Rainforest Adventure

After breakfast we head out to the smoking Poas Volcano, in the heart of the lush tropical rainforest. In the afternoon we return to San Jose. At almost 1.5km across and 300m deep, the crater of Volcan Poas is the second largest in the world, situated at an altitude of 2,708m in the heart of the Parque Nacional Volcan Poas. The volcano is the most visited protected site in Costa Rica and is named after a small yellow flower that grows at the summit. Framed by tropical forests, the still-active crater steams gently. In a long history of eruptions, the worst arrived on January 25th 1910, when Poas spewed 640,000 tons of ash, rocks and lava into the air, bombarding the surrounding area with debris. The surrounding National Park has various landscape types displaying the huge range of biodiversity Costa Rica has to offer, incorporating areas of scarce vegetation, cloud forest and an area of stunted forest, where the growth of the tough ferns and bonsai-type trees is limited by the acid rain emanating from the volcano. Wildlife still thrives here amongst the vegetation and the park is home to the Poas squirrel which, as the name suggests, is not found anywhere else in the world.

Today we travel by bus and boat into the Tortuguero National Park. Travel time is approximately 5 hours. Tortuguero is home to howler monkeys, brightly coloured parrots and a wide variety of other wildlife. This is where green and leatherback turtles come to lay their eggs once a year (June-September). Only accessible by either boat or plane, Parque Nacional Tortuguero encompasses 290km² of Caribbean lowland rainforest and the park plays host to an abundance of extraordinary flora and fauna. Comprised of eleven different types of habitat, the National Park is home to three species of monkey: the spider, howler and white-faced. The lush humidity of the tropical rainforest combines with the natural ecology and geography of Costa Rica resulting in the formation of habitats ideally suited for 300 species of bird. Manatees are sometimes seen in the channels, and other species in the park include jaguar, ocelot, peccary, tapir and sloth. We spend two nights in a lodge in the rainforest. Please note: Maximum luggage allowed for the Tortuguero portion of this tour is 13.5 kg (30 lb) per person, or one piece. Extra luggage can remain at the hotel and be transported on day 5 direct to Puerto Viejo.

Following breakfast we return by boat to the road and head southward to the rustic, charming town of Puerto Viejo, renowned throughout Costa Rica for its beautiful beaches. The famous Salsa Brava beach in Puerto Viejo is an excellent surfing spot (experts only!). The harbor after which Puerto Viejo is named, is calm and peaceful, with beautiful still-blue waters and inviting shores. Several bars and discos are located right on the beach, making this a great spot to hang out at night. Puerto Viejo has managed to maintain its small-town atmosphere and rustic local appeal. The surrounding lands are rich in exotic flora and fauna, and is considered one of the country's prime bird watching regions.

Our visit today to the Bri Bri Indigenous Reserve includes a stop at the Kekoldi Iguana Farm, a hike to an exotic waterfall and a visit to a Cacao House as well as an opportunity to meet with a Bri Bri family. The Bri Bri are an indigenous tribe found near Cahuita. The term “Bri Bri” represents the language, the tribe, the culture and the town. The Kekoldi Iguana Farm was founded to save the Green Iguanas from extinction. The farm is managed and administered by a Kekoldi family; an indigenous tribe related to the Bri Bri’s in the Southern region of Costa Rica. During the tour you will learn about the breeding process and the natural habitat of the Green Iguanas. The hike to the exotic waterfall will take about 25 minutes through primary forest and there's a river to cross on the way. The water springs from the top of the Talamanca Mountain Range, dropping into a naturally formed swimming pool where you will have the opportunity to refresh yourself in the cool water. This part of the excursion presents you with beautiful scenery and the chance of seeing the famous 'Poisonous' Red Frog and the blue butterfly which is sought after for luck and good health. After the waterfall you will stop to enjoy a delicious meal of 'Comida Tipica' and then it’s time for the final destination for dessert. At the Cacao House you will witness firsthand a demonstration of the traditional way of making organic chocolate that has been passed down for over 300 years. Cacao has been used in the Bri Bri lifestyle for healing, purification and medicinal purposes. At the end of the demonstration there will be time for questions and chocolate tasting. Crossing over a hanging bridge we visit the six-generation family of Chief Don Silverio who is believed to be the oldest Costa Rican at 108. You will learn how they farm, cook, and how their pre-Colombian homes were built from organic materials found in the surrounding forested areas. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and take photos with the family. In the late afternoon we return to our hotel in Puerto Viejo.

