9 Days December 18 & 20, 1996
INCLUDED MEALS
Departure day
San José, Costa Rica 1st day
Costa Rica has done more than any other Latin American country to preserve its natural habitat. Within this country are 15 national parks and 16 national reserves, which cover over 20 percent of its territory. Its lush green forests and aquamarine waters will make for one of the most unique winter holidays you've ever experienced. Your jungle adventure begins in San Jos6 with tonight's get-acquainted reception at the HOTEL AMSTEL AMÓN.
Pois Volcano Sarchi
2nd day BLD
Costa Rica boasts an amazing variety of plant and animal life. Four cordilleras (mountain ranges) traverse the country creating several different types of rain forests. Drive past Pods Volcano, the world's largest geyser-type crater with a breadth of a mile. Although its last major eruption was in 1989, Pods still boils and steams. Continue to Sarchi, a famous craft center. Family shops create brilliant hand-painted ox carts featuring intricate patterns handed down for generations. After lunch, travel into the lush San Carlos Valley to the Tilajari Resort Hotel overlooking the Rio San Carlos. Arenal, Costa Rica's most active volcano, rises in the distance, shrouded in smoke and mist. Enjoy a champagne toast while relaxing at TILAJARI RESORT HOTEL.
Visit the craft capital of Sarchi.
Caño Negro Wildlife Preserve
3rd day BLD
A 90-minute drive takes you to the town of Los Chiles, the beginning of an exciting adventure. The Caño Negro Wildlife Preserve, located nearby, is one of the least visited preserves in Costa Rica. Covered by a 1,900-acre lake, this swamp-like forest is a contrast to others you'll see later. Explore the preserve by comfortable canvas river boat and look for crocodiles, iguanas, monkeys, turtles and a kaleidoscope of colorful birds. Observe the life of the local people who live along the river. Dinner is at the TILAJARI RESORT HOTEL.
To Villablanca
4th day BLD
Today's destination is Villablanca, next to the pristine Los Angeles Cloud Forest. Hotel Villablanca is modeled after typical Costa Rican architecture. Each casito is comfortably furnished and decorated in the style of traditional campesino houses, each with its own fireplace. HOTEL VILLABLANCA.
Los Angeles Cloud Forest
5th day BLD
The Los Angeles Cloud Forest is a private 2,000-acre sanctuary at altitudes ranging from 2,800 to 3,900 feet. You'll travel the reserve's exotic trails with a naturalist explaining the flora and fauna. Giant trees, ferns, orchids, tapirs, keel-billed toucans, bees, army ants, butterflies and other insects share this habitat. This afternoon, travel south through San Ramon to the transitory zone between the dry north and the lusher south. Your hotel is conveniently located near the Carara Biological Reserve and Jaco Beach. HOTEL VILLA LAPAS.
Carara Biological Reserve
6th day BLD
The Carara Biological Reserve has one of the world's greatest variety of trees and most of the original forest cover remains intact. Unlike other forests you have seen, Carara does not have a thick undergrowth. This makes it easier to spot wildlife, such as macaws, parrots, guans, iguanas and leaf cutter ants. The afternoon is free to relax. HOTEL VILLA LAPAS.
Watch for fascinating plant and animal life as you hike along Costa Rica's nature trails.
San José Christmas Eve entertainment
7th day BD
Return to San Jos6 for an afternoon city tour. Sights include the enchanting National Theater and the National Museum, devoted to pre-Columbian artifacts, colonial furniture and photographs. A special Christmas Eve dinner features local entertainment. HOTEL AMSTEL AMÓN.
Costa Flores Farm Aerial Tram
8th day BLD
Feliz Navidad! Drive through panoramic cloud forests to Costa Flores, a farm with some 600 varieties of tropical plants, including many that have been saved from extinction in the Earth's diminishing rain forests. Afterward, ride the Rain Forest Aerial Tram, the first of its kind in the world. Passengers travel through the jungle canopy, one of the most accessible but least known habitats left on Earth. Surrounded by the sights, sounds and smells of the jungle, you'll feel as if you are alone in the forest. The remainder of the day is free for your own explorations in San José. Reflect on this jungle adventure with your fellow travelers at this evening's farewell Christmas dinner. HOTEL AMSTEL AMÓN.
Return home
9th day B
You'll long remember your trek through the amazing rain forests of Central America. Thank you for sharing your holiday with us. Join us again soon for another Maupintour adventure. Adios!
LAND TOUR RATE per person is $1905 twin and $2280 single basis without airfare.
AIRFARE EXAMPLE: $514 - $525 aboard American Airlines from Miami. Airfares are subject to change until ticketed. Please see your travel agent for additional gateways.
DEPARTURE TAXES of $17 per person are additional and paid directly to Maupintour.
RESERVATION DEPOSIT per person is $350 plus (optional) $100 per person fee for Tour Cancellation Protection.
FULL REFUND when you participate in the Tour Cancellation Protection Plan.
Please see the For Your Information section.
Maximum elevation: 3,900 feet. Average temperature: Hi 75, Low 58
| TOUR CRM | Depart | Return |
| 136* | Dec 18 | Dec 26 |
| 137* | Dec 20 | Dec 28 |
*Itinerary reflects tour 136. Tour 137 celebrates Christmas at Hotel Villa Lapas on day 6.