Escorted Tours 2020 & 2021 - 2nd Edition - Mercury Holidays

86 LATIN AMERICA MEAL PLAN: All meals included ACCOMMODATION San Jose 1 night 4 ★ Park Inn Puerto Viejo de Limon 2 nights Namuwoki Lodge or Hotel Cariblue Sarapiqu i 2 nights Selva Verde Lodge or La Quinta de Sarapiqui La Fortuna 2 nights Arenal Springs or Montana de Fuego Monteverde 2 nights 3 ★ El Establo Rincon de la Vieja 2 nights Hacienda Guachipelin Punta Leona 3 nights 3 ★ Punta Leona Hotel DAY 1: UK TO SAN JOSE D Depart London on your scheduled, direct flight to San Jose where you will be transferred to your hotel. DAY 2: SAN JOSE TO PUERTO VIEJO DE LIMON B/L/D This morning, enjoy a sightseeing city tour of Costa Rica’s vibrant capital city. Witness the city’s main historical landmarks, starting in the eastern part of the city at Democracy Plaza and the National Museum then journeying through the city centre to the parks, museum and stadium to the west. After lunch, travel to Puerto Viejo, a laid-back coastal city with a strong Afro-Caribbean influence and stunning stretches of beach. DAY 3: PUERTO VIEJO DE LIMON B/L/D Experience fantastic snorkelling and scenic nature walks as you take in Costa Rica’s famed wildlife and nature reserves. Board a boat and travel to Cahuita National Park where you can snorkel along the 600-acre-long coral reef - a gloriously colourful haven for marine life. Snack on fresh tropical fruit as your boat returns to shore then take a leisurely guided hike through Cahuita’s vivid rainforest, enjoying far- reaching ocean views and the chance to spot howler monkeys, sloths, armadillos, toucans and macaws. At the end of your picturesque hiking trail, feast on a Costa Rican-Caribbean lunch before returning to your hotel in Puerto Viejo. DAY 4: PUERTO VIEJO DE LIMON TO SARAPIQUÍ B/L/D After breakfast, transfer to the Sarapiqui tropical rainforest, crossing valleys and mountains dotted with picturesque villages before checking into your lodge nestled in the heart of the rainforest reserve. DAY 5: SARAPIQUÍ B/L/D Wake to the singing of birds and the relaxing sounds of the tropical rainforest and enjoy breakfast in your verdant surroundings. Make your way to the Sarapiqui River where you will float down the river in a raft, surrounded by incomparable jungle beauty. Enjoy two hours immersed in the lush tropical rainforest, floating along the Sarapiqui River which lies next to important reserves renowned for their biodiversity. Exotic amphibians, countless tropical birds, otters, fish, sloths, iguanas, and incredible flora will make this experience unforgettable. Disembark and journey to a nearby pineapple plantation where you’ll travel into the fields on a specially designed coach pulled by a tractor. Learn about the growth of organic pineapples and other sustainable crops produced here, including yucca, lemon, guanabanas, and peppers. Enjoy delicious smoothies and slices of fresh, organic pineapple as you listen to Costa Rican folktales then return to your lodge. DAY 6: SARAPIQUI TO LA FORTUNA B/L/D Journey through lush plantations and cattle ranches, finally arriving at your hotel in La Fortuna. Marvel at the fantastic views of the mighty Arenal Volcano which forms a dramatic backdrop and enjoy the remainder of the day to explore this tranquil mountainous town DAY 7: LA FORTUNA B/L/D Hike through the cool undergrowth of La Fortuna, a scenic 40-minute walk that ends at the site of the thundering La Fortuna Waterfall. Witness the natural beauty of the cascading water as it emerges from the dense jungle, falling into the emerald pool at its base. Relax or swim in the refreshingly cool waters before lunch at a nearby restaurant. In the afternoon, follow the lava trails around the base of the Arenal Volcano, formed by the lava flow of the 1968 eruption. The hike provides extraordinary views of the Arenal Volcano and Monteverde mountains, and the chance to spot local flora and fauna and enjoy some birdwatching. DAY 8: LA FORTUNA TO MONTEVERDE B/L/D Travel to Monteverde, a small community located at the top of the Tilaran Mountain Range that boasts spectacularly diverse cloud forest reserves. On arrival, enjoy a free afternoon to explore the town or relax in your hotel. DAY 9: MONTEVERDE B/L/D A full day observing Monteverde’s natural beauty starts with a tour along the treetop walkways of Spot unique animals and colourful underwater reefs in Puerto Viejo, walk among the treetops in the Monteverde Reserve, and journey from smouldering volcanoes to cascading waterfalls in La Fortuna. Toucan COAST TO COAST IN COSTA RICA 16 days from £2,849pp TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ✔ Witness the peak of Arenal Volcano and visit La Fortuna Waterfall ✔ Snorkel past coral reefs teeming with fish in Cahuita National Park ✔ Spot wildlife on a safari float down the Sarapiqui River ✔ Treetop walkways in Selvatura Park ✔ Rincon de la Vieja on horseback ✔ Hike to the Oropendola Waterfall ✔ The butterfly gardens of Punta Leona PACE: To book or for further information visit your local travel agent or call us FREE on 0800 408 0556