Leaving the Caribbean coast behind, we head through mountains and typical villages to the Arenal Volcano and the town of La Fortuna. Vulcan Arenal lay dormant for 400 years until finally erupting in 1968. Today it is the most active volcano in Costa Rica and with some luck you might be able to observe the red lava. The volcano's almost perfect cone, which soars 1,633 metres above sea level, has a crater 140 metres deep formed over an ancient Caldera. Huddled in the shadow of the looming Vulcan Arenal the small town of La Fortuna is an ideal location from which to explore the surrounding region and to witness the volcano’s dramatic fireworks display. During our stay there's time for some optional activities including a visit to the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, an excursion to the Arenal Volcano and Tabacon Resort Hot Springs, fishing in Lake Arenal as well as opportunities for mountain biking, caving and horseback riding.

It is a four-hour drive to our hotel in Santa Elena, close to the forest reserve of Monteverde, a beautiful park that teems with flora and fauna. Located 6km south-east of Santa Elena de Monteverde and straddling the continental divide, Costa Rica’s Montverde cloud forest is amongst the most precious natural environments in the country. Founded by Quakers in the late 1950's the reserve spreads out over 10,500 hectares of land that hold six different life zones. The climate and terrain of the preserve produce an incredible bio-diversity. There are at least 400 bird species in this high elevation rain forest, including the Resplendent Quetzal, ancient holy bird of the Mayans, over 100 species of mammals, 120 species of amphibians and reptiles and an estimated 2,500 species of plants making Monteverde a true ''nature lover's paradise''. Delicate orchids, more than 400 species, grace the limbs of majestic trees. Their captivating colors of whites, lilacs, and yellows contrast with the emerald green of the forest. The clouds of mist that cloak the tropical forest produce a variable climate which combined with the altitude has resulted in an array of exotic flora and fauna. Widely regarded as the most beautiful bird in the western hemisphere, the resplendent quetzal, with its scarlet chest plumage and long green tail feathers, is found in the area, and other colourful species include the bare-necked umbrella bird and the three- wattled bellbird. Jaguar are also present, although seldom seen.

Today you have a full free day to explore the reserve. In addition there are some great optional activities. There is the Skywalk, a combination of suspension bridges and platforms built in the cloud forest, that offers an opportunity to explore the forest canopy in a safe and easy manner. Besides the Monteverde preserve, some other places merit attention while you're staying in nearby Santa Elena. There is the Children's Eternal rain forest, the first international children's rain forest in the world. Then there is the Monteverde Butterfly Garden and the Hummingbird Gallery, a must for those with a penchant for these winged, colored jewels of the forest at night we will enjoy a night hike in Monteverde, hiking at dusk in the forest. Some of the wildlife you might see include porcupines, toucans and other sleeping birds, owls, agoutis, coati mundis, snakes, walking sticks, tarantulas, katydids, and an array of other cool insects. Of course, there are no guaranteed sightings, so don't expect all these creatures to be waiting just for you! Typically though this time of transition into night offers a good opportunity to view nocturnal mammals as well as diurnal animals as they prepare for night.

It is a 4-hour drive to Manuel Antonio National Park, and we stay for the next two nights in the town of Quepos. Situated on the Pacific Coast 132km from San Jose, the area of mangrove swamps and beaches now known as the Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio was first documented by Spanish Explorer Ponce de Leon in 1519 during his (unsuccessful) search for the Fountain of Youth. Long, white beaches extending around the headland of Punta Catedral are set against evergreen forest backdrops that grow up right up to the high tide line. Incorporating 12 small islands scattered just off the coast where migrating whales can sometimes be observed, the park is home to 109 mammal and 184 bird species in a region of lagoons and fertile mangrove swamps. Your time here is your own to enjoy some of Costa Rica's finest beaches or you can take to the many fine hiking trails through the tropical forest.

After a relaxing morning we make the 4-hour drive back to San Jose where we enjoy our final night together with our new found friends.

Our adventure in Costa Rica comes to an end after breakfast today.