Day 1: Arrive San José
Arrive at San José Costa Rica's Juan Santamaría International Airport. After passing through Immigration you will be met by a representative who will help facilitate clearing customs. We will transfer to the hotel in San José. Overnight Hotel Parque del Lago or similar. Standard room. (No meals) (TG)

Day 2: San José / Tortuguero
Early morning, pick-up at San José hotel for 30 minute to 1-hour transfer to Pavas Airport for direct flight to Tortuguero (single engine Cessna 206 plane). Fly over Braulio Carrillo National Park and the Atlantic lowlands (35 minute flight). Upon arrival, have breakfast and a welcome orientation session. Morning, boat tour into the rainforest of the Tortuguero National Park. Originally intended to protect a major nesting beach of the Atlantic green sea turtle, Tortuguero National Park now protects 51,870 acres, one of the last large areas of tropical rain forest in Central America. Eleven habitats are found in the park. Three species of monkeys (Spider, Howler, and White-faced), Three-toed sloths, and River otters are frequently seen along the natural inland waterways and canals. Caiman, iguanas, River turtles, Basilisk lizards, and Poison dart (Dendrobates) frogs inhabit the area, along with more than 320 species of birds including all 6 species of kingfishers found in the new world, 3 species of toucans, 8 species of parrots, and other neotropical species such as the Slaty-tailed trogon, White-collared manakin, Purple-throated fruitcrow, and White-fronted nunbird and many more species which we will have the opportunity to observe during this ride through the creeks of Tortuguero National Park. Return to the hotel for lunch. Afternoon, optional garden walk with your Guide. Dinner and overnight Tortuga Lodge. (BLD) (SG)

Day 3: Tortuguero
After breakfast at Tortuga Lodge, your guide will take you to the village of Tortuguero. Learn about the history of the village and it's efforts to get their basic needs met such as running water, medical and dental care, garbage collection and management. Visit the park headquarters, the general goods store and walk the paths lined with colorful afro-Caribbean homes. Visit the Atlantic Green Sea Turtle Museum founded by the Caribbean Conservation Corporation. The late Dr. Archie Carr began to study and tag the thousands of Atlantic green sea turtles that every year from June through October come to Tortuguero Beach to lay their eggs. The study has continued without fail ever since, under the auspices of the Caribbean Conservation Corporation (CCC). It is the longest running continuous study of its kind in the world, and it has had a profound effect on the community of Tortuguero. Lunch today will be at "Miss Juney's", one of Tortuguero's oldest and most well loved residents, Miss Juney is famous for her down home Caribbean cookin'. The menu will be typical dishes from the Caribbean coast, rice and beans in coconut milk, black chicken, sweet plantains, fried bread fruit and to drink "fresco" (fruit juice) made with Tamarindo, Cas, or Maracuya. Afternoon, return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight Tortuga Lodge. (B,L,D) (SG)

Day 4: Tortuguero
After breakfast, you depart by boat to continue your exploration of the canals of Tortuguero National Park. This time you will visit Caño Harold (Harold's Canal) where Bare-throated Tiger herons, Snowy egrets, Boat Billed herons and other species are known to nest. Mid-day return to the Hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight Tortuga Lodge (B,L,D) (SG)

Day 5: Tortuguero / Caño Blanco / Arenal
After an early breakfast at the hotel, depart on a 1 ½-hour boat transfer to the Caño Blanco area. Upon arrival, depart with your guide on a 5-hour drive to Arenal. The first part of the drive, will take you through banana plantations. Until the 19th century, Costa Rica was very poor with an economy based on subsistence agriculture. Then the introduction of coffee provided a product suitable for export. Coffee was followed by bananas, both remain two of the most important crops in Costa Rica today. Stop on route for lunch. Arrive at your hotel in time for an afternoon rest. In the evening, weather permitting, view the volcanic activity which may include explosions and lava flows. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at Volcano Lodge or similar. (B,L,D) (SG)

