Costa Rican Odyssey

Day 1. Depart London

Depart London for San Jose. On arrival late in the evening, you will be met and transferred to the San Gildar Hotel for the night. The San Gildar Hotel is located in an historic and picturesque area, approximately ten minutes drive from downtown San Jose. With its 30 ensuite rooms, gift shop, restaurant, art gallery, lush tropical gardens and swimming pool, it provides a wonderful base for your stay.

Day 2. Braulio Carrillo National Park [B]

After a morning at leisure, you will be driven to Braulio Carrillo National Park for a ride on the Aerial Tram. From here you will be able to view the rainforest below where over 340 species of bird have been recorded, together with Howler, and White-faced Monkeys, Tapir, Jaguar, Puma, Ocelot and Paca. Spend the night at a nearby Rainforest Lodge.

Days 3 & 4. Tortuguero [B, L, D]

Transfer by road and boat, exploring the canals and lagoons on the way to Tortuguero National Park. In this vast area of untouched tropical rainforest there will be plenty of time for jungle walks and boat trips, and between July and September, night walks to view Atlantic Green Turtles which come ashore to nest. You spend two nights at Pachira Lodge, which provides comfortable accommodation in wooden cabins, each with en-suite bathroom, hot water, ceiling fan and mosquito net. Public areas include a bar and pool.

Days 5 & 6. Arenal [B,L (Day 5 only)]

This morning you return to Guapiles for lunch, collect your 4-wheel drive vehicle and head off to Arenal National Park and the world's most active volcano. After dark the opportunity to watch volcanic activity may include explosions and flowing lava! Spend two nights at Arenal Lodge, from where you have magnificent views of Arenal Volcano on a clear night. During your stay you may wish to visit Tabacon Hot Springs, Venado Caves and Negro Wildlife Centre.

Days 7 & 8. Monteverde [B]

Continue to the protected Monteverde Cloud Forest today, a reserve of some 4,500 hectares. The Resplendent Quetzal, sacred bird of the Mayans, considered by many to be the most beautiful bird in the world, is regularly seen between January and July, together with Emerald Toucanet and both White-faced, and Howler Monkeys. You spend two nights at the Hotel El Sapo Dorado.

Days 9 & 10. Abangaritos/Gulf of Nicoya [B]

Drive on to the Pacific Coast today to the Gulf of Nicoya and La Ensenada Lodge. La Ensenada provides comfortable accommodation with twenty rooms, each with en-suite facilities and a terrace. Here, guided birding excursions in the tropical dry forest and seasonal marshes provide excellent opportunities to see vast concentrations of herons, ducks, and spoonbills gathering during the dry season.

Day 11. San Jose [B]

Today you return to San Jose for your final night at the San Gildar Hotel.

Days 12 & 13. Homeward [B (Day 12 only)]

A transfer will be provided to San Jose airport for your homeward flight. You arrive home on day 13.