Rain & Cloud Forest Odyssey
6 Days / 5 Nights

Experience firsthand the tropical rainforests of Tortuguero National Park and stay at Tortuga Lodge & Gardens on the North Atlantic Coast, discover three species of monkeys swinging from branch to branch and, if you're lucky, watch iconic birds like the Keel-billed Toucan, the Ringed Kingfisher and the Tiger Heron as they move through the forest, hunt for their next meal and call to their kin . Continue to Monteverde Lodge & Gardens in the Cloud Forest of Costa Rica. Hike in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve with your bilingual Naturalist and perhaps observe the stunning Resplendent Quetzal (Jan-Jul), see the detail in the face of unique species of birds you'll observe in your guides telescope, listen to the sound of the wind whistling across the Continental Divide and at the end of the day, dine at the El Jardin Restaurant at Monteverde Lodge.

Meal codes: (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner.

Day 1: San José / Limon / Tortuguero

Morning pickup at your hotel in San José and drive to the Atlantic lowlands near Limon. About mid-day board a boat with local guide and depart for a 2-to-4-hour trip to Tortuguero. Set on a private rainforest reserve bordering Tortuguero National Park, the lodge's rooms have private baths and hot showers. A swimming pool is surrounded by botanical gardens that lead to the rainforest and river. Arrive at Tortuga Lodge late afternoon. Optional activities such as: river kayak and fishing are available at extra cost. Dinner and overnight at Tortuga Lodge & Gardens. (L,D) (TG)

Day 2 & 3: Tortuguero National Park

Two full days in Tortuguero with two 3-hour boat tours into Tortuguero National Park with a local Tortuguero Guide. Originally intended to protect a major nesting beach of the Atlantic green sea turtle, Tortuguero National Park now protects 51,870 acres, one of the last large areas of protected tropical rain forest in Central America. Eleven habitats are found in the park. Three species of monkeys (Spider, Howler, and White-faced), Three-Toed Sloths, and River Otters are frequently seen along the natural inland waterways and canals. Caiman, iguanas, River Turtles, Basilisk Lizards, and Poison Dart frogs inhabit the area, along with more than 320 species of birds including all 6 species of kingfishers found in the new world, 3 species of toucans, 8 species of parrots, and other neotropical species such as the Slaty-Tailed Trogon, White-Collared Manakin, Purple-Throated Fruitcrow, and White-fronted Nunbird and many more species which you will have the opportunity to experience during this boat ride through the back water canals of Tortuguero National Park. The rest of the day is free for optional excursions (at additional cost). Overnight at Tortuga Lodge & Gardens. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Tortuguero / San José / Monteverde

After breakfast, cross the canal for your 30 minute light charter flight to San Jose. Upon arrival, meet your Service Guide at the Tobias Bolaños Airport. Drive west until you reach the Pacific Coast and then turn inland towards the Tilarán Mountain Range. Arrive at Monteverde Lodge & Gardens in time for lunch (on your own). Checkout time is 12:00 p.m., so you may have to wait to check into your room. Dinner and overnight at Monteverde Lodge & Gardens, Forest View Standard Room. (B,D)

Day 5: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

After breakfast join a morning excursion (of up to 10 people) to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve accompanied by a Monteverde Naturalist Guide from the Reserve or by a Costa Rica Expeditions Service Guide. Originally just 4,000 acres, the Monteverde Reserve now protects an area of approximately 25,000 acres, comprising six different life zones. So many habitats in such a small area, along with extensive trail systems, allow you to observe and learn about a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Return to your hotel at mid-day. Afternoon on your own, optional activities are available (at additional cost). Overnight Monteverde Lodge & Gardens, Forest View Standard Room. (B,L,D)(LG)

Day 6: Monteverde Lodge

After breakfast, visit the Monteverde Butterfly Garden where butterflies and other insects are raised and displayed in screened enclosures with beautiful gardens. After lunch, return to the Monteverde Reserve or the Santa Elena Reserve with a Monteverde Guide for more time to hike and experience the cloud forest, search for wildlife, and observe the flora. Overnight Monteverde Lodge, Forest View Standard Room. (B,L,D)(LG)

Day 7: Monteverde Lodge / San José

After lunch, drive approximately four hours to your San José hotel. (B,L)

IMPORTANT: There is a 25-pound weight limit on domestic flights in Costa Rica. Please remember to pack light. If you would like to leave some of your belongings behind, we will do our best to catch it up to you when you arrive at the next destination in your itinerary.

MORE IMPORTANT INFORMATION: We pick up and drop off at most hotels in downtown San Jose, be sure to let us know where you are staying at the time of booking so alternate arrangements can be made if needed.