Manuel Antonio National Park
SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA
Río Frío White-faced Capuchin monkey
ITINERARY
DAY 1 • Depart U. S. Fly to San José, where you’ ll be joined by our fellow travelers who took the optional pre-trip extension to Costa Rica’ s Pacific Coast: Drake Bay & Corcovado National Park.
Autentico Hotel or similar
DAY 2 • San José • Coffee plantation • Overland to San Carlos
Visit a family-owned coffee finca( plantation) and learn why locals call the coffee bean the grano d’ oro, or“ golden seed.” Then, we’ ll drive to San Carlos. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Dinner.
Meals: B, L, D | Tilajari Hotel & Resort or similar
DAY 3 • Muelle • Cruise the Río Frío • Optional Evening Nature Walk tour
Travel to Costa Rica’ s northern border, near the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. Then, board a small boat to explore the Río Frío, an inland waterway where we’ ll likely see birds, turtles, and butterflies. We might also be lucky enough to spot larger animals, like monkeys, sloths, and caimans. This evening, choose to take an optional Evening Nature Walk tour.
Meals: B, L, D | Tilajari Hotel & Resort or similar
DAY 4 • Muelle • A Day in the Life of Santa Esperanza village • GCF visit • Home-Hosted Lunch
Experience A Day in the Life of a Costa Rican village, Santa Esperanza. Meet with one of the leaders of the
Juanilama village community before visiting a local school( when in session), supported in part by Grand Circle Foundation. Afterward, join a local family for a Home-Hosted Lunch.
Meals: B, L | Tilajari Hotel & Resort or similar
DAY 5 • Arenal Reservoir boat ride • Monteverde Enjoy a boat ride around Arenal Reservoir. We’ ll see the volcano in the distance and the lake shore, and maybe even spot some howler monkeys. Continue to Monteverde, located near the town of Santa Elena.
Meals: B, L, D | El Establo Mountain Resort or similar
DAY 6 • Monteverde Cloud Forest • Optional Forest Canopy tour
Begin the day with a walk through the 26,000-acre wildlife sanctuary of Monteverde Cloud Forest, which protects hundreds of species of animals. This afternoon is free for your own discoveries, or you may join an optional Forest Canopy Ride, flying from tree to tree via zip-line.
Meals: B, L | El Establo Mountain Resort or similar
DAY 7 • Hanging Bridges tour Take a Hanging Bridges tour of the Monteverde Cloud Forest to explore the lush forest from a unique vantage point. Later, explore Monteverde on your own.
Meals: B, L | El Establo Mountain Resort or similar
DAY 8 • Manuel Antonio National Park • Mangrove tour
Depart for Manuel Antonio National Park. En route, stop at Hacienda Nosavar to take a mangrove tour, learning about how they provide important nesting grounds for birds.
Meals: B, L, D | Karahe Hotel or similar
ADVENTURE HIGHLIGHT
On Day 7, explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest’ s unique suspension bridges, examining the flora and fauna of the rainforest from a bird’ s-eye view alongside our guide.
Information & Reservations 1-800-955-1925 www. oattravel. com / bcr 245