COSTA RICA TOURS
COSTA RICA CELEBRATION TOUR

                      COSTA RICA CELEBRATION
                              12 Days - 11 Nights

Journey to Costa Rica and explore a land of rich natural wonders and friendly people. Discover Costa Rica's outstanding variety of flora and fauna at Tortuguero National Park, Sarapiqui Rainforest, Arenal Volcano and Manuel Antonio National Park. Enjoy the many pristine natural wonders of Costa Rica through exclusive excursions and learning experiences as well as unscheduled time for personal discovery.

Unique Features:
- Enjoy a memorable two night stay in Tortuguero National Park surrounded by the beauty of a tropical rain forest and amazing wildlife
- Visit coffee, banana, cacao and pineapple plantations and learn of their history and social importance to the economy
- Spend two nights in Arenal with breathtaking views of the lava producing volcano

Departures: November 3, 10, 2008;
January 19, February 9, 23, March 9, April 27, 2009


Day 1   Home City - San Jose
Meet and Greet upon arrival to San Jose's International Airport, and Transfer to your hotel.  Balance of day free to relax, stroll, shop and explore Costa Rica's charming capital city on your own.

Day 2   San Jose - Poas Volcano - Coffee Plantation Visit
Your adventure begins with a walk to the edge of the Poas Volcano crater for magnificent views of this amazing landscape. Enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Central Valley, ringed by soaring mountains, strawberry plantations and flower farms. Later, a tour of the Doka Coffee Plantation highlights the history and cultivation of coffee and its importance to the Costa Rican economy.   B, D

Day 3   San Jose - Tortuguero National Park
Begin the day traveling through the Braulio Carrillo Rainforest National park to the Caribbean lowlands. En route, experience spectacular mountain scenery, changes in eco-systems and picturesque Caribbean style villages. A special stop is made at a local banana plantation where your learn about its economic and social value to Costa Rica. Later, your guide explains the rainforest eco-system and points out sights of interest as you cruise the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park. 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.   B, L, D

Day 4   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 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.   B, L, D

Day 5   Tortuguero National Park - Sarapiqui
A leisurely boat ride returns you to the mainland to travel to the fascinating Sarapiqui region. Enjoy a visit to an organic pineapple plantation and learn about the various types of this exotic fruit and why Costa Rican pineapples are among the world's best. At La Tirimbina Biological Reserve, a local expert provides a fascinating bat tour, explaining the biological importance of these unique flying mammals.   B, D

Day 6   Sarapiqui
See first hand the process of making chocolate from the cacao bean and learn the history and continuing importance of cacao to Central America's economy. Later in the afternoon, add some zest to your Costa Rica experience with an exilirating river rafting adventure on the Sarapiqui River.   B, L, D

Day 7   Sarapiqui - Arenal
Begin your day with an early morning bird watching tour at Selva Verde Private Reserve, one of the world's most important sites for tropical eco-system research. You will discover the diversity of species is spectacular, including more than 1,850 species of plants, 350 species of trees and 448 species of birds. Later, relax and enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside odf San Carlos Valley to Arenal Volcano. Enjoy leisure time to admire the spectacular views of Arenal Volcano or relax in the volcanic hot springs.   B, D

Day 8   Arenal
Today is at leisure to participatein one of the many optional activities available. Your choices include an exciting canopy tour with an amazing variety of birds and indigeneous wildlife, or an excursion to Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge.   B, D

Day 9   Arenal - Tarcoles
Travel the beautiful checkered landscape surrounding Lake Arenal while en route to the Pacific Coast. Your destination for the next two nights is charming Villa Lapas. The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore its beautiful surroundings.   B, D

Day 10  Tarcoles - Manuel Antonio National Park
Get your cameras ready! Today you explore spectacular Manuel Antonio National Park. This paradise is known for its three pristine white sand beaches surrounded by emerald waters and forest. Spend the morning leisurely walking the forest trails in search of the native inhabitants including the three-toed sloth, agoutis, white faced and squirrel monkeys, iguanas and birds. If you wish, take a swim in the inviting blue waters of its breathtaking beaches. The remiander of the day is at leisure to relax by the pool and absorb the natural beauty of your surroundings.   B, D

Day 11  Tarcoles -Sarchi - San Jose
After breakfast, travel through the Carara National Park to Sarchi, an important crafts center. Learn the history and witness local artisans as they produce colorful, traditional oxcarts. Journey back to San Jose for your farewell dinner and overnight stay.   B, D

Day 12   San Jose - Home City
At the appropiate hour, Transfer to the Airport for flight homeward or next destination.

B   Breakfast     L   Lunch     D   Dinner

Tour Includes:
- Meet and Greet at the Airport upon arrival, and Transfer to your hotel
- Sightseeing Excursions and Local Guide as described
- 3 Nights Accommodations in San Jose at the Herradura Hotel*
- 2 Nights Accommodations in Tortuguero at the Pachira Lodge* or Aninga Lodge*
- 2 Nights Accommodations in Sarapiqui at Selva Verde Lodge* or La Quinta Inn*
- 2 Nights Accommodations in Arenal at the Volcano Lodge* or Arenal Paraiso*
- 2 Nights Accommodations in Tarcoles at Villa Lapas*
- 11 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 10 Dinners
- Departure Transfer to the Airport

*On some dates alternate hotels may be used.

Not Included in Tour Price:
The land price of the tour does not include Air Travel, Airline Fees, Airport or Departure Taxes, Transfers, Visas, customary end of trip Gratuities for your Tour Manager, Driver, Local Guides, Hotel Housekeepers, and any Incidental Charges.

Sample Air Inclusive Rates:
Starting at $2399.00 Per Person from Miami. Includes fuel surcharges at the time of print. Based on double rate. Taxes and fees are additional. Availability of prices in the brochure is limited, and at the time you purchase your tour, prices may be higher. Internal flights are included with the vacation if you purchase air through Collette Vacations -Escorted Latin America Tours. Ask about our Business Class upgrade.


Important Notes:
- Travelers must be in good health as sightseeing requires walking on uneven terrain, wheelchairs and walkers cannot be accommodated on this tour. Many activities in this itinerary include walking on uneven terrain, or require significant walking at times. Some of the unique experiences, such as visiting historical areas, means accessing locations by foot because motor coaches are restricted.
- This tour is an adventure! You will view spectacular scenery while experiencing the culture and heritage of the region. Hotels selected are small, comfortable, chosen for their location, and may be considered rustic. Air conditioning and elevators are not available in all properties used in this program.
- This tour will visit Poas Volcano which has an elevation of 9,000 feet.
- The days and order of sightseeing may change to best utilize your time on tour.

Deposit and Payment Policy:
- A $275.00 non-refundable deposit is required at time of booking to secure your reservation.
- Balance is due 65 days prior to departure.

Cancellation Policy:
- More than 65 days prior to departure, a non-refundable deposit will be retained
- 64 - 21 days prior to departure: 25% of total price
- 20 - 2 days prior to departure: 40% of total price
- 1 Day prior to Departure and afterward: 100% of total price

Travel Insurance is strongly recommended.

Escorted Latin America Tours
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Phone: (800) 225-0117 • Fax: (407) 208-0208

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