Arenal Volcano
SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA
Native iguana , Muelle Santa Esperanza
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 Visit a family-owned coffee finca ( plantation ) and learn why locals call the coffee bean the grano d ’ oro , or “ golden seed .” 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 .
Meet with one of the leaders of the Santa Esperanza 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 • Lake Arenal boat ride • Monteverde Enjoy a boat ride around Lake Arenal . 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
DAY 9 • Rainforest spices tour • Optional evening nature walk
Tour the Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation , an organic spice farm . Explore the grounds before partaking in a tasting of spice-infused treats . Later , you are free to make your own discoveries , or you may embark on embark on an optional night walk through the forest .
Meals : B , L | Karahe Hotel or similar
ADVENTURE HIGHLIGHT
On Day 4 , spend A Day in the Life of the village of Santa Esperanza , where you ’ ll meet the head of a local Women ’ s Association , learn all about this tiny hamlet , and even sit down for a traditional meal
Information & Reservations 1-800-955-1925 www . oattravel . com / bcr 113