Trails of Costa Rica & Nicaragua - 21 days San Jose to Managua

Come with us and explore the pristine protected rain forest teeming with monkeys, tropical birds, and sloths along the Caribbean Coast, and then venture inland to experience different habitats, including a mist-shrouded cloud forest, a smouldering volcano, and picturesque lake. Add to that the beautiful golden beaches of San Juan del Sur, a spectacular island  of tow volcanoes rising from Lake Nicaragua to the contrasting city and people of Granada in the South to Leon in the north. An intrepid, journey guaranteed to  inspire. 

TRIP SUMMARY:

• Tour Date: 5 to 25 November 2016
  
• Duration: 21 days San Jose to Managua
• Trip focus: Wildlife of Costa Rica, Nicaraguan Culture, History and adventure
• Accommodation: 14 nights hotels, 2 nts Eco Lodges, 4 nights haciendas
• Transport: van, launch, local bus
• Group Size: Max 12 + C.E.O, Min 8
• Local Payment: USD375 per person included in price above

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

• Bilingual tour leader & local guides
• All breakfasts, 2 lunches and 5 dinners
• Guided boat trip on Tortuguero canal
• Walk to Sea Turtle Interpretation Centre
• Hot springs excursion La Fortuna
• Horse ride on way to Monteverde (or van transport for those not wanting to ride)
• Monteverde Cloud Forest guided walk
• Canopy ride in Rincon del a Vieja
• Walking tours in Granada and Leon
• Visit to Masaya Volcanı
• All land transport during the itinerary
• The cost of entry for all scheduled tours.
• All accommodation on a twin share basis

WHATS NOT INCLUDED:

• Domestic and international airport departure taxes, 
• Pre & post tour accommodation, 
• Visas, vaccinations, 
• Personal travel insurance (compulsory),
• Tips
• Meals (except those listed ) , drinks, laundry, souvenirs, and other items of a personal nature.

All prices are subject to change and currency fluctuations until final payment has been made.

PAYING LOCALLY

Most of our small group journeys involve a local payment. This payment must bee aid to the group leader on Day 2 in USD cash.  Paying locally allows us to keep the overall cost of our tours competitive and pass the savings on to you. These funds are put towards local expenses. In some developing countries the transferring of funds is difficult  Payment is to be made to your leader upon arrival in cash.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 – SAN JOSE

Arrive San Jose, capital of Costa Rica. Located in the central highlands. Most airlines arrive in the late evening for a brief overnight stay before our adventure continues.  

DAY 2 - OPTIONAL FULL DAY RAFTING 

Full day Pacuare Whitewater Rafting Class III-IV or half day city tour and time to explore. (B, L)

DAYS 3 & 4 – TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK

Begin with an incredible bus ride over the mountains to the Caribbean coast, where a half-day boat ride takes us to Tortuguero, with spectacular wildlife viewing en route. Tortuguero National Park was created in 1975 to protect the four species of sea turtles which nest along the beaches. We may see herons, egrets, spoonbills, as well as amphibians and reptiles like the “Jesus Lizard” (it walks on water) and caimans. The tropical rainforest gives way to beaches, ideal nesting grounds for Green, Loggerhead, Hawksbill and Leatherback Turtles. Spend time cruising the canals looking for howler monkeys, toucans and crocodiles amongst other wildlife and visit the Caribbean Conservation Centre. An excellent source of information about the turtles and their tropical
habitat. (2B, 2L, 2D)

DAY 5 – LA FORTUNE

Leaving behind the Caribbean Coast, we travel by boat and van through lush rainforest and palm plantations to La Fortuna at the base of the Arenal Volcano. Set on the northern plains of Costa Rica, Arenal Volcano sits on the southeast shore of artificial Lake Arenal (77 square kilometers,). Separating the mountain ranges of Guanacaste and Tilarán, the lake was created by  hydroelectric dam. The volcano has been very active and occasional eruptions made it a natural wonder to be respected. However, since the beginning of 2011 it has remained dormant. Who knows what 2012 will bring! We spend the evening soaking in the hot springs at its base, sipping cocktails, hoping to catch a glimpse of lava flowing down the side. (B)

DAYS 6 to 9 – MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST

From the central valley, ascending into the cool, misty mountain air, we travel by horse around Lake Arenal to Monteverde. Spend time exploring the town and the Forest Reserve, which covers 1600 hectares of forest and is home to a great variety of wildlife. More than 2,000 species of plants, 320 bird species and 100 different species of mammals inhabit this small area. You may be lucky enough to see the Resplendent Quetzal, one of the most beautiful and elusive birds in the world. Quakers from the United States founded the village of Monteverde in the 1950s. Looking to leave behind the constant fear of war and objecting to being forced to support continued militarism through their taxes, the Quakers chose Costa Rica because of its commitment to a non-militaristic economic path—Costa Rica’s army was dissolved in the 1940s. The unique community has several local co-operatives worth visiting including artist collectives and a cheese factory. Optional activities include the Sky Walk, a series of suspension bridges through the jungle canopy; a butterfly garden, Ranarium and a thrilling canopy zip line. (3B, 1D)

DAYS 10 & 11 – RINCON DE LA VIEJA

Leaving the heights of the cloud forest, we travel to the spectacular northwestern region of Guanacaste entering the Parque Nacional Volcan Rincon del la Vieja. Enjoy the charm of staying in a traditional hacienda, opting to take a canyon canopy tour, tubing in the Rio Negra, horseback ride and/or enjoy volcanic mud baths and thermal hot springs. (2B)

DAY 12 & 13 – RINCON DEL LA VIEJA - PENAS BLANCAS – SAN JUAN DEL SUR

Morning drive to the Nicaraguan Border, crossing into Nicaragua and travelling through to San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua’s premier beach town for some well earned relaxation. Spend a day exploring neighboring beaches by boat, swimming and snorkelling in crystal blue waters, lying under palm trees, seeking out local turtle colonies. (2B)

DAY 14 & 15 - ISLA DE OMNETEPE

Time to depart those golden beaches for the dramas of volcanic islands. A fun filled day travelling across Central America’s largest lake to reach Isla de Omnetepe via ferry. Loads of options from hiking volcanoes and repelling into extinct craters to more gentle walks around the island, meeting the varied local village folk or relaxing at your hacienda admiring the vistas surrounding you and possibly changing cloud formations. (2B)

DAY 16 & 17 – GRANADA

Fun filled travel day catching ferry then bus heading to the glorious old colonial city of Granada, the former capital of Nicaragua. Enjoy a walking tour of this colonial gem plus opportunity to explore Mombacho Volcano and canopy or take time to explore one of Central Americas most beautiful and charming cities. (2B)

DAY 18 & 19 - LEON

En-route Masaya Volcano & Arts and Crafts Tour

Enjoy a colorful and interesting journey heading north by passing Managua to reach the historic and very political city of Leon; we will take time en-route to explore Masaya and other authentic villages. Leon was a pivotal city in the civil war and has its own story to tell being the home of the Sandinistas. It was the capital of Nicaragua and in parts world heritage listed. There is a myriad of things to explore both within the city and in the region beyond from amazing seafood on local beach bars to exploring the infamous coffee region. (2B 1D)

 Day 21 - RETURN TO MANAGUA END OF TOUR

Departure in time for connecting flights from Managua (B)