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Natural Wonders of Costa Rica and Nicaragua Itinerary
Day 1 - UK - San José (Costa Rica)
Fly direct from London Gatwick to San José and transfer to the 5* Studio Hotel Boutique, beautifully located in Central Valley, with the second largest art collection in Costa Rica. Relax at leisure this evening.
Day 2 - Poás Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Awake refreshed and join the included excursion to one of Costa Rica’s most famous National Parks. Visit the dramatic caldera of Poás Volcano, followed by a tour of La Paz Waterfall Gardens. This nature adventure through the rainforest trails and waterfalls explores the Aviary, the Butterfly Observatory, Hummingbird Garden, Serpentarium, Jungle Cats Exhibit, Frog Exhibit, Historical Casita Experience and Trout Lake. Transfer to the Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa, a luxury hotel in a tranquil rainforest setting with volcano views for a 2-night stay.
Day 3 - Arenal Volcano National Park - Caño Negro and Río Frío Wildlife Boat Tour
On this day-long nature and wildlife adventure, take a leisurely ride on a covered motorboat along the Río Frío to appreciate the beautiful flora and fauna of one of the most biologically diverse areas in Costa Rica and the world. It shelters a great variety of fauna including resident and migratory birds, three of the four different species of monkeys in Costa Rica, iguanas, sloths, turtles, spectacled caimans, and many other animals. Caño Negro is also home to incredible fish like the almost prehistoric Tropical Gar and endangered animals. It is an important place for protecting the unique wetland biodiversity of Costa Rica and is an official RAMSAR site with international significance. Enjoy a delicious traditional lunch, with the warmest welcome from friendly locals.
Day 4 - Arenal Volcano Hiking and Titokú Hot Springs
Costa Rica has around 112 volcanoes and the Arenal Volcano is one of the most active in the country. From 1968 to 2010 there were many lava flows, eruptions and pyroclastic clouds, making this volcano the biggest attraction in the area. Guided by a knowledgeable certified naturalist, explore trails through breath-taking natural scenery and characteristic flora and fauna, to the ancient lava fields. Relax in the revitalising waters of the nearby Titokú Hot Springs before transferring to Monteverde and a 3-night stay at the amazing El Establo Mountain Hotel, Monteverde.
Day 5 - Monteverde Coffee Tour
Costa Rica is world-famous for its coffee, and today learn about coffee from the experts on this half-day tour. Experience every stage of coffee farming and processing, from seed germination to farming, harvesting, processing and roasting. Enjoy (of course!) delicious coffee, and a traditional lunch with food prepared with fresh ingredients grown on the farm. Enjoy time at leisure.
Day 6 - Monteverde Sky Walk and Sky Tram
Take the guided Sky Walk tour, which combines trails and suspension bridges above the canopy of Monteverde cloud forest. Learn about the amazing flora and fauna of the area from a knowledgeable guide. Then embark the Sky Tram and experience this high technology cableway from your specially designed gondola. Venture up to the Continental Divide, 1400-1600 metres above sea level, and to one of the highest mountains of Monteverde. Enjoy short stops along the way to observe the cloud forest biodiversity, the Arenal, Tenorio, Miravalles and Rincón de la Vieja volcanoes, the Nicoya gulf, and the distant Guanacaste plain.
Day 7 - Board Star Clipper
Transfer from Monteverde to Puerto Caldera for a 7-night sailing cruise on board Star Clipper. Settle into your comfortable cabin and enjoy a romantic Sailaway.
Day 8 - Quepos (Costa Rica)
The beautiful harbour town of Quepos is renowned for its big-sport game fishing, watersports and sublime beaches, as well as being the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park, home to an array of flora and fauna.
Day 9 - Day at Sea
Enjoy the facilities of Star Clipper on a relaxing day at sea.
Day 10 - San Juan del Mar (Nicaragua)
This colourful beach-side town is renowned for its laid-back surfing vibes and is the ideal place to enjoy some quality beach time. A massive contemporary Christ of the Mercy statue overlooks the town, and nearby olive ridley sea turtles breed at La Flor Nature Reserve.
Day 11 - Playa Nacascolo and Bahia Culebra (Costa Rica)
Playa Nacascolo is a beautiful, off-the-beaten-track beach hidden in Costa Rica’s stunning Papagayo Peninsula, complete with crystal clear waters and playful monkeys. Enjoy the bars and restaurants in Bahia Culebra, with its world-class beaches
Day 12 - Bahia Potrero
Explore the three picturesque seaside villages of Flamingo, Surfside and Potrero. There is an idyllic beach with calm waters for a relaxing swim or a long stroll along this exquisite Pacific coastline.
Day 13 - Isla Tortuga
Isla Tortuga is widely regarded as the most beautiful island in Costa Rica. With giant coconut palms framing powder soft white sand beaches, lapped by crystal clear turquoise waters, this really is a tropical paradise. You can also play beach volleyball, rent a kayak, swim, or even take a trip in a glass-bottom boat. If you are feeling adventurous you can ride the zip line as part of a canopy tour.
Day 14 - Puerto Caldera
Disembark Star Clipper and transfer to the 5* Studio Hotel Boutique in San José for an overnight stay. Enjoy a city tour of San José, with a visit to the subterranean Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, which boasts one of the largest collections of gold artifacts in Latin America. These ancient objects chronicle the history of the tribal peoples and civilisations that once inhabited the country. Finish with a visit to Mercado Central, a bustling market where you can sample local traditional food and pick up some souvenirs.
Day 15 - San José (Costa Rica) - UK
Enjoy the hotel facilities with a day room before transferring to the airport for the return flight to London Gatwick.
Day 16 - Arrive UK
Arrive back in the UK.
The Captain reserves the right to alter the itinerary to suit wind and weather conditions.