Costa Rica

Tortuguero

First established as a protected zone in the 1960s, Tortuguero became a national park in 1975. This is one of the most important nesting sites in the western half of the Caribbean for the green turtle from June to October each year. However, its 18,946 hectares protect not only the turtle nesting beach, but also surrounding forests, canals and lagoons.

Guided visit to the Tortuguero town, visiting the CCC “Caribbean Conservation Corporation" museum (at the entrance you will be asked for a donation) and the village, which lies in the northeastern corner of the park, on a thin, strip of land between the sea and the main canal.

Boat tour through the secondary canals. The essence of Tortuguero is the canals. Everything goes around the waterways, therefore, access is by boat or air only. Tortuguero contains a combination of tropical rainforest, with coastline vegetation, mangrove swamps and lagoons, shelters a fabulous array of wildlife, including more than 300 bird species, 50 kinds of fish and some 160 mammals, some of them endangered species.

Arenal Volcano National Park

The tour begins with a walk (a physically moderate walk effort required) and depending upon which side of the volcano the lava is flowing, we will go either to Los Tucanes, El Mirador or El Silencio trail. It is possible to observe a great variety of plants, wildlife, magnificent lava rock formations and the Arenal Lake. During the tour our guide will inform you about the history of the majestic mountain and the Arenal Volcano National Park. What to bring: Comfortable pants or shorts, tennis shoes or walking shoes, sunscreen, camera and insect repellent.

Without a doubt, the majestic Arenal Volcano - one of the most active volcanoes in the Western Hemisphere - constitutes the main attraction in this northern region. Its perfectly formed cone and constant eruptions of lava impress visitors from all over the world. Arenal also owes its reputation to the wide variety of activities and interesting natural spots within a short distance of one another.

Ecotermales Hot Springs, a bathing resort with a complex of thermal pools heated by the heart of the volcano. Here you will have time to take a relaxing dip and explore the hot pools set amongst ornate gardens. The mineral waters, running at a soothing temperature of 39° C (102 F), flow through exotic tropical gardens, forming cascades and pools.... the perfect setting for an unforgettable experience.

The Sky Walk is a complex of five suspended bridges, platforms and paths, built within the cloud forest that allows the observation of flora and fauna from ground level all the way to the treetops. This system offers a great chance, in a safe and comfortable manner, to learn about the complexity and beauty of tropical forests.