Eco-Zone Explorers

Featuring cloudforest visit,  high Andes paramo eco-zone, Incan culture, Amazon ecolodge, Huaorani indigenous experience, Galapagos 3 island stay and Avenue of the Volcanoes. You will make a connection with local people, contribute directly to conserving precious and threatened environments, help foster respect for native and traditional peoples and cultures, and support local projects that provide benefits for the communities you visit. This is the Ultimate Ecuador Eco-Zone Explorer Tour.

Day 1: Arrival to Quito

Meet your driver at the airport and be welcomed into Ecuador. From here you will be transferred to your night’s hotel.

Day 2: Mindo

This morning the first destination is in the Mindo Cloudforest. Cloud forests are at mid altitude and frequently become misty, creating a cool humid environment that supports an abundant biodiversity. You will travel through a kaleidoscope of landscapes and, upon arrival, you will have a brief introduction to the ecolodge facilities. This is a very interesting place where the owners have created a mini micro hydro site, and organic vegetable garden, a lovely main lodge with expansive sitting areas open to the cloud forest. The individual bungalows are self contained units with two bedrooms and one bathroom. Rough hewn construction, very comfortable and secure feeling. There are daily guided hikes and a tour of the facility included. (BLD)

Day 3: Mindo An optional 6:30 wake up call begins the day that starts with a guided walk to observe wildlife. You might see toucans, quetzals, parrots and sometimes small mammals, like squirrels and agoutis. After breakfast is another guided nature walk and several other optional activities: mountain biking, river tubing, zip lining, and horseback riding. Make a point to visiting the town of Mindo to try out the freshest chocolate you will ever taste at the Quetazal Cafe. They offer a free tour of the mini-plantation and show you the magic transformation from seed to elixir. Cacao pods actually originated from this region and were traded and then cultivated by the Azteca in Mexico. For many years, Ecuador was the world’s largest producer. (BLD)

Day 4: Otavalo

If you are inclined, you can take a very early morning excursion to see the rare courtship display of the cock o the rock. The trip involves a steep hike into a reserve, and then sitting in a blind to see the birds. They appear daily, but you must be quiet and unobtrusive. The display is quite riotous and colourful, although the air can also be quite misty. You come back to the lodge for breakfast. After breakfast you will travel to Mojanda, a mountainside ecolodge and organic farm, located near the town of Otavalo. (BLD)

Day 5: Otavalo (You can also read more in detail about Otavalo market by searching this blog for posts.)

Today, see the famous Otavalo market. Lunch is in a local indigenous-owned restaurant after which you will participate in a guided tour of local craft workshops, homes and nearby villages. Later, back at the lodge, you can take a walk in the amazingly beautiful hills, along foot paths adjacent to local farms. If you are lucky, you can be led by the lodge’s mascot to a pretty waterfall. (BLD)

Day 6: Cotopaxi

Today we’ll continue touring the highlands area, taking a scenic route south and east In the heart of Ecuador’s “Avenue of the Volcanoes”, just one hour south of the historic colonial city of Quito. Here travellers can choose between hiking and mountain biking in the clouds, riding horses with the local ‘chagras’ or Andean cowboys, and ziplines that will take you soaring over the spectacular mountain scenery.

Close to the truly majestic snow capped Mount Cotopaxi, the world’s highest active volcano, visitors will experience an authentic taste of Ecuador’s colonial past during their stay in the comfortable accommodation provided by a real working ranch house built in colonial style, and nestled in the unsurpassed beauty of this region of the Andes.

Before we arrive at the lodge there will be a chanced visit to Cotopaxi National Park where the interpretation centre will give you an opportunity to get to know something about the plants and animals that populate this lush green mountain region. You will also learn about ancient eruptions of this truly majestic, snow capped, cone shaped volcano that have left an indelible imprint on the area.

After driving slowly up through the park and enjoying the mountain we will start our climb to the Padre Rivas mountain climbers´ refuge, situated at an altitude of 4,800m (15,744 feet) above sea level. Here you will be above the clouds, and the scenery is absolutely spectacular. This is truly the land of the gods. In the afternoon we will explore some of the other interesting areas of this important national park: the beautiful Limpiopungo lagoon situated in the mountain peaks, and 15 km beyond the lake, located on a small hill, we will explore the ruins of ancient Inca fortress (pucara) of Salitre.

And at the end of day, a delicious dinner, a warm fireplace and conversation in cheerful company will be waiting for us at our Mountain Lodge.

Day 7: Horse Riding on the Volcano
After a good breakfast an expert ‘chagra’ (Andean cowboy), who will also be our local guide, will show us how to ride a horse provided by the lodge. The ´chagras´ their colourful clothes and their well groomed horses are a reminder of the days when the horse was the main form of transport in the area. Our ride starts in the foothills of the craggy Rumiñahui volcano, named after a famous Inca general who lead the first uprising against the Spanish conquistadors. During the ride our local guide will share with us his knowledge of the ancient lore and myths of the region.

We will be back for lunch at the lodge and in the afternoon we will walk around the hacienda and visit the Manto Blanco waterfall. Or if you prefer, we can relax in the Hacienda take part in some of the activities or just settle in front of the fire and relax before the evening meal. Night: Mountain Lodge (BLD)

Day 7: OPTIONAL

For the traveller interested in a more active day we offer an optional, more adventurous excursion, that will take you across these beautiful Andes highlands:

The journey starts with a visit by horse back, mountain bike, hike (or if you prefer, drive) to El Tambo, a pre-colonial Inca refuge and stockyard that hosted and supplied Inca travellers that moved from the mountains to the coast and vice versa.

The journey up to El Tambo (the word signifies Travellers Rest), is truly impressive, the mountains, the llamas, the local communities, the Quichua culture. All these we can take in on the way up and back, accompanies by our local guide who will give us some insights into the culture and this beautiful part of the country.

At night we will stay at a hacienda where you can still see the original handcrafted stone floor of the Inca Tambo. This magical place is surrounded by volcanic sand and has fantastic views of Mt. Cotopaxi.
Alternative night: El Tambo, Cotopaxi

Day 8: Ecological Reserve and Ziplines
Today we will visit the Santa Rita private ecological reserve

We make our way up to the Hacienda Santa Rita Ecological Reserve to explore the forest canopy by zipline. This system was originally used by scientists who were doing research in the forest canopy and includes five cables between 100 and 480 meters long. The zipline provides a great vantage point for bird watching and enjoying the scenery, and will give you a real adrenaline rush as you soar above the trees. After a good picnic lunch, the group will be lead by the Reserve’s park rangers as they perform trail maintenance and rehabilitation.

The reserve is located on the slopes of Mt. Pasochoa. The trail we will take crosses high mountain forest at 3,300 m (10,824ft) above sea level. During our walk we will pass native forest until we get to the open grassland locally know as paramo, at 3,700 m above sea level. From here you will be able to view a magnificent panorama that includes the Antisana, Cayambe, Cotopaxi and Sincholagua volcanoes.

In the afternoon we will head further down the Avenue of Volcanoes to the town named Banos, in the shadow of the active volcano Tungurahua . (BLD)

Day 9: The Avenue of the Volcanoes and flight over the Amazon Rainforest

Getting to the Huaorani’s world is an amazing part of the experience. We drive from Banos to the town of Shell, a town named after the oil company, and we board a small plane, flying for 35 minutes to Quehueri ́ono over spectacular rainforest panoramas. A dug- out canoe will then take us to the Lodge where, after settling in, you will get your first taste of the Amazon, and explore one of the short forest trails close to the Lodge. Night: Huaorani ecolodge (BLD)

Day 10: Getting to know the Community
This is the day we get a chance to know the people of the Huaorani Community of Quehueri’ono. You will be able to join them in some of their daily activities and have a chance to share some of their history, myths and magic. Later, in the warmth of the evening we will relax in the company of the sounds of the Amazon rainforest. (BLD)

Day 11: On the Trail With the Huaorani
On the Hunting Trail. Accompanied by our guide and a member of the community equipped with lance and blow pipe, we explore the ways of the forest and the animals, entering the world the Huaorani share with them. You will be able to try your hand (or mouth) at the blow pipe and get to know more about this marvellous world that is now threatened by oil fields and palm plantations. (BLD)

Day 12: Reality Tour and Back to Quito
We travel on the Via Auca to the town of Coca (the formal name is Puerto Francisco de Orellana after the Spanish conquistador/explorer) where we will board the flight back to Quito. The journey will be revealing. The road was constructed by Texaco in the nineteen seventies as a way to access the oil fields and as we move along its eroded surface we will experience what the oil industry brochures don’t show, and appreciate why the Ecolodge is so important to the rainforest , the Huaorani and their way of life. (BL)

Day 13: Flight to Galapagos Islands
Fly to San Cristobal Island, and transfer to your hotel. After a tasty lunch, we’ll ride bikes to the Interpretation Center, and then on to the Loberia, a great spot to see colonies of sea lions. (B, L)

Day 14: Kayak and Snorkel
Today is the perfect day for taking to the water. We start with a great intro to kayaking, paddling from the Puerto Baquerizo beach to Cerro de las Tijeretas or Frigate Hill, which gets its name from the large number of Frigate Birds (Tijeretas) that live and nest there. Later we’ll snorkel at Leon Dormido, enjoy some fantastic kayaking next to a cliff filled with Galapagos birdlife (experienced paddlers can catch a big wave), and then try some snorkeling, with the chance to see dozens of harmless sharks and a colorful rock channel teeming with tropical fish. (B)

Day 15: Island of Isabela
Today we’ll take an early morning flight to Isabela Island and check into our hotel. After breakfast we’ll head to the small Tintoreras islands, a Galapagos in miniature. Here we’ll see white tipped reef sharks, sea lions, turtles, rays and Galapagos penguins. There’s also the chance to snorkel in the clear, turquoise waters of the bay, where we’ll be able to get a close up of the islands’ famous underwater life. In the afternoon we’ll visit the giant tortoise breeding centre. (B)

Day 16: Volcano Crater Hike
Today it’s time to stretch our legs. We’ll visit Sierra Negra, the largest crater of all the Galapagos volcanoes. It is a spectacular hike, and a perfect primer on the geology of the archipelago. We’ll enjoy some spectacular vistas over the island before returning to our hotel. (B)

Day 17: Wildlife and Water
This morning we’ll leave from the white sandy beach in front of our hotel and paddle to Villamil Bay, passing rays, penguins, and blue footed boobies, and watching the friendly sea lions that paddle along with us. In the afternoon we will walk the Wetlands Trail, through the mangroves and marine iguana colonies, to the Wall of Tears, built in the late 1940’s by WWII prisoners housed at the island’s US base. (B)

Day 18: Island Santa Cruz
We’ll leave in the early morning sun and travel by speedboat to Santa Cruz Island. After checking into our hotel we’ll head to the Highlands to see Giant Tortoises, and then explore lava tunnels and the ‘Los Gemelos’ a pair of giant volcanic craters. In the afternoon we’ll head to the spectacular white sand beach at Tortuga Bay where we can swim, snorkel, walk on the beach, and paddle amongst marine iguanas, sharks, and sea turtles. (B)

Day 19: Charles Darwin Research Centre and Mainland
After a morning visit to the Charles Darwin Research Center, we transfer to Baltra for our return flight back to mainland Ecuador. Of course, if you’ve fallen in love with these ‘enchanted’ isles – many people do – you can decide to extend your stay for a few days. There’s lots of scuba diving and naturalist day trips you can take to explore some of the other fascinating Galapagos islands. (B)

Day 20: Return Home
This morning the tour finishes with a transfer to the airport. You may want to extend your stay a few days and explore Quito. If so, be sure to ask about adding on some nights.

DETAILED ITINERARY
19 Day World in One Country – Mpumalanga Panorama Route, Game Drives in Kruger National Park, Kingdom of Swaziland, Cultural Experience and Game Drives in Zululand, Walking in the Drakensberg Mountains, Lesotho 4×4 Route, Garden Route, Cango Caves & Karoo, Cape Town

A semi-participation safari from Johannesburg to Cape Town through South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho.

Meal Key:
B – Breakfast L – Lunch D – Dinner

Itinerary
DAY 1: Johannesburg to Mpumalanga, South Africa LD
Departing from Johannesburg at 06h30 we head east towards Mpumalanga. A landscape characterized by mountains, panoramic passes, valleys, rivers, waterfalls and forests. We spend the night just outside the old gold rush town of Pilgrims Rest, a living museum dating back to 1873. We explore the quaint town and visit the Mac Mac falls.

Distance: 500 km
Accommodation:Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge (chalets with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 2 – 3: Kruger National Park, South Africa BLD
This morning we stop at the “God’s Window” viewpoint before heading to the Kruger National Park. Big game country – exciting game drives provide us with excellent game viewing. Spot lion, elephant, rhino and other animals in one of the last African wildernesses. Early morning & afternoon game drives get us close to the wildlife.

Distance: 200 km
Accommodation: Berg en Dal Camp (Bungalows with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 4: Kingdom of Swaziland BLD
The mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland, lead by King Mswati III, is one of 3 monarchies in Africa. Swazi’s are proud of their traditional lifestyle & cultures. Hlane is a home to white rhino, zebra, giraffe, elephant, ostrich, crocodile, wildebeest and impala as well as small populations of lion, cheetah, leopard and hyena.

Distance: 150 km
Accommodation: Ndlovu Camp (Huts with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 5-6: Zululand, South Africa BLD, BLD
After visiting a craft market en route, we re-enter South Africa. Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve is a safe haven for the white rhino. We have an afternoon and the following morning to do game drives in our vehicle and stop at hides and waterholes to watch game come down to drink. The first afternoon we visit a local Zulu village to learn about their culture, traditions and lifestyle.

Distance: 350 km
Accommodation: Hluhluwe Hilltop Camp (chalets with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 7: Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa BLD
Moving further south to the base of the Drakensberg (Dragon Mountains). We spend one night here allowing time for walking along beautiful mountain stream paths the next morning.

Distance: 450 km
Accommodation: Underberg Region (Cottages with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 8: Sani Pass, South Africa BLD
Early this morning we explore the picturesque Drakensberg Mountains on a short guided walk. Afterwards we make our way up the scenic Sani Pass in direction of Lesotho. The Sani Pass is a spectacular mountain road that is a well-known entry point into Lesotho from South Africa. It is the gateway to the ‘Roof of Africa’ scenic route that links the spectacular scenery of the Drakensberg with the mountains of northern Lesotho.

Distance: 100 km
Accommodation: Sani Top Chalet (Rooms with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 9 & 10: Lesotho BLD
Today we cross the border into Lesotho and make our way down the Sani Pass along an adventurous 4×4 route towards the western border of Lesotho. After a long day we arrive at Malealea Lodge, where we spend two nights. Malealea is situated in a remote part of Western Lesotho that is breathtaking in its beauty. This is a chance to experience traditional Basotho life. On Day 10 we enjoy pony trekking through the magnificent landscapes that Lesotho has to offer.

Distance: 520 km
Accommodation: Malealea Lodge (Rooms with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 11: Cradock, South Africa BLD
We leave the beauty of Lesotho behind us and cross the border back into South Africa. We drive to the historical Karoo town of Cradock. Founded in 1814 as a frontier stronghold, the town is an important agricultural centre with traditional Karoo hospitality, situated close to natural sulphur springs.

Distance: 395 km
Accommodation: Die Tuishuise (rooms with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 12-13: Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa BLD
A conservation success, Addo Elephant N.P. offers a unique wildlife area, famous for the Addo elephants. We head out on game drives in search of elephant, black rhino, lion, buffalo and leopard. Evening viewing at the floodlit waterhole allows us to watch the nocturnal animals.

Distance: 600 km
Accommodation: Addo Elephant Campsites (Bungalows with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 14-15: Tsitsikamma, South Africa BLD, BLD
Indigenous Tsitsikamma forests surround the campsite at Storms River mouth, and there are walks up the Storms River Gorge and along the rocky coastline. There is an option of world’s highest bungi jump (own expense). Whale watching in season (July to November).
Distance: 260 km
Accommodation: Storms River Campsite (Bungalows with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 16: Karoo, South Africa BLD
After visiting ‘The Heads’ in Knysna, a town nestled on a tranquil lagoon we travel over the Outeniqua Mountains into the Little Karoo. In Oudtshoorn we visit the famous Cango Caves. We camp outside Oudtshoorn and enjoy our final night under Africa’s starry skies.

Distance: 400 km
Accommodation: Kleinplaas Campsite (Chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool & cafeteria)

DAY 17 – 18: Cape Town, South Africa B, B
Visit Stellenbosch, for wine tasting and a cellar tour. Explore Cape Town and the ‘Mother City’s’ many attractions; visit Cape Point, the Cape of Good Hope, Chapman’s Peak drive, the harbour at Hout Bay, enjoy the famous beaches and the V&A Waterfront. Optional visit to Robben Island (own expense). Meals at a variety of local restaurants (own expense).

Distance: 410 km
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge in Cape Town (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, close to restaurants & shops)

DAY 19: Cape Town, South Africa B
We climb Table Mountain in the morning admiring the views over Table Bay and Cape Town. Spend the afternoon catching up on last minute curio shopping or just lazing on the beach absorbing the Cape’s sunshine.
Tour ends at +/-18h00 at your hotel.

Please note that there will be 2 additional hotel nights on this tour, one pre tour night and one post tour night. These will be prearranged for your convenience.

This Costa Rica vacation not only visits beautiful locations from cloudforest to pacific ocean, but also offers wedding services at a small private chapel in the pristine countryside. This program features two upscale, intimate, boutique resorts with spa facilities as well as many other natural amenities and activities. The program can also be altered to suit your needs.

Day 1: Today you’ll be met at the airport by our representative and made welcome to Costa Rica.

Day 2 – 3: Today you will be transferred to the lovely villa Blanca Cloud Forest Lodge. Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel & Spa is nestled serenely within 75 acres of gardens, pastures and cloud forest property. Weddings are performed in the pretty on-site chapel, a remnant of the bygone era when the hacienda was a fully functional, self sufficient community in its own right. On the main hilltop is the Hacienda House, the centerpiece of the hotel, where you check-in and where all the dining facilities are located. You can enjoy freshbaked breads and pastries at El Cafe del Bosque and fine dining on authentic Costa Rican cuisine at restaurant El Sendero, all the while savoring the awe-inspiring views of majestic Arenal Volcano.

