|
8 days from $1,999 per person
Your Small Group Escorted Tour with 16 guests or less features handpicked hotels & lodges, 16 meals, unique small group excursions, luggage handling and all on-tour transportation
Two pristine wonders of Central America! Our unique itinerary through Costa Rica and Nicaragua delves deeply into the natural realms of these two amazing Latin American countries. In the intimate company of never more than 16 guests, and with our superb naturalist guides leading the way, you’ll journey over volcanic terrain, through tropical wetlands and by river into the rainforests of Nicaragua.
Engaging Discoveries
- Encounter nature at its finest in two countries blessed with amazing biodiversity.
- Learn about unique flora and fauna in Costa Rica’s Caño Negro Wetlands as you journey across water and land with our expert naturalist guide.
- Step into a simpler time and place… El Castillo, Nicaragua is surrounded by rainforest and accessible only by river.
- Explore the pristine Indio Maiz Biological Reserve, home to diverse wildlife including tapir and monkeys.
Day 1 - Let the excitement begin
You’ll be warmly greeted at the airport to begin your exploration, starting at the fanciful Topiary Garden in Zacerro. Continue into the rainforest to the enchanting Termales del Bosque Resort. Settle-in to your room, walk through the forest for a relaxing soak in the natural hotsprings, and enjoy dinner and a peaceful overnight.
Meals D
Day 2 - Onward to mighty Arenal
It’s a scenic drive to Arenal Volcano where your expert naturalist guide leads a hike along the forested lower slopes, offering fascinating insight into the unique geology and ecology of the region. You’ll also learn about the history of this long dormant volcano, which erupted again in 1963 and has been active ever since.
Visit the charming town of Fortuna with time to browse in the markets before continuing on to the Hotel Campo Verde. Enjoy your comfortable, air-conditioned bungalow with superb views of the forest and towering Arenal Volcano!
Meals B,D
Day 3 - Discover Caño Negro
You travel this morning into northern Costa Rica to the province of Alajuela, home to the Caño Negro Lagoon and Frio River. Together, these waterways comprise one of the world’s most significant wetland areas.
After lunch you’ll explore the charming town of Los Chiles and visit the Butterfly Farm and Turtle Project, where you learn about the vital work being done to preserve endangered native species. Enjoy a leisurely 2-night stay at the Natural Lodge Caño Negro.
Meals B,L,D
Day 4 - Boat Safari in Caño Negro
Today’s boat excursion brings you deep into the wetlands of Caño Negro. With our expert naturalist, this is a great chance to espy diverse fauna, including more than 350 bird species, iguanas, turtles and caiman.
Meals B,L,D
Day 5 - Into Nicaragua
Journey over the border, traveling by boat to San Carlos de Nicaragua and onward to the small town of El Castillo, founded in the 18th century. Enjoy lunch at El Cofilito, a charming locally-owned cafe with memorable views of the waterfront.
In the afternoon, you tour the imposing fortress of El Morro, built by the Spanish to defend the land against marauding pirates. Today it houses a museum and library where you will learn about the history, culture and traditions of this remote corner of Nicaragua.
El Castillo is an extraordinary town with no cars and no modern paved roads. Residents fish and farm as generations have before. Some work in a nearby saw mill or palm oil plantation. After visiting the fort, there’s time to relax in your room at the Hotel Victoria or to explore the village on your own; this is a delightful opportunity to experience the peaceful pace of a different time. Tonight’s exciting Nocturnal River Safari reveals crocodiles, resting tropical birds and other jungle wildlife!
Meals B,L
Day 6 - Indio Maiz Biological Reserve
The Indio Maiz Biological Reserve comprises 640,000 acres of lowland tropical rainforest; it’s one of the most pristine and least explored regions in all of Central America. Here you’ll find rivers, mangrove estuaries, lagoons and lush forests home to a healthy population of wildlife including toucans, macaws, parrots, tapirs and monkeys.
Enjoy a guided nature walk into the Reserve, visit local plantations, and try your hand at traditional fishing techniques. Later in the day, you’ll have time again to stroll the tranquil streets of El Castillo before retiring to your hotel. Meals B,L
Day 7 - The Sarapiqui Lowlands
Drive back to Los Chiles in Costa Rica and continue on to Sarapiqui where you check in to the Hacienda Pozo Azul. This magical experience finds you in a spacious canvas tent comfortably equipped with cozy beds, en suite bathroom, and your own furnished deck with terrific views of the surrounding nature. Settle in to your private tent before a naturalist guided rainforest walk to discover the unique plant and animal life of this lowland habitat.
Meals B,L
Day 8 - Farewell to Costa Rica
Your journey ends this morning.
Meals B
|