Natural Costa Rica

You fly to Costa Rica. On arrival in San Jose in Costa Rica’s high central meseta, travel about 30 minutes to arrive at the hotel for a night. Your Discover leader will arrange and pay for a snack for those who would like it.

You have a morning's drive down to the east coast at Cahuita to stay for two nights. This is a laid-back Caribbean town more like a Caribbean island than the other places we will visit; the perfect place to unwind and relax. In the afternoon you will stroll around town to soak up the atmosphere with the local guide.

Today you walk in the Cahuita National Park through lush rain forest and along tropical white sand beaches – this is scenery straight out of Pirates of the Caribbean. Listen out for Howler monkeys, as well as spotting white capuchins. Watch out for sloths and toucans in the treetops and on the water ibis, herons and kingfishers. Our sharp-eyed guide should be able to spot a variety of tropical frogs, spiders and insects. Everyone will notice the enormous blue Morpho butterflies, perhaps the most distinctive wildlife you will see the Costa Rica. There are two rivers to cross on the way, one shallow and one often knee deep, so be prepared to take your boots off. Later in the day there will be free time to take a dip in the Caribbean.

Walks

Distance: 6.2 miles

Time: 3 hours

Ascent: 301

Descent: 276

After breakfast, depart to Sarapiqui, for a one night stay, in the heart of the former chocolate growing area. The cacao tree, from which the raw material for chocolate comes, is a rainforest tree. You walk into Sarapiqui’s classic rainforest to a former cacao-tree plantation. During the tour you will learn the natural and cultural history of the cacao tree and the secrets of transforming cacao fruit into chocolate.

Don’t be surprised if a Collared Aracari (a small toucan) provides breakfast entertainment. The hotel sets up a feeding table which this and many other exotic birds visit. Today’s tropical adventure starts with a hike in the forest of La Selva Biological Station. This is one of the world’s most important sites for tropical ecosystem research, holding over 450 bird species and 70 species of bats. Later in the day, we head northwest through the Central Tableland into coffee plantation country. After various stops during which we should see tree dwelling iguanas, we arrive at La Fortuna, spectacularly situated under the imposing silhouette of Arenal volcano. La Fortuna is an excellent place to shop for brightly coloured ethnic artifacts.

This morning you walk on the slopes of Arenal. The volcano has only recently become dormant and signs of volcanic activity are everywhere. You walk up to the edge of lava fields with plenty of stops to learn about the flora and fauna from the local guide. The walk takes about 2 ½ hours. In the afternoon transfer to Tres Rios by the Rio Celeste. On arrival at the hotel at Rio Celeste (2nts) take time to relax in these peaceful surroundings.

Walks

Distance: 2 miles

Time: 2 hours

Ascent: 120

Descent: 120

The Rio Celeste is one of Costa Rica’s natural highlights. Natural mineral deposits give the river a bright turquoise colour, made only more spectacular as it runs through lush green vegetation. You walk to a beautiful waterfall and also to where the turquoise waters meet clear river water. Later we enjoy a stroll through the extensive hotel grounds’ beautiful primary forest to enjoy the ambience.

Walks

Distance: 2 miles

Time: 1.5 hours

Ascent: 100

Descent: 100

Today you continue northwest to Rincón de la Vieja passing more volcanic scenery en route. There will be a stop in Liberia for lunch to get a taste of an authentic Costa Rican colonial town. Early afternoon finds you at the hotel. The Cañon de la Vieja where we normally stay is the perfect place for a free afternoon. It has the best swimming pool of the holiday, a spa, a suspension bridge and offers various activities.

This morning the walk is along the Las Pailas Trail visiting assorted volcanic activity areas of steaming sulphuric hot rocks and bubbling mud pools. The terrain undulates with various streams to cross and some muddy sections. The walk takes about 2 ½ hours. In the afternoon you visit Santa Rosa National Park on the Pacific Coast which contains some of the last remaining tropical dry forest in the world and offers a home to spider monkeys amongst many other creatures.

You travel southeast to Monteverde (2 nights), settled relatively recently, in 1951, by a group of 44 Quakers. Monteverde, 'Green Mountain' in Spanish, is nestled high in the Tilaran mountain range and is one of the most beautiful areas of Costa Rica, with large tracts of forest still untouched. An amazing 50% of the county’s flora and fauna can be found here.

A morning visit to the 26,000 acre Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, preserved and protected as a result of the Quakers' foresight. The forest is home to a myriad of plants, insects and over 400 species of birds - a birdwatcher's paradise. The park authorities control the number of hikers on the forest trails to minimise the impact of visitors, which may affect the direction, routes taken and start times of walks within the reserve. During the afternoon we can enjoy a coffee tour. It includes an overview of the history of Costa Rican coffee and its importance in the development of the country. During the tour, you will learn about other aspects of Costa Rican culture and its traditions.

You depart for Manuel Antonio National Park (2 nights), on the Pacific coast, with a cruise on the Tarcoles River en route. The cruise offers excellent viewing of crocodiles, hawk-like caracaras and osprey as well as the mangrove swamps.

Today we have a day to relax after some busy times. You might enjoy a day by the pool with a good book, a stroll to the beach or a visit to Quepos, the local town. For the more adventurous all manner of wildlife and adventure tours are available.

You spend the morning in Manuel Antonio National Park on the central Pacific Coast, the smallest and possibly the most beautiful in the park system and take the opportunity to enjoy the diverse wildlife and the tropical white sand beaches. There are kingfishers, five species of monkey and iguanas amongst many other creatures in this Garden of Eden. The 'Third (or Gemelas) Beach' with its coconut palms and white sands is almost exactly how you imagine a tropical beach should look. You will spend the morning in the park and later go back to the hotel to check out for your transfer to San Jose. You will arrive back in the capital later in the day.

After breakfast, you have a walking tour of San Jose city with a local guide. You pass the Gold Museum, National Theatre and Jade Museum. Entrance fees are not included but there will be plenty of time to go back and visit any attractions you might choose. Later we transfer to the airport for the flight home.

Arrive back in the UK.