Escorted Tours 2022-23 Brochure - Mercury Holidays

undergrowth of La Fortuna, ending 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 cool waters before lunch. 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 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 an afternoon at leisure. Day 9: Monteverde B/L/D A full day observing Monteverde’s natural beauty starts with a tour along the treetop walkways of Selvatura Park, which stretch over 1.9 miles. Follow the trail into the heart of the cloud forest before visiting the nearby Insect Museum. In the afternoon, gain insight into Costa Rica’s greatest agricultural produce. Learn more about the wonderful world of coffee before a chocolate-making session and taste the region’s cacao beans. A sugarcane demonstration follows, allowing you to extract sugarcane juice the traditional way before enjoying a glass of fresh juice and pieces of cane. Day 10: Monteverde to Rincon de la Vieja B/L/D Travel to Rincon de la Vieja, home to a majestic volcano, and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Day 11: Rincon de la Vieja B/L/D Set out on today’s tour of Rincon de la Vieja National Park, dominated by two active volcanoes. Friendly ranch horses will carry you on a 45-minute journey to the Las Pailas entrance of the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Meaning ‘The Cauldrons’ in Spanish, the Las Pailas area shows off the awesome power of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, and you’ll witness steam and sulphur pouring out of the ground while nearby pools bubble with hot volcanic water. Ride to a nearby canyon then walk along a short trail to the base of the canyon where Oropendola Waterfall plunges into a turquoise pool. After a relaxing swim and time at the waterfall, travel back to your hotel on horseback. Day 12: Rincon de la Vieja to Punta Leona B/L/D Journey to Punta Leona, a protected nature reserve located on the gorgeous Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, where the rest of the day is at leisure. Day 13: Punta Leona B/L/D Discover the extraordinary variety of Punta Leona’s flora and fauna on a morning hike through the reserve. Don’t forget your binoculars - over 330 species of birds are resident in the area. Next, immerse yourself in the butterfly gardens where you’ll learn about their particular way of living in this ecosystem before viewing the vivid array of butterflies housed in this sanctuary. Day 14: Punta Leona B/L/D Today is free for you to enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of Punta Leona’s pristine coastline. Day 15: Punta Leona to San José to the UK B/L Transfer for your overnight return flight, or continue on to your chosen extension. Departures & from prices 23 Apr 22 £3,189 18 Feb 23 £3,599 7 May 22 £2,999 11 Mar 23 £3,499 4 Jun 22 £3,099 22 Apr 23 £3,299 16 Jul 22 £3,899 6 May 23 £2,999 10 Sep 22 £3,129 3 Jun 23 £3,099 22 Oct 22 £3,099 15 Jul 23 £3,999 26 Nov 22 £3,169 9 Sep 23 £3,289 7 & 14 Jan 23 £3,599 21 Oct 23 £3,249 4 Feb 23 £3,599 25 Nov 23 £3,199 • A single supplement starts from just £729 Extend your tour Manuel Antonio beach stay, 3 nights, B&B 4 H from £439 or 5 H from £519 . 4 nights, B&B 4 H from £499 or 5 H from £589 Punta Leona beach stay, 3 H B&B, 3 nights from £339 or 4 nights from £339 Tortuguero Mini Tour*, 4 nights from £519 or 5 nights from £649 *4 night extensions valid for selected departures only Tour includes • All meals daily • 3 and 4 H accommodation: San José-Crowne Plaza Corobici, Puerto Viejo de Limon-Namuwoki Lodge Sarapiquí-Selva Verde Lodge, La Fortuna- Arenal Manoa, Monteverde-El Establo, Rincon de la Vieja-Hacienda Guachipelin, Punta Leona-Punta Leona Hotel • Flights from London Gatwick with British Airways Tour pace: Intermediate Resplendent Quetzal, Monteverde San José Puerto Viejo de Limon Arenal Volcano Private Tour Upgrade Upgrade to a private tour to include your own guide and transport, plus your choice of departure date from £929 South America 123 Hundreds more escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk