Tropical Costa Rica

Meals: All meals are included where noted by the following Codes. This tour includes daily hot breakfasts, all lunches, & Dinner nightly with Special Dinner outings, including a Special Farewell Valentines Dinner in San Jose.  Meals are indicated as follows.

• WD=Welcome Drink
• B=Breakfast
• L=Lunch
• D=Dinner
• SP=Special Dinner
• FD=Farewell Valentines Dinner

Tropical Costa Rica ~ 13 Day "All Inclusive" Tour

Tour Itinerary:
Tropical Costa Rica 2010 is completely custom designed with you in mind! Walkabout designed this tour based on over 15 years of personal and professional touring throughout Costa Rica. Our adventure is presented in an all inclusive style minimizing down time, and maximizing your experience. Expert guides will escort and educate you on the local flora, fauna, exotic birds and wildlife. We will hike through cloud forests, jungles, rainforests, and walk along the jungle treetops and pristine beaches. Join us as we peer into volcanoes, soak in volcanic hot springs and cruise the tropical waters of Costa Rica. Walkabout has designed leisure time to relax on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Each destination features a two day stay with both, included activities and leisure time to enjoy this amazing country first hand from Coast to Coast.

Wed. Feb. 3, Day 1 – Denver ~ Direct Flights ~ San Jose, Costa Rica
Our adventure begins this morning as we arrive at Denver DIA by 9:30AM in front of the American Airlines check-in counter, where you will be met by Dave Duncan of Walkabout. We will then check-in and depart as a group to begin our journey to Tropical Costa Rica. Our flights will touch down this evening in Costa Rica meaning “rich coast, a land of friendly folks and rare natural beauty. Costa Rica has long practiced democracy without a standing army, and caters now to eco-tourism. We have added tonight's hotel in San Jose at no added cost to you, the traveler.

Thurs. Feb. 4, Day 2 – San Jose ~ Poás Volcano ~ Cloud Forest Hike ~ San Jose City Tour
Breakfast is included at the resort prior to our exploration. Our tour starts with a scenic drive through Costa Rica’s famous coffee growing region, featuring a visit to the summit of Poás Volcano. You can safely view inside the dramatic crater from an overlook at the rim. Next, we will take a short hike on the Escalonia Cloud Forest Trail. Cloud forests are like rainforests, but with less rain and more misty humidity. This area is home to rare orchids, ferns, bromeliads, and tropical hummingbirds. After a break for lunch, you have the option of relaxing at the hotel, or continuing on with a city tour of San Jose, capital city of Costa Rica. We will visit the National Museum, and see the ancient mysterious stone spheres. Then, visit San José’s Plaza de la Cultura, Central Park, and the National Theatre. Final stop is the impressive Gold Museum before returning to your hotel to enjoy an included dinner and orientation. Our hotel features a casino on-site, as well as many other amenities. WD - L- D

Fri. Feb. 5, Day 3 ~ Brauilo Carrillo Park ~ Banana Plantation ~ Tortuguero Cruise & Jungle Lodge

Our day begins early this morning as we motor towards the Caribbean Coast. We depart San Jose via the tunnels entering the scenic rural jungle surroundings of Brauilio Carrillo National Park. Cascading waterfalls, and brightly colored landscapes abound, as we come face to face with the canopy, with an included jungle breakfast. After breakfast, we climb down to sea level and the Caribbean Coast, with a short educational stop at a Banana Plantation. Next, we cruise by boat through the rivers and canals of the 47,000 acre Tortuguero National Park. Tortuguero is home to more than 300 species of birds. Look for toucans, kingfishers, parrots and the rare green macaw. Large caimans often frequent the very channels we speed along towards our secluded, jungle lodge located on a lovely stretch of land between the Caribbean Ocean and the Tortuguero Canals. Tonight enjoy dinner in the open-air dining room, and join us for a brief talk about the tomorrow’s options. Night time provides a complete concerto of never ending stars accompanied by the distinct and distant sounds of howler monkeys and jungle frogs. B-L-D

Day 4: Sat. Feb. 6th ~ Tortuguero at leisure ~ Cano Palma Reserve ~ Green Turtle Beach Deep Sea Fishing Derby ~ Jungle Lodge Dinner
Breakfast at our jungle lodge begins another day of exploring in Tortuguero. This day is officially at your leisure, but an annual Deep Sea Fishing Derby has been arranged as a suggested option. You may have the opportunity to do battle the mighty Tarpon and other deep-sea sport fish. Deep Sea Fishing in Costa Rica is truly world class, and this is one of the best opportunities available to try your luck. Closer to land, you can cruise by boat with naturalist guides along canals lined by raffia palm, habitat of howler and white-faced monkeys, green iguanas and tropical birds. Then, continue into the mysterious reflecting waters of Caño Palma wildlife reserve. Another possibility is a visit to the Green Turtle Research Station, where you learn about efforts to protect the turtle’s nesting habitat, eggs, and young hatchlings. Take a leisurely walk along the Atlantic turtle nesting beaches. You may also want to visit Tortuguero village, and return to your lodge for an included lunch. Time is set aside today to enjoy your rainforest surroundings in a variety of ways. A special happy hour and dinner is included tonight at our lodge, as we prepare to return to civilization and the highways and byways of western Costa Rica. B-L-D

Sun. Feb 7, Day 5 – Tortuguero Canals ~ Pineapple Plantation ~ Fortuna ~ Arenal Volcano Resort
An early morning breakfast is provided at our jungle lodge, before transferring from Tortuguero Village. One final boat trip down the lush canals takes us through tropical wildlife and plant life to the pier where we reunite with our deluxe motor coach. Lunch en-route is included with a special pineapple plantation dessert stop, to sample the sweet organic pineapples. Over the hills we go to view the scenic countryside before dropping into the San Carlos Valley and the village of Fortuna. After a quick look around the village we check into our thermal springs resort in the shadow of the famous and active Arenal Volcano. We settle into our two night resort stay with an included dinner, followed by a discussion of tomorrow’s options, and time to enjoy the surroundings. B-L-D

Mon. Feb 8, Day 6 – Arenal at Leisure ~ Options Galore ~ Special Hot Springs Supper & Soak
This morning you have the option of heading north to Cano Negro passing through sugar cane, teak and orange plantations. Our cruise begins on the Rio Frio River which runs through the world famous Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, home to many migratory birds found nowhere else in Costa Rica & certainly not in Colorado. Look for whistling ducks, spoonbills, cormorants, blue heron, and northern jacanas. Watch out for caimans, crocodiles, howler or spider monkeys, & the famous “Jesus Lizard”, a web-footed, water-walking reptile. Lunch is included with return transfer to your resort. Other options include the popular zip line tours, where you fly through the jungle canopy on cables, go by horseback through the volcanic countryside, visit a nearby waterfall or, even combine all three of the above. Many great hikes are available, & fishing on Lake Arenal for Peacock Bass can be arranged. There are butterfly, snake, & lizard farms to be viewed, or just use your free time to explore the charming village of Fortuna. This evening join us for a relaxing buffet supper, & special soak in the many thermal hot spring pools at the resort. With clear skies, the backdrop to this special night should feature the eerie glow of Vulcan Arenal’s lava flow. B-SD

Tues. Feb 9, Day 7 – Arenal Volcano Resort ~ Hanging Bridges ~ Pacific Coast ~ Manuel Antonio Beaches
After breakfast and a last look around our resort, we take a very special stroll into the jungle canopy surrounding Lake Arenal. Hanging Bridges is an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the jungle, and ranked as one of Costa Rica’s top eco-tourist attractions. With a naturalist guide, we hike on six suspension bridges, and through the lush tropical rainforest canopy. We view all levels of the rainforest, the local waterfall, and keep on the lookout for tropical toucan birds. Our stroll continues with a scenic drive around beautiful Lake Arenal, and onward bound for the Central Pacific coastline, where palms and mountains become one. This transitional forest between dry and rain, is the perfect setting for many migrating birds on their way from north to south and vice versa. Feel the tranquility of the small villages along the way, and enjoy views of rivers, ocean, forest and beach, all in the same image. Lunch is provided prior to our final approach landing us on the Pacific Coast. A photo stop is included at Carrara Reserve as we peer down on the estuary alligators. This evening celebrates the magical Pacific sunsets with a local beach front dinner outing in the small village of Manuel Antonio. Our final resting stop is our Manuel Antonio jungle area hotel and evening at leisure B-L-SD