If you are coming to Costa Rica for romance, this the right choice. The hotel spa facilities are world-class. And the beauty of the Los Angeles Cloud Forest Private Reserve that surrounds the property provides the perfect setting for inner peace and tranquility. Spa features several a la carte services like Costa Rican lava rock massage, aromatherapy, exfoliation, and more. There are many locally guided tours available as well.(B)

Days 4-6: Today your driver will meet you at Villa Blanca and take you across to the Nicoya Peninsula on the Pacific ocean. Here you will spend 3 glorious and relaxed nights at the Harmony Hotel. The graceful simplicity of earth tones and crisp whites creates rooms that are rooted in nature and beach life at the Harmony. All 24 accommodations reside on a path that meanders through a tropical garden overflowing with native vegetation. The path ends nearby at the warm, inviting Pacific Ocean on Playa Guiones, Nosara. Closest to the pool, each Cocos Room opens onto its own private, enclosed back patio equipped with a heated shower and seating area. An overhang allows you to enjoying the outdoors in the shade. At the Harmony, comfort meets effortless sustainability. Here guests can enjoy the rare luxury of knowing that the beauty they see is rooted in ecologically sound practices. (B)

Day 7: Today you will be transferred back to San Jose by semi-private surface transfer. (B)

Day 8: This morning you will be taken to the airport for the flight out of Costa Rica. (B – if restaurant is open in time for your flight.)

Daily Year Round Includes 7 nights accommodation, all transfers, all tours as described, meals as noted (BLD = breakfast, lunch, dinner), all local taxes.

Optional tours from lodges not included. You can either prepay or decide when you are there. Please enquire if you are interested.

Sukau Rainforest Lodge Experience

The 20 room lodge was built in 1995 in traditional Malaysian architecture using several Borneo hardwood species. It is built on stilts with a lounge, gift shop, education centre, Hornbill Boardwalk with two elephant passes, three open deck for wildlife viewing, an enclosed garden, a riverside Melapi restaurant, open sun-deck, river jetty. Electricity is supplied by acoustic generator, and hot water by solar heaters. All rooms are twin bedded, with ceiling fan, mosquito netting, attached bathroom, hot shower and toilets. River tours are conducted by boats powered by electric motors and four stoke outboard engines. Birdlife is especially rich here including eight species of hornbills, kingfishers, egrets, darters, owls, kites, eagles, broadbills, doves, storm storks, herons, hawks, ospreys, falcon, pheasants, parakeets, bee eaters, woodpeckers, pittas, bulbuls, forktails, babblers, warblers, flycatchers, orioles, flowerpeckers, spiderhunters, among others.

Day  1

Arrive  Kota  Kinabalu meet and  transfer to  hotel for  overnight.

Day  2

Depart from your hotel early morning for a 2 ½ hours journey to Kudat, the land of the last longhouses in Sabah. After lunch, we set off our journey to the ‘Tip of Borneo”. Witness the picturesque view of South China Sea meeting Sulu Sea, an exceptionally breathtaking scene you would ever come across. Proceed to longhouse homestay for check in. Cycle (optional) through scenic villages, oil palm estates and farms to Mompilis Village Longhouse. Enjoy fresh coconut drink and witness cultural activities while mingling with the friendly local folks and children. Return to longhouse homestay for shower. Enjoy a traditional-style dinner followed by colourful cultural performance by local Rungus community. Overnight in Twin Share room. Mattress and mosquito net are provided. (BLD)

Day 03

Wake up to the calls of roosters and enjoy the tranquility of the village. Take your breakfast before we trek to the nearby rubber estate. Test your skill at rubber tapping before continuing your journey to Kinabalu Park with lunch en route. Drive approximately 3 hours overland (88 km) through paddy-fields and Dusun villages over the ridges of the Crocker Range to the foothills of Mt. Kinabalu at 5,000 ft, to arrive at the park headquarters at Kundasang. Overnight at nearby lodge. (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)

Day 04

Visit the Visitor Centre and Mountain Garden; home to some of the 24 species of flowering rhododendrons, 10 species of carnivorous pitcher plants, estimated 1,400 species of orchids, over 600 species of ferns, more than 40 species of oak trees and over 300 species of birds. Proceed to Poring (130km), 450m, above sea level, east of Kinabalu Park HQ. Vegetation here is tropical lowland rainforest. Explore the jungle trail leading up to the treetop canopy walkways, 41m above the forest floor. Visit Kipungit Waterfall and soak in hot sulphur pools before we return to Kota Kinabalu in mid afternoon. (BL)

Day  5

P/up and proceed   to  airport  for  flight  MH2042 at 0730/0810hrs.

On arrival at Sandakan Airport by morning flight, transfer to Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre for video show. Trek ten minutes through the rainforest on wooden plank walks to witness the feeding of the orang utans at 1000hrs. Continue to Sandakan jetty for boat journey to Sukau Rainforest Lodge along Sabah’s longest river, Kinabatangan with opportunity to view birds and wildlife in virgin mangrove, wetland and rainforest habitats. Late afternoon take a river cruise using electric motor in search of some of the 10 primate species including Proboscis monkeys as they settle down on treetops along the Kinabatangan River. Return for solar heated hot shower, candle light dinner and slide show conducted by naturalist guide. Overnight at Sukau Rainforest Lodge. (LD)

Day 6

Wake up to the calls of gibbons and hornbills. A 0600hrs morning river cruise up the Kinabatangan River to view more birds and wildlife. Proceed to the Kelenanap ox-bow lake for a short jungle walk (if weather permits). Experience the wilderness of Borneo. You have the option to participate in our Kinabatangan Wildlife Corridor Regeneration Programme (KWICORP) by planting trees at our 64 acres adopted land.  In the afternoon, we proceed for another river cruise for more wildlife. After dinner an optional night safari cruise (at a surcharge) spotting nocturnal animals, crocodiles and birds. Overnight at Sukau Rainforest Lodge. (BLD)

Day 7

After breakfast, return to Sandakan by boat journey. Have lunch before we proceed for a short tour of Sandakan town including the Australian War Memorial. Transfer to airport for late afternoon flight to Kota Kinabalu.  (BL)