Day 6: Arenal
After breakfast, depart with your Guide for a morning hike in then Arenal hanging bridges. This project sits within a 250-hectare (618 acre) reserve of fully recovered secondary rain forest. A visit to Arenal Hanging Bridges consists of traversing 15 bridges from 5 to 100 meters long that cross the rain forest and a 3 km circuit of interpretive trails built with paving blocks to prevent slipping. The bridges are made of aluminum, galvanized steel and concrete, and ensure maximum security for visitors. Afternoon visit the Hidalgo Family Hot Springs. Doña Mireya, your host, will prepare a typical Costa Rican dinner for you, in the tradition of local hospitality. Overnight at Volcano Lodge or similar. (B,L,D) (SG)

Day 7: Arenal / Monteverde
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Monteverde (4-hour drive). Arrive in Monteverde in time for lunch. Monteverde is a peaceful community made up of dairy farmers, naturalists and tourism service providers who have joined together to create a model for sustainable development and protection of the environment that is well known throughout the world. Founded in 1954 by a group of Quakers searching for a peaceful place to live, it is the home of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, the Children's Eternal Rain Forest, and the Santa Elena Reserve. Afternoon optional walk in the Monteverde Lodge Gardens with your guide. Dinner and overnight Hotel Monteverde Lodge & Gardens. (B,L,D) (SG).

Day 8: Monteverde
After breakfast, guided excursion in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Founded in 1972, the Reserve extends down both slopes of the Tilarán Mountains (elevation 2,300 to 5,600 ft.), encompassing six different ecological life zones and protecting more than 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds and 1,500 species of plants. From January to July, depending upon your luck and patience, you may observe in its natural habitat the Resplendent quetzal (occasionally a dozen or more individuals at once). Other species include the Three-wattled bellbird, the Emerald toucanet, and White-faced and Howler monkeys. Return to the hotel midday for lunch. Afternoon visit the Butterfly Garden where butterflies and other insects are raised and displayed in shade cloth enclosures with tropical gardens. Overnight Hotel Monteverde Lodge & Gardens. (B,L,D) (SG).

Day 9: Monteverde/ San José
Early morning breakfast at the hotel and depart on a 4 1/2 hour transfer to San José. Stop on route for lunch. Afternoon coffee tour. Discover coffee's vital role in forging Costa Rican democracy and cultivating a national identity around hard-working, peace-loving, friendly and environmentally conscious "Ticos," as Costa Ricans affectionately call themselves. The Coffee Tour is packed with tips and tricks that will help make your next cup of coffee, your best. Learn how to properly store coffee and brew a perfect cappuccino. Observe how experts distinguish good coffees from great ones - and why they ignore their mothers' warnings about slurping. Tonight, farewell dinner. Overnight San José Hotel. (B,L,D) (SG)

Day 10: Depart San José
Transfer to the international airport approximately two hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. (No meals) (TG)

Hotel Descriptions
Parque del Lago
Popular with business travelers, this Executive Center and Hotel offers many in-house amenities. Centrally located near Sabana Park and the Art Museum, the hotel offers 40 soundproof rooms, including standard, junior and master suites with private baths. Each room has orthopedic beds, cable T.V., mini-bar, coffee maker, computer hook-ups and optional microwave oven. Room rates include complimentary passes to a nearby spa. Fine dining nearby. Cool to warm climate. Hotel telephone: 011 (506) 257-8787

Monteverde Lodge & Gardens
"...the most outstanding hotel and also a good bargain." Costa Rica Handbook, Moon Publications. Located just 15 minutes from the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, the lodge has 27 spacious rooms with private baths, all with views of the forest or garden. The main area includes a glass cathedral entry, high wooden ceilings, an open fireplace, restaurant and bar, an Internet cafe and 15-person Jacuzzi. There are comfortable sofas in the reading room and landscaping designed to bring the flora and fauna of the cloud forest to the doorstep of the hotel. Cool climate.

Volcano Lodge
"The appointments are simple but the rooms get plenty of light from big picture windows." Frommer's Costa Rica 2001, IDG Books Worldwide, Inc. Located 10 minutes from La Fortuna town, the Lodge has a collection of 10 duplexes, each has a private bath and small terrace for volcano viewing. There is a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and Continental breakfast is provided. The restaurant offers a variety of local and international meals. Warm Climate.

