National Geographic Journeys: Explore Costa Rica (CRENG)

Countries Visited: Costa Rica
Trip Style: Information Not available
Service Level: Upgraded
  • All the adventure you want, with a softer landing
  • Handpicked, character-rich accommodations with upgraded amenities services
  • Upgraded and private transport, including flights to maximize time
  • More included meals, activities and transfers
    Physical Demands Rating: 2 - There'll be some light walking and hiking. Suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
    Group Size: Max 16, Avg 12.
    Meals Included: 13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
    Accommodations: Not Availaible

    Highlights
    Hear a lecture from a researcher at the Monteverde Institute, learn how to make tortillas during a visit to a local family home, spot wildlife while cruising the canals of Tortuguero, enjoy spectacular volcano views while soaking in hot springs, learn all about sea turtles with an expert from the Sea Turtle Conservancy

    Description
    Costa Rica may be small but it offers big adventure. This two-week tour ventures off the beaten path to a lush and wild world. Stop in at a reforestation project, visit a sea turtle conservancy program, opt to zip-line through the jungle canopy, and have a soak in volcanic hot springs. Riding a wave of "pura vida," experience pure travel joy.
  • Call (631) 757-8500 for more information or to book today! Mention code 13726224

    Tour Operator
    G Adventures
    Duration
    14 Days
    Escorted
    Escorted - Yes
    DayDestinationDescription
    Day 1San JoseDay 1 San Jose
    If you arrive early enough, youll have time to head into the city to visit a museum or the main plaza in the city centre. The plaza is a good place to people-watch. A mime, juggler, marimba band, magician, or storyteller may be performing for whatever is collected when the hat is passed. Artisan booths are common, creating a regular arts and crafts fair atmosphere. Included Activities: Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting Transport: Private Vehicle
    Day 2TortugueroDay 2 San Jose/Tortuguero (1B, 1L, 1D)
    Enjoy a delicious Costa Rican breakfast en route as we transfer by road then boat through the famous canals of Tortuguero. This tropical eco-paradise is home to countless bird and animal species, and you will have many opportunities to view and photograph wildlife. The tropical rainforest gives way to prime secluded beaches, ideal nesting grounds for green turtles (nesting July through October), loggerhead, hawksbill, and leatherback turtles (nesting March through June). ssWe cannot guarantee you will see turtles, but that odds are fairly good from July through October. Additional Notes: In Tortuguero National Park we stay in a remote jungle lodge that is only reachable by boat. Rooms are simple, with ensuite, electricity and hot water, but due to this remote location there can sometimes be interruptions to services. There is no A/C but each room has large-screened windows and ceiling fans to catch the breeze off the Caribbean Sea. While at the lodge during your downtime, you can enjoy the pool, bar or beach. The stunning location, wildlife and natural beauty of the location more than makes up for a few minor inconveniences. Transport: Shared van (2.50-3.00 hours) Motorized canoe (1.50 hour(s))
    Day 3TortugueroDay 3 Tortuguero (1B, 1L, 1D)
    There's plenty of opportunity to see a variety of birds, monkeys, and other wildlife. In your downtime, relax at the secluded lodge on a hammock or at the pool or beach. You also have the option to take a kayaking excursion. Additional Notes: Occasionally, the Sea Turtle Conservancy is closed to visitors as it is an active research facility. In the event this happens, youll visit the nearby CaNo Palma Biological Station, which includes a sea turtle and marine conservation presentation, a hands-on turtle measuring experience on the beach, and optional beach clean. Included Activities: Tortuguero National Park Guided Boat Tour Guided Jungle Walk Visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy
    Day 4La FortunaDay 4 Tortuguero/La Fortuna (1B, 1L)
