Costa Rica, north of the equator, is bounded on the north by Nicaragua, on the northeast by the Caribbean Sea, on the southeast by Panama, and on the southwest and west by the Pacific. The country offers an abundance of what nature lovers, the ecologist and the adventurer travel around the world for.

The ecosystems of North and South America meet in this Central American republic, which boast more than 850 species of colorful birds, 200 species of mammals, 1100 exotic orchids, and 9000 species of trees and plants. Many of these species are endangered and some are found nowhere else in the world. Multifaceted terrain features islands, coral reefs, volcanoes and caves, white-sand and black-sand beaches, rain forests and dry forest.

Although a relatively small country, about the size of West Virginia, Costa Rica is diverse enough to suit the taste of the ecological traveler as well as of the nature conscious beach lover. Explore a jungle, glimpse an active volcano and discover yourself in the process.

Basic San Jose Tour
(4days/3nights)Day 1 - Meeting upon arrival at Juan Santamaria International Airport and transfer to selected hotel for overnight.
Day 2 - A half-day city tour of San Jose including a visit to the National Theater, National Museum. City parks and residential areas. Overnight accommodations at selected hotel.
Day 3 - Day at leisure to take optional tours. Overnight accommodations at selected hotel.
Day 4 - Transfer from selected hotel to the International Airport for departure.

Optional tours from San Jose
Half day city tour of San Jose
- Morning tour of San Jose including a drive through La Sabina Metropolitan Park, the magnificent National Theater, the National Museum which contains the finest collection of pre-Columbian art. The tour will also pass thru the residential area as well as the University of Costa Rica and Moravia shopping area.
(Operates daily except Sundays & Mondays)

Arenal at night - Early afternoon departure through picturesque mountain villages such as Zarcero, with its central plaza of meticulous pruned topiaries before arriving at the Tabacon Hot Springs Resort which is located at the foot of the Arenal volcano. Relax and enjoy the hot spring-fed pools or the hot river, surrounded by tropical landscape and hear the rumbling of the Arenal Volcano in the background. Dine under the star before traveling to a selected observation point near the side of the volcano where you will be witness to the one of nature's most powerful forces as the Arenal erupts in a display of energy, spitting ash and lava from deep within the earth. Late evening arrival in San Jose
(S,D)

Irazu Volcano - Orosi valley & Lancaster Gardens
- Early morning departure to Irazu National Park visiting the old capital city of Cartago, with a stop at the beautiful "Basilica de Los Angeles" a traditional pilgrimage center for Costa Ricans. Nothing can prepare you for the overwhelming sense of desolation, barrenness and vastness of the view at the 11,000-plus foot summit. Then onward to the botanical gardens where you can marvel at approximately 800 varieties of orchids, anthurium and ferns. The garden also serves as a protected refuge for many migratory bird species. Then from the Ujarras overlook, you can enjoy the spectacular view of the Orosi Valley. After an hour's descent you will visit coffee and sugar cane plantations and the Orosi Colonial Church which was constructed in the mid 1700s and is the oldest standing architectural relic in the country. Late afternoon arrival in San Jose. (L)

Poas Volcano & Sarchi - Possessing one of the world's largest volcanic craters, Poas National Park, is one of the most famous sites in Costa Rica. You will have an opportunity to stand on the rim of this active volcano and watch the activity. Visit the ancient crater lake and experience the flora of this unique environment. Sarchi is the home of Costa Rica's symbol of a simple, but colorful lifestyle, the hand-painted oxcart. The tradition lives on in this mountain village situated in the center of coffee and sugarcane plantations. Lunch at Chubascos Restaurant, surrounded by the smells of rain forest greenery combined with wood burning stoves. Late afternoon arrival in San Jose. (L)

