Starting Price:	£1,805.00
Trip Length:	7 days
Includes airfare allowance from London (UK)

San José, Arenal and Monteverde

Description Pricing Itinerary Hotels

This highlight program combines a short stay in San José and the Arenal area, where you will explore the hanging bridges and spend the night at the rejuvenating Tabacon Hot Springs. This tour also includes a 3-day stay at Monteverde. The reserve at Monteverde was created to protect the flora and fauna, as well as to carry out scientific studies and educational environmental programs.

This trip can be customized to fit your individual travel dates and any specific requests you may have. Your travel consultant will prepare a customized itinerary for you. We offer a choice of 3, 4, 5-star and deluxe accommodations. Deluxe hotels includes a suite at the El Establo hotel in Monteverde.

This tour includes airfare allowance from London (UK), on non-holiday dates. You do not need to fly via London; Yampu will fly you the most direct way to your city of destination. Depending on your travel dates and proximity of travel, we will quote you the most economical surcharge from your city or country of origin.

Additional information on this trip:

Days of Week the Trip can Start:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Dates this trip is NOT available for online booking (please submit a regular request):
20 December - 02 January
Visited Cities:
San Jose and Central Valley, Arenal Area, Monteverde

Day 1

Upon arrival in San José, airport reception and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2

La Paz Waterfalls, Poas Volcano and Coffee Plantation Tour: Visit a third-generation coffee plantation and learn how coffee is picked, milled, ground and roasted. We then continue to Poas Volcano, one of the four active volcanoes in Costa Rica. The crystal-blue sulfur pools will amaze you along with the steam rising from the various volcanic vents. Following the visit to the volcano we will continue to La Paz Water Fall Garden for lunch (included) and tour. On arrival to the La Paz, we will walk through a trail, leading to a spectacular waterfall in the middle of the rainforest. Visitors to the trails will be able to view Templo Waterfall and Magia Blanca Waterfall. Inside the park we will also visit the hummingbird gallery, the serpentarium, the bird house, the butterfly garden and the frog’s exhibit.

After the tour, continue to Arenal and check in to your hotel.

Day 3

Morning Arenal Hanging Bridges: Located within the corridor followed by birds migrating between North and South America, the trails and bridges of this project will bring you as close as you could ever hope to get to the birds, the flowers and the lush vegetation of the primary rain forest. You will be able to walk right into the forest, thanks to the imposing hanging bridges and the beautiful trails that are safe and easy to walk on. In the afternoon, return to your hotel to rest.
At around 4 p.m., we will pick you up from the hotel for a light hike to watch the activities of the great Arenal Volcano: its constant emissions of gases, vapors of water and explosions of fireworks. We will visit hot springs for a fabulous and healing bath then enjoy a relaxing, included dinner. Hiking boots and light clothing recommended.

Day 4

Today you may choose from a variety of excursions according to your own interests and level of activity (one excursion included in trip cost). You may want to go biking, horseback riding, rafting, do the Arenal Reserve Sky Tram/Sky Trek, visit the Venado Caverns or the Cańo Negro Wildlife Refuge.

Day 5

Depart Arenal for the Monteverde area. The trip in itself is all an adventure since it includes the crossing of the Arenal dam in a motor boat, which shortens the duration of trip. Once at the small wharf of Río Chiquito, you will continue by ground to the Santa Elena Village and transfer to your hotel for the night.

Day 6

Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Wind-sculptured elfin woodlands on the exposed ridges are spectacularly dwarfed, whereas protected cove Monteverde rainforests have majestically tall trees festooned with orchids, bromeliads, ferns, vines and mosses. Poorly drained areas support swamp forests, while parts of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, dissected by deep gorges, have numerous crystal-clear streams tumbling over rapids and waterfalls. The variable climate and large altitudinal gradient have resulted in an extremely high biodiversity. Spectacular wildlife includes the Jaguar, Ocelot, Baird’s Tapir, Three-wattled Bellbird, Bare-necked Umbrellabird and Resplendent Quetzal. In the afternoon we will do the Sky Trek, a system of three platforms suspended above the ground in the midst of three boughs. Ziplines attached from one platform to another will allow you to slide with the use of special equipment.

Day 7

Transfer to San Jose Airport to take the flight home.

Suggested Hotels by City and Category *

San Jose and Central Valley
3-star	Colonial Hotel, Country Inn & Suites, Fleur de Lys or similar.
4-star	Days Hotel or similar.
5-star	Hotel Real Intercontinental or Costa Rica Marriott, Grano de Oro or similar.
Deluxe	Finca Rosa Blanca or similar.
Arenal Area
3-star	Arenal Lodge, Arenal Paraiso, El Silencio del Campo or similar.
4-star	Arenal Springs, Arenal Manoa, Lost Iguana Resort, or similar.
5-star	Arenal Nayara, Mountain Paradise Junior Suite or similar.
Deluxe	1 night Deluxe hotel. Arenal Kioro, The Springs Resort and Spa, Tabacon or similar.
Monteverde
3-star	Trapp Family Lodge, Montana Monteverde or similar.
4-star	Hotel Fonda Vela or Trapp Family Lodge in Mountain Suite, or similar.
5-star	El Establo Deluxe room or similar.
Deluxe	1 night Deluxe hotel. El Establo Suite or similar.

* Subject to confirmation at time of booking

7 days , from £1805

Occupancy Type	3-Star	4-Star	5-Star	Deluxe
Double	£1805	£1991	£2369	£2426
Single	£2356	£2692	£3169	£3394

Prices shown above are per person, in Sterling (Ł).

Prices includes international airfare from London to San José return, hotel accommodation including daily continental breakfast, guided tours in English (naturalist guides), meals where specified, entrance fees, transportation between hotels, transfers between airport and hotel, naturalist guides and taxes. Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are already included in the quote (if airfare has been included in the quote).

Local flights within Costa Rica have a weight limitation of 30 lbs (13 kgs) per person, including carry-on and storable luggage. Extra baggage (if any) can be left in San José where it will be stored at our local office. Collapsible carry-on bags are recommended to allow for separating luggage if needed.

Optional excursions in Arenal (one included):

Arenal Reserve Sky Tram/Sky Trek:

Placed in a unique transition area between the rain forest and the Monteverde Cloud Forest, you will find the Arenal Reserve. You may choose between a ride on the Sky Tram or the Sky Trek, with the most spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano and Lake. Sky Tram is a 15-minute Arenal tram tour through the rain forest to the Miguel Angel Observatory, where you will have spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano and Lake, and the Tilaran Mountain Range. Sky Trek is a 3,280-foot long zip line system that gives you the opportunity to enjoy the rain forest and its beautiful views in a fun, easy and safe ride. Duration: 4 hours

Recommended: long pants, hiking shoes, camera, binoculars, sun lotion, repellent and raincoat.

Venado Caverns:

The caverns were formed in the Miocene period some 15-20 million years ago. For a long time, they were submerged in the depths of the ocean. However, due to the movement of tectonic plates, the caverns rose to form part of the surface. Discover in one visit the limestone rock, stalactites, stalagmites and corals that make up the caves. Located only an hour from La Fortuna, these caverns offer an unforgettable underground mystical adventure. Get ready to get wet and muddy, and to see amazing stalactites, stalagmites, bats and subterranean streams. We will be trekking through some narrow winding passages.

Duration: 7 hours

Recommended: hiking boots, light clothing and shorts.

Participant requirements: Good physical condition; not recommended for those with claustrophobia.

Cańo Negro Wildlife Refuge:

Great for birdwatchers and nature lovers. This all-day trip takes you to the mighty Rio Frio near the Cańo Negro Wildlife Refuge. One of our professional bilingual guides will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the small town of Los Chiles near the Nicaraguan border. Here we will begin our three-hour ride up the Rio Frio in search of sloths, caimans, lizards, tropical birds, various species of monkeys and more in the surrounding lush rainforest and wetlands. Learn about the wildlife, vegetation, ecology and culture of this tropical paradise. A typical Costa Rican hot lunch is included in this tour and is served on the tranquil banks of the Rio Frio.

Duration: 8 hours

Recommended: insect repellent, rain gear, binoculars, camera.

Sarapiqui River Rafting, Class II & III. La Virgen & Chilamate Section:

A delightful day—more than 20 rapids in a spectacular setting in the tropical rain forest. Sarapiqui is the rafter’s dream; natural whitewater, challenging rapids and crystal-clear pools. Enjoy the natural splendor and abundant wildlife.

Duration: 10 hours

Recommended: sandals or tennis shoes, short or swimsuit, towel, dry clothing for coming back, sweater, camera

Includes tropical fruits in the river, hot lunch, modern equipment and a kayaker to ensure safety.

Participant requirements: Good physical condition, beginners and advanced, ages: 12 to 60 years old.

Mountain Biking:

This is one of the tours we offer for those who want to go on a bike trip to the area where the forest, Arenal Volcano and the lake meet and lead through a beautiful trail. The tour starts from the Arenal Lake Dam, where we take an old trail into the forest. At the end of the trail, we will arrive at the entrance of the Arenal Volcano National Park and then get on the way to the observatory, and back in the main road.

We will have the chance to see many different birds, for example: Squirrel Cuckoos, Keel-Billed Toucans, Crested Guans, Slaty-Tailed Trogons, Black-Headed Trogons, Bare-Throated Tiger Herons (Laughing Falcons), as well as howler monkeys and raccoons.

Duration: 4 hours

Includes bikes, bilingual guide (English-Spanish), refreshments, water and cookies.

Horseback Riding to the La Fortuna waterfall:

This tour offers the perfect combination of beautiful sightseeing and physical activity. We begin with an easy and scenic horseback ride from La Fortuna to the entrance of the waterfall. After viewing the magnificent 40-meter waterfall from a distance, we descend on a challenging hike through the dense rainforest where you will see amazing specimens of flora. The hike will bring us to the base crystal-blue pool into which the waterfall pours; you will be able to take a wonderful and refreshing swim.

Duration: 4 hours

Recommended: insect repellent, rain gear, binoculars, camera, swimsuit and towel

Participant requirements: Good physical condition.

Note: The only Deluxe accommodation is in Monteverde.

Yampu Tours is a trading name of Yampu Tours & Travel Ltd – Registered in England, Company No: 6054303 ATOL Number: 9522 VAT Number 919 1679 90 – 0800 011 2424 – Email Us

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