Treasures of Nature in Costa Rica

Small Group Discoveries for our World Travelers

• With our naturalist-guided activities every day, you discover more of Costa Rica’s amazing diversity. Explore the canals of Tortuguero on our guided boat excursion; it’s the best way to learn about the unique ecostystem of this tropical wetland. High above the forest floor, the jungle canopy is alive with exotic species... Explore this fascinating realm via a network of suspended bridges. Tour both a coffee and a sugar cane plantation to observe the fascinating processes that bring these staples to your breakfast table. Monteverde was settled in 1949 by 31 American Quakers. Dine with Marvin Rockwell, one of the original founders, and gain extraordinary insight into the history of this pristine Cloud Forest region. Enjoy carefree congenial dining with your Small Group of spirited travelers... We include all meals!

Our Small Group Sampler includes...

• Escorted comprehensive sightseeing and nature activities with our engaging Trip Leader, including all entry fees 20 meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners 7 nights in our exceptional, handpicked hotels, resorts and lodges All on-tour transportation, luggage handling, and all hotel taxes and service charges GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance

Meet Dino Matarrita

Your Trip Leader is an avid naturalist with more than 20 years of guiding experience! He’s passionate about his homeland and an expert on Costa Rica’s culture, history, flora and fauna. Our guests praise his engaging demeanor, extensive knowledge and attentive nature.

HOTEL INFORMATION:

Day 1 - Welcome to San José
Check in to the deluxe La Corteza Amarilla and meet your Trip Leader, Dino. Tour the capital and gather for dinner and an orientation briefing. Meals D

Day 2 - Through Braulio Carrillo National Park to the Caribbean
Travel through Braulio Carrillo National Park to the Caribbean coast for a scenic boat transfer through the wildlife-rich Tortuguero Canals. Check in to the Mawamba Lodge and explore Tortuguero village with your guide. Enjoy dinner and another naturalist briefing with Dino Matarrita. Meals B,L,D

Day 3 - Explore Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero is an exotic wetland filled with flora and fauna. Travel by boat and explore its extensive network of canals and waterways that wind through the wildlife-rich vegetation. At the unusual Iguana Farm, Ranarium (frog pond) and Butterfly Farm, you’ll have unforgettable up-close encounters with creatures that can be difficult to spot in the wild. Meals B,L,D

Day 4 - A waterfall, a volcano and a hot spring
Transfer by boat to Cano Blanco and then travel overland for a nature hike in the Tirimbina Biological Reserve, renowned for its immense variety of birds and more than 80 species of frogs and other amphibians. Continue on to Arenal for dinner at La Choza de Laurel and then check in to the luxurious Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa. Tonight, relax in the soothing natural mineral pools and waterfalls of your resort. Meals B,L,D

Day 5 - Explore through the forest canopy!
Embark on a thrilling exploration of the jungle canopy as you walk safely along bridges suspended high in the treetops. Enjoy lunch and time to shop in La Fortuna. Or if you prefer, there are also options for hiking or horseback riding. Back at Arenal Kioro, there’s time again to indulge in your resort’s landscaped hot-spring pools. Meals B,L,D

Day 6 - From cloud forest to coffee plantation
Cruise across scenic Lake Arenal with stunning views of volcano and mountain. Continue overland to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, a haven for bird-watchers. Afternoon visits to coffee and sugar cane plantations reveal the many-step process that brings these high-mountain beans to your coffee cup. And watch as sugar cane is distilled into saca de guaro and sample this local liqueur. By special arrangement, you’ll dine this evening with Marvin Rockwell, one of the original Quaker pioneers who settled in Monteverde more than 50 years ago. Overnight at the comfortable Hotel Fonda Vela. Meals B,L,D

Day 7 - Monteverde Cloud Forest and Bat Jungle
Explore the Cloud Forest Preserve this morning as Mr. Matarrita deepens your understanding of this complex ecosystem. This evening’s special Bat Tour with founder Dr. Richard LaVal is enriched by his 40 years of research and experience studying these often misunderstood nocturnal creatures. Enjoy dinner tonight at Cabure, beloved by locals for its Latin cuisine, specialty chocolate and fine coffee. Meals B,L,D

Day 8 - Back to the capital
You’ll be escorted to San José where our services end. Meals B

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
1/11/2013 - 1/19/2013	$2,699
1/18/2013 - 1/26/2013	$2,699
1/25/2013 - 2/2/2013	$2,699
2/8/2013 - 2/16/2013	$2,699
2/15/2013 - 2/23/2013	$2,699
2/22/2013 - 3/2/2013	$2,699
3/8/2013 - 3/16/2013	$2,699
3/15/2013 - 3/23/2013	$2,699
3/22/2013 - 3/30/2013	$2,699
4/12/2013 - 4/20/2013	$2,699
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Small Group Discoveries for our World Travelers

• With our naturalist-guided activities every day, you discover more of Costa Rica’s amazing diversity. Explore the canals of Tortuguero on our guided boat excursion; it’s the best way to learn about the unique ecostystem of this tropical wetland. High above the forest floor, the jungle canopy is alive with exotic species... Explore this fascinating realm via a network of suspended bridges. Tour both a coffee and a sugar cane plantation to observe the fascinating processes that bring these staples to your breakfast table. Monteverde was settled in 1949 by 31 American Quakers. Dine with Marvin Rockwell, one of the original founders, and gain extraordinary insight into the history of this pristine Cloud Forest region. Enjoy carefree congenial dining with your Small Group of spirited travelers... We include all meals!

Our Small Group Sampler includes...

• Escorted comprehensive sightseeing and nature activities with our engaging Trip Leader, including all entry fees 20 meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners 7 nights in our exceptional, handpicked hotels, resorts and lodges All on-tour transportation, luggage handling, and all hotel taxes and service charges GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance

Meet Dino Matarrita

Your Trip Leader is an avid naturalist with more than 20 years of guiding experience! He’s passionate about his homeland and an expert on Costa Rica’s culture, history, flora and fauna. Our guests praise his engaging demeanor, extensive knowledge and attentive nature.

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