Wed. Feb 10, Day 8 – A Day at the Beach! ~ Central Pacific Coast ~ Manuel Antonio National Park
Breakfast is included at our resort, before a short transfer to the entrance of Manuel Antonio National Beach Park. This morning we take a guided walking tour along the trails of jungle and beaches, hopefully with views of toucans, monkeys, and many other animals that call Manuel Antonio home. This is truly a "day at the beach" as our tour ends on the world-class beaches of Manuel Antonio. Manuel Antonio National Park features three pristine beaches, rated among the top ten in the world. The park has easy hiking trails that wind through one of the last natural habitats of the playful and rare squirrel monkey. You may stay as long as you like to go shelling, swimming, sunbathing, or hiking inside the park, as we provide a box lunch with the tour. This afternoon features plenty of options available for your pleasure. You may want to consider an action packed afternoon parasailing, white water rafting, jet skiing, or body surfing, but remember to save some energy for this evening. At sunset, we have a one of a kind dinner outing at El Avion or, the “Airplane Restaurant. Tonight we dine within the wings of a captured U.S. Army Cargo Plane that was left behind from Noriega-Iran-Contra Era. It has been strategically placed on a hillside overlooking Manuel Antonio Beach, and the Pacific Coast, serving as a fitting farewell and final aerial view of the area known as the “Jewel of the Pacific Coast”. B-L-SD

Thurs. Feb 11, Day 9 - Manuel Antonio ~ Tortuga Island Chartered Cruise ~ Playa Tambor Resort
After an included breakfast at our resort, we feature a completely custom designed & chartered cruise through the Gulf of Nicoya. View pelicans and ocean bird life en-route to the pristine waters of Tortuga Island. Today is not found on any other tour programs, and exclusive to our group, as we will take time to explore, swim, or snorkel the vibrant waters in and around this gorgeous island. A beach front lunch is included on the island before cruising west towards the Bay of Tambor and “Land Ho” at the southern edge of the Nicoya peninsula. A short drive drops us at our “five star” “all inclusive” resort. This evening enjoy the free food, free drinks, and free nightly entertainment show, or the not always free on-site casino within the resort. B-L-D

Fri. Feb 12, Day 10 – Playa Tambor Resort ~ Optional Golf Excursion ~ Day at Leisure
Today is completely at your leisure to explore the resort, adjoining beach, or network of pools. The Tambor Resort also sponsors an adjacent animal reserve featuring Howler monkeys, coatis, and self guided hiking trails. There are also bird sanctuaries, and butterfly pavilions on-site. Take an easy stroll down the beach to the Village of Tambor, or join us for a round of tropical golf at the nearby course. All meals and drinks are included with an open buffet running all day and evening. Entertainment is provided throughout the day and on center stage this evening. B-L-D

Sat. Feb 13, Day 11 - Playa Tambor resort ~ Optional Explorations ~ Cano Blanco Ocean Reserve
Our final day in paradise is again completely at your leisure with optional excursions offered throughout the surrounding areas. You may also simply kick back at the resort for another day of pampering and unlimited food and drink. Tonight features a happy hour get together followed by a special three course dinner outing planned at one of the premier restaurants within Playa Tambor Resort. B-L-SD

Sun. Feb 14, Valentines Day 12 - Playa Tambor ~ Scenic Ferry ~ Sarchi ~ San Jose Dinner Outing
This morning we must say adios’ to the coast, traveling by scenic ferry from the Nicoya Peninsula back to the mainland of Costa Rica. As we make our way back to San Jose, time is allowed for lunch, shopping and viewing the colorful handicrafts. See the traditional painted oxcarts in the artisan village of Sarchi. Upon return to San Jose, we will check-in at our resort hotel, and dress for a final night out on the town, with a special Farewell Valentines Dinner at a local restaurant. B-L-FD

Mon. Feb 15, Day 13 - San José to Denver CO, USA
Your tour ends after breakfast this morning as we depart our hotel for the airport and our return home to the USA. We thank you for experiencing the Pura Vida (Pure Life) of Costa Rica with Walkabout and Gate 1 Travel. Time to say Hasta la vista! to Tropical Costa Rica, and return directly to Colorado, clearing customs at home in Denver. Current flight schedules have us arriving in Denver at 6:00PM this everning. B

Expedition Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands   |   Priceless Peru   |  Iberian Spring Fiesta - Spain, Portugal & Morroco
Northern Lights & Thermal Sites   |   African Safari Adventure 2012   |   Bahamas 11.11.11 "Atlantis"