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Guided Walking and Sightseeing
Worldwide Holidays

Costa Rica Nature's Showcase 2010

A holiday for the discerning lover of nature and good walks. Its geography ensures that Costa Rica hosts an amazing array of eco-systems and micro-climates with a wealth of captivating flora and fauna and brimful of natural beauty.               

Dates:  Feb 14 - 11 nights     Nov 16 - 11 nights                                                                                                           

2010 Prices:  2,150.00 GBP  ( High season ) See brochure for all prices.                        Prices are per person for 11 nights based on double occupancy without airfare.                Supplement for a single room  450.00 GBP     

Guided Walks:  A mixture of sightseeing , a lazy boat ride and a choice of walks. Easier walks range from 3-6 miles with up to 600 ft of ascent; harder walks are from 6-12 miles with up to 2,000 ft of ascent.  Some paths are narrow and muddy. Options are offered each day.

  
Hotels:  Hotels are 4-star quality, have air-conditioning and swimming pools; with the exception of the mountain lodge at San Gerado de Dota rustic lodge in the mountains which is basic but comfortable, with heated rooms, hot running water and en-suite facilities.  The hotel on the coast at Dominical offers views of the Pacific Ocean, a 1,300 square foot swimming pool, spacious rooms and spa.  Included: 11 nights' accommodation in  en-suite rooms.  All meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on  the day of departure.  Services of an experienced tour conductor and a local guide.   Walks, sightseeing, entrance fees and travel by air conditioned coach.
Itinerary:
 
Days 1-2: arrival in San Jose (2 nights)  

Our hotel offers panoramic views of the city, central valley and nearby volcanoes. Our walks take in the Poas National Park with steaming craters, emerald green pools and a hummingbird observation area.

Days 3-5: transfer to the lush San Carlos Valley & Arenal (3 nights) . From our lovely riverside resort we can take trails on the flanks of the picturesque  volcano, walking on bridges through the canopy and to invigorating waterfalls, and a slow river-boat ride through the Cano Negro Wildlife Reserve, packed with exotic wildlife including howler monkeys, caiman, sloth, toucan and other colourful birds.

Days 6-7: travelling south we head for San Gerardo de Dota (3 nights), a small community in the Talamanca mountains, where our comfortable, rustic lodge, at 7,200ft, is one of the finest spots in the country to see the resplendent quetzal, dusky nightjar, scintillant hummingbird (Costa Rica’s smallest species), streaked-breasted treehunter and a host of other striking birds. Miles of trails offer options for all grades of walking from short rambles near the lodge to a challenging full day hike to the top of Cerro de la Muerte at over 11,000ft.

Days 8-10: this morning we travel over the mountains of the continental divide and see the Pacific Ocean stretched below us.  We arrive at Dominical (3 nights) in the beautiful Marino Ballena  Marine National Park, which is much less developed than other parts of the coast and offers quiet sandy beaches, coastal trails with unforgettable vies and the option to take mangrove and whale watching tours.

Day 11: a leisurely return to San José (1 night) stopping several times in the countryside, where scarlet macaws are often seen.

Day 12: transfer to the airport for the return flight home.
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