Costa Rica Tours, Ltd.

 Nature Tour in Costa Rica

February 11-18, 2012

Tour is Fully Booked; Join Us in 2013!

Travel off the beaten path to the best regions in Costa Rica for birding and wildlife viewing. Enjoy the volcano, rainforest and thermal springs in Arenal and then the new Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge in the Northern plains bordering Nicaragua.  In southern Costa Rica you go to the Savegre River valley, the best place in Costa Rica to see the Resplendent Quetzal. The tour is escorted by Dr. Frank Rutowski, a veterinarian specializing in tropical birds, and guided by a full-time Costa Rican naturalist. We limit the tour to 15 passengers to provide the best possible nature experience. 

Tour Highlights: 

• Rainforest walk on Arenal Hanging Bridges
• Tabacon Thermal Springs and viewing of lava flow of Arenal Volcano
• Wildlife Boat Tour
• Botanical, Frog, and Reptile Gardens, and Trails at Maquenque Eco-Lodge
• Great Bird Watching at Maquenque: Green Macaws Anyone? 
• Night Hike at Maquenque
• Birdwatching at Savegre Lodge: Home to many Quetzals
• Topiary at Zarcero
• Optional Activities: Zipline/Canopy; Spa Treatment

Tour Video

Daily Itinerary:

Day 1: Arenal

Upon arrival in San Jose you are transferred to Arenal. You will stay at Arenal Observatory Lodge where your rooms will have a view of the lava flow of the Arenal Volcano. Enjoy a welcome cocktail and orientation session, and relax in the pool after your travel day.

Day 2: Arenal Hanging Brides/Tabacon Thermal Springs

In the morning your naturalist guide will lead a hike through the rainforest at Arenal Hanging Bridges. Walk along sturdy bridges where you will see the extremely rich biodiversity of this unique rainforest environment. You are likely to see many types of birds, orchids and other exotic plants and perhaps a sloth or monkey. 

Next, you will enjoy Tabacon Thermal Springs and Spa. There will be time to take an optional spa treatment at their spa, enjoy the multiple natural thermal pools formed from water coming down from Arenal Volcano.  Explore their trails with lush vegetation before your extensive buffet dinner. 

Day 3:  Maquenque

Today we transfer by boat further north toward the Costa Rica-Nicaragua border to Maquenque Eco-Lodge, adjacent to the newly created Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge. It has become famous for being a unique region for ecology, wildlife observation, and for birding and adventure tours. The rest of the afternoon we will tour the Botanical Garden, the Frog Garden, Reptile Garden and the surrounding trails.

Day 4: Maquenque

 Full-day to explore the nature trails and botanical, frog, and reptile gardens at Maquenque Eco-Lodge. You can also take an optional horseback ride. In the evening, your guide will lead a night hike to see the nocturnal wildlife of the rainforest.

Day 5: Transfer to San Jose with stops at Zarcero and Sarchi

On your return to San Jose, you will visit the topiary of the church at Zarcero which was begun over 40 years ago.  You will see the intertwining archway leading to the church, a monkey riding a motorcycle, a pig, and other enjoyable creations. Then you stop at Sarchi, the crafts capital of Costa Rica where you can buy painted ox carts (the national symbol of CR) in all sizes, ceramics, items of tropical wood and leather, jewelry, and rocking chairs that can be packed to take on the plane with you!

Day 6: Transfer to the Savagre Lodge at San Gerado de Dota

Nestled in the Savegre River Valley you will find a natural paradise with trails, waterfall and very comfortable accommodations at the Savegre Lodge. On your several bird watching hikes you will search for the Resplendent Quetzal, considered the most beautiful bird in the world. We can almost guarantee you will see one!

Day 7: Nature Tour and transfer to San Jose

In the morning you continue bird watching. After lunch you depart for your scenic ride back to San Jose and your farewell dinner that evening.

Day 8: Depart for Home

You depart for home with a lifetime of memories!

Cost for Land Tour (8D/7N): $1975 per person, double occupancy (add $375 for single occupancy).   Includes 19 meals, (7B,5L,7D), hotel/lodge accommodations, tours and transfers by air-conditioned motor coach; full-time Costa Rican naturalist guide, and U.S. Tour Escort. International airfare, guide tips, and airport exit tax (currently $28) are not included.