Nature Potpourri

"Costa Rica"

The Rain Forest Aerial Tram takes you on a fascinating excursion through the rain forest canopy and its hanging gardens of plants and animals hidden at the tops of tall tropical trees. Home to two-thirds of all rain forest species, the rain forest canopy is a little-known world of an extraordinary biological diversity. The site, adjacent to the northern border of Braulio Carrillo National Park, possesses one of the richest canopy communities in the world. At La Selva you identify two microhabitats: the forest under-story, which is the habitat of Great Tinamou, many antbirds and manakins, and White-whiskered Puffbird. At the small forest stream, the Chestnut-bellied Heron, Bay Wren, Tawny-creted Tanager, and Buff-rumped Warbler are commonly seen. Male Long-tailed Hermits assemble in leks in the thickets; they and White-tipped Sicklebills visit the flowers of streamside Heliconia. No visit to Costa Rica would be complete without a visit to the majestic active volcano of Adrenal. We admire the impressive fireworks of the lava eruptions during the evening, visit Tabacon Hot Springs and visit the pre Colombian museum in Liberia, with ceramic art of the Chorotegas, descendants of the Maya. Finally, we visit the tropical dry forest at the Corobici River, a must for bird watchers and nature lovers in general.

The Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrival at the International Airport Juan Santamaria. Transfer to Hotel.
Lodging: Hotel Vesuvio or similar

Day 2: BRAULIO CARRILLO NATL. PARK - JUNGLE AERIAL TRAM - GUACIMO
Drive from San José across the National Park Braulio Carrillo to Río Sucio. Ride in the gondolas of the aerial tram and you will be impressed by watching at a height of 30 m. (100ft.) the incredible variety of flora and fauna of this tropical region. Above the rain forest you will enjoy the unique experience of observing the canopy of the forest and you can take a close look at the most exotic plants that grow on the top of the trees. Later continuation of the journey to the nearby town of Guácimo. Lodging: Hotel Río Palmas or similar

Day 3: SARAPIQUí- BUTTERFLY GARDEN- MUSEUM JUWELS OF THE FOREST
Transfer through rural areas to Sarapiquí. Visit the small Butterfly Garden where you will admire many live butterflies in all stages of their lifecycle. Then you will visit the tiny Jewels of the Rain Forest Museum, an exhibition to learn as much as possible accompanied by rain forest music and sounds. Afternoon at leisure or optional boat tour on the Sarapiquí River.
Lodging: Hotel La Quinta de Sarapiquí or similar

Day 4: ARENAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK- TABACóN HOT SPRINGS
Drive the San Carlos Lowlands to the Arenal Volcano, one of the world's most active volcanoes. After sleeping quietly for more than 400 years, the Arenal erupted with tremendous force in July 1968. Since then, it continues to erupt daily but at a smaller scale. Visitors can see, on clear days, the lava eruptions that during the evening look like an impressive fireworks display. You visit also the Tabacón Hot Springs with its idyllic tropical gardens.
Lodging: Hotel Rancho Corcovado or similar

Day 5: LA FORTUNA - ARENAL LAKE – DRY FOREST AND COROBICí RIVER
Drive around the Arenal Lake passing the picturesque city of Tilarán until you reach Ca–as. Soft raft descent of the Corobicí river which is a must for birdwatchers and nature lovers in general. You will ride to the border of the nearby Palo Verde National Park and you will also observe many different migratory birds and animals typical of the tropical dry forest. Afterwards, transfer to Liberia.
Lodging: Hotel El Sitio or similar

Day 6: LIBERIA CITY - SAN JOSé
In the morning visit of the city of Liberia with its interesting mixture of modern and colonial architecture where you will see adobe (sun-dried brick) and tile roof houses. In the afternoon, return through the Pan American Highway to arrive in San José.
Lodging: Hotel Vesuvio or similar

Day 7:
Transfer to the International Airport Juan Santamaria for the return flight or continuation of your journey.

General Information

Rated: Easy

Price per person
	High Season		Low Season
	Double Room	Single Room	Double Room	Single Room
USD	$ 624	$ 790	$ 605	$ 758
EUR	€ 518	€ 656	€ 502	€ 629
GBP	£ 349	£ 442	£ 339	£ 424

(*) Price last updated on 04 November 2003. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a quotation request .
HIGH SEASON: NOVEMBER 15th, 2002 to APRIL 30th 2004 LOW SEASON: MAY 01st to OCTOBER 31st, 2004

Included:
Lodging including taxes, all transfers, English speaking guide during the tours only, all indicated tours and entrance fees to the national parks and attractions, all breakfasts and dinner on day 4.

Not included:
Meals not mentioned, personal expenses, tips, beverages.

Costa  Rica Selections