Exploring The Tropics

A journey through The Braulio Carrillo National park will take us to the Sarapiqui Rainforest area. This area is characterized by lush green rainforest, coffee and banana plantations and the dramatic Poas volcano forms part of the dramatic scenery of this tropical area.

Upon arrival get ready for the first adventure, River Rafting at Sarapiqui River, this river has sections for all ages from rapids class I to IV. 

Today we will wake up early to head out on a bird-watching expedition in the La Selva Biological Station. The park has an excellent system of trails to experience the area, with the aim being to see as many birds as possible. The local, knowledgeable nature guides, will take us through a number of different habitats, from dense primary rain forest to open pasturelands. The shadowy terrain is teeming with wildlife including amphibians and reptiles, as well as a wide variety of birds that swoop through the forests tree canopies. 

After breakfast, we will head to the famous Arenal Volcano National Park on two hikes through the National Park, with magnificent views of the volcano. Our guide will explain the history of the Volcano and the park and the different flora and fauna of the park. The 2nd hike is to “La Peninsula” trail that takes us to the shores of Lake Arenal. Passing through beautiful tropical forests of 20-metre trees, we will have the best panoramic view of both the volcano and the lake. Along the way, we will stop off for a Chocolate Tour, which will show us the secrets and wonders of this nectar of human nature one of the most famous exports of Central America.

During the morning, we will head to The Sloth Park, where we will get the opportunity to find from 4 to 5 sloths, different species of birds, snakes, beetles, spiders and frogs such as the famous Red Eyed Frog, the Blue Jeans Frog and a lot of tropical forest biodiversity. Sloth searching is the central attraction at the park. The guide will explain the characteristics of the sloths, their habitat and their behavioural traits. 

In the afternoon we will hike across the lava flow of the 1992 eruption. On a clear day, there are spectacular views of this impressive Arenal volcano. At the end of the hike, we will enjoy a visit the Tabacon Hot Springs Spa, to relax in the thermal pools and enjoy a buffet dinner.

Today, we will leave Arenal for the Central Pacific coast. The drive will take us through small villages and pictures landscapes from rainforest, Cloud forest to the warm weather of the coast. This lush national park houses an amazing coastal rainforest and white sandy beaches, which are home to a variety of animal species. We will head to the hotel and prepare for the next days’ activities.

After an early breakfast, our guide will pick you up at your hotel to take you to the famous Manuel Antonio National Park where you can easily see a least 3 of the 4 species of monkeys that are endemic in the country, sloths, iguanas and many other species. Our guide will explain all about the park's biodiversity, preserved for over 40 years. This impressive park offers beautiful beaches and magnificent flora and fauna. In the afternoon we can relax at the stunning beach of the National park.

Today is the final day of this Classic Exploring the Tropics tour of Costa Rica.  Depending on your international flight departure time, our driver will drive you back to San Jose International Airport, for your flight back home or on to your next exciting destination.