Discover the treasures of Central America’s “rich coast” during this comprehensive introduction to Costa Rica. From the primary and secondary rainforest of the country’s lush Caribbean lowlands, to the volcanic landscapes and nearby hot springs of Arenal Volcano, to mangroves, beaches, and lagoons on the Pacific coast, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a variety of its ecosystems and habitats, its high density of biodiversity, and the “pura vida” attitude for which the country is famous.

• Learnaboutthehistoryofchocolateinthetropicsandexperienceagourmetchocolatetasting.

• Discoveruniquefloraandfaunaduringguidedinterpretivehikesthroughprimaryandsecondaryrainforest.

• ExperienceathrillingwhitewaterraftingadventureontheSarapiquíRiver.

• TakeadipinasystemofhotspringsnaturallyheatedbyArenalVolcano.

• Explorethetrailsystem,beaches,andcovesofManuelAntonioNationalPark.

• Eatdinnerinsidea1954modelFairchildC-123cargoplanethatonceplayedaroleintheIran-Contraaffair.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

holbrooktravel.com | 800-451-7111

9 DAYS | Choose your dates | Best season to travel: OCT - JUN

• Bilinguallocalguide• Driver• Accommodations• Activities• Privatetransportation• Meals• Beverageswithmeals• Carbonoffsetting

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Riches of the Rainforest, Arenal Volcano, and the Pacific CoastCOSTA RICA

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DAY 1 - SAN JOSÉUpon arrival, after clearing customs and immigrations at the airport, meet your driver and transfer to Hotel Balmoral, situated in the heart of the city near the Gold Museum and the National Theater, along the city’s famous pedestrian boulevard. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner and program orientation at El Patio featuring a variety of options including a full service restaurant, pizzeria, coffee shop, bar and wine cellar. In order to arrive in time for orientation, participants must book flights that arrive in San José no later than 4:30 pm. Overnight at Hotel Balmoral. (D)

DAY 2 - SARAPIQUÍThis morning gather for breakfast and then depart San José and head north to Selva Verde Lodge & Rainforest Reserve. En route stop at El Sibú Chocolatiers to learn about the history of chocolate in the tropics, experience a gourmet chocolate tasting, and have a delectable vegetarian lunch. Continue to Selva Verde, located in the lush lowlands of north-central Costa Rica on a large private tract of primary and secondary tropical rainforest. After settling in, receive an orientation to Selva Verde’s facilities and 500-acre private reserve, then hear a lecture given by a local naturalist on the biodiversity of the region and rainforest structure. Enjoy time to relax in the lodge’s rooms or stroll

about the property before a buffet-style dinner in the upstairs dining room. After dessert, explore the nocturnal world of the rainforest during a short night hike on the walkway in search of nocturnal amphibians, mammals, owls, and insects. Overnight at Selva Verde Lodge. (BLD)

DAY 3 - SARAPIQUÍOptional early morning birding on the grounds of the lodge, a birder’s paradise! Return to the dining room for breakfast, followed by a hike in the reserve to experience life in the rainforest up close. Discover the unique ecosystem and its flora and fauna. Along the reserve’s forest trails you may see a variety of wildlife including parrots, jacamars, hummingbirds, motmots and other exotic lowland tropical birds. After the hike, walk through Selva Verde’s unique botanical garden and learn about the beautiful tropical flowers and plants. Return to

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the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon visit Organic Paradise pineapple farm to learn about farming and harvesting techniques. The pineapple industry is an important source of foreign exchange for Costa Rica. Learn about the process of pineapple cultivation while visiting the fields in a tractor-pulled, covered vehicle. See the packaging plant, and learn about the process while enjoying some tasty pineapple treats and drinks. This evening have dinner at the lodge and visit the nearby Tirimbina Biological Reserve for a program on the fascinating lives of bats. During the visit learn about some of the 113 species of bats that can be found in Costa Rica. Begin with a short presentation followed by an opportunity to see live examples from the mist netting; setup by local researchers who are collecting data. Later return to the lodge. Overnight at Selva Verde Lodge. (BLD)

DAY 4 - SARAPIQUÍThis morning after breakfast take part in an exciting whitewater rafting adventure. The river has a gentle current with several minor class I, II and III rapids. A professional river guide escorts all rafting trips and all of the necessary safety equipment (helmet, life jackets, etc.) is provided, along with a lesson on rafting and safety instructions and procedures. For those not interested in rafting, a boat trip along the river can be arranged as an alternative. This afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the lodge’s amenities, which include a pool, gift shop and bar. This evening enjoy your final dinner in the rainforest at the lodge. Overnight at Selva Verde Lodge. (BLD)

DAY 5 - ARENALThis morning depart Selva Verde and travel to Arenal. En route, visit Arenal Vida Campesina for an interactive lunch. Participate in making your own tortilla and enjoy a meal prepared with produce fresh from the farm. The hospitality is as heartwarming as a nip of their farm-fermented liquor, a traditional farewell gesture. Next, stop in the picturesque town of La Fortuna to take photos and shop for souvenirs before continuing to the hotel. This afternoon is at leisure to experience the pools of thermal springs, heated by the volcano. The hotel also has cool temperature pools and a swim-up bar. Dinner this evening is in the dining room. Weather permitting, the hotel affords excellent views of the immense Arenal Volcano from every room. Overnight at Arenal Paraiso. (BLD)

DAY 6 - MANUEL ANTONIOThis morning after breakfast head south to the Pacific coast, stopping for lunch en route. This afternoon explore the Tárcoles River by boat to observe the abundant crocodiles, experience the mangrove ecosystem and learn about its importance to the region. Arrive to Hotel San Bada, situated at the entrance of Manuel Antonio National Park. This evening have dinner in the restaurant with time to relax and enjoy the adult-only rooftop pool and bar. Overnight at Hotel San Bada. (BLD)

DAY 7 - MANUEL ANTONIOThis morning explore a Costa Rican jewel, Manuel Antonio National Park. Established in 1972, the park hosts a total of 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds, as well as countless marine species. Keep your eyes open for the three monkey species present here: the white faced capuchin, the mantled howler monkey, and the Central American squirrel monkey. Habitats within the park include mangrove swamps, lagoons, littoral woodlands and island vegetation. Spend a half-day exploring the trail system, beaches and coves. Return to the hotel to freshen up and have lunch. This evening dinner is at El Avión, a 1954 model Fairchild C-123 cargo airplane that has been converted into a must see local restaurant and bar. Learn how this abandoned aircraft once played a part in the Iran Contra affair. Overnight at Hotel San Bada. (BLD)

DAY 8 - SAN JOSÉThis morning is at leisure to explore the beach (only a short walk away), visit the local shops along the waterfront or relax. After lunch at the hotel, travel to San José. This evening attend a farewell dinner at Mirador Ram Luna, a rustic style restaurant with impressive views overlooking the city. Overnight at Wyndham Harradura. (BLD)

DAY 9 - FAREWELL!This morning arrange hotel shuttle transfers to the airport for flights back to the U.S. (B)*This program can be customized.

This program includes optional carbon offsetting with ClimateSafe. Learn more at holbrooktravel.com/climatesafe

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LANDPRICING

$2,170 (20 participants + 2 leaders)$2,275 (10 participants + 1 leader)

Price includes activities, accommodations, meals as stated in the itinerary, full-time local guide, private in-country transportation and carbon offsetting.International airfare, gratuities, travel/trip cancellation insurance, optional activities, items of a personal nature, and alcoholic beverages are not included.Rate is based on double occupancy for participants; single supplements are available for an additional cost (limited availability). Valid for travel in 2019.

THEFINE PRINTA $200 per person deposit and enrollment form is due to secure your reservation. This deposit is refundable until 95 days prior to departure excluding a $100 cancellation fee. Final payments are due no later than 95 days prior to departure. Non-refundable final payment is due at 95 days prior to departure. Travel/trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. For more information call Travel Insured at 800-243-3174 or visit travelinsured.com. Holbrook Travel’s agency number is 15849.

MOREFROM HOLBROOKHolbrook was founded on the principle that travel fosters a greater understanding of our world’s cultural and natural treasures and that these experiences allow individuals to become agents for global change. We hope that your experiences in Costa Rica will remain with you forever and will challenge you to make a difference in the world we share!

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