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ESSENTIAL COSTA RICA
Day One (D) – Fly from your hometown to Juan Santamaria International Airport outside of San Jose, Costa Rica. On arrival you will be met by your experienced bi-lingual guide and private motorcoach. This expert will accompany you for your entire tour. Santa Maria will be our destination today. It is known as the headquarters of the revolutionary Jose “Pepe” Figueres in 1948 when the last civil war led to the abolition of the army. Welcome dinner tonight. Overnight accommodations for two nights at Cabinas Cecilia or similar, Santa Maria
Day Two (B, D) – This morning visit a Trapiche (sugar cane mill) to see the first part of the sugaring process. Then you will visit a local school before returning to the Trapiche to see the final part of the process. Lunch on your own. This afternoon visit a Cooperativa (coffee mill) to learn about this world famous drink.
Day Three (B, D) – This morning transfer to La Fortuna with lunch on your own en route. If the weather is clear you will be able to see the distinctive cone shape of Arenal Volcano, one of the most active in Central America. Late afternoon enjoy the Hot Springs and dinner. Overnight Arenal Paraiso Lodge or similar, La Fortuna.
Day Four (B, D) – Morning hike on the “New Lava Beds Trail” at the Arenal National Park. Transfer to Monteverde, located in the Tilaran Mountains. This peaceful dairy community was founded in the 1950’s by Quakers from the United States who wished to move to a country with no military. The founders originally came to farm the land, but realized the importance of preserving the cloud forest located in the mountains above their area. The cloud forest contains six ecologically-diverse habitats, home to an incredible diversity of plant life. Overnight for two nights at Arco Iris Ecolodge or similar, Monteverde.
Day Five (B, D) – Morning hike to Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. Afternoon visit to the Butterfly Farm.
Day Six (B, D) – Sky Trek this morning! Sky Trek consists of a system of platforms in and above the canopy of the cloud forest. You will be harnessed in and zip along cables from one platform to another. Then drive down the mountains to the Central Pacific coast at the boundaries of Manuel Antonio National Park. Overnight at Hotel Verdemar or similar, Quepos.
Day Seven (B, D) – Explore the wonders of Manuel Antonio National Park. After lunch enjoy the swimming pool or soak in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. You might even decide to picnic on the beach. Overnight at Hotel Verdemar or similar, Quepos.
Day Eight (B) – Morning transfer to the International Airport outside of San Jose for your flight home. Along the way you’ll stop for some last minute souvenir shopping which just might include the world’s best Coffee.
B – Breakfast included on this day. D – Dinner included on this day.
NOTE: If time and budget allow, DeBOLT can arrange for you to stay at
Rancho Margot Eco-Lodge an entirely self-sufficient 400 acre experiment in sustainable living where you will learn about self-sufficiency,
organic chemical-free farming, holistic lifestyle, and intentional community development.
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