Escorted Tours 2023-2024

of the most important wetland areas in the world 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. Later, enjoy the afternoon at leisure to visit the hot springs or relax and take in the views. 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, before visiting a local coffee plantation. Later, arrive at your hotel where 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 Sky Adventure Park, exploring Monteverde’s flora and fauna via the 70m high treetop walkways, which allow 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 to San José 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. Later, travel to San José for dinner and your final night. Day 11: San José to the UK B Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK, or continue on to your chosen extension. La Fortuna Waterfall Manuel Antonio National Park Resplendent Quetzal, Monteverde Turtles, Tortuguero National Park Meal plan: 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 10 dinners Accommodation: Alajuela Province, 4 H Buena Vista Hotel Tortuguero, 3 H Pachira Lodge La Fortuna, 4 H Arenal Manoa Monteverde, 4 H El Establo Punta Leona, 3 H Punta Leona Beach Hotel San José, 4 H Hotel Crowne Plaza Corobicí Flights: London Gatwick to Costa Rica with United Airlines Tour pace: Intermediate Arenal Volcano Extend your tour Volcano Mini Tour, 4 nights 3 H from £579 Manuel Antonio beach stay*, 4 nights, B&B 4 H from £659 or 5 H from £769 Punta Leona beach stay*, 4 nights 3 H B&B from £449 *Please note this extension will start on day 10 Private Tour Upgrade Upgrade to a private tour to include your own guide and transport, plus your choice of departure date from £979 Departures & from prices 26 Apr 23 £3,199 24 Feb 24 £3,599 3 May 23 £3,299 9 Mar 24 £3,599 31 May 23 £3,099 24 Apr 24 £3,899 12 Jul 23 £3,599 1 May 24 £3,099 9 Aug 23 £3,599 29 May 24 £3,199 13 Sep 23 £3,299 10 Jul 24 £3,799 11 Oct 23 £3,299 7 Aug 24 £3,799 4 Nov 23 £2,999 11 Sep 24 £3,299 18 Nov 23 £2,899 9 Oct 24 £3,399 6 & 27 Jan 24 £3,599 2 Nov 24 £3,499 3 Feb 24 £3,599 16 Nov 24 £3,499 • A single supplement starts from just £679 • Tipping paid locally $88 South America 99 Hundreds more escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk