Costa Rica - Nature's Museum
Presented by Shillelaghs - The Travel Club

Day 1: Friday, November 05, 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 the nature reserves of Braulio Carrillo National Park, Tortuguero National Park, La Tirimbina Biological Reserve and Arenal Volcano Rain Forest. 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: Saturday, November 06, 2010
San Jose - Poas Volcano - Doka Estate 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 Estate 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 are included.

Day 3: Sunday, November 07, 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 are included.

Day 4: Monday, November 08, 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 are included.

Day 5: Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Tortuguero National Park - Sarapiquí - San Carlos
A leisurely boat ride returns you to the mainland to travel to the fascinating Sarapiquí region. At La Tirimbina Biological Reserve, see first hand the process of making chocolate from the cacao bean and learn about the history and continuing importance of cacao to Central America’s economy. 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 are included.

Day 6: Wednesday, November 10, 2010
San Carlos - Penas Blancas River Safari
Your day begins with a river safari adventure as you leisurely float or personally paddle your raft down the Penas Blancas River. The local guide will point out the wide variety of trees, birds, giant iguanas, sloths, monkeys and other wildlife that you may see as you glide through the jungle. This eco tour, without the noise of a motor boat, is the perfect way to relax and enjoy the wonders of nature. You'll also meet a local family who has lived on the river for generations and learn about their history and lifestyle.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 7: Thursday, November 11, 2010
San Carlos - Arenal Volcano
Breathtaking views of Arenal Volcano await you on a delightful cruise on Lake Arenal, the largest and most important lake in Costa Rica. Enjoy a wonderful lunch while overlooking the majestic Arenal Volcano which has been generating lava for the past 30 years. Later, experience the unique eco-system of pure air and rain forest with a delightful Arenal Hanging Bridges tour. Located in front of the Arenal Volcano, the nature trails and bridges within the primary forest bring you close to the birds, flowers and the lush vegetation. Observe the natural beauty and learn about the great variety of flora and fauna of the Arenal Volcano rain forest.
Today Breakfast and Lunch are included.

Day 8: Friday, November 12, 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 farewell dinner.
Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 9: Saturday, November 13, 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
November 05 - November 13, 2010

Highlights...
Poas Volcano • Coffee Plantation • Braulio Carrillo National Park • Tortuguero National Park • Sarapiqui • La Tirimbina Biological Reserve • Penas Blancas River Safari • Lake Arenal Cruise • Arenal Volcano Rain Forest •

9 Days • 17 Meals:
8 Breakfasts • 3 Lunches • 6 Dinners

Per Person Rates*:
Double $2449
Single $3049
Triple $2419

*Included in Price: Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $80 (subject to increase until paid in full), Hotel Transfers, Round Trip Air from Washington Dulles Intl.
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
Carolyn McKenna
Shillelaghs - The Travel Club
(703) 242-2204

Please Note:
• Passport is required.
• 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.
• 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 currency or USD upon exiting the country are approximately $32 USD.
• 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.