Escorted Tours 2023-24 1st Edition

Arenal Volcano Monteverde Day 7: La Fortuna B/L/D Enjoy a scenic 40-minute hike through the cool 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 This morning, travel to Monteverde where your afternoon is at leisure. Day 9: Monteverde B/L/D A full-day observing Monteverde’s natural beauty starts with a tour along the towering treetop walkways and suspension bridges of the Sky Adventure Park. 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 Manuel Antonio B/L/D Journey to Manuel Antonio, home to lush tropical forest, powder-soft beaches, and colourful coral reefs, where the rest of the day is at leisure. Day 13: Manuel Antonio 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 14: Manuel Antonio B/L/D Today is at leisure for you to explore the beauty and unique atmosphere of Manuel Antonio. Day 15: Manuel Antonio to San José to the UK B Transfer to San José airport, stopping for lunch along the way. Board your overnight, return flight to the UK or continue on to your chosen extension. Meal plan: All meals daily Accommodation: San José, 4 H Crowne Plaza Corobici Puerto Viejo de Limon, 4 H Namuwoki Lodge Sarapiquí, 3 H Selva Verde Lodge La Fortuna, 4 H Arenal Manoa Monteverde, 4 H El Establo Rincon de la Vieja, 3 H Hacienda Guachipelin Manuel Antonio, 4 H San Bada Hotel Flights: April to October: London Heathrow to Costa Rica with British Airways/ Iberia (via Madrid) November to March: London Gatwick to Costa Rica with British Airways Tour pace: Intermediate Scarlet Macaw Extend your tour Manuel Antonio beach stay*, 3 nights, B&B 4 H from £489 or 5 H from £539 . 4 nights, B&B 4 H from £559 or 5 H from £659 Tortuguero Mini Tour*, 4 nights from £529 or 5 nights from £589 *4 night extensions valid for selected departures only Private Tour Upgrade Upgrade to a private tour to include your own guide and transport, plus your choice of departure date from £1,149 Departures & from prices 6 May 23 £3,499 17 Feb 24 £4,499 3 Jun 23 £3,999 9 Mar 24 £3,999 15 Jul 23 £4,699 20 Apr 24 £4,699 9 Sep 23 £3,399 4 May 24 £3,699 21 Oct 23 £4,149 1 Jun 24 £3,999 25 Nov 23 £4,099 13 Jul 24 £4,799 6 Jan 24 £4,399 7 Sep 24 £3,799 13 Jan 24 £4,399 12 Oct 24 £4,199 3 Feb 24 £4,399 23 Nov 24 £4,199 • A single supplement starts from just £789 • Tipping paid locally $45 pp per tour South America 101 Hundreds of escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk