SEE Turtle Costa Rica Trip

Today your Costa Rica adventure begins! Early this morning at 6:30 AM, you will be picked up from the Holiday Inn Express in San José and transferred to the Costa Rica Marriott where a representative from Mawamba Lodge will collect you. Drive through the magnificent Braulio Carrillo National Park on the Limon Highway. The drive in total will be approximately 3 - 4 hours. Make yourself comfortable and enjoy the views along the way!

Upon arrival at the main port lining the canals, you will board a boat for your transfer to your hotel in Tortuguero, the boat ride will be approximately 1 hour. Once you have arrived check in and enjoy lunch at the lodge. (This service is on a group basis.)

Tortuguero Town & Sea Turtle Museum Visit

This evening you will enjoy a guided tour of the picturesque town of Tortuguero! Here, you can learn a bit about the customs and daily life of the local people. You will also have the opportunity to visit to the Sea Turtle Conservancy Museum. You can learn more about the different species of sea turtles that nest and lay their eggs on the beaches of Tortuguero. (This service is on a group basis.)

Tortuguero

This national park is the world's most important breeding ground for the green sea turtle, which lends its name to this region's moniker. With over 240 inches of rain every year, this is also one of the wettest places in the country. The canals that form most of the protected land flow into the Caribbean, which is also protected, forms hundreds of square miles of aquatic national park in this region. Other than the canals, most travelers will come here for the turtles, whose hatching grounds are closely monitored, insuring the continual growth of the green sea turtle population.

Lodge Gardens & Trails Exploration

Today, you will enjoy a guided exploration of the Lodge Garden and Trails. Tall trees and leafy nature surround this sustainable lodge and their bilingual guides are experts at finding and explaining the jungle's flora and fauna. (This service is on a group basis.)

Tortuguero Canals Boat Tour

Later this afternoon, you'll join a tour in the wildlife-rich Tortuguero National Park exploring the navigable rainforest canals by boat. This tour will allow you the chance to see a large diversity of bird species, monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, and iguanas. (This service is on a group basis.)

Bring: lightweight clothing, water shoes, sunscreen and protective sun gear, camera, binoculars, insect repellent, a light rain jacket.

This morning at 9 AM, you will board a shared boat for a ride to Pavona Dock. (This service is on a group basis.)

At the docks, at 10 AM you will board a separate transfer to your hotel in Arenal. Total travel time is approximately 4 hours. When you reach your accommodations, check into your room, and enjoy the rest of the day as you please before your evening adventure! (This service is on a private basis.)

Danaus Biological Reserve

Danaus Biological Reserve, that lies east of La Fortuna, near Arenal Volcano National Park, is a model of conservation. Once open farmland, this reserve has been allowed to revert back to forest and now teems with wildlife. A main trail winds through the forest, where you will have the chance to marvel at a number of the 154 bird species recorded here, including cobalt-blue red-legged honeycreepers. The main trail passes by a small lake, where boat-billed herons and alligator-like caiman reside. Several slow-moving sloths live here too, so keep your eyes out! Tiny native red poison dart frogs can be seen in a little forest ranario (frog farm) and many different species of butterflies flit about the reserve. A nursery on the property propagates native trees for reforestation. Bring your camera along to capture the bright colors and fascinating action! (This service is on a private basis.)

Arenal Volcano National Park

Though it has remained dormant since 1968, Arenal Volcano is the highlight of one of Costa Rica's most popular national parks. Beautiful trails, volcanic hot springs, and ample adventure activities abound, all interspersed with rare rumblings from the sleeping mountain. Plenty of lodges and hotels are built into the countryside with views of Arenal Volcano to take advantage of this picturesque region. It won't take you long to see why this is such a hot spot! From rain clouds, to clear blue skies, it's a beautiful and unique site to behold no matter what.

8:30 AM: Guided Walk Arenal Observatory

Arenal Observatory Lodge lies in the heart of one of Costa Rica’s largest natural areas. Howler monkeys call from the forest and the rich volcanic soil supports primary and secondary rainforest teeming with butterflies, mammals, reptiles and 400 species of birds. Seven miles of manicured, well-marked walking, bike and horseback riding trails traverse the property and provides safe, easy access to breathtaking natural beauty. The trails are never crowded. Your private naturalist guide will help interpret the lush landscape and stop along the way to discuss the volcano flora and fauna on today's walk. (This service is on a private basis.)

12:15 PM: Canyoning & Waterfall Rappelling Excursion

Today, you will be met by your guide to embark on the unforgettable Pure Trek Canyoning and Waterfall Rappelling Tour. Prepare yourself for an exhilarating adventure, where you rappel down a series of 4 waterfalls and trek on trails among the pristine rainforest. You will descend the waterfalls into river canyons, secured by a safety harness. No experience is necessary, but you should be in good physical condition, willing to have fun and get very wet! This will absolutely be a highlight of your stay in Costa Rica, and an exciting way to experience the beauty of the country from a different perspective. (This service is on a group basis.)

4:30 PM: Ecotermales Hot Springs

Sit back, relax and literally soak up Costa Rica's pristine and peaceful nature. A local representative will meet you at your hotel, to embark on a rejuvenating visit to Ecotermales Hot Springs. This is a family-run hot springs resort that features a range of naturally volcanically heated pools. To assure personalized and attentive service, several of the family members will be seen throughout the property, attending to the needs of guests. The facility offers separate changing rooms for women and men, and each are equipped with hot showers, lockers and toilets. The subtle landscaping includes regenerating forest and attractive tropical plants, enhancing the experience and making every bit of it more magical. You will want to bring along a towel, bathing suit and water shoes or sandals for this outing. (This service is on a group basis.)

The time has come to leave paradise today. You will be picked up from your hotel at 4 PM and transferred 3 hours to San José's Juan Santamaria International Airport for your departure flight late today or this evening. (This service is on a private basis.)

We hope you've had an amazing time living the Pura Vida and wish you safe travels home!