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central america central america
costa rica discovery
ORIgInAl
GB£470* EU¬690*
15 days, ex San Jose
itiNerary... Days 1-2 san Jose Among the modern shops, galleries and theatres of San Jose are wonderful reminders of an ancient past. Visit the Jade Museum to see pre-Colombian ornaments or the Galeria Nacional, which displays modern art in old prison cells. Days 3-4 tortuguero National Park Enjoy the thick forests, waterways and beaches of the Tortuguero National Park. Explore the jungle by foot and travel by boat to see monkeys, birds, frogs, sloths and crocodiles. Day 5 sarapiqui See a different kind of wildlife at the Sarapiqui Insect Museum. There is plenty of free time to go hiking or mountain biking in the jungle surrounding the town or find a comfortable spot to watch the colourful birdlife glide by. Days 6-7 la Fortuna Sitting next to the Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna is an exciting outdoor base with endless opportunities for adventure. From here, the views are spectacular and the volcano itself is reflected in Lake Arenal. Days 8-9 Monteverde Travel to idyllic Santa Elena, high in the Tilaran Mountains and discover hundreds of different plant and mammal species on a guided walk through the Cloud Forest Reserve. Days 10-13 Manuel antonio National Park Descend from the mountains to the perfect Pacific coast for a chance to relax on the white sandy beaches or hit the water for some sea kayaking, boating or snorkelling. Days 14-15 san Jose Return here for a final meander through the stalls of the Central Market and pick up some mementos of a fantastic Costa Rican experience.
Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna - Dyan McKie accoMMoDatioN Simple hotels (12 nts), lodge (2 nts) traNsPort Boat, local bus GrouP siZe Max 12 Meals No meals included BuDGet Allow US$375 for meals not included DeParts Selected Sat GuaraNtee Departure guaranteed traVeller ratiNG Not applicable as this is a new itinerary start 2008 12 Jan 26 Jan 09 Feb 23 Feb 08 Mar 22 Mar 05 Apr 19 Apr 03 May 17 May Finish 26 Jan 09 Feb 23 Feb 08 Mar 22 Mar 05 Apr 19 Apr 03 May 17 May 31 May 31 May 14 Jun 28 Jun 12 Jul 26 Jul 09 Aug 23 Aug 06 Sep 20 Sep 04 Oct 18 Oct 01 Nov 14 Jun 28 Jun 12 Jul 26 Jul 09 Aug 23 Aug 06 Sep 20 Sep 04 Oct 18 Oct 01 Nov 15 Nov 15 Nov 29 Nov 13 Dec 27 Dec 2009 10 Jan 24 Jan 07 Feb 21 Feb 07 Mar 21 Mar 04 Apr 29 Nov 13 Dec 27 Dec 10 Jan 24 Jan 07 Feb 21 Feb 07 Mar 21 Mar 04 Apr 18 Apr 18 Apr 02 May 16 May 30 May 13 Jun 27 Jun 02 May 16 May 30 May 13 Jun 27 Jun 11 Jul
*plus Local Payment US$300
Physical culture shock
" experience the cloud forests of Monteverde " Pick up a memento in the san Jose markets " relax on the beaches of Manuel antonio N.P. " spot a crocodile in tortuguero N.P.
Good things come in small packages - Costa Rica confirms it with its beaches, friendly locals and delicious food. A popular saying there is pura vida the pure life. I think that sums Costa Rica up. Angela Zuniga
QSR
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way to san jose
BASIx
GB£485* EU¬715*
17 days, Antigua to San Jose
itiNerary... Day 1 antigua In this peaceful city, shop for ceramics, jade statues or funky textiles. Head to the street stalls west of Parque Central for some cheap and tasty Guatemalan food. Days 2-3 copan These beautiful Mayan ruins are home to intricately carved monuments, staircases and statues. Days 4-6 utila island Chill to the sounds of reggae on Utilas sandy beach or tear yourself away from the white sands to swim, dive or snorkel among its off-shore reefs. Day 7 comayagua The central park here is a great place to relax and mingle with locals, with its gardens, benches and piped-in music. Days 8-9 Granada Cruise the lake or explore the markets and museums in this charming town. In the warm evenings, stroll the streets while neighbours chat to each other from their open-fronted living rooms. Days 1011 ometepe island There is plenty to entertain you on this island. Take an optional hike to a towering volcano or opt for a slower pace at one of the beaches or jungle swimming holes. Days 12-13 Monteverde Take time to go birdwatching, walking or mountainbiking through the rainforests of Monteverde. Perhaps wander along a tree canopy walkway or simply sit back and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Days 14-15 la Fortuna Take an unforgettable night hike around the active Arenal Volcano, perhaps visit the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge or just relax in the hot springs. Days 16-17 san Jose Join locals at the teeming Mercado Central for some super-cheap Costa Rican food.
accoMMoDatioN Simple hotels (16 nts) traNsPort Minibus, taxi, boat, local bus GrouP siZe Max 16 Meals No meals included BuDGet Allow US$300 for meals not included DeParts Selected Sun GuaraNtee Departure guaranteed Notes Some accommodation may be multishare traVeller ratiNG 4.50 out of 5 start 2008 06 Jan 03 Feb 16 Mar 20 Apr 25 May 08 Jun Finish 22 Jan 19 Feb 01 Apr 06 May 10 Jun 24 Jun 22 Jun 06 Jul 24 Aug 21 Sep 05 Oct 19 Oct 16 Nov 08 Jul 22 Jul 09 Sep 07 Oct 21 Oct 04 Nov 02 Dec 2009 25 Jan 08 Feb 08 Mar 26 Apr 24 May 07 Jun 21 Jun 10 Feb 24 Feb 24 Mar 12 May 09 Jun 23 Jun 07 Jul Local colour, Antigua - Sally Johnson
*plus Local Payment US$300
Physical culture shock
" explore the ancient ruins of copan " swim over the reefs of utila island " see Monteverdes cool green cloud forest
QRS
17
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