Presented by Argonaut Tours

Day 1: Monday, March 15, 2010
San Jose, Costa Rica - Tour Begins
Journey to Costa Rica and explore a land of rich natural wonders and friendly people. Discover Costa Rica’s outstanding variety of flora and fauna at Tortuguero National Park, Sarapiqui Rainforest, Arenal Volcano and Manuel Antonio National Park. Enjoy the many pristine natural wonders of Costa Rica through exclusive excursions and learning experiences as well as unscheduled time for personal discovery.

Day 2: Tuesday, March 16, 2010
San Jose - Poas Volcano - Coffee Plantation Visit
Your adventure begins with a walk to the edge of the Poas Volcano crater for magnificent views of this amazing landscape. Enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Central Valley, ringed by soaring mountains, strawberry plantations and flower farms. Later, a tour of the Doka Coffee Plantation highlights the history and cultivation of coffee and its importance to the Costa Rican economy.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 3: Wednesday, March 17, 2010
San Jose - Tortuguero National Park
Begin the day traveling through the Braulio Carrillo Rainforest National Park to the Caribbean low lands. En route, experience spectacular mountain scenery, changes in eco-systems and picturesque Caribbean-style villages. A special stop is made at a local banana plantation where you learn about its economic and social value to Costa Rica. Later, your guide explains the rainforest eco-system and points out sights of interest as you cruise the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park. 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 Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 4: Thursday, March 18, 2010
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 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 are included.

Day 5: Friday, March 19, 2010
Tortuguero National Park - Sarapiquí
A leisurely boat ride returns you to the mainland to travel to the fascinating Sarapiqui region. Enjoy a visit to an organic pineapple plantation and learn about the various types of this exotic fruit and why Costa Rican pineapples are amongst the world’s best. At La Tirimbina Biological Reserve, a local expert provides a fascinating bat tour, explaining the biological importance of these unique flying mammals.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included.

Day 6: Saturday, March 20, 2010
Sarapiquí
See first hand the process of making chocolate from the cacao bean and learn the history and continuing importance of cacao to Central America’s economy. Later in the afternoon add some zest to your life with an exhilarating river rafting adventure on the Sarapiqui River.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 7: Sunday, March 21, 2010
Sarapiquí - Arenal
Begin your day with an early morning bird watching tour at Selva Verde Private Reserve, one of the world’s most important sites for tropical eco-system research. You will discover the species’ diversity is spectacular, including more than 1,850 species of plants, 350 species of trees and 448 species of birds. Later, relax and enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside of San Carlos Valley to Arenal Volcano. Enjoy leisure time to admire the spectacular views of Arenal Volcano or relax in the volcanic hot springs.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 8: Monday, March 22, 2010
Arenal
Today is at leisure to participate in one of the many optional activities available. Your choices include an exciting canopy tour with an amazing variety of birds and indigenous wildlife, a horse back riding adventure, or an excursion to Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 9: Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Arenal - Tarcoles
Travel the beautiful checkered landscape surrounding Lake Arenal while en route to the Pacific Coast. Your destination for the next two nights is charming Villa Lapas. The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore its beautiful natural surroundings.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 10: Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Tarcoles - Manuel Antonio National Park
Get your cameras ready! Today you explore spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park. This paradise is known for its three pristine white sand beaches surrounded by emerald waters and forest. Spend the morning leisurely walking the forest trails in search of the native inhabitants including the three-toed sloth, agoutis, white faced and squirrel monkeys, iguanas and birds. If you wish, take a swim in the inviting blue waters of its breathtaking beaches. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax by the pool and absorb the natural beauty of your surroundings.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 11: Thursday, March 25, 2010
Tarcoles - Sarchi - San Jose
After breakfast, travel through the Carara National Park to Sarchi, an important crafts center. Learn about the traditional crafts of this region and witness local artisans as they produce colorful oxcarts. Journey back to San Jose for your farewell dinner and overnight stay.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 12: Friday, March 26, 2010
San Jose - Tour Concludes

Today Breakfast is included.

March 15 - March 26, 2010

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
DAY 1 - 2
	Herradura Hotel, San Jose
DAY 3 - 4
	Pachira Lodge, Tortuguero
	or Aninga Lodge, Tortuguero
DAY 5 - 6
	Selva Verde Lodge, Sarapiqui
	or La Quinta Inn, Sarapiqui
DAY 7 - 8
	Montana de Fuego Lodge, Arenal
DAY 9 - 10
	Villa Lapas, Tarcoles
DAY 11
	Herradura Hotel, San Jose
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.

Please Note:
• 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.
• Museum visits and shopping may be affected with observance of religious or local holidays.
• 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.
• 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.
• IMPORTANT TRAVELERS INFORMATION 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 and elevators are not available in all properties used on this tour. Travelers must be in good health as sightseeing requires walking on uneven terrain; wheelchairs and walkers cannot be accommodated on this tour.
• 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.
• Passport is required.