Costa Rica Natural Discovery FAM

Arrival in San Jose International Airport where after clearing immigrations, luggage claim and customs proceed through exit door and turn right to hotel shuttle point, located directly in front of the public phones, just a few feet away. Here you will be met by Barcelo’s shuttle service for the short drive to Barcelo San Jose Hotel, for check in

Early in the morning your trip to Tortuguero National Park will depart to Limon crossing Costa Rica from west to east, descending into the lowland tropics of the Caribbean coast. We will stop for breakfast before we continue through a variety of life zones. Here, we board our riverboat for an exciting one hour trip where you will be able to observe various animals and vegetation. Mid-day arrival at Mawamba Lodge in time for a hearty lunch. Afternoon tour to Tortuguero town, starting at the entrance to the beach in front of the hotel. Visit the Caribbean Conservation Corporation Museum and the village. Return back to the lodge walking the beach trail. Enjoy Mawamba’s swimming pool, Jacuzzi, hammocks, nature trails and gardens. Dinner and overnight. Meals BLD

Optional tour available at 6:15am to admire the awakening of the wildlife of Tortuguero.  After breakfast, guided tour of Mawamba Park’s two butterfly farms, frog garden, biodigestor and River turtle area. After lunch, it’s time to explore Tortuguero National Park with a fascinating guided canal tour. Dinner and overnight. Optional night tour during the turtle nesting season (July to September). Meals BLD

After an early breakfast, you will board your boats back on the waterways to reach Pavona Dock. After having lunch at Rio Danta, your private 2 hour transfer will bring you on the new road directly to Arenal and the picturesque town of La Fortuna where you will get your first full view of this majestic volcano and, as the clouds lift, its awe-inspiring perfect cone. Check-in at Arenal Volcano Inn, overnight. Meals BL

After breakfast, enjoy an early morning self-guided walk through the 30 hectares (75 acres) of primary and secondary forest, with many paths and trails that will bring you to a myriad of the most amazing and colorful bird species of Costa Rica.
Later this afternoon embark on your guided Arenal Volcano Hike. The Arenal Volcano tour transports guests to the active northwest side of the volcano. The tour begins with a hike and depending upon which side of the volcano the lava is flowing, we go either to the trail “Los Tucanes” at the National Park or Mirador El Silencio.  As the evening approaches and your sense of hearing heightens, the hike takes on a surreal quality due to the amazing sounds the volcano makes in the distance. As you experience this tour, your well-trained bilingual guide will teach you a great deal about the activity and history of the volcano  It is possible to observe a great variety of plants, wildlife, magnificent lava rock formations and the Arenal Lake just in time for sunset! The hike takes approximately 55 minutes on gravel like trails. Return to your hotel or continue on with Option Tabacon Hot Mineral Springs & Buffet Dinner

Optional Tabacon Hot Mineral Springs With Buffet Dinner :
After your hike, head for a bit of rest and relaxation at the beautiful Tabacon Resort! The indescribable hot springs and exotic tropical gardens will soothe your body and soul. When the sun sets, the show begins with the grace of clear skies permitting, and the sight of redhot lava boulders rolling down the volcano as you soak in the springs, will stun you.  Revel in the cleansing and rejuvenating effects of the thermal waters. Tabacon is nestled at the base of mighty Arenal with a view of the Volcano towering in the background. Here, thermo-mineral springs flowing from Arenal run at a soothing 80- 102 F through a maze of pools, waterfalls and exotic tropical gardens. You’ll love exploring the springs many nooks pulsating with these magic hot waters! Locker keys and towels provided to all guests. Latter, a truly fabulous buffet is offered in the open air restaurant. Transfer back to your hotel for a good night’s sleep. Meals D

After breakfast depart on your 4 hour transfer to the sunny Tamarindo Beach! Upon arrival at the Wyndham Tamarindo you will check in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Meals B

Enjoy this day at leisure and relax! Tamarindo Beach is part of a bay formed by a cape, Cabo Velas (velas is Spanish for sails, or sailfish). Playa Grande lies to the north of Tamarindo Beach inside the bay. The two beaches are separated by a natural salt water estuary, Estero Tamarindo. South of Tamarindo Bay there is another beautiful estuary and beach, Playa Langosta. Meals B

Morning transfer to the airport for your return flight to the U.S. Meals B