The highlight of the tour are visits to three of the most prominent volcanoes in Costa Rica - Arenal Volcano, Rincon de la Vieja and Tenorio Volcano, the latter two of which are located in Guanacaste Province. The accommodations chosen for this adventure are situated in close proximity to the volcanoes in order to maximize your viewing pleasure and to facilitate easy access to some of the nature trails that go into the forested slopes.
Experience the nightly fireworks of Arenal volcano and the fumaroles, bubbling pots and natural hot springs of Rincon de la Vieja and Tenorio Volcano. At the tail end of the trip, you’ll enjoy days of relaxation on the beach at Playa Ocotal on Costa Rica’s Northern Pacific Coast.
Difficulty: Average, involves some easy hiking thru jungle and mountainous terrain and horseback riding.
Departure Date: Any day.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Upon arrival at the international airport in San Jose, you will be met by your tour rep from Costa Rican Trails and transferred to the hotel. Participants will receive a Welcome Kit including information on Costa Rica, a map, brochures of properties and attractions, and recommendations on what to bring and wear during the excursions.
Overnight: Grano de Oro
Day 2: Early morning departure to Arenal. Located in the northern part of the Alajuela province, close to the Nicaraguan border, the Arenal region possesses beautiful and varied scenery. Refreshed by gentle tropical rains, this land stays green and humid almost all year round. The lowlands host gushing rivers, hot springs, lagoons, remote national parks and plentiful wildlife.
The lodge has excellent views of the still active Arenal Volcano. Sporadically, loud explosions can be heard and, if the sky is clear, clouds of gases and rolling rocks can easily be spotted. At night the spectacle becomes even more impressive, as the hot red lava cascades down the volcano’s perfectly shaped cone. After check-in, you will go on a guided hike into the Arenal Volcano National Park
Overnight: Montana de Fuego
(B)
Day 3: Morning at leisure - Optional morning activities include a canopy walkway tour through the nearby forest reserve. In the late afternoon, you will visit nearby Ecotermales, a hot springs complex of thermal pools with outstanding views of Arenal Volcano. Relax and enoy the fireworks show! Dinner will be served at the Ecotermales facility
Overnight: Montana de Fuego
(B, D)
Day 4: Today you will continue to Rincón de la Vieja , stopping on the way at Tenorio Volcano National Park. Tenorio is an active Volcano, though activity is limited to fumaroles, hot springs and mud pots. The park boasts five life zones, and the virgin forests near the volcano’s summit are the haunts of tapirs and pumas. At the summit is a small lake surrounded by epiphyte-laden cloud forest. A stop will be made at Rio Celeste (light blue river) located on the northeastern flanks of the volcano. Lunch en route in a local restaurant
Overnight: Hacienda Guachipelin.
(B, L)
Day 5: Visitors will take a horseback ride to the 25 meter high Oropendula Waterfall where they will take a refreshing bath in the emerald-green waters. Nearby are some mud pools and thermal waters. Cover your body with hot natural mud, wait until it dries; then wash it out in the natural thermal water pool.
Overnight: Hacienda Guachipelin.
(B)
Day 6: Today you will be transferred to the Gulf of Papagayo on the North Pacific coast. Scuba diving is excellent in this area.
Overnight: Ocotal Resort
(B)
Day 7-8: Days at leisure at Playa Ocotal. This attractive but small, gray sand beach is the cleanest and quietest beach in the area, offering good swimming and snorkeling. Scuba diving is available and nearby Catalina Island is a recommended diving spot. It is the best place to see huge schools of rays, including the big manta ray.
Overnight: Ocotal Resort
(B)
Day 9: Today you will be transferred to the Liberia Airport for your International flight.
(B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Details (Valid: 2008.05.01 - 2008.10.31):
- Double: $1329.00
- Single: $1579.00
*Single rates are based in two passengers traveling in single occupancy.
Inclusion:
Rates per person and include accommodations at specified hotels, hotel taxes and service charges, meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner), all excursions and sightseeing as detailed, admission fees, domestic flights, VIP airport transfers and services of a private tour guide with transfers on Days 2, 4 and 6. The Tour operator reserves the right to substitute hotels of comparable quality as necessary. Rates are subject to change without notice.
Exclusion:
Rates do not include International airfare, beverages, tips, personal expenses and airport departure tax.
Also see tour packages in:
Central America and Caribbean
Costa Rica
Nature & Wildlife
Volcano Tours
Rainforest
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