ESSENCE OF NATURE 9 Days


Essence of Nature
For those who really know what they want out of their Costa Rican eco-adventure. Visit the southern most part of Costa Rica’s pacific, the wonders of the Osa peninsula! Here snorkel off Cano Island and hike the virgin rainforest trails of Corcovado National Park, the last virgin rainforest. Trip heads north with a flight back to San Jose where your 4-wheel drive vehicle awaits you for the scenic mountain ride to the Arenal Volcano region. Continue your 4-wheel adventure to Monteverde and take the « walk » of a lifetime on the exciting Sky Walk Tour.

TOUR ARRANGEMETS INCLUDE:
• Deluxe hotels in San Jose with daily breakfast
• Comfortable first class hotel in Arenal and Monteverde Cloud Forest
• Superior accommodation at Casa Corcovado, Drake’s Bay - Osa Peninsula
• Full day Corcovado National Park Tour
• Full day Cano Island Biological Reserve
• Sky Walk tour in Monteverde Cloud Forest
• 4 day four wheel drive car rental including unlimited mileage and insurance (cat D)
• Round trip flight from San Jose to Palmar Sur and taxi/boat transportation to Casa Corcovado Lodge
• All guided tours and excursions as outlined in the itinerary including admission fees to parks and places of interest
• All transfers and transportation with baggage handling throughout
• Services of SLT local representatives throughout
• Government Hotel Taxes
• SLT guaranteed tour performance warranty
• SLT $1 Million Insurance Protection Plan

ITINERARY
1ST DAY • U.S. / SAN JOSE
Arrival in San Jose International Airport where you will be met by our representatives.
Transfer to the deluxe Real Inter- Continental, Hotel Corteza Amarilla or Alta Hotel in San Jose .

2ND DAY • SAN JOSE / DRAKE BAY
Early morning departure to San Jose Domestic Airport for a 45 minute flight to Palmar Sur. Upon arrival, a taxi will be waiting for the 30 minute drive to Sierpe Town , where you board a boat for a 25 mile boat ride along Rio Sierpe, viewing the largest mangrove forest in Central America . This mangrove contains the 7 different types of mangroves in the world, and an additional 5 miles on the beautiful Pacific to Casa Corcovado. Lunch will be served at the lodge. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy hotel installations or explore the surrounding nature. Dinner and overnight at Casa Corcovado Lodge. Meals BLD

3RD DAY • CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast depart to Corcovado National Park . Corcovado National Park , known as the Amazon of Costa Rica, spans over 40,000 hectares of virgin and secondary rainforest. Many trails wind through the rainforest as well as along pristine beaches. Other trails follow riverbeds up to deep swimming holes and rushing waterfalls. Overnight at Casa Corcovado Lodge. Meals BLD

4TH DAY • CANO ISLAND
Breakfast at the Lodge. Morning departure to Cano Island Biological Reserve. This island is located just 10 miles from Drake Bay , but is a world apart from the mainland. Indians once used the island as a burial ground, however, little is known about the pre-Columbian artifacts found on the island. A morning hike will take us through the forest and the rest of the day will be spent on the beach. Take advantage of the Reserve's clear blue water and snorkel the coralline reefs. (Snorkeling gear is provided). Overnight at Casa Corcovado Lodge. Meals BLD

5TH DAY • DRAKE BAY / ARENAL
Early morning departure by boat to Sierpe Town where a taxi will be waiting for your transfer to Palmar Sur Airstrip for your 45 min. flight back to San Jose. Upon arrival, your car will be waiting for you to begin your drive through the lovely scenic slopes whence Costa Rica earned the name "The Switzerland of Central America". Your drive through this gorgeous landscape will take approx. 3 1/2 hours until you arrive at your hotel Arenal Observatory Lodge or similar for check-in and overnight. Evening at leisure to enjoy the active Arenal volcano at night or visit the Hot Springs . Overnight at Arenal Observatory Lodge. Meals B

6TH DAY • ARENAL / MONTEVERDE
Departure to Monteverde Cloud Forest. This approximate 4 1/2 hour drive will give you the opportunity to pass through typical small towns and beautiful vistas of the countryside. Navigate the famous road up to Monteverde for check-in at the Heliconia Hotel. Meals B

7TH DAY • MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST
Morning departure for the exciting Sky Walk tour. The Sky Walk is a complex of suspended bridges, platforms and paths, built within the Cloud Forest of Monteverde. They allow the observation of flora and fauna from ground levels all the way to the top of the trees. 3280 feet of paths have been designed and built, five suspended bridges, with a total of more then 1640 feet in length and with heights over 130 feet. This system offers the best opportunity, in a comfortable and safe manner, to get to know and learn about the complexity and beauty of the tropical forest. Afternoon at leisure or take one of the many optional tours. (see page 5) Overnight at Heliconia Hotel. Meals B

8TH DAY • MONTEVERDE / SAN JOSE
Departure for your 4 1/2 hour drive back to San Jose . Check-in and overnight. Meals B

9TH DAY • SAN JOSE / U.S.
Morning transfer to the airport for your return flight to the U.S. Meals B

TOUR RATES- PER PERSON
Twin	Triple	Single	Child
$1799	$1699	$2399	$1199

* Tour rates are subject to a supplement of $200 during Christmas.

Applies for child 12 years and under sharing room with parents with existing bedding. Maximum 1 child per adult.