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| 9-DAY TROPICAL FOREST AND BEACH From $1700/person, double occupancy This is a a very popular itinerary that combines the Costa Rican highlights of Arenal Volcano and Monteverde Cloud Forest with more relaxing days at one of the Pacific Coast beaches. Additional days can be added at any of the locations to extend your stay. The first part of your journey takes you north to Arenal Volcano where you’ll have a rare opportunity to view one of the world's most active volcanoes. We like to stay at the Arenal Observatory Lodge, chosen by scientists from the Smithsonian Institute who needed a close but safe vantage point for their research on Arenal. From the lodge you’ll have a birdseye view of the volcano and Lake Arenal in the distance. From Arenal you’ll board a boat to cross the lake to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve - the richest, and most complex tropical cloud forest in the New World. Your trip to Monteverde includes a 2-3 hour guided walk in the Monteverde Reserve and a zipline canopy tour. The diversity of flora and fauna throughout the eight distinct ecological communities at Monteverde makes this a paradise for the nature lover. There are over 300 species of orchids, with many of them thriving among the lush vegetation of the canopy 125 feet above the forest floor. You'll have an opportunity to visit the nearby communities and the famous Monteverde Cheese Factory, the women's cooperative, and the Hummingbird Gallery. After spending a few days in the forest you’ll continue on to either Manuel Antonio Beach or Guanacaste, two of the most popular beach destinations on the Pacific Coast. Guanacaste Beaches offer both secluded beach resorts or hotels like Punta Islita or Sugar Beach Resort, or hotels situated in a more traditional “beach town” atmosphere like Tamarindo, a popular destination for surfers and beach lovers alike. Our favorite hotel in Tamarindo is the Capitan Suizo Hotel, a member of a distinguished group of small hotels located throughout Costa Rica. Manuel Antonio National Park, located along the central Pacific coast, has become one of the most popular areas because of the mixture of beaches and forest trails to explore. From this area not only is it possible to relax at the beach, but enjoy numerous activities including kayaking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, canopy tours as well as rainforest hikes in nearby reserves. Lodging in this area consists of smaller hotels nestled in the forest rising above the beach areas. Some of our favorites are Si Como No, La Mariposa, Makanda, or Costa Verde Hotel. Day 1: Arrival in San Jose, and transfer to your hotel. Day 2: Transfer to Arenal and your lodge, stopping enroute for lunch and a hike. Afternoon free to relax and explore. In the evening view the active lava flow from a safe vantage point with guide. Days 3-4: Enjoy an early morning guided hike on a recent lava flow and continue across Lake Arenal to the Monteverde Cloud Forest and your hotel. Enjoy two days exploring the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, take a zipline canopy tour, and enjoy other attractions of the area. Day 5: After breakfast, transfer to your hotel along the Pacific Coast. Day 6-7: Days at the beach for activities on your own. Day 8: Morning or afternoon flight to San Jose and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon free for your own activities. Overnight in San Jose. Day 9: Airport transfer for return flight home. |
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