NATURE'S TEMPTATIONS 9 Days


Nature's Temptations
An innovative path on a most unusual route resembling the Costa Rica of 30 years ago. Visit the « Monteverde » of yesteryear in San Gerardo de Dota. Here and the surrounding San Marcos Valley lies the last unexplored frontier of Costa Rica rich with genuine local hospitality and natural beauty. Here is your best and most accessible chance at sighting the Resplendent Quetzal. This itinerary performs an almost opposite circle to the normal ecotour itinerary. Its nature’s fairytale and a smart way to see more of Costa Rica and less tourists..

TOUR ARRANGEMENTS INCLUDE:
• Superior tourist class hotels in San Jose and Manuel Antonio including breakfast
• Comfortable lodges and all meals in Golfito and San Gerardo de Dota
• Guided hike and waterfall tour at Trogon Lodge
• Esquinas Coast and Casa Orquideas Tour
• Rainmaker Conservation Project Tour
• All guided tours, excursions and meals as outlined in itinerary including admission fees to parks and all places of interest
• Domestic flight Palmar Sur / Quepos
• All transfers with baggage handling and all transportation within Costa Rica
• Government Hotel Taxes
• Services of SLT local representatives
• SLT guaranteed tour performance warranty
• SLT $1 Million Insurance Protection Plan



ITINERARY

1ST DAY • U.S. / SAN JOSE
Arrival in San Jose International Airport where you will be met by our representatives. Transfer to the superior tourist Irazú or Balmoral in San Jose .

2ND DAY • SAN GERARDO DE DOTA
After breakfast we depart southeast towards Costa Rica ’s highlands along the Pan American highway. After a two-hour drive and near Cerro de la Muerte we arrive in San Gerardo de Dota for check-in at the lovely Trogon Lodge. After lunch enjoy a guided walk through Trogon’s trails. This is a cloud forest and is frequently draped in mist and clouds. Algae, mosses and lichens get a foothold on the constantly moist surfaces, providing a place for orchids, bromeliads ferns and numerous other plants to cling to. So prolific is the "epiphytic" growth in the cloud forest that bare branches are virtually non-existent. At 7000 feet above sea level, Trogon is amidst a natural habitat for an immense diversity of birds, among which is the largest population of Quetzals in the Americas ! Trogons and brilliantly colored hummingbirds are also endemic to this area. Dinner and overnight Trogon Lodge. Meals BLD

3RD DAY • TROGON LODGE
For early risers a 6:00am hike in search for Quetzals, is the perfect time of day to observe this elusive and resplendent species. After breakfast a guided trip to Trogon’s nearby waterfall is in store for you. Lunch at lodge. Afternoon at leisure or join your guide for further exploration in the majestic cloud forest. Overnight Trogon Lodge. Meals BLD

4TH DAY • GOLFITO
After breakfast, early departure for the 5-hour drive to Golfito and the Esquinas Rainforest Lodge bordered by both the new Piedras Blancas National Park and the Golfito Nature Reserve. Upon arrival, check-in to your rustic but cozy room complete with private bath, hot water shower and ceiling fan. After lunch, resident Biologists are on hand to provide information and on request provide slide lectures about the flora and fauna of the Esquinas rainforest. Dinner and overnight. Meals BLD

5TH DAY • CASA ORQUIDEAS
After a short drive through the Golfito Nature Reserve, we board a motorboat at the old banana dock in Golfito. Our excursion takes us along the pristine, sparely inhabited coast, where the rainforest reaches all the way down to the beach. Pelicans and frigate birds sit in the trees overlooking Golfo Dulce, and there is a good chance of seeing dolphins. After a leisurely hour’s ride, we reach Casa Orquideas, a private botanical garden with hundreds of species of tropical plants, trees, flowers, shrubs and fruits. A shady, well groomed trail leads through the garden and you will be given a guided tour by one of the friendly owners. There is ample time for swimming and snorkeling. If the water is clear, you can see many species of colorful tropical reef fish and occasionally also barracudas, rays, lobsters and moray eels. Return in time for a late lunch. Meals BLD

6TH DAY • QUEPOS
After breakfast transfer to Palmar Sur for the short flight to Quepos our gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park . Upon arrival, transfer to the Casitas Eclipse Hotel for check-in. This afternoon free for exploration. Meals B

7TH DAY • MANUEL ANTONIO
A full day at leisure to explore one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Manuel Antonio. (Closed Mondays) Meals B

8TH DAY • RAINMAKER PROJECT/ SAN JOSE
After breakfast check out and departure for the famous Rainmaker Conservation Project en route back to San Jose. Once at Rainmaker, a canopy bridge system winding along Rio Seco affords unobstructed views from a bird’s eye level in the treetops. Connected by a series of platforms, the walkway system is comprised of 5 spans of varying length, including the highest and longest of its kind. The river-walk culminates with a dip in a pristine pool fed by the pure waters of Rainmaker Mountain . Box lunch is provided. After the tour we continue back to San Jose for check in at your hotel and overnight. Meals BL

9TH DAY • SAN JOSE / U.S.
Morning transfer to the San Jose International Airport for your return flight to the U.S. Meals B

TOUR RATES- PER PERSON
Twin	Triple	Single	Child
$1799	$1699	$2399	$799

* Tour rates are subject to a supplement of $200 during Christmas.

* Whale season July - November and January - March.

Applies for child 12 years and under sharing room with parents with existing bedding. Maximum 1 child per adult.