Turtles, Rivers & Mountains

15 days - from $2644

An opportunity to get hands-on and help at a turtle conservation project, whilst experiencing the best of Costa Rica, from the Caribbean and Pacific beaches to the northern highlands.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Turtle conservation project
• Pacuare River rafting
• Arenal Volcano
• Manuel Antonio

This diverse itinerary offers you the chance to get up close to the leatherback and green turtles that inhabit the Caribbean coastline of Costa Rica. While staying at the Pacuare Reserve turtle conservation project in Tortuguero National Park you can take part in turtle patrols - protecting the nests, hiding them from poachers and helping to measure and tag the turtles, all of which helps to preserve this fragile ecosystem.

The sound of the volcano can be heard rumbling constantly in the area surrounding Arenal. When cloud cover clears the plume can be seen coming from its impressive peak. Night time is the most spectacular - on a clear night the lava flows can be seen from many, easy to reach vantage points.

World renowned for white water rafting, Costa Rica has many beautiful locations for this kind of excitement. Among the best is the Pacuare River where you enjoy the thrill of rafting whilst travelling through dense, tropical rainforest.

You'll visit both of Costa Rica's coastlines, ending your trip at Manuel Antonio. The national park is flanked on both sides by white sandy beaches and is home to a population of iguanas and monkeys.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Fly to San Jose Day 2 Full day tour Day 3 Drive through Braulio Carrillo NP to Caño Blanco and on to Tortuguero NP Day 4/5 Volunteer activities at turtle conservation project Day 6/7 Drive to Carribean coast; hike in Gandoca Manzanillo Wildife Refuge Day 8/9 Rafting on the Pacuare River; Explore Sarapiqui Day 10/11 Arenal Volcano Day 12/13 Manuel Antonio Day 14 Carara Reserve; San Jose Day 15/16 Flight home

Transport, accommodation and meals: Transport - Minibus, boat Boat transfer has a baggage limit of 25lbs (12.5kg) Distinctive Accommodation - Basic cabins (3nts), hotels (12nts) Meals included - 14 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 3 dinners
Other costs: International airfare not included. Airport tax abroad not included.
Other info: Minimum age: 8 years This is a well paced trip to see the highlights of Costa Rica. An ability to swim is recommended. Please note that the white water rafting carries a minimum age of 8 but other activities can be arranged for younger members of the group.
Group size: Maximum 12 people. .
Grade:
Climate: .
Trip Reference: HFRP