Explore Exotic Wildlife Of Costa Rica In Latin America Journey

Day 1: Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica

On your arrival in San Jose, our representative will meet you and take you to the hotel.

Day 2: San Jose to Monteverde

Today morning, depart San Jose for the cloud forest of Monteverde. Despite its small size, Costa Rica is home to nearly half a million species, turning it one of the world’s most biodiverse nations. It has a richly diverse landscape of mountains, volcanoes, tropical forests, and idyllic black and white sanded beaches. The country is famous for its progressive environmental policies and is the country with the largest proportion of protected areas in the world. But we won’t just take you to see its array of multicolored wildlife, we’ll introduce you to its friendly, family-orientated, peace-loving people too.
Located on the continental divide under a foggy cloud coverage, Monteverde is one of the most bio-diverse areas on the earth. Visiting the trails here reveals green inhabitants teeming with life. Over 3,000 species of plants, 400 species of birds, 60 species of bats, 1,200 species of amphibians and 700 species of butterflies to name a few who call this area home. It is also one of the last surviving places in the world that is home to all six species of cats: ocelots, jaguars, jaguarundi, pumas, oncillas, and margays. If you are lucky, this is also an excellent spot to spot a glimpse of one of Costa Rica’s most attractive birds, the resplendent quetzal.

Day 3: Monteverde

Today, you will go for a Naturalist-guided walking tour to Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. Established in 1989, the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve covers an area of 765 acres and is home to forest fauna such as the sloths, jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, coatis, and various species of birds. With almost 100% humidity throughout the year, the cloud forest gets almost 12 feet of rain per year. This afternoon, you may desire to explore this green area further or maybe head into the city or venture into the rainforest canopy for a bird’s eye view of the region.

Day 4: Monteverde to Arenal

Leave Monteverde for the must-see city of Arenal situated in the shadow of Arenal Volcano. At present, Arenal Volcano is in a resting state but prior to 2010, the volcano was known for its regular lava flows and gas emissions. Arenal is home to cascading waterfalls, flourishing rainforests, plentiful wildlife, and a plethora of outdoor activities. After settling in, explore the magic of the resort’s pool and Jacuzzis or go for a walk along the nearby nature trails in search of 300 to 400-year-old trees and small animals native to the area.

Day 5: Arenal

Today will be spent visiting Arenal and its large primary rainforest and learning about its rich biodiversity. Venture into the jungle canopy on the Arenal Hanging Bridges, which consist of 15 bridges hung in the treetops and allows your Naturalist to point out numerous species of plants, birds, butterflies, monkeys, sloths, and other animals regularly found here. On a clear day, you will get a 360-degree view of the tropical rainforest, as well as beautiful views of Arenal Volcano. Tonight, you may take an optional tour to the world-famous Tabacon Hot Springs. These natural hot springs are the result of rainwater heated by magma in the Earth’s interior that then raises to the surface, taking with it minerals found in the Earth’s crust. Enjoy time relaxing in the waters that are so beneficial to your skin and body.

Day 6: Arenal to Sarchi to San Jose

En route to San Jose, visit Sarchi Village, known as the center of Costa Rican handcrafts and where you will view the artists in their workshops creating the famous oxcarts. Enjoy time here for lunch before proceeding to San Jose for a short city Trip to explore the historic National Theater and the Metropolitan Cathedral, and other sites in downtown San Jose.

Day 7: San Jose

This morning your Latin America journey ends with breakfast followed by transfer to the airport.