Price: ............... $96.00
U.S.D.
Pick up time: ... 6:30 a.m.
approximately
Duration: ......... 11
hours
We begin our
journey driving by the monument "El Agricultor" and the
Juan Santamaria International Airport. During the drive
you will begin to feel at home in Costa Rica as we enter
the City of Alajuela, with the second largest population
in the country. The city of Alajuela is proud to display
the monument of our National Hero "Juan Santamaria".
While appreciating the history of the monument, not far
away is the well-known park of "Los Mangos" and the old
military headquarters which has been transformed into a
museum and school of technical teaching.
As we continue our drive north, we
begin to observe the vast difference between the
constructions of city homes to the ones that encompass
the green countryside. These homes are surrounded by
strawberry farms, huge ferns, and flower plantations,
which compliment the massive coffee fields.
We now begin our assent to the national
park where we will soon relax and enjoy an authentic cup
of Costa Rican coffee accompanied by a delicious
tropical breakfast. You will feel a change in
temperature and the lush vegetation becomes ap
parent, preparing us for the
pleasures of the exuberant cloud forest of the Poas
Volcano. On a clear day the view of the main crater is
admired by all visitors, with its diameter is considered
one of the widest in the world. After this we will enjoy
a quick hike on a trail which leads us to the Botos
Lagoon (an extinct crater), where many different
ecosystems exist and where some of the many species of
flora and fauna of this cloud forest can be observed.
After leaving the National Park we will be able to
observe some dairy farms which have become the pride of
Costa Ricans, due to the quality and the rich tasting
products that are currently being exported to several
other Latin American countries.
As we continue towards the
Caribbean zone, we will stop to discover La Paz
Waterfall Gardens, a Nature Park where we will walk on
the truly spectacular trails that will lead us to Magia
Blanca Falls (the largest and the most spectacular of
the falls in the area). At the Park you will also
witness the largest enclosed butterfly observatory in
the world with a beautiful collection of tropical
jewels. After a terrific lunch we will continue to
Sarapiqui and on our way we come across the La
PazWaterfall, where we take some time to enjoy the
splendid view. Less than a mile away we will encounter
yet another waterfall surrounded by virgin forest, which
becomes a great photo opportunity.
As our journey continues we have the
pleasure of observing the unique characteristics of the
Atlantic area. We come across quaint towns and
farmhouses that are encompassed by beautiful pineapple,
yuca, coco, and heart of palm plantations. One could
never miss the tropical plants that enhance this
picturesque view. Once we arrive at Puerto Viejo (Old
Port), we will be ready to enjoy a relaxing boat ride on
the Sarapiqui River, just sit back and observe the
wildlife that is around you. The monkeys, iguanas,
crocodiles, and the variety of birds will allow you to
relax and concentrate on the scenery. During the boat
ride our guide will also explain to us about life style
of the friendly people that live at the river margins.
Before returning to San Jose we will drive through the
unforgettable rain forest of Braulio Carrillo National
Park, one of the most important rainforest reserves for
Costa Rica.
Includes: Breakfast,
visit to coffee fields, Poas Volcano National Park
craters and cloud forest trails, Botos Lagoon, visit to
La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park and all its natural
wonders, La Paz, Magia Blanca and San Fernando Falls.
Lunch, jungle ride on the Sarapiqui River, visit to a
butterfly and tropical frog's garden, snacks, and
sightseeing the 45,899 ha. Braulio Carrillo National
Park.
Suggested
Equipment:Hat, light jacket, raingear, walking
shoes, insect repellent, binoculars, and camera.
