Visit to Poas Volcano

Today you will set off on your Costa Rican adventure. Making your way towards La Fortuna you will first stop at the Poás Volcano, an active volcano with the second largest crater in the world at over 1.5 km in diameter and 320m deep.

At a height of nearly 3000m the volcano offers some of the most spectacular views in all of Costa Rica, on a clear day. The clouds start to form in the morning and so you will get there early to have the best chance of a good view. With the ever-changing climatic conditions, of course, this cant be guaranteed. The walk to the crater is an easy 10 minute hike each way on good paths, and if the weather allows you will be rewarded by a spectacular view of the dazzling blue lake in its centre.

As you approach the crater the air becomes noticeably colder and thinner and the cloud forest landscape is apparent,  many trees found in the cloud forest appear severely disfigured and gnarled, impacted by the cold temperatures and wind and also by the volcanic activity. The cloud forest is home to hummingbirds, tanagers, flycatchers, toucanets, Costa Rica’s national bird the clay-coloured thrush, and the famous, resplendent quetzal.

Due to the potentially harmful gases and unpredictable volcanic activity the time at the viewing point is limited to 20 minutes.

Then you will drive to La Fortuna and to Costa Rica’s best known volcano.  Until 2010 Arenal volcano was very active, erupting and spewing lava and ash on a regular basis, however it has now become dormant. It is a tall and imposing mountain with a perfectly symmetrical shape, a sightseer’s dream! The verdant lands surrounding it are home to abundant wildlife and you are likely to spot deer, tapir, howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys and birds such as parrots, orioles and brown magpies.

The geothermal activity in the area produces the natural hot springs  and this afternoon and evening you will have chance to relax and enjoy the famous hot springs of the Arenal volcano.

Accommodation: 

Noah’s Forest by Tifakara

Located in la Fortuna in Costa Rica, Noah’s Forest by Tifakara is surrounded by luscious rain forest and offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with yourself in comfort and luxury. The entire property is surrounded by rivers and forests, allowing you to share a unique natural experience with the inhabitants of the jungle; monkeys, sloths, toucans, frogs to name a few, and with a stunning view of the Arenal volcano.

The hotel offers villas in the heart of the forest, all rooms have a seating area and private patio with garden views. There is an outdoor pool, a spa and restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast

Waterfall and Volcano Hike

oday you will explore the area around Arenal Volcano: La Fortuna Waterfall visit and the Volcano hike is a great combo for the day.

The day will start late in the morning, at 11am so you can have enough time to enjoy a nice breakfast, explore the surroundings of the hotel and relax a little before your pick up.

Today you will need to wear your swimming suit as once you arrive at the top of La Fortuna waterfall you will have the opportunity to walk down the 500 steps to the bottom of this spectacular waterfall, which is 70 metres high. On the way down your guide will point out the various species that will be found among birds and mammals, go easy, there is no rush as you take in the gorgeous views you have ahead of you. Once you get to the bottom, there is a lovely clear water pool for a refreshing dip.

Then you will have lunch with the Rodriguez Family: they will cook a traditional lunch that you will not forget! Enjoy lunch by the side of the river and experience Costa Rican culture, paired with a delicious and freshly brewed cup of Costa Rican coffee.

Lastly you will visit the amazing Arenal Volcano National Park where you will start a beautiful hike around its base, while learning everything about the eruptions and the old lava flows. You’ll experience the most extraordinary views of Arenal Volcano during the gentle hike along the lower slopes.  Although currently in a resting phase, Arenal has been Costa Rica’s most active volcano for the past 43 years and its eruptions have affected the region and the people who live here.

Accommodation: 

Noah’s Forest by Tifakara

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Boat trip to Monteverde and Night Tour

Today, you travel from La Fortuna and Monteverde. This trip in itself is like an excursion as you drive through the mountains in a jeep down to the boat dock on the Arenal Lake. You then board the boat and as you cross the lake you will have amazing views of the volcanoes and rolling hills.

You will arrive at 1440m above sea level. So prepare yourself for much cooler weather! You will have the afternoon free to explore the mountain town and visit the shops and coffee houses.

You will end the day with a Monteverde Cloud Forest Night Tour which offers a unique experience to all its visitors. The tour allows visitors the opportunity to see the vast biological diversity in Monteverde from a different nocturnal perspective. The hike begins in the Hummingbird Gallery and continues through a trail of about 1.8 kilometres where different insects, birds and nocturnal mammals can be seen. The tour lasts approximately two and a half hours and will be an incredible experience to tell all your friends and family about.

Your accommodation for the next two nights will be in the Eco Lodge Koora, a luxury ecolodge in the heart of the cloud forest, with just 10 cosy suites and bungalows this boutique hotel is the perfect nature retreat.

Accommodation: 

Koora Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Canopy and Coffee Tours

In the morning you will take part in an thrilling canopy tour where you’ll have the adrenaline rush of swinging from platform to platform attached to a harness as you zip line on the longest and highest cables to be found in the area. At the same time, you’ll be able to enjoy the awe inspiring panoramic views that can only to be seen from high above. If you’d rather take a more sedentary route you can walk the high hanging bridges above of the canopy of the forest.

In the afternoon, you’ll have a coffee, chocolate and sugar cane tour! The coffee tour begins with the wonderful history of coffee in the world, and importance in Costa Rica’s development. You will see all the stages of coffee growing and harvesting to the delicious final product, the cup of coffee. The second part of this tour is the delicious chocolate tour, which is not only the perfect complement for coffee, but has influenced the traditions and culture of Costa Rica through the ages. Then you will learn about the sugar cane, its history, plantations, different types of harvest, and processing. You’ll live the experience of creating refreshing sugar cane juice.

Accommodation: 

Koora Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Departure

Today, your tour has come to an end, you will be collected and transferred to Puntarenas to embark your cruise ship and continue your latin American Adventure.