Wilderness-Travel-2017-Catalog

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Want to experience the best of Costa
Rica’s glorious tropical paradise? With
our expert naturalist guide, we’ll explore
the cloud forests of
Monteverde, whose
treetop canopies are
home to the elusive
quetzal and filled with
blue morpho butterflies,
follow hanging bridges
suspended high in the
forest near towering
Arenal Volcano, hike
to the breathtaking,
200-foot-high La
Fortuna Waterfall, and
even have the chance to ride a zip line. Our
grand finale is Tortuguero National Park,
where you’ll journey through waterways
sheltering a fantastic array of wildlife.
Days 1-3 Monteverde Cloud Forest After
an overnight in San Jose, we head to
magical Monteverde Cloud Forest, set in
the highlands at a cool 4,700 feet. Our Trip
Leader unlocks the secrets of the forest as
we hike along paths amid ferns, mosses,
and exquisite plants, while high above, the
dense green canopy shelters countless
tropical birds, including the resplendent
quetzal, sacred bird of the Mayas and
Aztecs. During our visit to the Jardin de
las Mariposas, we discover more than 40
shimmering species of butterfly residing in
this enchanting garden, and hike nature
trails in nearby Curi-Cancha Reserve, noted
for its phenomenal wildlife—keep your
camera handy for sightings of white-faced
capuchins and howler and spider monkeys.
We also have the option of taking an
exhilarating ride on the canopy zip line.
Soaring along nearly two miles of cables,
you’ll see the forest from a whole new
perspective. We unwind after our active
days at welcoming Monteverde Lodge, set in
lovely gardens surrounded by cloud forest.
Day 4-5 Arenal Volcano Crossing Lake
Arenal by private boat, we take in our first
views of magnificent—and still active—
Arenal Volcano. A perfect cone shape rising
5,300 feet from gentle green hills, Arenal
first became active in 1968 when it erupted
in spectacular fashion. A series of hanging
bridges brings us right into the high
rainforest canopy, where more than 350
species of birds and a colorful array of
butterflies reside. A hike through forests and
meadows leads us to the base of stunning
La Fortuna Waterfall, where you can take a
dip in the cool waters. Soak in a gorgeous
natural thermal spring, then watch for
the nighttime glow and red lava flows of
Arenal Volcano from our boutique resort
nestled among 120 acres of primary rainforest
overlooking the mountain.
Days 6-9 Tortuguero National Park
Set along natural inland waterways of the
Caribbean and accessible only by boat or
air, Tortuguero protects one of the last
large areas of tropical rainforest in Central
“Such a wonderful
trip—we saw an
almost unbelievable
variety of wildlife.
Our leader was terrific,
with extraordinary
knowledge. Education,
fun, adventure, plus
exercise equals a
great vacation.”
Cathy and Richard L.
Portola Valley CA
QUESTIONS? 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL 120
PHOTO: CAROL BARRINGTON