Tropical Costa Rica
Tropical Costa Rica with optional 3-Night Jungle
Adventure Post Tour Extension
April 21 – 29, 2012
9 Days ● 14 Meals: 8 Breakfasts ● 6 Dinners
Highlights…San Jose ● Coffee Plantation ● Guanacaste ● Monteverde Cloud Forest ● Hanging Bridges ● Arenal Volcano ● Lake Arenal Cruise ● Cano Negro Refuge ● Poas Volcano
YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
Day 1: Hotel Doubletree Cariari by Hilton, San Jose
Day 2, 3: Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort, Tamarindo Beach, Guanacaste
Day 4, 5: El Establo Hotel, Monteverde Cloud Forest
Day 6, 7: Arenal Springs Resort, Arenal or Montana de Fuego Lodge, Arenal
Day 8: Hotel Doubletree Cariari by Hilton, San Jose
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.
| Prices | Per Person |
 Twin |
$3,299* |
 Triple |
$3,269* |
 Single |
$3,799* |
*See terms
Included in Price: Door to Door transfers to and from your home in Ottawa and the Ottawa Airport (paid for and provided by Queensway Tours), Round Trip Air from Ottawa, Hotel Transfers and mandatory Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $100 (subject to increase until paid in full)
Not included in price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $180 per person
Experience It! Monteverde Cloud Forest There are only four places in the world with an ecosystem so unique that it produces a cloud forest. The Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica is one. Situated high on a mountain, the cloud forest is created when the arid air from the forest below the mountain combines with the moist, hot air of the rainforest. The result is a blanket of misty, wispy clouds that linger low in the forest, making it feel as if it were raining. This rare environment breeds a diverse world of exotic flora and fauna. One of the cloud forest’s most famous residents is the endangered resplendent quetzal. A remarkably colourful bird, this creature sports a golden beak that protrudes from a green-hooded head. The breast is a vibrant scarlet and the tail feathers are gray, black and white. A highly-elusive bird, quetzal sightings are rare but absolutely unforgettable.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Saturday, April 21, 2012
Arrive San Jose, Costa Rica
Lush forests and stunning waterfalls…rumbling volcanoes and endless coastlines…Costa Rica is truly a slice of paradise. Your tour begins in the colorful capital city of San Jose. Upon arrival, relax and soak up the sights of your new surroundings.
Day 2: Sunday, April 22, 2012
San Jose – Doka Coffee Estate – Tamarindo Beach (Guanacaste)
Travel through the verdant countryside of the Central Valley to the fertile region world-renowned for coffee. A tour of the Doka Coffee Estate highlights the history and cultivation of coffee and its importance to the Costa Rican economy. This afternoon, arrive in the Guanacaste region, known for its breathtaking beauty and fine sandy beaches. Here, rest and relaxation go hand-in-hand with mesmerizing ocean views and lush tropical greenery. Settle in for a relaxing two night stay. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 3: Monday, April 23, 2012
Tamarindo Beach
Fun in the sun is in store for you as you enjoy this tropical paradise. Explore the nearby town and beaches, take an optional sunset cruise or simply relax by the pool or beach and take advantage of the amenities offered at your lovely resort. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 4: Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Tamarindo Beach – Monteverde
You won’t believe your eyes as you travel into the Monteverde Cloud Forest, where trees grow to heights of 100 feet! In this spectacular ecosystem, you will encounter many incredible species of flora and fauna. Upon arrival in Monteverde, a nature walk allows you to discover the natural beauty of the cloud forest first hand. This forest is the home of the world’s largest population of the endangered quetzal, celebrated for its gorgeous jewel-toned plumage. Keep your eyes peeled and you may be lucky enough to spot this elusive bird! Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 5: Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Monteverde
Begin your day at Selvatura Park, a cloud forest reserve in the heart of Monteverde. Venture into a different world, exploring one of the world’s largest butterfly gardens with more than 30 species of tropical butterflies. Next, in a nearby gallery containing more than 100 beautiful hummingbirds, you will be dazzled by the 14 different species. Enjoy a guided, leisurely-paced “Hanging Bridges” walking tour and learn about the cloud forest’s unique ecosystem, its mammals, birds, plants and flora. This evening, enjoy a performance of traditional music and dance presented by children from the community. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 6: Thursday, April 26, 2012
Monteverde – Lake Arenal Cruise – Arenal
Travel through the beautiful mountainous landscapes of Monteverde to Tierras Morenas. Visit a local school* sponsored by the Collette Foundation, meet the children and learn about the educational system and lifestyle of this small farming community. Continue on to Arenal, where breathtaking views of the volcano await you during a delightful cruise on Lake Arenal, the largest and most important lake in Costa Rica. Later, check in for a two night stay at a typical lodge overlooking the majestic Arenal Volcano which has been generating lava for the past 30 years. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 7: Friday, April 27, 2012
Arenal – Cano Negro – Arenal
Of all Costa Rica’s nature preserves, the remote 20,000 acres of Cano Negro are home to the largest viewable selection of indigenous wildlife. Embark on a Cano Negro guided river boat trip in a panga (covered canoe), making frequent stops to watch and photograph the wildlife around otters, sloths, river turtles, exotic birds and rare butterflies, all known to live in the area. The Arenal Volcano area is also known as the land of spas and hot springs. Later in the day you will have an opportunity to attain a state of complete relaxation with an optional visit to one of the finest spas in the region. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 8: Saturday, April 28, 2012
Arenal – Poas Volcano – San Jose
Take a leisurely ride through the countryside for a visit to ancient Poas Volcano, a powerful symbol of the geothermal forces that formed Costa Rica. Its crater is 1,050 feet deep and a mile wide, making it the largest active crater in the world. The lower slopes of Poas Volcano are dotted with fruit farms and huge ornamental flower farms of roses and lilies. Continue on to San Jose where you will enjoy a wonderful farewell dinner. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 9: Sunday, April 29, 2012
San Jose – Tour Ends
Today you depart for home with fabulous memories of your adventure in Costa Rica. Today breakfast will be included.
Extend Your Vacation With…
Optional 4 Days 3-Night Jungle Adventure Post Tour Extension
Rate: $449 CAD per person, double (land)
8 Meals, 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Day 9: San Jose – Tortuguero National Park
Enjoy an exciting soft-adventure Jungle Extension to Tortuguero, the Amazon of Costa Rica. Explore the region’s wildlife by boat, viewing macaws, sloths, monkeys, falcons and other native species. Tonight, enjoy a memorable two night stay at your eco-lodge surrounded by the beauty of a tropical forest and amazing wildlife. Learn more about your surroundings with a visit to the world’s first Green Turtle Research Station* and discover how to protect the turtle’s nesting habitat and eggs. Today lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 10: Tortuguero National Park
An early morning bird watching excursion is offered so you may learn about the variety of local species and migratory birds that flock to this area. Later, experience a spectacular boat cruise through the various canals and be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife including howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, aquatic birds, bats and caimans, as well as exotic flora. Tortuguero National Park is a study in rainforest, freshwater, and marine biology. It protects over 350 species of birds and mammals including green macaws; 57 species of amphibians; 111 species of reptiles; and 60 mammal species, including 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered species including jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, cougars, river otters, and manatees. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 11: Tortuguero National Park – San Jose
Return to San Jose today for your last night in Costa Rica before your return home. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
Day 12: San Jose – Tour Ends
Today breakfast will be included.
Please Note: Extensions not purchased at time of deposit are subject to availability and applicable charges at time of request.
Due to luggage size and weight restrictions on the boats, please bring an overnight bag for the two night stay in Tortuguero National Park. Please make arrangements with the concierge’s desk at the hotel in San Jose for luggage pick up and for storage until your return from Tortuguero.
The transportation to and from Tortuguero as well as your guide in Tortuguero are provided by the lodge where you will be staying in Tortuguero. These services and sightseeing as specified in your itinerary will be provided by the personnel of the lodge in Tortuguero. This price includes meals as outlined; roundtrip transportation to Tortuguero; 2 nights at the Evergreen, Aninga or Pachira lodge, 1 night at the Hotel Doubletree Cariari by Hilton in San Jose; and transfer to San Jose Airport on the last day.
For full terms and conditions please come in or call one of our offices.
Tico Reg. # 03211841
