Turtles, Rivers & Mountains

San José (1150m), the capital city, stands at the heart of the country in the fertile Central Valley, where the majority of the Costa Rican population is concentrated. Today you explore the valley and visit Poas Volcano National Park and Doka Estate for a guided tour of the Coffee and plantation sugar cane mill as well as the butterfly farm. (BL)

This area has long been associated with the catching of turtles (tortuguero means turtle-catcher). The original indigenous inhabitants used turtles as a sustainable resource, but the arrival of Europeans led to major exploitation and reduction in their numbers. Tortuguero National Park was established in 1970 to protect both the turtles and the natural habitat and is now home to 13 of Costa Rica’s 16 endangered mammals, so it is important to remember the fragile ecosystem around you. Among them are manatee, ocelot and jaguar, as well as over 300 bird species. First and foremost, however, it is the nesting ground of the green turtle, which comes ashore between August and October to lay its eggs on the sandy beaches. Lesser numbers of the critically endangered hawksbill turtle, plus loggerhead, and giant leatherback turtle also nest within the park at different times of year. For your two days in the Pacuare Reserve to the south of the Tortuguero NP, your focus will be the protection and conservation of the turtles.  The exact activities you’ll do will depend on what is needed at the time of you visit however this is likely to include patrolling the beaches with biologists and research assistants looking for the endangered turtles, protecting their nests, collecting research data on individuals.  You’ll also learn about these beautiful animals, their habits and lifecycle. (B2 L2 D2)

You'll head inland for a day of exhilarating white water rafting on the Pacuare River. After lunch (included), continue to Sarapiqui. A free day is included for exploration of the surrounding rainforest. Located in the north-eastern lowlands, Sarapiqui is home to nature reserves protecting primary tropical rainforest. The habitat here is Caribbean lowland wet forest and marshland, and it is extremely rich in wildlife and plants which you may have the chance to see during your visit. Large animals include jaguar, collared peccary and howler monkey. More than 400 species of birds have been recorded in the area. La Quinta Sarapiqui (La Quinta Country Inn) (AAA) - 2 nights - (B2 L1)

Head west to the Pacific coast and Manuel Antonio National Park. In the morning you'll visit this stunning park, flanked on both sides by white, sandy beaches. On this guided half-day hike you'll be on the look out for the park's resident monkeys and iguanas. Hotel Casitas Eclipse (AAA) - 2nights - Swimming pool (B2)