We begin our journey driving
by the monument "El Agricultor" and the Juan Santamaria
International Airport. During the drive you will begin to
feel at home in Costa Rica as we enter the City of Alajuela,
with the second largest population in the country. The city
of Alajuela is proud to display the monument of our National
Hero "Juan Santamaria". While appreciating the history
of the monument, not far away is the well-known park of "Los
Mangos" and the old military headquarters which has been
transformed into a museum and school of technical teaching.
As we continue our drive
north, we begin to observe the vast difference between the
construction of city homes to the ones that encompass the
green countryside. These homes are surrounded by strawberry
farms, huge ferns, and flower plantations, which compliment
the massive coffee fields.
We now begin our assent to
the National Park, where we will soon relax and enjoy an authentic
cup of the best Costa Rican coffee, accompanied by a delicious
tropical breakfast. You will feel a change in temperature
and the lush vegetation becomes apparent, preparing us for
the pleasures of the exuberant cloud forest of the Poás
Volcano. On a clear day the view of the main crater is admired
by all visitors, with its diameter is considered one of the
widest in the world. After this we will enjoy a quick hike
on a trail which leads us to the Botos Lagoon (an extinct
crater), where many different ecosystems exist and where some
of the many species of flora and fauna of this cloud forest
can be observed. After leaving the National Park we will be
able to observe some dairy farms which have become the pride
of Costa Ricans, due to the quality and the rich tasting products
that are currently being exported to several other Latin American
countries.
As we continue towards the Caribbean zone, we will stop to
discover La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a Nature Park where we
will walk on the truly spectacular trails that will lead us
to Magia Blanca Falls (the largest and the most spectacular
of the falls in the area). At the Park you will also witness
the largest enclosed butterfly observatory in the world with
a beautiful collection of tropical jewels. After a terrific
lunch we will continue to Sarapiquí and on our way
we come across the La Paz Waterfall, where we take some time
to enjoy the splendid view. Less than a mile away we will
encounter yet another waterfall surrounded by virgin forest,
which becomes a great photo opportunity.
As our journey continues
we have the pleasure of observing the best and unique characteristics
of the Atlantic area. We come across quaint towns and farmhouses
that are encompassed by beautiful pineapple, yuca, coco, and
heart of palm plantations. One could never miss the tropical
plants that enhance this picturesque view. Once we arrive
at Puerto Viejo (Old Port), we will be ready to enjoy a relaxing
boat ride on the Sarapiquí River, just sit back and
observe the wildlife that is around you. The monkeys, iguanas,
crocodiles, and the variety of birds will allow you to relax
and concentrate on the scenery. During the boat ride our guide
will also explain to us about life style of the friendly people
that live at the river margins. Before returning to San Jose
we will drive through the unforgettable rain forest of Braulio
Carrillo National Park, one of the most important rainforest
reserves for Costa Rica.
TOUR INCLUDES: Breakfast,
visit to coffee fields, Poás Volcano National Park
craters and cloud forest trails, Botos Lagoon, visit to La
Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park and all its natural wonders,La
Paz, Magia Blanca and San Fernando Falls. Lunch, jungle ride
on the Sarapiquí River, visit to a butterfly and tropical
frogs garden, snacks, and sightseeing the 45,899 ha. Braulio
Carrillo National Park.
Suggested
Equipment for the Tour: Hat, light jacket, raingear,
walking shoes, insect repellent, binocular and camera.