Day  8

Transfer to jetty for 20 minutes boat journey to Gaya Island. Explore the 2km jungle trail and learn about some of the unique medicinal plants, tropical hardwood trees, coastal vegetation, tropical dipterocarp rainforest and the ecology of the mangrove forest. Transfer across to Manukan Island for a picnic lunch.  Relax, snorkel and free at leisure before returning at 1500 hours. (Snorkeling gear available for hire at a surcharge).Please bring along towel, hat, walking shoes, insect repellent, water bottle, swim wear and sun block lotion. (BL)

Day  9

Free  at  own  leisure. (B)

Day  10

P/up  at  hotel  and  transfer to airport for flight onward.  (B)

Journey into a sacred land and discover our links with the past. In all great civilizations engineers have worked at providing a safer environment for their inhabitants.
From providing water to designing transport to constructing buildings, they help define how a culture perceives itself.
Join us in a tour that celebrates the achievements of those engineers who participated in developing some of the greatest civilizations of the world.

Nazca-Chimu-Moche-Inca

Day 1
Arrive in Lima, the capital city of Peru. Since arrival is late in the day, you will be escorted to your hotel for the night.
Day 2
This morning you will be given the opportunity to see some of the sights of Lima. An escort will pick you up at the hotel for a city tour. Highlights of the tour include the catacombs of San Francisco and the National Museum. Also included is the cathedral in the main plaza (Plaza des Armas), which contains the remains of the Spanish conqueror, Francisco Pizarro and exemplifies colonial architecture. (B,D)
Day 3
This morning a driver will pick you up for a full day to Nazca. On route, you will see the most common features of the Peruvian environment – the garua, which is a coastal mist formed by the upwelling caused by the Humboldt Current. As well, the desert, which covers 1/3 of Peru, is present for much of the drive. You will also be able to see the impact of the Andean rivers on the coast. At these locations the desert becomes an oasis and it is in these regions that the early cultures flourished. (B,L,D)
Day 4
Your morning will begin early as you prepare for a flight over the Nazca lines. Lasting about thirty minutes, you will be able to see the geometric patterns formed by a culture hundreds of years ago.

The Paraca-Nazca culture began around 200 BC. Their most famous achievement is the construction of the Nazca lines. Different theories, ranging from extraterrestrial space vehicle landing strips to aquifer locators, abound as to why the lines were constructed. While the reason for their construction remains a mystery, their present existence gives testimony to the Nazca’s advanced ability to visualize perspective.

Also see a goldmining workshop, and visit the Cantallo aqueducts, which still provides irrigation water today. Return to Lima (B,L)

Day 5
Today you will begin your tour of some of the ancient coastal cities of Peru, north of Lima. A driver will escort you to the airport where you will embark on a journey to the Chimu and Moche ruins around Trujillo.

Flourishing around 100-800 AD, the Moche empire is noted for its metallurgy, fine ceramics, large pyramids and intensive irrigation. In the same region, the Chimu empire prospered from around 1000 AD to the time of their conquerors, the Incas (~1470 AD). Ruling a kingdom 1000-km along the coastline, their imperial city, Chan Chán is the largest city of adobe in the world. Enclosing 28 sq. km, the royal city contains walk-in groundwater wells, irrigation complexes and agricultural storerooms.

Although the city of Chan Chán is comprised of nine complexes, many of the buildings are washed down from weathering and rains caused by El Nino, because most of the city was constructed of adobe. You will be able to tour the Tschudi complex, which highlights many of the Chimu styles. (B,L,D)

Day 6
A morning tour will take you to the Moche “pyramids of the sun and moon” (Huacas del Sol y de la Luna). 700 years older than Chan Chán, the pyramid of the sun is the largest pre-Columbian building in Peru. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to see the Moche Ascope aqueduct and the La Cumbre canal, which is still in use today. (B,L)

Day 7
Today you will be transferred to the airport for an early flight to Lima, then the former silver mining town of Puno by Lake Titicaca. Located in the Peruvian altiplano, Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America. At an altitude of 3820 meters, it is famous for the reed boats and floating islands of the Uros people. It is also the southern portion of the former Incan empire. (B)

Day 8
In the morning you will be taken on a tour of the floating islands. The tour will be approximately four to five hours and you will have the opportunity to purchase handcrafted goods and souvenirs. The afternoon you will be free to enjoy the sights of Puno, and in the evening you will be treated to dinner. (B,L)

Day 9
An early morning flight will take you to the sacred city of the Incas – Cuzco. After a leisurely morning in town, where you can buy souvenirs, you will be given a guided tour of the Inca Museum. (B)

Day 10
Today will be the day for exploring ruins, as your guide takes you to the special Inca site of Sacsaywamán, just outside of Cuzco. The site was used for both religious and military purposes and was the base used by the Incas, when they rebelled against the Spanish conquistadors.

After a violent battle, the Spanish regained control of the fortress, leaving the bodies of the dead Incas to the condors. To this day the city of Cuzco has incorporated condors in its coat of arms.It has been speculated that the Incas designed Cuzco to resemble a puma when seen from the air, with Sacsaywamán forming the head. Some of this resemblance can be seen from ground level, where large zigzag walls are said to constitute the puma’s teeth. On this site there is a large tank-like structure containing stone conduits, said to provide water for up to 5,000 soldiers.

This afternoon you will be taken along the Sacred Valley of the Incas to another Incan ruin – Ollantetambo. This is where the defeated Incan leader, Manco Inca, retreated to after his defeat at Sacsaywamán. It was here that the Spanish suffered an ignomious defeat at the hands of Manco Inca, who strategically used the steep terracing and channels for flooding out the Spanish at the base of the site. The victory was short-lived though, when the Spanish returned in force to flush out the Incan warriors. This site, including the village at it’s base, exemplifies the best of Incan engineering. The town has extensive overland drainage control, including open channels designed for drainage to deal with the torrential downpours, and as a source of local drinking water. The courtyards by the houses show how the water during the rainy season was channeled into elaborate fountains. The “fortress” exemplifies the terracing and stonemasonry for which the Incas were famous. Although many stones weigh between kilograms, the finishing is so fine that a piece of paper can not be slipped into the joints. Also visible is the comparative architecture of the Spanish, which was constructed on top of and adjacent to the Incan structures.

