Explorations Inc. is proud to offer outstanding adventures that highlight the very best that Costa Rica has to offer. In this brochure, you can read about an affordable tour package that allows you to explore tropical rainforests, mountain cloud forests, towering volcanoes, tropical beaches, scenic rivers, wildlife sanctuaries, colorful gardens, country towns, and more. Costa Rica Exploration © Costa Rica Exploration © - Costa Rica A La Carte For those wishing to extend your stay or customize your own unique itinerary, we can accommodate! Call and we can prepare a special quote for a trip to include your favorite activities or just a few extra days for relaxation and personal exploration. Options include river rafting excursions, horseback riding, mountain biking, trekking, turtle watching, water sports, exotic nature lodges and sportfishing. We can also arrange just airfare, transfers and hotel accommodations for an even more independent visit. For many people, Costa Rica evokes images of iridescent, blue morpho butterflies amidst a green carpet of ferns set under majestic, towering trees covered with orchids and bromeliads. Such images provide memories that last a lifetime. As often said; "The greatest tourist attraction in Costa Rica is Costa Rica". Costa Rica is a lively country full of scenic beauty and natural wonders; it is not a fabricated theme park. The varied geography, creating a multitude of microclimates and ecosystems, combined with a unique location between 2 oceans and 2 continents, makes Costa Rica one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world. The statistics of the wildlife and plant diversity are amazing, but not as amazing as seeing a colorful macaw or toucan close-up or hearing the boisterous voice of the howler monkey. Costa Rica has long been regarded one of the world's premier nature travel destinations. In addition to the country's rich natural resources there is another significant reason it is such a great place to visit; the "ticos" or the people of Costa Rica. With its exotic plants and animals, Costa Rica may seem strange to many, but the gracious ticos make it difficult to feel like a stranger. The friendly people of Costa Rica have much to be proud of. They have enjoyed over 100 years of democracy and have not had a standing army since 1948. They now have 12% of their land in national parks and another 15% is protected in private reserves. Costa Rica's accomplishments in nationwide health care and literacy places it among the most highly developed nations. Its commitment to conservation and peace makes it a leader in the world community. Home ::: Costa Rica ::: Costa Rica Exploration© Costa Rica Exploration© 8 day/7night Itinerary - Cost Per Person Our Costa Rica Exploration explores a wide range of ecosystems and wildlife habitats; from mountain cloud forests to tropical beaches. It has a strong focus on learning about the different geographical areas and ecosystems visited. The goal is to explore Costa Rica's grand diversity with an itinerary that is conducive to the discovery of nature's secrets and to achieve a better understanding of the Costa Rican peoples. 8 Day/7 Night Itinerary Day 1: USA Gateway - San Jose Depart Miami aboard LACSA Airlines scheduled flight to San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. Airport reception upon arrival and transfer to the luxury Hotel Irazú. This large resort hotel has its own shopping mall, tennis courts, swimming pool and sauna, casino, restaurants and bars. It also has daily minibus shuttle to the downtown area and daily bus service to Jacó Beach. Day 2: Rainforest Aerial Tram Day begins with drive through the rugged and beautiful Braulio Carrillo National Park. Next comes a one of a kind adventure aboard biologist Don Perry's Aerial Tram. An exciting way to explore the biodiversity of a rainforest canopy with its countless species of plants, birds, mammals, reptiles and insects. In the afternoon, you return to the Hotel Irazú via tropical plant and macadamia nut plantations. (B/L) Day 3: Poás - Arenal - Tabacón Today's exciting journey begins with a drive through Costa Rica's lush Central Valley to the majestic Arenal Volcano. The classic-shaped volcano has been active since 1968. The frequency and intensity of eruptions and the sight of lava tumbling down the slopes is sure to impress. You can view this magnificent natural phenomenon while relaxing in the warm waters and beautiful gardens at the hot mineral springs of Tabacón. There is also an excursion at night for viewing the fireworks of Arenal's eruptions! Overnight for two nights at Las Cabañitas or Tijiari Resort near La Fortuna. (B/L/D) Day 4: Caño Negro Wildlife Reserve After an early breakfast, you're off to explore the Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge. By boat you will penetrate the tropical rainforest to the 1,600 acre Caño Negro Lake, in the midst of 18,000 acres of marsh lands. The biological diversity is astounding and many of the species of wildlife may be encountered nowhere else! Capuchin, spider and howler monkeys, sloths, garfish, roseate spoonbills, toucans, herons and crocodiles basking in the sun are a common sight here. A box lunch picnic is included. (B/L) Day 5: Jaco Beach Enjoy beautiful and ever changing scenery in route to the Pacific coast resort village of Jacó for a two night stay. Your seaside resort for the next two nights is the Hotel Jacó Beach, complete with water sport equipment, swimming pool, tennis, bicycles and more! The afternoon is unstructured for relaxation or beach activities. (B/L) Day 6: Manuel Antonio National Park A day to explore beautiful forest-backed tropical beaches, rocky coves and nature trails in this lush coastal park. Manuel Antonio is famous for its secluded white sandy beaches and it is home to huge iguanas, white-faced monkeys and colorful birdlife. Time for nature walks, swimming, snorkeling before lunch in nearby Quepos. (B/L) Day 7: Carara Biological Reserve - San Jose A morning exploration of the biodiverse Carara Biological Reserve which is located in a transition zone between wet and dry forest ecosystems. The primary tropical rainforests are a biologists dream come true with countless species of plants and abundance of such birds as; scarlet macaws, guans, trogons, wood storks, herons and motmots! Also commonly seen are monkeys, crocodiles, coatimundi and dazzling butterflies. Afternoon return to the verdant Central Valley for overnight in San Jose at the Hotel Irazú. (B) Day 8: Transfer to the airport for flight home. Back to top Costs Per Person Approximately $895 in Double Occupancy, "Land Only", starting and ending in San Jose, Costa Rica. (Price to be confirmed upon verification of itinerary dates.) $1295 in Double Occupancy, with R/T air from Miami, FL and many other gateways. (Call for prices from your home city.) Included Round-trip airfare on LACSA Airlines to San Jose from Miami. (International airfare can be deleted for a credit of $400 or other departure cities can be quoted.) All accommodations in first-class hotels as listed or similar. All transfers and tours as listed in itinerary. English-speaking naturalist guides for listed tours. Meals as listed in itinerary. Not Included Airport departure taxes. USA airport departure taxes, (currently $45), will be invoiced as a separate item and then be prepaid on your international air ticket. Costa Rican airport taxes (estimate $12 - $20, paid direct upon leaving Costa Rica). Personal items, liquor and beer. Gratuities to local guides and personnel. Meals not listed in itinerary Notes: For Triple Occupancy deduct $70 / each. For a Single Supplement add $220. This itinerary can be operated most any week for 2 or more persons. Back to top Explorations Inc. is licensed and registered with the State of Florida as a Seller of Travel. The phone number for the Florida Department of Commerce is 904-488-2221 and our SOT registration number is 15176. We are also registered in California as Seller of Travel #2021110-40. We are also an TSI Member of IATAN (International Airlines Travel Agent Network). An escrow account for trip payments is available - call for details and account number. Additional professional and client references are available upon request. Click here to contact us. Click here to go to our Photo Gallery. Explorations Inc. 27655 Kent Rd Bonita Springs, FL 34135 Phone: 1-239-992-9660 or toll free 1-800-446-9660 (in USA, Canada, P.R.) Call anytime to receive detailed trip brochures or more information! Also available are custom itineraries for small groups AND for the angler, our Amazon Fishing Adventures features Peacock Bass and other exotic species! Back to top