Tortuga Lodge & Gardens
" The most atmospheric and appealing place in Tortuguero..."Costa Rica Handbook, Moon Publications. Set on a private rain forest reserve bordering Tortuguero National Park on the north Caribbean coast, the lodge's 26 rooms have solar heated private baths. There is a non-chlorine purified swimming pool, botanical gardens lead into the forest, and wildlife is abundant with 320 species of birds, myriad forest mammals and reptiles. The restaurant offers family style fare based around the fresh fruits and seafood of the region. Hot Climate.

Average Temperatures and Altitudes
San José: 69°F; 3,500 ft.
Poás Volcano: 61°F; 8,865 ft.
Monteverde: 65°F; 5,000 ft.
Arenal Volcano: 65°F; 5,000 ft.
Tortuguero: 79°F; sea level

Temperatures: Hot climate= 70-95 degrees F; Warm climate= 65-85 degrees F; Cool climate= 55-75 degrees. F; Cold climate= 45-70 degrees F

2007 Departure Dates and Prices Costa Rica Connoisseur, $2,108 per person double occupancy Apr 6-15 2007, Apr 20 -29, May 25-June, Jun 8-17, (Family Departure), Jun 29- July 8 (Family Departure), Jul 20-29 (Family Departure), Aug 10-19 2007 (Family Departure), Aug 17-26 (Family Trip), Aug 31- Sept 09, Oct 12-21, Nov 16-25 Costa Rica Explorer: $1,908 per person double occupancy Dec 21-30 2007, Dec 28 07 - Jan 6, 08 (Note: this itinerary will run in reverse)

Pricing Info
The above prices are per person in US$, based on double occupancy and include all taxes in effect at the time of booking. Single supplement will be added if single accommodations are requested or forced. For regular departures we are happy to accept children 12 and older. For younger children see special family departure rates below. Triple Rooms, a discount of $63 per person is deducted from the tour cost.

Child Travelers
We are happy to accept children 12 years and older on regular departures. Children under 12 are allowed on Family Trips only. On Family Departures, children 0-11 years receive a 25% discount if they are sharing a room with two adults who are paying full rate

Important Note: When a single parent is traveling alone with one child he or she must pay the adult rate plus the single supplement. The child will pay the regular children’s rate. The reason that this is done this way is that lodging expense is not included in the children’s rate.

Prices for Single Travelers
If you are traveling alone, at your request we may be able to find you a roommate for the hotel nights during the trip. In this case the applicable price will be double occupancy. We almost always are able to find a roommate to those passengers who request one. For those passengers who would prefer single accommodations, the amount of $379 should be added to the above prices. This rate applies year round.

Included In the Price
Accommodations: Nine nights lodging as featured in the itinerary or similar.
Meals: 21 meals, as indicated in the itinerary. (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Transfers: Included in Fixed Departure programs, on arrival and departure days only
Porterage: The handling of two bags per person. Baggage and personal effects are at the owner's risk throughout the tour. Hotel taxes, entrance fees to National Parks, museums and places of interest in effect at the time of booking are included unless otherwise specified. Tax increases or new taxes charged for services that were not taxed in the past will be charged to the client. Sightseeing as specified in the itinerary.

Not included in the Price
International airfare; Costs of obtaining passports, visas or tourist cards; excess baggage fees, personal expenses such as room service, beverages and laundry; gratuities to tour escort, guides or driver; personal communications charges; international airfare and airport departure taxes; tax increases or new taxes charged for services that were not taxed at the time the booking was made; excess mileage carried out at the request of the passenger; sightseeing or meals not specified in the itinerary. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Transfers Outside of the Itinerary Dates:
For participants not arriving or departing on the stated arrival / departure dates of the itinerary, transfers are available only by previous arrangement. The cost, per person, per transfer is: 1 person = $65, 2 people=$33, 3 people=$22, 4 people=$16 and 5 or more=$13.

For Reservations or additional information call us toll free: 800-688-1822