Calypso Turtle Island Cruise
- Early morning departure for Puntarenas passing thru Braulio Carrillo National Park. Upon arriving in Puntarenas you will board a cruise ship that will take you to Tortuga Island for an afternoon of sun beach and relaxation. The ship will take you through the calm waters of the Gulf of Nicoya past the biological reserve islands of Guayabo and Negritos. Enjoy a variety of tropical fresh fruits and a dine on fresh barbecued fish and an exquisite salad bar. Late afternoon arrival in San Jose. (L)

Carara: Nature's Dreamland
- Early morning departure for a delicious breakfast at Pura Vida restaurant in La Garita de Alajuela, here you will enjoy a cup of rich Costa Rican coffee and a typical meal. The journey then continues along the Conquistador's route to the Pacific Coast where the geographical contours of the region and its colorful landscape combine to produce a truly delightful adventure. The Carara Biological Reserve offers an incredible variety of plant life. Its marshes formed by seasonal flooding of the Grande de Tarcoles River, are especially rich in waterfowl, amphibians and reptiles. Mammals inhabiting the area include the two-toed sloth, kinkajou, agouti, margay cat and white-tailed deer. Continuing your walk through the reserve, you will have an opportunity to see rare monkeys, coatis, crocodiles, dazzling butterflies and a wide variety of birds. Lunch at the beach will be followed by time for relaxation before returning to San Jose. (B, L)

Reventazon White water Rafting
- Trip begins with a scenic drive to the Reventazon River where the rafts are prepared. The journey down the Reventazon provides plenty of excitement for the most experienced rafter yet is forgiving enough for the novice. The ride begins with a relatively easy series of rapids, providing an excellent opportunity to gain confidence as you approach the challenging El Gordo (Fatso) and Hueco Santo (Holy Hole) rapids. Late afternoon arrival in San Jose. (B, L)

Rain Forest Aerial Tram
- Early morning departure toward the Braulio Carrillo National Park where passengers will transfer to an open-sided vehicle that will take them to the visitors center to begin the journey. The lower, outbound leg of the Tram ride will skim over hill tops and introduce riders to the sub canopy, a dark world of overburdened limbs dripping with mosses, ferns and orchids. Lianas and vines drape over branches and traverse forest spaces, where they are commonly used as highway by many animals. The ride will stop several times as passengers board at the loading station. After 40 minutes visitors arrive at the end station where they may disembark to walk through the forest on surfaced trails or take in the view of the Caribbean plain. The return trip reveals the most dramatic portion of the trip as the cars glide on a breathtaking journey through and above the air canopy. Early afternoon arrival in San Jose

MULTI - DAY PACKAGES
Costa Rica Complete
(8days/7nights)
Day 1 - Meeting upon arrival at Juan Santamaria International Airport and transfer to selected hotel for overnight.
Day 2 - A half-day city tour of San Jose including a visit to the National Theater, National Museum, city parks and residential areas. Overnight accommodations at selected hotel.
Day 3 - Day at leisure to take one of the optional tours available. Overnight accommodations at selected hotel.
Day 4 - A full day Sea Venture Turtle Island Cruise, a yacht ride on the pristine waters of the island studded Gulf of Nicoya with a stop at Tortuga Island. (L) Overnight accommodations at selected hotel.
Day 5 - Full day white water Rafting tour on the Reventazon River. Exciting enough for the most experienced rafter, yet forgiving enough for the novice to paddle without danger. Overnight accommodations at selected hotel. (B,L)
Day 6 - Day at leisure to relax or enjoy one of the optional tours available. Overnight accommodations at selected hotel.
Day 7 - Day at leisure to relax or enjoy one of the optional tours available. Overnight accommodations at selected hotel.
Day 8 - Transfer from selected hotel to the International Airport for departure.

Thundering Arenal Volcano
(3days/2nights)
Day 1 - Morning departure from San Jose to the Tilajari Resort in the lush San Carlos Valley. Late afternoon trip to the geothermal heated pools of the Tabacon Spa, continuing on to Arenal to witness the spectacular sight of an erupting volcano. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight accommodations. (L,D)
Day 2 - Early morning departure for a Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge boat tour. Watch crocodiles, boat-billed herons, howler monkeys iguanas and more. Rain forest hike and horseback riding available in the afternoon. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight accommodations. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Transfer from Tilajari Resort to selected hotel in San Jose.

