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Costa Rica, a pioneer in the field of ecotourism, is known both for the diversity of its ecosystems and for the government's efforts to protect those ecosystems in National Parks. In fact, Costa Rica has managed to protect a larger proportion of its land than any other country in the world, with 25% receiving some form of protection. This is a country of rainforests and beaches, mountains and jungles, and Costa Rica's flora and fauna, particularly birds and flowers, are amazingly rich. In this land of jewels, we have picked out the three best, the three places that you have to visit to begin to appreciate just how diverse this country is. After arriving in San Jose we travel to Tortuguero National Park with its system of jungle canals on one side and the Atlantic Coast on the other. We then visit the Arenal area, best known for its volcano and hot springs. And finally we end in the cloud forest of Monteverde. We haven't seen it all, but in 10 days we've seen so much! Maximum group size: 12
Highlights
- Kayaking through the jungle canals and lagoons of Tortuguero National Park
- Rafting through the rainforest on the Sarapiqui River
- Soaking in the hot springs in Arenal
- Learning about the unique Cloud Forest Ecosystem
- Enjoying Costa Rican cuisine and hospitality
Departures and Prices
Inclusions
- A naturalist Costa Rican guide and an AGC guide (If there are fewer than 8 on the trip there will not be an AGC guide)
- Nine nights double occupancy lodging
- All activities specified on the itinerary
- Private transportation within Costa Rica
- All meals from dinner the first night through breakfast the last
- Airport transfer to and from San Jose (on day of arrival and departure at scheduled times)
- Gratuities for drivers and incidental guides
Details
This trip is rated 1 and is designed for active women who want to immerse themselves in the natural history of this fascinating country. While the trip is active, none of the activities are strenuous and all are designed to give you different perspectives on the flora and fauna. Rating: [1] 2 3 4 5
This trip includes hiking, walking, kayaking, whitewater rafting, and ziplining (optional) Lead by a local naturalist guide, we will immerse ourselves in the natural history of this country that is small in size and amazingly diverse.
We are staying at a variety of accommodations, from a well-situated and rather conventional hotel in San Jose to more personal lodging in other places. Every place we stay is clean and comfortable, with double-occupancy rooms and ensuite bathrooms. Two single rooms are available for an additional cost.
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
After lunch we'll explore the Park waterways by kayak. Kayaking allows us to wend our way through smaller canals, stopping to watch monkeys (Spider, Howler and Capuchin Monkeys all live here) and identify birds such s green heron and caiman egrets, and perhaps spot some of the rarer wildlife that can't be seen from the larger boats. We'll have a naturalist guide who works in Tortuguero as well as our local guide, so there will be plenty of opportunity to have all of our questions answered. Quietly navigating through rivers and lagoons is an excellent way to enjoy all the natural wonders of the area. Overnight at Mawamba Lodge. (B,L,D)
In the afternoon your guide will take you on a hiking tour along a private hiking trail to look for more wildlife. The rest of the afternoon is free to visit the Village of Tortuguero or return to the hotel for some leisure time, where we can relax at the swimming pool, take a cocktail admiring the lagoon, or stroll along the beach. All our meals are served at the hotel. Overnight at Mawamba Lodge (B,L,D)
After rafting and recharging with lunch at a local restaurant, we will continue traveling northwest to the Arenal area, known for its large lake, recently active volcano, and hot springs. We'll arrive by late afternoon. Our hotel for the following 2 nights is located right in front of the volcano, with impressive views of this massive mountain. Natural hot springs are a delightful welcome to this area, and we can enjoy them right at the hotel. Overnight at Los Lagos hotel. (B, L, D)
After the Bridges, we'll go to Casona Río Fortuna, a traditional country estate that was formerly the home of a Costa Rican president. We'll learn how to make Tico coffee and tortillas, and then eat lunch. We'll also learn about the culture, traditions, and the way of life in rural Costa Rica. In late afternoon we will return to Los Lagos to soak in the hot-springs and naturally heated pools; this is one of the best natural treatments you can give your skin as well as being relaxing and rejuvenating. Dinner and overnight at Los Lagos hotel. (B, L, D)
That evening we'll visit a private reserve for a night walk. Our naturalist guide will explain the many forms of life and help us appreciate the fascinating creatures that inhabit the forest at night, exposing us to a different facet of the animal life in Costa Rica. We'll then continue to one of the best restaurants in the area for a delicious dinner. Overnight at Aguti Hotel. (B,L,D)
Later that day, we'll experience the cloud forest from a new perspective - a zipline! Ziplining combines high adrenaline with a high degree of safety. The tour starts up the mountain with amazing views of the forest and the Arenal Volcano. From here, you start riding down on a zip line track, the first of 15, that stretches across canyons and in between treetops. There is also the option to try a rappel and a Tarzan swing. The rest of the day will be free at your leisure until dinner. A variety of different exhibits within walking distance showcase Monteverde's unique plant and animal life; you can visit a butterfly farm, stop by the Bat Jungle, or visit the Orchid Garden to see some of the 400 orchid species that live in the area. Or (radical idea) you could take some down time and relax; it is your vacation after all. Overnight at Aguti Hotel. (B, L, D)
*These are the unfiltered reviews of women who have been on this trip in answer to the question "Did this trip meet your expectations?". We take reviews very seriously and often tweak itineraries based on feedback. Please feel free to contact us about any questions you have.
The first half of the trip was fabulous, the second a huge disappointment. Joann showed up, knowing she was sick with very bad flu, coughed with an uncovered mouth on the bus for hours and infected five of us with the terrible cough and in my case, three days of fever which severely limited my activity and enjoyment. She disingenuously insisted that it was her asthma and the humidity that affected us. Is there a policy that you can send someone home when they arrive sick? It spoiled the trip for several of us who had invested much money and hopes in the trip.
Costa Rica: From Sea to Mountains 3/2/2019-3/11/2019
All of the activities such as kayaking and ziplining, the opportunity to learn about Costa Rica, the wonderful group of women, and the great guides.
Costa Rica: From Sea to Mountains 3/2/2019-3/11/2019
Great itinerary. Well taken care of by our guides.
Costa Rica: From Sea to Mountains 3/2/2019-3/11/2019
Zip lining in jungle canopy. Kayak in river
Costa Rica: From Sea to Mountains 3/2/2019-3/11/2019
The guides were fabulous, the trip was organized . My highlights are numerous. The rafting, kayaking and of course zip lining were a few. Seeing as much of Costa Rica by boat was a great highlight.
Costa Rica: From Sea to Mountains 3/2/2019-3/11/2019
More cat time than expected.
Costa Rica: From Sea to Mountains 3/4/2017-3/13/2017
Seeing the toucans, rafting, zip line, kayaking rain forest, everything was awesome.
Costa Rica: From Sea to Mountains 3/4/2017-3/13/2017
Both the AGC guide and the local guide did outstanding jobs making all comfortable. The interactions with local Costa Ricans and being introduced to interesting and valuable projects in ecotourism went a long way toward developing good will.
Costa Rica: From Sea to Mountains 3/4/2017-3/13/2017
I very much enjoyed to experience the nature of the rain forest flowers, plants, and wildlife. Enjoyed the food, the culture, etc.
Costa Rica: From Sea to Mountains 3/4/2017-3/13/2017
Highlights: Tortuguero National Park: kayaking, wildlife watching, walking along the ocean; La Fortuna: Hot Springs, swimming in the pools at Selva Verde and the Tortuguero National Park Lodge. Also, the butterfly farm, night hike, cashew tree, and orchid gardens. Difficulties: Had hoped to spend more time in the Cloud forest. Would have liked more time to explore the wildlife at the lodges, Selva Verde in particular. The rafting trip was too commercialized and rowdy--although a lot of the women enjoyed that. I could have done with less shopping too. Meals at restaurants were far too long and complicated -- I often found myself isolated at long tables with loud people talking all around me but not in actual conversation.
Costa Rica: From Sea to Mountains 3/4/2017-3/13/2017
I loved the Mawamba Lodge. The variety of food was amazing. I loved the diversity of activities there. The local guide, Cat, brought us to very special places. Some of these places I don't believe would be places you would find on trip adviser. Cat was very knowledgable. I appreciate having a guide who is so passionate about their country.
Costa Rica: From Sea to Mountains 3/4/2017-3/13/2017
zip line, wildlife
Costa Rica: From Sea to Mountains 3/4/2017-3/13/2017
I so enjoyed being out with nature and still having the amenities near by.the nature hikes were great kayaking, rafting, visiting farms and learning the.culture of the area people.
Costa Rica: From Sea to Mountains 3/4/2017-3/13/2017
I so enjoyed being out with nature and still having the amenities near by.the nature hikes were great kayaking, rafting, visiting farms and learning the.culture of the area people.
Costa Rica: From Sea to Mountains 3/4/2017-3/13/2017
I so enjoyed being out with nature and still having the amenities near by.the nature hikes were great kayaking, rafting, visiting farms and learning the.culture of the area people.
Costa Rica: From Sea to Mountains 3/4/2017-3/13/2017
I so enjoyed being out with nature and still having the amenities near by.the nature hikes were great kayaking, rafting, visiting farms and learning the.culture of the area people.
Costa Rica: From Sea to Mountains 3/4/2017-3/13/2017
I so enjoyed being out with nature and still having the amenities near by.the nature hikes were great kayaking, rafting, visiting farms and learning the.culture of the area people.
Costa Rica: From Sea to Mountains 3/4/2017-3/13/2017
I so enjoyed being out with nature and still having the amenities near by.the nature hikes were great kayaking, rafting, visiting farms and learning the.culture of the area people.
Costa Rica: From Sea to Mountains 3/4/2017-3/13/2017
- Where do we eat?
Your breakfasts will be buffets at the hotels where you're staying. Dinner is in restaurants with typically a choice of vegetarian or non-vegetarian entree. Lunches may either be picnics or in restaurants. -
What dietary preferences or restrictions can you accommodate on this trip?
If we know well in advance, we can accommodate vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-sensitive diets. We cannot guarantee a completely gluten-free diet and we cannot provide a kitchen guaranteed to be free of cross-contamination. If you are vegan, we ask that you bring some additional protein bars; and if you are gluten-sensitive, please bring some gluten-free snacks. If you have severe allergies, Celiac disease and/or other significant dietary restrictions, please call the office before you register. -
I will be coming by myself. Do I need to pay a single supplement?
You only need to pay a single supplement if you want to guarantee you have your own room. Otherwise we'll pair you up with someone and then switch roommates every time we switch lodging.
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