Costa Rica - Nature's Museum
Presented by Linfield College Office of Alumni Relations

Day 1: Monday, February 08, 2010
San Jose, Costa Rica
Welcome to Costa Rica, a land of rich natural wonders. During your timeless journey, explore an outstanding variety of flora and fauna in three nature reserves: Braulio Carrillo National Park, Tortuguero National Park, and Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge. Upon your arrival today in Costa Rica’s vibrant capital, San Jose, relax and spend the remainder of the day at leisure, soaking up your new surroundings.

Day 2: Tuesday, February 09, 2010
San Jose - Poas Volcano - Coffee Plantation
View the spectacular scenery of the Central Valley, ringed by soaring mountains, 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 that highlights the importance of the coffee industry in Costa Rica. Tonight, gather for a special reception and dinner.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 3: Wednesday, February 10, 2010
San Jose - Braulio Carrillo National Park - Tortuguero National Park
Travel through Braulio Carrillo National Park which offers one of the richest rain forest canopies in the world. Stop at a local banana plantation, learning about its economic and social value to Costa Rica. Board your transport to cruise the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park, as your guide explains the rain forest eco-system and points out sites of interest. Tortuguero National Park protects over 350 species of birds and mammals, including 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered species such as 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.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.

Day 4: Thursday, February 11, 2010
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, toucans, aquatic birds and exotic flora.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.

Day 5: Friday, February 12, 2010
Tortuguero National Park - Sarapiquí - San Carlos
A leisurely boat ride returns you to the mainland to travel to the fascinating Sarapiquí region. At an organic pineapple plantation learn about the various types of this exotic fruit and why Costa Rica’s are among the world’s best. Continue to San Carlos where you will spend three nights in a sprawling rain forest resort nestled in 35 acres of magnificent gardens and tropical fruit trees overlooking the San Carlos River. Enjoy a tour of the botanical and butterfly gardens upon arrival.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 6: Saturday, February 13, 2010
San Carlos - Rain Forest Walk - Arenal Volcano
Explore the nearby rain forest's diversity of flora and fauna during a morning walk. 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. Stroll its 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.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 7: Sunday, February 14, 2010
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.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 8: Monday, February 15, 2010
San Carlos - San Jose
Returning to San Jose, tour the colorful Plaza de Cultural; the National Museum, which houses a collection of pre-Columbian 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 dinner.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 9: Tuesday, February 16, 2010
San Jose - Tour Concludes
Your tour ends today, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation.
Today Breakfast is included.

Collette Logo
February 08 - February 16, 2010

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

9 Days • 17 Meals:
8 Breakfasts • 2 Lunches • 7 Dinners

Per Person Rates*:
Double $2649
Single $3249
Triple $2619

*Included in Price: Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $80 (subject to increase until paid in full),Hotel Transfers,Round Trip Air from Portland Intl Airport,
Click Here for Details
 * Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $150 per person,

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
DAY 1 - 2
  Quality Hotel Real, San Jose
DAY 3 - 4
  Pachira Lodge, Tortuguero
  or Aninga Lodge, Tortuguero
DAY 5 - 7
  Tilajari Resort, San Carlos
DAY 8
  Quality Hotel Real, San Jose

On some dates alternate hotels may be used.
Experience It!
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.

Click here for: Important Reservation Information.

For more information call
Cherie Ellingson
 McMinnville Travel Bureau
(503) 472-5127

Please Note:
• Passport is required.
• The days and order of sightseeing may change to best utilize your time on tour. Hotel check-in on your day of 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. This level is moderately active. Participants may expect more walking tours blended with leisure time. Museum visits and shopping may be affected with observance of religious or local holidays.
• Taxes/fees to be paid in local currencies upon exiting the country are approximately $27 USD.
• To complete your vacation, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing airfare with your Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.
• Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.
• Due to luggage size and weight restrictions on the boats, please bring an overnight bag for the two night stay in Tortuguero National Park. Your main luggage stays in San Jose and joins you upon your return to the mainland.