Tropical Costa Rica
Presented by Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

Day 1: Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Arrive San Jose, Costa Rica
Lush forests and stunning waterfalls…rumbling volcanoes and endless coastlines…Costa Rica is truly a slice of paradise. Your tour begins in the colorful capital city of San Jose. Upon arrival, relax and soak up the sights of your new surroundings.

Day 2: Thursday, March 18, 2010
San Jose - Poas Volcano - La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano)
Leave behind the hustle and bustle of the city and travel through the verdant countryside of the Central Valley. Travel past tropical landscapes and the ancient Poas Volcano, said to be the widest crater in the world. Later in the day you arrive in the charming town of La Fortuna. Here you will enjoy a two night stay at a typical lodge with breathtaking views of the majestic Arenal Volcano, which has been generating constant lava for the last 30 years.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 3: Friday, March 19, 2010
La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano) - Cano Negro - La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano)
Of all Costa Rica’s nature preserves, the remote 20,000-acres of Cano Negro are home to the largest viewable selection of indigenous wildlife. During your visit, embark on a guided river boat trip in a panga (covered canoe), making frequent stops to watch and photograph the wildlife around you. Crocodiles, river otters, sloths, river turtles, exotic birds and rare butterflies are all known to live in the area. After your adventure through the preserve, relax at a family-owned hot springs oasis in the geothermal region that surrounds the Arenal Volcano. Stroll through the beautiful grounds, soak in the soothing mineral waters, or take advantage of the first-class spa services.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 4: Saturday, March 20, 2010
La Fortuna - Monteverde
You won’t believe your eyes as you travel into the Monteverde Cloud Forest, where trees grow to heights of 100 feet! In this spectacular ecosystem, you will encounter many incredible species of flora and fauna. Then you continue on to Selvatura Park*, a cloud forest preserve in the heart of Monteverde. Your visit includes an exciting opportunity to fly through the cloud forest on a zip line canopy tour or to take a guided walk among the treetops on a series of hanging bridges! Finally, you will learn about some of the region's most beautiful wildlife with a visit to one of the world’s largest butterfly gardens.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 5: Sunday, March 21, 2010
Monteverde
A morning nature walk allows you to discover the natural beauty of the cloud forest first hand. This forest is the home of the world’s largest population of the endangered quetzal, celebrated for its gorgeous jewel-toned plumage. It is an elusive bird but keep your eyes peeled and you may get lucky! This afternoon, visit a local coffee production facility to see how a potent Costa Rican coffee bean is transformed into your morning cup of joe.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 6: Monday, March 22, 2010
Monteverde – Tamarindo Beach (Guanacaste)
Fun in the sun is in store as you travel to the spectacular Guanacaste region on the northwest Pacific coast. En route, make a special stop at a small cooperative where locals showcase their colorful handmade products. This afternoon, arrive in Guanacaste, known for its breathtaking beauty and fine sandy beaches. Here, rest and relaxation go hand-in-hand with mesmerizing ocean views and lush tropical greenery.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 7: Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Tamarindo Beach (Guanacaste)
The day is yours to simply enjoy this tropical paradise. Explore the nearby town and beaches or simply relax by the pool and take advantage of the amenities offered by your beach and golf resort.
Today Breakfast is included.

Day 8: Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Tamarindo Beach - Sarchi - San Jose
Take a leisurely ride through the countryside to Sarchi. This charming town is known for its authentic handicrafts. During your visit you will have the chance to tour the local oxcart factory, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs! Continue on to San Jose where you will enjoy a wonderful farewell dinner.
Today Breakfast and Dinner is included.

Day 9: Thursday, March 25, 2010
San Jose - Tour Ends
Today you depart for home with fabulous memories of your adventure in Costa Rica.
Today Breakfast is included.

EXTEND YOUR VACATION WITH...
optional 3-Night Jungle Adventure Post Tour Extension
Rate: $349 USD per person, double, land and air included
8 Meals 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners

Day 9 San Jose - Tortuguero National Park
Enjoy an exciting soft-adventure Jungle Extension to Tortuguero, the Amazon of Costa Rica. Explore the region’s wildlife by boat, viewing macaws, sloths, monkeys, falcons and other native species. Tonight, 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 with a visit to the world’s first Green Turtle Research Station and discover how to protect the turtle’s nesting habitat and eggs.
Today Lunch and Dinner is included.

Day 10 Tortuguero National Park
An early morning bird watching excursion is offered so you may 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, sloths, toucans, aquatic birds, bats and caimans, as well as exotic flora. Tortuguero National Park is a study in rainforest, freshwater, and marine biology. It protects over 350 species of birds and mammals including green macaws; 57 species of amphibians; 111 species of reptiles; and 60 mammal species, including 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered species including jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters, and manatees.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.

Day 11 Tortuguero National Park - San Jose
Return to San Jose today for your last night in Costa Rica before your return home.
Today Breakfast and Lunch is included.

Day 12 San Jose - Tour Ends

Today Breakfast is included.

Please Note:
• This extension is escorted by a local representative who will provide all included services. Extensions not purchased at time of deposit are subject to availability and applicable charges at time of request. This price includes roundtrip transportation to Tortuguero, 2 nights at the Pachira Lodge or Aninga Lodge, 1 night at the Doubletree Cariari by Hilton in San Jose, and transfers to San Jose.

• 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.

Collette Logo
March 17 - March 25, 2010

Highlights...
San Jose • Poas Volcano • Cano Negro Refuge • Arenal Volcano Hot Springs • Monteverde Cloud Forest • Guanacaste •

9 Days • 14 Meals:
8 Breakfasts • 6 Dinners

Per Person Rates*:
Double $2449
Single $3149
Triple $2419

*Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $150 per person,Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $180 (subject to increase until paid in full),Hotel Transfers,Round Trip Air from Jacksonville Intl Airport,
Click Here for Details

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
DAY 1
  Hotel Doubletree Cariari by Hilton, San Jose
DAY 2 - 3
  Volcano Lodge, La Fortuna, Arenal
DAY 4 - 5
  El Establo Hotel, Monteverde Cloud Forest
DAY 6 - 7
  Tamarindo Diria Beach and Golf Resort, Tamarindo Beach, Guanacaste
DAY 8
  Hotel Doubletree Cariari by Hilton, San Jose

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

There are only four places in the world with an ecosystem so unique that it produces a cloud forest. The Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica is one. Situated high on a mountain, the cloud forest is created when the arid air from the forest below the mountain combines with the moist, hot air of the rainforest. The result is a blanket of misty, wispy clouds that linger low in the forest, making it feel as if it were raining. This rare environment breeds a diverse world of exotic flora and fauna. One of the cloud forest’s most famous residents is the endangered resplendent quetzal. A remarkably colorful bird, this creature sports a golden beak that protrudes from a green-hooded head. The breast is a vibrant scarlet and the tail feathers are gray, black and white. A highly-elusive bird, quetzal sightings are rare but absolutely unforgettable.

Click here for: Important Reservation Information.

For more information call
Diane Kilgore
 Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
(229) 391-5070

Please Note:
• Passport is required.
• *Optional activity at Selvatura Park must be chosen at time of booking. 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.
• Taxes/fees to be paid in local currencies upon exiting the country are approximately $27 USD.
• This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
• To complete your vacation, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing Collette airfare with your 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.