En route to Ollantaytambo there will be a stop to view the Maras salt pans. (B,L)

Day 11
This morning you are free to explore Ollanta fortress as you wish.

In the afternoon you will embark on one of the most exciting journeys in the world – the train to Machu Picchu. Not know to exist by the Spaniards, Hiram Bingham brought Maccu Picchu to world attention in 1911, when he was searching for the last Incan stronghold of Vilacamba. The purpose of the site is still unknown, although there are many theories. One of these theories held that the site was used to house women for religious purposes, and was based on the fact that over 80% of the burial sites uncovered here contain the skeletons of women. (B)

Day 12
Today you will be taken to Machu Picchu to enjoy the ruins. An on-site guide will provide a preliminary tour, then you may explore until closing. On site you will be able to see the ceremonial baths, the pillar used for calculating the solstice, and a stone model presumed used by the original designers of Machu Picchu. If you wish, you may return early to Aguas Calientes. (B,L)

Day 13
The morning will be your return trip to Cuzco by train. In the evening you will be provided with a dinner with entertainment that celebrates the various cultures of Peru. (B, D

Day 14
Today you will fly from Cuzco to Puerto Maldonado – a small former rubber-producing town situated at the confluence of the Madre de Dios and the Tambopata rivers. There you will be met and transferred to the Tambopata river port and embark on a two-hour boat trip to your ecolodge where you will see the future of  tourism in a rainforest environment. Depending on the arrival time of the plane we will have a box lunch aboard the boats or have lunch upon arrival at your lodge. During our voyage we may see bird species typical of the river or forest adege such as: Black Skimmer, Pied lapwing, Capped Heron, Jabiru Stork, Roadside Hawk and several species of kingfishers, swallows and flycatchers. You will receive a short orientation and a complete briefing of the lodge and the Ese’eja Ecotourism Project before our afternoon activity – Ethno botany. In this activity, we will hike the trails around the lodge with an Ese’eja native, who will explain to us the everyday uses of forest medicine, construction, food and fiber. At some point in our walk, we will visit a small parakeet clay click. Dozens and sometimes hundreds of Blue Head Parrots, Orange-Cheeked Parrots, Cobalt-winged parakeets and sometimes even the rare Rock Parakeet congregate here on clear days to ingest clay. This congregation creates a riotous and colorful wildlife spectacle where the greens, oranges, reds and blues of the parrots dance around the bank as each individual parrot competes for their choice beakful of clay. (L, D)

Why did the Inca believe that the long valleys  in the Andes were sacred? This tour explores many fascinating ruins and developments of the ancient Inca and their modern descendants. You begin the journey with a visit to the Larco Museum in Lima which chronicals 3000 years of civilisation in Peru. You then fly to Cusco and the Sacred Valley to continue the exploration seeing some less visited sites as well as the amazing citadel of Machu Picchu. Your visit will also be directly helping local people in protecting cultural heritage and biological diveristy.

Day 1: Arrival in Peru
You will arrive at the airport and be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel in Miraflores.

Day 2: Larco Museum
Mid-morning your guide will take you to the Larco Museum.  This private museum opened in 1926 and features the finest gold and silver collection from Ancient Peru and the famous erotic archaeological collection. After a visit here you will be taken back to the hotel for some free time.(B)

Day 3: Flight to Cuzco and  City Walking Tour
According to the legend, the city was built by Inca Pachacuti, who transformed Cuzco from a sleepy city-state into the vast empire of Tahuantinsuyu. The first Spaniards arrived in 1533, and undertook the construction of a new city on the foundations of the old Inca city, replacing temples with churches and palaces with mansions for the conquerors. Your guided walking tour will include:
1. KORIKANCHA or Temple of the Sun. As Cuzco was the center of the Tahuantinsuyo (Inca Empire), this is one of the most important of Inca temples.
2. CUZCO CATHEDRAL:  The Cathedral was finished in 1664, more than one century lafter constuction began on the site of and Inca palace. Balance of day is free. (B)

Day 4: Urubamba
Today we will have a full-day tour of Urubamba and the Sacred Valley to see two of the Inca’s most generous gifts to the world: beautiful hand made weavings and potatoes. We will start with Andean Weaving Village. Textile production has profound historic and cultural significance in the Andes, and this community is part of a highly successful National Geographic Society-supported project to rescue and revive this way of life. Women are the owners and drivers of this activity, and we will see how their gregarious processes of spinning, the gathering and use of natural dyes, the setting up of looms and the creation of designs, are fundamental to the family and social bonds of these highland communities. Next you’ll visit the Potato Park Indigenous Bio-cultural Heritage Area: The Potato Park focuses on protecting and preserving the   indigenous bio-cultural heritage by showcasing  sustainable use of agro-biodiversity. Lunch included at the Potato Park. We then continue to the town of Ollantaytambo for the night.
B, L

Day 5: Machu Picchu
This morning you will embark on one of the most exciting journeys in the world – the train to Machu Picchu. Not known to exist by the Spaniards, Hiram Bingham brought Machu Picchu to world attention in 1911, when he was searching for the last Incan stronghold of Vilacamba. You will have the balance of the day to explore the citadel of Machu Picchu after your guided tour. Late in the afternoon you board the last train to Ollanatytambo.(B,L)

Day 6: Ollantaytambo, Maras and Moray.  By now it will be clear why the Inca called this area the Sacred Valley. The ability to grow crops was a gift from Pachamama and the Inca used this gift in the most ingenious ways. Ollantaytambo is called a fortress, but its not. Its an agricultural terrace and the structures at this site outlast the ones built by the Spanish. At Maras and Moray you’ll more ingenuity. The first site is a series of concentric terraces that grow vegetables and crops in varying elevations and microclimatic conditions. By carefully noting the crop maturity in the terraces Inca farmers were able to predict the harvesting times of similar crops planted elsewhere in the valley. The second site is a salinera where a series of terraced evaporation ponds extract salt from the trickling water as it makes its way through the system.  After here you will be overnight in Cusco.(B,L)

Day 7: Tipon
This morning you will see the great water fountains and canals of Tipon. During the rainy season, these fantastic structures really show how clever the ancient Inca were at adapting their environment. In fact there have been research projects done to understand just how the managed this. Return to Cusco for the balance of the day. B,L

Day 8: Transfer to Aiport and flights out. (Note that many international flights leave Lima very late in the evening.)

INCLUDED: Accommodation in Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu town. Private English- speaking, registered guide, private transport, the vistadome train & bus transfers to Machu Picchu. Entrance to all Cusco & Sacred Valley Inca Sites, Korikancha, Cathedral,  and Machu Picchu. Meals only as indicated: B- Breakfast, L- Lunch, D- Dinner.

The largest, and least known country in Central America is also the safest according to the Nicaraguan tourist board. A beautiful country awaits you with friendly smiles and few tourists.

Day 1
Arrival at Managua Airport and welcoming by local guide. Transfer to a local hotel in the city centre.

Day 2
After a liesurely breakfast a city tour of historic sites of Managua, then a private transfer to Hotel La Gran Francia in romantic Granada, where you will be welcomed with a cocktail on the balcony. (B)

Day 3
This morning a private city tour by horse drawn carriage, followed by a visit to the Isletas (little islands) de Granada, where you will enjoy lunch. The tour takes you by boat amongst a small archipelago of tropical islands dotting the freshwater Lake Cocibolca. (B,L)

Day 4
This morning visit to Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve and its tropical cloud forest. Explore the nature trail around one of the craters, with incredible views to Granada , Lake Nicaragua & the “Isletas”. This afternoon to explore the amazing artisan workshops and markets available in the nearby towns.  (B)

Day 5
Private transfer to coastal region of San Juan del Sur and the amazing Morgan’s Rock Ecoresort. Morgan’s Rock is part of a 1,000-hectare tree farming and reforestation project as well as an 800-hectare private nature reserve which is actually one of the last, large natural sanctuaries along the Pacific Coast of Central America. The conservation of this area is crucial for maintaining the habitat of the animals living in this region. These reforested lands, together with the nature reserve and the estuary, host a variety of forest animals such as howler monkeys, sloths, white tipped deer and many birds native to the subtropical region. The beach is a nesting ground for giant sea turtles and during your stay. This entire property is yours to enjoy and explore with onsite guides. (B,L,D)

Days 6
Each morning you may take one of the several tours available such as kayaking a nearby estuary, guided hikes in the forest. After this you may want to take one of the other many activities (optional, book on site at extra cost) or just enjoy the time on your own. (B,L,D)

Day 7
Morning trip to Masaya market. Afternoon drop-off in Managua. (B)

Day 8
Transfer to airport.

Included
- Lodging at hotels as mentioned or similar.
- breakfasts and meals as noted (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner)
- all overland transportation with private transfers.
- driver / local guide (bilingual) where mentioned
- touring as described
- entrance fees National Park
- Isletas tour on day 02.
- information package with a detailed itinerary.
- services of local agent (English / Spanish spoken).

Not Included
- other meals.
- customs and immigration fees .
- airfair expenses.
- personal expenses.
- optional touring.

Get to know local people, and their customs and traditions.  Join in the world of the Alpaca and Llama herders, and wander in the same space where the Andean culture originated

INTRODUCTION
Two indigenous Andean communities in conjunction with a Cusco tour outfitter have designed a hiking-route with four mountain lodges to satisfy travelers from all over the world in search of a challenge with comfort and style.

The “Camino del Apu Ausangate” provides a unique trekking experience, off the beaten path, in the Cordillera Vilcanota, a remote and unspoiled high mountain paradise in the Andes department of Cusco.  It offers a rare opportunity to enjoy a few days in harmony with nature and isolated Andean shepherds, combined with the comfort of cozy, eco-friendly Andean Lodges. After a catch up day in Cusco, a spectacular rail tour to Machu Picchu.

Day 1: You will arrive at the airport and be met by our local representative and transferred to a hotel in Lima.

Day 2: An early morning flight will take you to Cuzco. A leisurely day in town, where you can buy souvenirs and adjust to the high elevation. (B)

Day 3: Today will be the day for exploring ruins with a visit to the Koricancha, Tambomachay with their water fountains; Kenko, the religious center; Puca-Pucara, the red fortress, and finally the fortress of Sacsaywaman. (B, L)

Day 4: Full day tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas to visit the Indian Market of Pisac in the morning and Ollantaytambo fortress in the afternoon. This site, including the village at it’s base, exemplifies the best of Incan engineering. (B,L)

Day 5: We start in city of Cusco, with an interesting bus-ride along the Vilcanota Valley, on the paved main-road from Cusco to Puno (Lake Titicaca).  After a stop at the town of Checacupe and a visit to its beautiful colonial church, we ascend the Japura Valley that leads to the communities of Osefina and Chillca, the final stop of the bus-journey, where the groups are received by the locals.  From there it’s only a 20 minute walk to the first lodge, the Chillca Tambo (4,300 m / 14,000 ft).  Upon arrival, have time to explore the surroundings, or just to relax, enjoying the beautiful views and sceneries.  In the evening people from the village will entertain our groups with traditional music.

Day  6, 7, 8 : The actual trekking begins early in the morning after breakfast. The distances on the trail vary from around 6 to 11 miles/10 to 16 km per Day. The lodges are all within daily walking distances, easily reachable in six to seven hours, considering regular hiking-speed and plenty of stops for taking pictures and enjoying the landscapes.
While on the trail, hikers will need to carry a day pack (camera equipment, water bottle, extra layers, rain gear, and other accessories they might need on the trail). The hike itself is rather demanding, mostly due to the altitude, ranging from 14,000 to 16,700 ft/4,300 to 5,100 m at the highest pass. There are also some significant changes of altitude during the course of the day. (BLD)

Day 9: When we reach the road halfway between Chillca and Checacupe.  It ends with a picnic lunch, before boarding the bus back to Cusco, on the above mentioned road. (BL)

Day 10:  Today is a free day to relax back n the city. (B)

Day 11: Today you will embark on one of the most exciting journeys in the world – the train to Machu Picchu. Not known to exist by the Spaniards, Hiram Bingham brought Maccu Picchu to world attention in 1911, when he was searching for the last Incan stronghold of Vilacamba. (B)

Day 12: Today will be your return trip to Cuzco by train with time to revisit Machu Picchu on your own if you wish (the second day entrance fee is not included). (B)

Day 13: Transfer and flight back to Lima and onward flight home.

