Costa Rica –Nature’s Museum

Highlights…Braulio Carrillo National Park • Poas Volcano • Coffee Plantation • Tortugeuero National Park • Sarapiqui • Rain Forest Arenal Volcano • Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge

Journey to Costa Rica, a land of rich natural wonders and friendly people. Travel beyond San Jose, Costa Rica’s colorful capital city, to explore the outstanding variety of flora and fauna in three important nature reserves: Braulio Carrillo National Park, and Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy the many pristine natural wonders of Costa Rica through exclusive excursions and special presentations, as well as unscheduled time for personal discovery.


Cost
Per Person Rates: Double $2669, Single $3,269, Triple $2,639

Included in Price:

• Round trip air from O’Hare International Airport – Chicago,
• Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $380 (subject to increase until paid in full),
• Hotel Transfers

Not Included in Price:

• Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $200 per person
  

  Itinerary
  
  Day 1: Monday, April 20, 2009
  San Jose, Costa Rica
  Upon arrival, relax in your new surroundings and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
  
  Day 2: Tuesday, April 21, 2009
  San Jose - Poas Volcano - Coffee Plantation
  View the spectacular scenery of the Central Valley, as you travel to the mammoth Poas Volcano. Walk to the edge of the crater for a magnificent view of this amazing landscape. Next, attend a tour of the Doka Coffee Plantation the highlights the coffee industry in Costa Rica. Tonight, gather for a special reception and dinner. This day's breakfast will be included.
  
  Day 3: Wednesday, April 22, 2009
  San Jose - Braulio Carrillo National Park - Tortuguero National Park
  Braulio Carrillo National Park offers one of the richest rain forest canopies in the world, the perfect introduction to the variety of forests in Costa Rica. En route to the park, experience spectacular mountain scenery, changes in ecosystems and picturesque Caribbean-style villages. Stop at a local banana plantation where you learn about its economic and social value to Costa Rica. As you board your transport to cruise the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park your guide explains the rainforest eco-system and points out sites of interest. A study in rain forest, freshwater, and marine biology, Tortuguero National Park protects over 350 species of birds and mammals, including endangered species such as green macaws and jaguars, as well as species of amphibians and reptiles. This includes 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered species among them are tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters, and manatees. Enjoy a memorable two-night stay at your eco-lodge surrounded by the beauty of a tropical forest and amazing wildlife. Learn more about your surroundings by visiting the world’s first Green Turtle Research Station and discover how to protect the turtle’s nesting habitat and eggs. This day's breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
  
  Day 4: Thursday, April 23, 2009
  Tortuguero National Park Canal Cruise
  During an early morning bird-watching excursion, learn about the variety of local species and migratory birds that flock to this area. Later, experience a spectacular boat cruise through the various canals and be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife, including howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, aquatic birds, bats, and caimans as well as exotic flora. This day's breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
  
  Day 5: Friday, April 24, 2009
  Tortuguero National Park - Sarapiqui - San Carlos
  A leisurely boat ride returns you to the mainland to travel to the fascinating Sarapiqui region. Stop at an organic pineapple plantation and learn about the various types of this exotic fruit and why Costa Rican pineapples are among the world’s best.  Your travels continue to San Carlos where you will spend three nights in a sprawling rain forests resort set amongst 35 acres of magnificent gardens and tropical fruits overlooking the San Carlos River. Enjoy a tour of the botanical and butterfly gardens upon arrival. This day's breakfast and dinner will be included.
  
  Day 6: Saturday, April 25, 2009
  San Carlos – Rain Forest Walk – Arenal Volcano
  Explore the nearby rain forest’s diversity of flora and fauna during a morning walk. Appreciate the great variety of birds and mammals in the area, such as crocodiles, caimans and giant iguanas. Experience the beauty of the geothermal region surrounding the impressive Arenal Volcano when you arrive at Ecothermales Hot Springs, a family owned hot springs oasis. Enjoy a walk through the beautiful grounds, soak in the soothing, hot mineral-rich waters, or take advantage of the first rate spa services. Enjoy a wonderful dinner overlooking Arenal Volcano. This day's breakfast and dinner will be included.
  
  Day 7: Sunday, April 26, 2009
  San Carlos - Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge
  The Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge is a remote 20,000-acre jungle refuge with an amazing variety of birds and indigenous wildlife, including spider and howler monkeys and two-toed sloths. Embark on a guided riverboat trip down the Rio Frio to observe this exotic wildlife. This day's breakfast and dinner will be included.
  
  Day 8: Monday, April 27, 2009
  San Carlos - San Jose
  Returning to San Jose, tour the colorful Plaza de Cultural; the National Museum, which houses a collection of pre-Colombian art and other exhibits detailing the history of Costa Rica; and the National Theater, a magnificent building of post-baroque splendor. This evening, enjoy a festive farewell cultural dinner sponsored by a Rural Based Community Project. You will be captivated by the Folkloric dances and traditional marimba music, presented by local performers. This day's breakfast and dinner will be included.
  
  Day 9: Tuesday, April 28, 2009
  San Jose - Tour Concludes
  Your tour ends today, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation. This day's breakfast will be included.

Educational Highlights in Costa Rica

Our local Costa Rican naturalist takes you off the beaten path to discover the nation’s spectacular flora and fauna, geological wonders and tropical forest ecology as you journey from the coastal lowlands into the cloud forests of the central highlands.

• Learn about the unique flavors and processing techniques of Costa Rican coffee production at a coffee plantation.
• Enjoy a discussion on the geology of Costa Rica’s active and dormant volcanoes, and their environmental and economic impact on the nation.
• Learn about the differences between Costa Rica’s varied forest environments.

   

Please note:

• Taxes/fees to be paid in local currencies upon exiting the country are approximately $27 USD.
• The days and order of sightseeing may change to best utilize your time on tour.
• Hotel check-in on your day arrival is 3:00 PM. Rooms may not be available prior to that time.
• This tour will visit Poas Volcano which has an elevation of 9,000 feet.

We want you to enjoy your tour with us; therefore it is important that you know this tour is an adventure! You will view spectacular scenery while experiencing the culture and heritage of the region. We have selected small, comfortable hotels for their locations and they may be considered rustic. Air conditioning is available in San Jose. However, air conditioning and elevators are not available in all properties used on this tour. Most hotels typically have ceiling fans only.


Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures prides itself on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. For your comfort, we recommend bringing sturdy walking shoes.

If you have not purchased air through Smithsonian Journeys travel Adventures and wish to purchase transfers, you must transfer at our pre-scheduled times.

“Signature Series” tours are considered to be our marquee programs. These unique itineraries are loaded with special features and unforgettable meal experiences, and include mainly 4-5 star hotels.





For more information or to receive a registration form contact
Mardell Fisher at 800-551-1518 or alumnioffice@carthage.edu