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Cattleya hybrid at Monteverde Orchid Garden

Earth, Fire and Water

Example 9 Day Tour
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Begin your 9-day Costa Rica tour at Tiskita Jungle Lodge, where you'll enjoy the rustic yet luxurious ambiance of this out-of-the-way gem. After exploring the jungle around Tiskita with a naturalist guide, head down to the beach with a boogie board or grab a snorkel and mask to discover the underwater world of nearby tide pools. Before heading to Monteverde Reserve to explore the cloudforest ecosystem, stop for a night at Arenal Volcano and witness the famed glowing red lava flows. Nature exploration is at the heart of this Costa Rica adventure!
Coatimundi in the Arenal Observatory Lodge gardenMan-sized leaf in Arenal Observatory Lodge gardenHummingbird feeding on flowers at Arenal Observatory LodgeArenal lava flow seen from Arenal Observatory LodgeCapuchin on palm leafParadise callszip lineArenal Volcano Frog-finding in Costa RicaExquisite flowers Zipline!a small creek running through Arenal ManoaA view from the lodgeA beautiful Costa Rican sunsetA monkey relaxes in a treeA monkey looks for her next branchBefore the zipline tourCattleya hybrid at Monteverde Orchid Garden
Highlights
  • Explore Tiskita Rainforest Reserve and learn about conservation efforts
  • Choose from activities such as horseback riding, fishing, hiking and surfing
  • Discover the six different ecological zones in Monteverde Cloudforest
  • Explore Arenal Volcano's old lava flows and unique flora
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive San Jose

Arrive in San Jose and make your way to your hotel for the evening.

Day 2: Direct Flight to Tiskita Rainforest Reserve

Your Costa Rica travels begin this morning when you're whisked away on a direct flight to Tiskita Jungle Lodge. Here you'll find steep jungle clad hills, plunging into deserted black sand beaches that line the Gulfo Dulce. Originally an experimental fruit farm of Peter Aspinall, Tiskita now protects 550 acres of primary and secondary forest in this seldom visited region of Costa Rica. Thirty-seven acres of the original farm still produce over 100 varieties of fruits such as carambola, mango, guanabana, pineapple, papaya, guava, vanilla, and more. Savor the flavors of some of these exotic fruits on tours of the farm.

Peter is a tireless conservationist and active in the local community. Through his efforts, the community of Punto Banco recently built a health clinic, bought new supplies for the school, created a turtle protection program and developed a hatchery for endangered olive ridley turtles. Peter's latest project is to reintroduce scarlet macaws to the region.

After exploring the jungle around Tiskita with a naturalist guide, head down to the beach with a boogie board or grab a snorkel and mask to discover the underwater world of nearby tide pools. 

Day 3-4: Tiskita Rainforest Reserve

These days are free to explore the forest on your own or relax on the beach. Optional tours include horseback riding, fishing with the locals, surfing or boogie boarding, and hiking.

Day 5: Arenal Volcano

After breakfast, you'll fly directly back to San Jose and be met at the airport for the 3 hour overland transfer to Arenal, stopping for lunch en route. Dormant for centuries, Arenal Volcano exploded in a massive eruption of molten lava and ash in 1968. Since that time, it has continued to belch great clouds of ash and occasional lava. It is now one of the world's most active volcanoes and volcanologists from all over the world come here to study this tropical volcano. Spend the afternoon enjoying the lodge and forest.

Day 6-7: Monteverde Cloud Forest

This morning we'll hike into the national park to see old lava flows and enjoy the unique flora. Mid-morning you leave the Arenal for our 4 hour trip around Lake Arenal to the Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve, one of the richest and most diverse tropical cloudforests on the continent. If the weather is nice, a shortcut across Lake Arenal may save us an hour! Founded in 1972, the Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve encompasses six different ecological life zones and protects more than 100 mammal species, 400 bird species, and upwards of 1,500 plant species. In your explorations you'll keep watch for one of the area's most famed residents, the Resplendant Quetzal. On the morning of Day 7 you'll hike through the reserve, viewing the misty forest with its dense vegetation and majestic trees. The afternoon is yours to wander on your own, or enjoy one of the many optional activities available in the area.

Day 8: Monteverde - San Jose

On your final morning you will visit a private rainforest reserve before an early afternoon transfer takes you back to San Jose in time to relax and enjoy your last evening of your Costa Rica vacation in the city.

Day 9: Return Home

Accommodations

Tiskita Jungle Lodge

Tiskita Jungle Lodge
Tiskita Jungle Lodge
Take a walk on the beautiful beach.

San Jose - Hotels

Arenal - Hotels

Monteverde Cloud Forest - Hotels

Dates & Prices

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This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Costa Rica Tours, Adventures & Vacations.

Notes

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Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
  • 8 Nights Accommodations
  • 4 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Arrival Airport Transfer
  • Departure Airport Transfer
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Internal Flight: San Jose - Tiskita - San Jose

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

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