Escorted Tours 2022-23 Brochure - Mercury Holidays

and a region of huge biological importance due to the immense variety of flora and fauna in the area. The refuge is home to several endangered species including cougars, jaguars and tapirs, and whilst these elusive animals are very difficult to see there are several species of monkeys and a phenomenal variety of birdlife that are much easier to find. Day 7: La Fortuna to Monteverde B/L/D Monteverde is a world above the coastal towns at high altitude (1440m above sea level) allowing it to receive the steady supply of clouds and the life- giving moisture they contain. On the journey, take in the beautiful landscape of Lake Arenal and pass through some typical country villages. Your lunch stop will be at a wonderful local ranch, where you will be served a traditional local meal along with a folklore dance presentation by school children, plus the chance to visit the coffee plantations on the grounds. Before arriving at your hotel, you will be taken for an introduction to the town of Santa Elena, famous for one of South America’s most resplendent birds, the Quetzal. Day 8: Monteverde B/L/D Today’s tour takes you high above the clouds to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Here, clouds hover above the canopy of the forest before condensing on leaves creating a specialized ecosystem and habitat found nowhere else on earth. With the help of your guide, you will be able to spot some of nature’s most splendid creations, from colourful butterflies, to lowlying lizards and fearless primates; this forest is said to be home to over 3,000 known species. The morning will be spent in Selvatura Park and explored via the 1.9 mile long treetop walkways taking you close to the cloud-forest canopy and allowing you excellent vistas of the forest below. Lunch today will be at a family run kitchen at an ecological sanctuary. Your food will be prepared in front of you whilst you learn about the traditional recipes and dishes along with the opportunity to join in, perhaps becoming an expert in tortilla making by the end of the meal! The afternoon will continue at ground level as a gentle hike will allow you to closely examine some of the 500 species of orchids growing amongst the 3,000 varieties of plants on the moist forest floor. Day 9: Monteverde to Punta Leona B/L/D Depart to Punta Leona on the Pacific Coast. Make a stop en route at the Tarcoles River Bridge to see the giant crocodiles sunning themselves on the river backs below. Day 10: Punta Leona B/L/D Visit the stunning Manuel Antonio National Park home to spectacular white-sand beaches, tropical lowland wet forest and coral reefs. The area is home to an astonishing variety of exotic wildlife that you can seek out on a guided rainforest walk from white-faced and squirrel monkeys to three toed sloths, iguana and toucans. Day 11: Punta Leona to San José to the UK B Transfer to San Jose for your overnight flight back to the UK, or continue on to your chosen extension. Extend your tour Manuel Antonio beach stay, 4 nights, B&B 4 H from £519 or 5 H from £629 Punta Leona beach stay, 4 nights 3 H B&B from £359 Volcano Mini Tour, 4 nights 3 H B&B from £479 Tour includes • 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 10 dinners • 3 and 4 H accommodation: Alajuela Province-Buena Vista Hotel, Tortuguero-Pachira Lodge, La Fortuna- Arenal Manoa, Monteverde-El Establo, Punta Leona-Punta Leona Hotel • Flights from London Gatwick with British Airways Tour pace: Intermediate Selvatura Park Red-eye Tree Frog La Fortuna Waterfall Private Tour Upgrade Upgrade to a private tour to include your own guide and transport, plus your choice of departure date from £669 San José Manuel Antonio Departures & from prices 4 May 22 £2,289 26 Apr 23 £2,549 14 Sep 22 £2,249 3 May 23 £2,349 12 Oct 22 £2,249 31 May 23 £2,249 5 Nov 22 £2,249 12 Jul 23 £2,899 19 Nov 22 £2,249 9 Aug 23 £2,899 7 Jan 23 £2,599 13 Sep 23 £2,399 28 Jan 23 £2,599 11 Oct 23 £2,399 4 Feb 23 £2,599 4 Nov 23 £2,399 25 Feb 23 £2,599 18 Nov 23 £2,399 11 Mar 23 £2,569 • A single supplement starts from just £529 South America 125 Hundreds more escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk