Pura Vida Costa Rica
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Overview
If Costa Rica was a food, it would taste like a cross between coffee and vinegar. OK that sounds gross. But you can't leave without trying shade-grown Costa Rican coffee and salsa lizano, the tary sauce they slather on everything.
(Was Costa Rican Highlights)
Itinerary
Day 1-2 - San Jose
As far as starting places go, you can't get much better than San Jose. Get here early so you can check out the museums, markets, National Theatre and start winding your body clock back to Caribbean time.
Day 1
- Get acquainted with San Jose on arrival
Day 2
Spend free time exploring the cosmopolitan capital of Costa Rica and the centre of the country's theatre and art world
Day 3-4 - Monteverde
When the dodo became extinct, the sloth stepped up as 'least likely to evolve'. YouTube 'sloth walking' to see what we mean.
- Journey up the mountains to the village of Monteverde
- Set foot upon the Cloud Forst Biological Reserve
- Enjoy awesome birdwatching opportunities
- Take the optional Sky Walk over the jungle canopy - 40 metres above ground
- Travel from the cool highland cloud forest to the dense rainforest
Day 5-6 - La Fortuna - Arenal
Whitewater rafting, horse riding, trekking at night to see molten lava spewing from Arenal Volcano, swimming in the waterfalls of La Catarata de Fortuna.
- Stop off in La Fortuna, whose main attraction is the nearby Arenal Volcano
- Hike around the volcano and take in the scenery
- Optional whitewater rafting and horse riding
- Perhaps set off on a night trek to the volcano to see the lava and luminous rocks illuminating the dark
- Enjoy a dip in the local waterfalls of La Catarata de Fortun
Day 7-9 - Puerto Viejo
Your challenge: cram as much hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, diving, snorkelling, lobster, deep-fried cheese and empanadas into the next three days as humanly possible.
- Spend three nights in the beach town of Puerto Viejo
- Perhaps take part in some hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, diving or snorkelling
- Enjoy free time to soak up local culture - including reggae and the indigenous handicrafts
- Take a trip to Cahuita by public bus
- Visit Cahuita National Park, with good opportunities to spot coatis, sloths, armadillos, iguanas, howler and capuchin monkeys, and much more
- Make the most of the beaches at Cahuita NP by swimming, snorkelling, or lazing on the sand
Day 10 - Puerto Viejo - San Jose
Toast the end of your trip with a big plate of lobster dripping in butter and garlic. It's what the Costa Ricans would want.
- Journey back to San Jose, where the trip comes to an end
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What to Know
What's Included
An experienced local guide plus there will be the services of local guides at some sites. Entrance fee to Arenal volcano, All transport, accommodation, sightseeing as indicated.
Not Included
- International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure and airport taxes, visas, meals, entrance fees, all optional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.
Safety Information
Active Volcanoes
This tour passes through volcanic areas. In the instance, a volcano becomes potentially dangerous and authorities declare nearby towns unsafe for travel, the itinerary will be re-routed. Where possible, Gecko’s will provide advance notice of such changes. At short notice, when this is not possible, your tour leader will provide up to date information on behalf of Gecko’s. -
Map
Map Itinerary
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Dates
Trip Dates and Prices
Show more departures...Start Date – End Date Trip Status Price 09 Jul 2013 - 18 Jul 2013 7+ Available US $1,195On Sale Sale: US $717 Book Now 10 Sep 2013 - 19 Sep 2013 7+ Available US $1,055 Book Now 01 Oct 2013 - 10 Oct 2013 7+ Available US $1,055 Book Now 12 Nov 2013 - 21 Nov 2013 7+ Available US $1,195 Book Now 17 Dec 2013 - 26 Dec 2013 7+ Available US $1,195 Book Now 31 Dec 2013 - 09 Jan 2014 7+ Available US $1,195 Book Now 14 Jan 2014 - 23 Jan 2014 7+ Available US $1,195 Book Now 28 Jan 2014 - 06 Feb 2014 7+ Available US $1,195 Book Now 11 Feb 2014 - 20 Feb 2014 7+ Available US $1,195 Book Now 25 Feb 2014 - 06 Mar 2014 7+ Available US $1,195 Book Now 11 Mar 2014 - 20 Mar 2014 7+ Available US $1,195 Book Now 25 Mar 2014 - 03 Apr 2014 7+ Available US $1,195 Book Now 08 Apr 2014 - 17 Apr 2014 7+ Available US $1,195 Book Now 29 Apr 2014 - 08 May 2014 7+ Available US $1,195 Book Now 13 May 2014 - 22 May 2014 7+ Available US $1,195 Book Now 27 May 2014 - 05 Jun 2014 7+ Available US $1,195 Book Now 10 Jun 2014 - 19 Jun 2014 7+ Available US $1,195 Book Now 24 Jun 2014 - 03 Jul 2014 7+ Available US $1,195 Book Now 08 Jul 2014 - 17 Jul 2014 7+ Available US $1,195 Book Now 22 Jul 2014 - 31 Jul 2014 7+ Available US $1,195 Book Now 05 Aug 2014 - 14 Aug 2014 7+ Available US $1,195 Book Now 19 Aug 2014 - 28 Aug 2014 7+ Available US $1,195 Book Now 02 Sep 2014 - 11 Sep 2014 7+ Available US $1,195 Book Now 16 Sep 2014 - 25 Sep 2014 7+ Available US $1,055 Book Now 30 Sep 2014 - 09 Oct 2014 7+ Available US $1,055 Book Now 14 Oct 2014 - 23 Oct 2014 7+ Available US $1,055 Book Now 28 Oct 2014 - 06 Nov 2014 7+ Available US $1,055 Book Now 11 Nov 2014 - 20 Nov 2014 7+ Available US $1,055 Book Now 25 Nov 2014 - 04 Dec 2014 7+ Available US $1,195 Book Now 09 Dec 2014 - 18 Dec 2014 7+ Available US $1,195 Book Now 23 Dec 2014 - 01 Jan 2015 7+ Available US $1,195 Book Now -
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