NATURAL HIGHLIGHTS OF COSTA RICA
9 DAYS, SAN JOSE to SAN JOSE

Home to some of the most unforgettable landscapes, unique wildlife, and lush rainforests in the world, Costa Rica is used to being in the spotlight. Shine your own on this gorgeous country over nine days of outstanding adventure. Trek across the foot of a volcano to photograph giant blue butterflies, visit a coffee co-op, and search for monkeys while hiking park trails. Get in touch with nature’s best in Costa Rica.

 

 

IS THIS TOUR FOR ME?

TRAVEL STYLE: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC JOURNEYS

Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.

SERVICE LEVEL: UPGRADED

Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours such as private transport (including internal flights on some tours) and more included meals and activities.

PHYSICAL RATING: LIGHT

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

TRIP TYPE: SMALL GROUP

Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 10

 

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

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• Devour a delicious lunch at a G Adventures-supported coffee farm

• Learn how to make tortillas in a local home

• Listen to a lecture from a Monteverde Institute researcher

• Hike the trails of cloud forest reserves and breathtaking parks

• Search for wildlife while exploring the Pacific coast

 

 

DAY 1 SAN JOSÉ
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.

If you arrive early enough, you'll have time to head into the city to visit a museum, shop, or visit the main plaza in the city centre.

The plaza is a good place to people-watch. A mime, juggler, marimba band, magician, or storyteller may be performing for whatever is collected when the hat is passed. Artisan booths are common, creating a regular arts and crafts fair atmosphere.
Accommodation: Hotel Park Inn (or similar)

 

DAY 2 SAN JOSÉ/LA FORTUNA
Visit a G Adventures-supported coffee cooperative with a coffee tour and local lunch. Continue to the adventure hub of La Fortuna. In the evening, visit a local home and learn the art of tortilla making. Afterwards, dig into a tasty “casado” – a typical Costa Rican dish that’s made with black beans, plantains, and the tortillas you’ve made.

Please also note that the town of La Fortuna is fairly small with shopping and some great restaurants, but most of the upgraded accommodations in this area are located outside of the main town centre - to take better advantage of the natural beauty and stunning landscapes of the area. Taxis are readily available to take you into town and back and can cost approx. $10USD each way.

Mi Cafecito Coffee Cooperative Tour
Find out where your cup of java comes from. Visit the Mi Cafecito coffee cooperative in San Miguel de Sarapiqui, see shade-grown coffee plants, learn about everything from harvesting, to husking, drying, and roasting the beans before enjoying the best part – a fresh cup! Enjoy a typical lunch of plantains, beans, and freshly caught tilapia fish. Feel good about all this eating and drinking knowing that you are supporting a G Adventures for Good project that helps 200 farmers and their families.

Tortilla Making and Home DinnerLa Fortuna
Learn the art of tortilla making from Doña Mara in her family home. Grind the corn, mix the “masa” (dough) into balls, flatten into circles, and then cook them up on a wood-burning stove. Relax with a fresh tropical fruit juice, get to know the family, and hear about the history of tortillas. Afterwards, dig into a tasty “casado” – a typical Costa Rican dish including black beans and plantains – complete with your own hand-made tortillas.
Accommodation: Magic Mountain (or similar)

 

DAY 3 LA FORTUNA
Free day in La Fortuna for optional activities. Opt for rafting, canyoneering, or nature hikes.
Accommodation: Magic Mountain (or similar)

 

DAY 4 LA FORTUNA/MONTEVERDE
Travel from La Fortuna to the cloud forest of Monteverde – a nature lover's paradise.

Please also note that the town of Monteverde is fairly small with shopping and some great restaurants, but most of the upgraded accommodations in this area are located outside of the main town centre - to take better advantage of the natural beauty and stunning landscapes of the area. Taxis are readily available to take you into town and back and can cost approx. $10USD each way
Accommodation: Hotel Heliconias (or similar)

 

DAY 5 MONTEVERDE
Enjoy a nature hike in the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. After, visit the Monteverde Institute, which has served as the base for numerous National Geographic funded explorers and researchers. Enjoy a lecture by one of the researchers outlining the various projects National Geographic has sponsored in reforestation of tropical regions research and conservation. This afternoon, opt to visit a butterfly garden, zipline through the canopy, or go horseback riding.

Santa Elena Cloud Forest Guided Tour
Pull on your poncho and boots. It’s time to head into the cloud-covered forest, past over-sized ferns and exotic orchids. Harness your inner Tarzan and Jane as you imagine swinging from the giant vines. Trudge along 12km (7 mi) of trails, watch for wildlife, and trek to the top of the observation tower. Be sure to stop and listen too. Hear the haunting call of the bellbird and perhaps catch sight of the brilliant green and red resplendent quetzal. Feel good about protecting the forest and sustaining the quality of local schools through payment of your park fees.

Monteverde Institute Lecture
Visit the Monteverde Institute which has served as the base for numerous National Geographic-funded explorers and researchers studying the famed canopy of the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Enjoy a lecture by one of the researchers outlining the various projects National Geographic has sponsored including new discoveries, insect and bird studies, and the reforestation of tropical regions.
Accommodation: Hotel Heliconias (or similar)

 

DAY 6 MONTEVERDE/MANUEL ANTONIO
Continue to the stunning Pacific coast. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the area with options to surf, go horseback riding, catamaran dolphin watching, or visit other nearby picturesque beaches.

Hotels in Manuel Antonio are not located on the beach, they are scattered along the cliffside road, overlooking the stunning coast line and lush jungle. The beach, National Park, markets, shops and restaurants are easily accessible by frequent public bus (safe and easy to use) or taxi.
Accommodation: Tabulia Tree Hotel (or similar)

 

DAY 7 MANUEL ANTONIO
Take an excursion to Manuel Antonio National Park, famed for its stunning beaches and abundant wildlife. Look for monkeys, armadillos, sloths, and some 350 species of birds.

The park has fabulous beaches, abundant wildlife, and a great trail system for those who want to spend the day hiking. Look for monkeys, armadillos, coatimundis, sloths, and some 350 species of birds that are present in the park.

Manuel Antonio National Park Visit
Pack your sunscreen, snack, beach shoes, and prepare for a great day in Costa Rica’s smallest yet no less stunning national park. Manual Antonio offers four white-sand beaches, separated by jagged rock outcrops and tidal pools. Swim, snorkel, surf, and sunbathe. When you’re all beached out, head to the shade of the nearby hiking trails to search for sloths, monkeys, and armadillos. Climb to the lookout to capture views of the pristine Pacific Ocean and the area’s off-shore islands.
Accommodation: Tabulia Tree Hotel (or similar)

 

DAY 8 MANUEL ANTONIO/SAN JOSÉ
Return to San José and enjoy an optional farewell dinner on the town.
Accommodation: Hotel Park Inn (or similar)

 

DAY 9 SAN JOSÉ
Depart at any time

 

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CALL US NOW ON 0333 1234 246 OR

 

 

INCLUDING:

• Arrival transfer

• Visit the community of San Clemente and enjoy a local lunch

• Overnight in an historic hacienda

• Explore the Otavalo handicraft market

• Otavalo weaving lesson and studio visit

• Relax at Papallacta hot springs

• Two nights at an Amazon lodge with jungle walks and canoe excursions

• Visit the Omaere Ethnobotanical Park

• Internal flights

• All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

 

NOT INCLUDING:
- Air tickets international (we will be holding a set number of flights - enquire for details)
- Insurance
- Personal expenses
- All drinks
- Visa fees and/or visa authorization
- Tips
- Porterage Fee
- Other expenses that not mentioned on the itinerary

 

- SINGLE SUPPLEMENT ON REQUEST

 

10 Great reasons to join us...

• You will be inspired like never before. We passionately believe that one of the best ways to inspire people about the natural world and to get them interested in conservation - is to take them into the natural world.

• By joining this trip you will be helping us make a direct contribution to the vital work of the Katala foundation in their efforts to conserve the critically endangered Palawan forest turtle.

• You will get back in touch with nature and learn wildlife tracking skills from the Batak tribe.

