Wednesday, Jan. 11   Arrival Day

Arrive San Jose where we are met and transferred to our hotel.

Thursday, Jan. 12   Tortuguero National Park

This morning transfer by land and water to our lodge in Tortuguero National Park. En-route spot birds and other wildlife. Enjoy a visit to Tortuguero Village where we get a taste of local living. (BLD)

Saturday, Jan. 14   Puerto Viejo

Transfer from Tortuguero National Park to Puerto Viejo. The rest of the day at your leisure. 

Puerto Viejo is a unique mix of beach, nature and Afro-Caribbean culture The area is also known for its coral reefs, multi-colored sand beaches (black, yellow, and grey), costal vegetation, and medium-high forests. The village’s cultural influences consist of Afro-Caribbean, Bribri Indian, Tico and hippy counterculture. (BLD) 

Sunday, Jan. 15   Puerto Viejo

Today enjoy guided hikes in Cahuita National Park and Manzanillo. Cahuita National Park was created in 1970 to protect Costa Rica’s biggest coral reef. This reef has over 240 marine species including colorful tropical fish, mollusks, crabs and lobsters. The reef is a great place for snorkeling. Observe monkeys and other wildlife in the forest lining the beach. In the afternoon visit the town of Manzanillo. The town is located in the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge and is surrounded by tropical humid forest. (BLD)

Monday, Jan. 16   Turrialba

This morning join the bird watching tour at Kekoldi Reserve. The reserve is considered to be the third most important in the world for observing birds of prey. This birding tour passes through different habitats before reaching an observation tower. During migration, you could spot anywhere from 50,000 to 450,000 birds on a single day. In additional you may see a variety of hummingbirds, the endemic black-chested magpie and the impressive Buco Barbon. (BLD)

Tuesday, Jan. 17   Turrialba

Begin your day with a guided morning hike through the Espino Blanco Biological Reserve. The reserve contains over five hundred forest species and there is a large variety of animals such as snakes, turkeys, raccoons, armadillos, small paca and a variety of butterflies and birds.

In the afternoon visit CATIE Botanical Garden located in the shadow of the active Turrialba Volcano and home to hundreds of different plant species, totally about 4,000 plants. End your day with a visit the town of Turrialba, the only place allowed to produce the popular Costa Rican cheese “Turrialba”. (BLD)

Wednesday, Jan. 18   San Gerardo de Dota

This morning a guided visit to Tapanti National Park is planned. The Park has a wide range of ecosystems such as moors, peats, swamps, savannahs, alder forests and high-altitude cloud forests with oak trees. It also acts as a key bird refuge with over 400 species of birds. Watch for quetzals, emerald toucanets, sparrow hawks, violaceous trogons and hummingbirds. After the hike transfer to your lodge in San Gerardo de Dota. (BLD)

Thursday, Jan. 19   San Gerardo de Dota

An early morning search for the Resplendent Quetzal! Quetzals are from the Trogoniade Family and are a sacred bird to many ancient indigenous cultures. Because of the climate, great habitat, and availability of food, Quetzals reside here year round. Join your guide for about a two hour guided tour in search of the Resplendent Quetzal. The remainder of the day is yours to further explore of relax at the lodge. (BLD)

Friday, Jan. 20   Golfito 

Tiskita Lodge is one of Costa Rica’s original ecolodges. It is set on an 800 acre biological reserve composed of primary and secondary rainforest and connected by a network of trails. The lodge offers birdwatching tours, hiking tours, kayaking, biking, swimming, and snorkelling. There is also a fruit orchard with over 125 species of tropical fruits. A highlight is sitting on the deck while wildlife passes in front of your cabin. (BLD)

Saturday, Jan. 21   Golfito 

Join Tiskita’s knowledgeable guides for a guided walk searching for some of the 175 bird species and other wildlife found on the reserve. The guided walks and tours start at the lodge. There are many options for guided walks in Tiskita. An easily accessible trail is “the stream trail”, a trail that follows a small creek through the rainforest. A longer and tougher hike is “the back trail”, a trail that loops around the reserve. (BLD)

Sunday, Jan. 22   Golfito

Enjoy activities such as birdwatching, kayaking, biking, snorkelling or relaxing at the lodge. Or tour the fruit orchard with over 125 species of tropical fruits. (BLD)  

Monday, Jan. 23  TSan Jose

Today transfer to Golfito for your flight to San Jose. Tonight share memories of your Costa Rica journey over a farewell dinner. (BLD)