Monteverde Cloud Forest
(3days/2nights)
Day 1 - Morning departure to the world renowned Monteverde Cloud Forest. A scenic drive along the Inter-American Highway takes you to this unforgettable site. Overnight accommodations at selected hotel.
Day 2 - Morning guided walking tour in the cloud forest. Afternoon at leisure, we strongly recommend horseback riding to intimately experience the region's diverse scenery. Overnight accommodations at selected hotel.
Day 3 - Transfer from Monteverde to selected hotel in San Jose.

North Pacific Beaches
(3days/2nights)
Day 1 - Departure from your hotel in San Jose to the Airport for flight to Guanacaste, upon arrival transfer to selected hotel for overnight accommodations.
Day 2 - Enjoy the beautiful beaches or take an optional tour available. Overnight accommodations at selected hotel.
Day 3 - Departure to Airport for flight to San Jose and transfer to your selected hotel.

Manuel Antonio National Park & Beaches
(3days/2nights)
Day 1 - Departure from your hotel in San Jose to the Airport for flight to Quepos, upon arrival transfer to selected hotel for overnight accommodations.
Day 2 - Day at leisure to visit the National Park of Manuel Antonio or relax on the beach. Overnight accommodations at selected hotel.
Day 3 - Departure to Airport in Quepos for flight to San Jose and transfer to selected hotel.

Tortuguero Adventure
(3days/2nights)
Day 1 - Morning departure via motor coach, en route visit the overwhelming Braulio Carrillo National Park. On the coast board a private boat for the trip down the Tortuguero National Park canals. Overnight accommodations at a selected lodge. (L,D)
Day 2 - After breakfast, tour the area or rent a canoe and explore on your own. Overnight accommodations at a selected lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Boat ride down the canals and transfer by bus to San Jose and a late afternoon arrival at selected hotel.

Marenco: The Ultimate Rain Forest Experience
(4days/3nights)
Day 1 - Departure from your hotel in San Jose for flight to Drake Bay. Boat ride to Marenco Biological Reserve. Overnight accommodations at the Marenco Station Wilderness Lodge. (L,D)
Day 2 - Morning guided walk, with a resident naturalist guide on Marenco's rain forest trail. Visit to Rio Claro and the natural swimming pool before enjoying a picnic lunch. Afternoon at leisure to relax or explore your surroundings. Overnight accommodations at Marenco Station Wilderness Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Day will begin with a short 15 minute boat ride to Corcovado National Park. and an hour long hike on the Rio Pargo forest trail. After lunch on the beach, take a dugout canoe ride up the San Pedrillo River. A few hundred yards on foot from the bank bring you to a pristine rain forest waterfall. Return to Marenco Station in time for dinner and a spectacular sunset. Overnight accommodations at Marenco Station Wilderness Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Early morning boat ride to Drake Bay Airport for flight to San Jose and transfer to selected hotel. (B)

Luxury in the Rain Forest
(4days/3nights)
Day 1 - Departure from your hotel in San Jose to the airport for flight to Golfito/Puerto Jimenez. Half day-guided tour into the jungle along one of the many interesting trails. Overnight accommodations at Lapa Rios.(L,D)
Day 2 - Tour of the Carbonera River and waterfalls. Immerse yourself in the jungle experience with this walk in primary forest. See a 90-foot waterfall and river cascade into the lush vegetation and enjoy a picnic lunch in the jungle. Overnight accommodations at Lapa Rios. (B,L,D) Day 3 - You will have a different perspective of the forest as you take a guided tour on horseback along the beach and into the jungle - or hike along the Osa trail as it passes through prime rain forest; every step revealing some new secret of the profuse jungle around you. Overnight accommodations at Lapa Rios. (B,L,D) Day 4 - After breakfast, departure for Golfito and flight to San Jose and transfer to selected hotel. (B)