• You will be able to learn all about Nigel Marven’s wildlife documentary making adventures from around the world 

• Our trips have been known to change peoples lives….check out the feedback below

• You need a holiday! But not all holidays are the same. Our trips are the perfect combination of wildlife viewing, exploration, relaxation & fun.

• You will make lasting friendships…. that will most likely last a lifetime.

• Wilderness is therapy. Absolutely nothing is better for the soul than getting out in the natural world. And exploring some of the most beautiful locations on the planet will leave you feeling more rejuvenated and alive than ever.

• You don’t have to rough it. Who said you have to rough it on a wildlife tour anyway? Far from it, we have selected some really nice little hotels in some incredible locations. So that at the end of the day, you can relax in comfort.

• Our wildlife trips are for pretty much everyone with a serious passion for wildlife and the natural world. You don’t have to be a biologist or researcher or a student - as long as you have a passion for wildlife and the natural world, then our trips are definitely for you.

 

Don't just take our word for it, just check out the sample feedback from clients who have travelled with us before....

 

“UK-based Greig Smith Travels specialises in ecotourism and wildlife holidays. Naturepixel has been on three expeditions organised by Greig Smith Travels and each of them has been outstanding”

Daniel Holloway - Australia,Naturepixel, Agilethinking.com.au

 

"you have given us the best holidays of our lives".

Iain Mackay, UK

 

“As I said, we both had a great time and it's right up there as one of the best holiday experiences we've had!”

Clint Evans & Sally Kettle (read about Sally's Galapagos trip in the BBC article below)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-35663084?SThisFB

 

“ An Incredible bespoke travel company” 
Abigail Michalski Food Content & Community Manager - The Jamie Oliver Group

"Driver/guide (Dani) was one of the best ever experienced; courteous, knowledgeable most relaxed driving and obliging, Vehicle was always immaculately clean and felt safe all the time. Excellent in all aspects; Managed from initial inquiry through booking and finally return home with efficiency and attention to detail often beyond expectations. We know that the idea is to grow business but please don’t let that be a reason to lose the perfect personalised service you currently have.

Barry Clare UK (Madagascar trip)

“ thank you for organising a diverse and interesting experience with a marvellous infrastructure second to none. Your ground agents and wider team are a real credit to you and certainly excelled on our previous experiences with both Transindus and Audley........I am have already been already been singing your praises re your excellent services and look forward to recommending more business whenever possible for you. With very warm wishes and many thanks from both of us”
Dr Susan Oliver OBE. UK www.susanoliver.com

"Dear Paul

We are just back from our trip, and I have to tell you, it was absolutely marvellous. Nothing went wrong, and apart from a few very minor niggles, everything was perfect"

Dr Dinah Bisdee, UK, www.theguardian.com/profile/dinah-bisdee

“All in all, a spectacular holiday!”
Charles Carey UK, www.oilmerchant.co.uk

“The whole trip was utterly amazing, a most memorable experience in every way, thank you Paul”

Susan Pullman, UK

"If I had to sum up the trip in a couple of words it would simply be 'blown away. You really nailed it. To every detail. Not a thing was missed or not thought of. From the pick ups to the late check outs to the temples to the cooking. We will never forget this trip…..

...Again the planning, tours, timing, friendliness of guides and just overall itinerary was excellent.  Not a thing went wrong, and we loved every minute of it.
A huge thank you to you, and your team, and the guides for this trip.  The fact that you and your team go out and vet these hotels and do the tours just makes all the difference and makes the holiday stand out from anything we have ever experienced.  Well done, Thank you and I’ll be in touch to organize the trip for 2016 very soon.

 

Sanjay & Ruby Hunjan, UK

 

"Congratulations on a thoroughly successful trip that exceeded all of my expectations" 

Rowland Griffin, Griffin Ecological, UK Ecologist, Founder Project Chiccan,

 

"You should be applauded for providing a satisfying, sustainable and professional ecotourism experience and be proud to have directly influenced greater conservation movements. I would highly recommend your expeditions"

 

Dr. Todd Lewis B.Sc. AIBiol. (Senior Ecological Consultant)”. UK www.drtoddlewis.weebly.com