    Depart early and visit a G Adventures-supported coffee cooperative. Take a tour of the co-op and dig into a local lunch. Arrive in La Fortuna in the evening and relax at the pool as you take in jungle and volcano views. Additional Notes: Please also note that the town of La Fortuna is fairly small with shopping and some great restaurants, but most of the upgraded accommodations in this area are located outside of the main town centre - to take better advantage of the natural beauty and stunning landscapes of the area. Taxis are readily available to take you into town and back and can cost approx. $10USD each way. Included Activities: Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative Tour Transport: Boat (1.50-2.00 hours) Private Vehicle (6.00-7.00 hours, 200km)
    Day 5La FortunaDay 5 La Fortuna (1B, 1D)
    Explore Fortuna with numerous optional activities. In the evening, visit a local home and learn the art of tortilla making. Once the tortillas are ready, dig into a tasty "casado" - a typical Costa Rican dish that's made with black beans, plantains, and your very own tortillas. Included Activities: Tortilla Making and Home Dinner
    Day 6La FortunaDay 6 La Fortuna (1B)
    Free day in La Fortuna. Options include rafting, waterfall rappelling, soaking in local hot springs, or taking a boat tour of the CaNo Negro Wildlife Refuge.
    Day 7MonteverdeDay 7 La Fortuna/Monteverde (1B)
    From La Fortuna, we make our way by road and boat up to the misty mountain air of the Monteverde cloud forest region. Spend two days exploring the town and nearby Forest Reserve, truly a bird lover's paradise. Additional Notes: Please also note that the town of Monteverde is fairly small with shopping and some great restaurants, but most of the upgraded accommodations in this area are located outside of the main town centre - to take better advantage of the natural beauty and stunning landscapes of the area. Taxis are readily available to take you into town and back and can cost approx. $10USD each way. As well, the cloud forest sits at a higher elevation and offers a cooler but humid climate - which is why hotels in this area do not have A/C. Transport: Shared van (1.00 hour(s)) Boat (1.00 hour(s)) Private Vehicle (3.50 hour(s))
    Day 8MonteverdeDay 8 Monteverde (1B)
    Enjoy a nature hike in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. You'll also have some free time after to zip line, walk the hanging bridges, or explore the town. Included Activities: Santa Elena Cloud Forest Guided Tour
    Day 9MonteverdeDay 9 Monteverde (1B)
    Enjoy free time to explore all that Monteverde has to offer. Saddle up and go horseback riding, zip line through the jungle canopy, wobble bravely over suspension bridges, or visit the butterfly garden and take close-up photos. Included Activities: Monteverde Institute Lecture & Reforestation Project
    Day 10Manuel AntonioDay 10 Monteverde/Manuel Antonio (1B)
    The white-sand beaches and warm Pacific waters are the ideal atmosphere to relax at the end of your adventure. If you opt to chill out at the beach, be sure to walk out into the sea on the incredible natural sand formation that is shaped like a whales tale when the tide goes out. Additional Notes: Hotels in Manuel Antonio are not located on the beach, they are scattered along the cliffside road, overlooking the stunning coast line and lush jungle. The beach, National Park, markets, shops and restaurants are easily accessible by frequent public bus (safe and easy to use) or taxi. Transport: Private Vehicle (6.00 hour(s), 267km)
    Day 11Manuel AntonioDay 11 Manuel Antonio (1B)
    Take an included day trip to Manuel Antonio National Park. After enjoy free time at the beach. Included Activities: Manuel Antonio National Park Visit
    Day 12Manuel AntonioDay 12 Manuel Antonio (1B)
    Free time to explore Manuel Antonio and the National Park with option to surf, go horseback riding, or visit nearby picturesque beaches.
    Day 13San JoseDay 13 Manuel Antonio/San Jose (1B)
    Return to San Jose for an optional farewell dinner with the group. Transport: Private Vehicle (5.00 hour(s), 190km)
    Day 14San JoseDay 14 San Jose (1B)
    Departure day, depart at any time. Included Activities: Departure Day
    Dates/Pricing

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    Disclaimer

    Local Flights: N/A

    Dossier Disclaimer:The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

    VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

    Itinerary Disclaimer: While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

    Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
      
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