A Family Trip to Remember!

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Adventure Highlights

Sea turtles have long fascinated humans and have figured prominently in the mythology of many cultures. Unfortunately, the spiritual significance of sea turtles has not saved them from heavy exploitation for both subsistence and commerce. Millions of sea turtles once roamed the earth's oceans, but now only a few hundred thousand remain. Development of oceanfront property has destroyed nesting beaches world-wide, leaving turtles with fewer places to lay their eggs. Today, five species of sea turtles found in our neighboring oceans are listed as endangered species. Join us as we travel to Tortuguero, Costa Rica for a 'hands-on' sea turtle experience. We will assist the Caribbean Conservation Corporation (CCC) with tagging, measuring and monitoring this magnificent species. We will also enjoy hikes through the Tirimbina Rainforest, a raft trip down the Sarapiqui River and a visit to the stunning Braulio Carrillo National Park. Don't miss this opportunity to learn about and help save one of the world's most beautiful and threatened species. A portion of each registration will be donated to CCC to help them continue their important work.

• Travel to one of the most beautiful and natural resource diverse countries in Central America.
• Experience the diversity of habitats in stunning Braulio Carrillo National Park, explore the Tirimbina Rainforest while hiking on hanging bridges, awe at the spectacle of Poas Volcano and exhilarate yourself with a raft trip down the Sarapiqui River.
• Stay at the Centro Neotropico Sarapiqui and assist the researchers with their important archeological digs and enjoy a night presentation of 'Alma Ata,' a pre-Columbian burial site found at the lodge. Walk around the beautiful gardens, hike to the river or just sit on the porch and gaze into the rainforest.
• Take an unbelievable boat tour on Rio San Juan to the Caribbean Coast to the Mawamba Lodge in Tortuguero. Nights will be spent tagging, measuring, monitoring and eyeing with wonder the green sea turtles. Days will be spent on jungle cruises photographing the abundant wildlife or hiking in the rainforest.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Costa Rica

Arrive independently into San Jose, Costa Rica before 4 p.m. Enjoy a welcome dinner, orientation and overnight at Hotel Bougainvillea overlooking the Central Valley mountains.

Day 2:  Cultural & Natural History

After breakfast we will travel to the Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve for a hike through the rainforest while learning about medicinal plants and indigenous mythology from your Bribri Indian guide. We will enjoy a healthy lunch with the community and spend some time bird watching from an observation tower overlooking the Caribbean coast and Talamanca mountains. Return for a relaxing dinner and overnight at Cariblue Resort near the coast.

Day 3: Wildlife and Bird Viewing

After breakfast at the hotel we will visit Aviarios, where we’ll learn about the threats to tropical sloths and meet some of the resident animals that are being rehabilitated. Later, we will take an easy canoe trip through an estuary that offers exceptional birding. In the afternoon the group will have time to enjoy the beaches of Cahuita National Park. Dinner may be either in the area in one of the local restaurants or at the hotel. Overnight at Cariblue Hotel Resort.

Day 4:  Green Sea Turtles & and other Wildlife!

Breakfast at the lodge then transfer by land and boat to the rainforest waterways of Tortuguero, world famous for its birds & wildlife. The lush Tortuguero Rainforest rainforest ecosystem is the perfect habitat for spider and howler monkeys, crocodiles and numerous exotic birds. We will take a walk through the village and visit the Caribbean Conservation Corporation (CCC) headquarters, where we learn about Green Turtle preservation and find out about our project. Enjoy an Afro-Caribbean inspired dinner at Miss Juney’s. Lunch, dinner and overnight at Mawamba Lodge.

Days 5 & 6:  Turtles, Monkeys & Jesus Christ Lizards

Two full days in Tortuguero. During the day canal wildlife viewing tours and rain forest hikes will be highlighted. The evenings will introduce us to one of the greatest of all migratory feats, the green sea turtles. Assisting the Caribbean Conservation Corporation with their turtle research program, we will tag, measure and record data on this incredible species. Meals and evenings at Mawamba Lodge.

Day 7:  Jungles and Birds

Breakfast at the lodge. Boat transfer to Matina, where the bus will be waiting for the transfer to San Jose, stopping at Braulio Carrillo National Park for an aerial tram ride and view of this incredibly lush rainforest jungle and a search for the beautiful toucan! Farewell dinner and overnight at Hotel Bougainvillea.

Day 8: Home or Stay?

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport for morning flights or continue on to post-extension.

Post-Extension Itinerary

Days 1 & 2: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve / Fonda Vela

We will transfer to Monteverde where we will enjoy daily guided hikes and bird watching in one of the country’s most beautiful rainforests. Lush vegetation, curious wildlife and colorful birds will greet us on our hike. We will visit local craft shops, a butterfly farm and overnight at Fonda Vela Hotel.

Day 3: Arenal Volcano

Take a scenic boat ride across Lake Arenal to arrive at Arenal Volcano’s lush rainforests. Enjoy an evening soak at the Hidalgo family hot springs while watching volcano Arenal’s fireworks display. Overnight at Arenal’s Volcano Lodge.

Day 4: Arenal & San Jose

Explore the treetops of the rainforest at Arenal Hanging bridges, and enjoy spectacular views of the volcano (weather permitting). Arrive in San Jose in the afternoon to visit the capital city on your own or relax at your boutique hotel, on San Jose’s west end, the beautiful Grano de Oro.

Day 5:

Transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport