treetops on a Sky Gondola looking out for monkeys, sloths and colorful rainforest birds. Visit the world-class Frog and Reptile Habitats– and mingle with hundreds of butterflies at the Butterfly Garden, including the famous blue morpho!; Journey into the forest on diverse walking trails, admiring the sights and sounds of wild flora and fauna. Enjoy a walk to the riverbank or hike to a spectacular cascading waterfall, feeling the thunderous spray almost at your fingertips; and don’t forget to visit The Foundation for Rainforest Research,where university researchers unlock nature’s mysteries and learn about exciting new species. To date, eleven new rainforest species have been discovered at Veragua by our scientists! Overnight at Hotel Cariblue. (Meals: B)Day 8-9: Caribbean Coast
Free Day. Overnight at Hotel Cariblue. (Meals: B)Day 10: San José
Transfer to Juan Santamaria International Airport. (Meals: B)