Besides the llamas, that carry a large part of the clients luggage, our groups are also followed by horses.  Weary participants have the option to continue the trip on horseback. AN option exists to ride horse the whole trip at a small extra cost of US$250 pp. This is to pay for the extra horse guide.

Tour Includes: 12 nights accommodation, all local airfares, and transfers from airport, fully guided, breakfasts daily and all meals while trekking.

This expedition voyage explores some of the most untouched rainforest in all of the Amazon. It is an 8 day trip where we travel by riverboat far up the Rio Negro to an area very rarely visited, exploring the mysterious life of the wilderness that stirs in the forest and in the heart of wild nature. We visit quite remote forest that has very few settles so the flora and fauna is very little disturbed.

Sailings Every Second Monday Year Round, 8 days/7Nights

Day 1 This morning all guests board the vessel the Motor Yacht TUCANO and depart upstream on the Rio Negro. Through the morning we will cruise through the world’s largest river island system, the Anavilhanas Archipelago. From the observation deck we scan the magnificent tangle of vegetation at the water’s edge. By mid-afternoon the vessel has gone beyond the frontier of settlement and entered a wilderness area. Both shores are covered by dense rainforest. Though we never know what we will see, we have a good chance of observing pink river dolphins and a large collection of exotic birds. Most certainly we will be treated to magnificent forest vistas and the spectacular trees themselves. In the late afternoon we embark in the launches and hunt for wildlife. We may also go for a swim in some of the world’s most clean and refreshing water. (LD)
Day 2 Early this morning we explore the rainforest along the waters edge in our launches. We should hear and perhaps see howler monkeys along with a morning serenade of toucans. After breakfast we go for a walk in the forest where we will get a good start on understanding Amazon ecology. Around midday we return for lunch and the vessel will get underway, perhaps stopping at a place to swim. In the late afternoon we will explore the forest in our launches and listen to the sunset chorus of birds and frogs. (BLD)

Day 3 This morning there will be an early exploration of the waking forest. We will keep our eyes open for monkeys- on most trips we see them often. We return for breakfast followed by either a walk in the forest or an excursion in the launches. TUCANO will travel during the middle of the day and we stop in the afternoon for an excursion. Tonight the vessel may travel a bit more as we marvel at the night sky crowded with stars. (BLD)

Day 4 After our two morning excursions TUCANO will navigate along the heavily forested shore, scouting for wildlife. We may stop for a visit at a settler’s home carved out of the forest. In the early afternoon we will be near an extraordinary river called the Rio Jauaperi. Here we will see a kind of forest known as the varzea. We will scout along the shoreline for some of the extraordinary creatures found only in this unique environment. Weather permitting we will do a night excursion to observe nocturnal creatures. (BLD)

Days 5 Today we depart the Rio Jauaperi and for the next two days proceed downstream on the Rio Negro exploring a new collection of rainforest habitats. In the daytime we will continue to scout in our launches, walk in the forest, and at night hunt for nocturnal wildlife. (BLD)

Day 6 After a walk in the forest we cross to the West bank of the Rio Negro, exploring as we go. We will stop at the substantial boat building village of Novo Airão. As we walk through the streets we’ll marvel at how the 19th Century thrives in this remote corner of the globe. Tonight TUCANO goes downstream to arrive at daybreak near the confluence with the Amazon River. As we glide through the starry darkness this is a good night to sip the national drink of Brazil, the “Caipirinha”. (BLD)

Day 7 This morning we explore the Lago Janauari Ecological Park where seasonally the thick brown water of the Amazon flows swiftly through the forest. This area is usually a very good place to observe wildlife. Around midday the vessel will travel to the “Encontra das Aguas” a stark several mile long line where the world’s two largest rivers, the Amazon and the Negro, join in a turbulent maelstrom. Here the dark water of the Negro runs beside the opaque brown water of the Amazon. In the afternoon we scout one of the hidden streams in the area to try to see more of the Amazon’s beautiful and bizarre creatures. Tonight there will be one last excursion looking for nocturnal life. (BLD)

Day 8 In the morning all guests disembark from TUCANO. Some guests will participate in an optional tour of the city of Manaus before transferring to the airport. (B)

Meal Codes: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner/ Please note that the day to day schedule must be considered approximate. The exact order of the days and specific features may be altered due to navigational consideration

Take a journey through Costa Rica’s diverse ecological and climatic zones. First travel to the dry lava flows, hotsprings and forest trails of Arenal Volcano National Park.  Drop deep into the lush Caribbean lowlands for a night in the rainforest before continuing to the east coast and the turtle nesting grounds of Tortuguero National Park.  This trip is a semi-independent tour with a mix of guided and optional tours.

Day 1 – Arrival San Jose
Arrive San Jose and transfer with driver to your hotel.  The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 2 – San Jose –Volcano National Park
Scenic drive with our driver/guide to Arenal Volcano, stop en route at La Paz Waterfall Gardens for an up close view at a system of 5 different waterfalls and also for lunch. After lunch continue to Arenal. From the Observatory, which is situated only 1.6 miles south of the volcano, visitors have an impressive view of this “giant which rumbles” and erupts with spectacular displays of vapor and lava. The Observatory is the only lodge situated within the Arenal Volcano National Park, which encompasses thousands of acres of pristine rainforest and teems with tropical birds and wildlife.  This offers the adventurous traveler front-row seating for one of the world’s most thrilling fireworks displays – a volcanic eruption. After having lain dormant for over 400 years, Arenal Volcano erupted violently on July 29, 1968, wreaking havoc on the local population and creating a “lava-scape” for miles around its base. Tropical flora and fauna abound about the Arenal lodge, and while here there are many self guided hiking opportunities as well as optional guided tours. Overnight at the Arenal Observatory Lodge or similar. (BD)

Day 3 – Arenal and Sarapiqui
This morning will be a guided hike from the lodge to see some of the forest and local effects of volcanic activity. Transfer from Arenal to Sarapiqui area.  You go from mountain terrain to lowland Caribbean rainforest. This is a lush warm land of  bromeliads, butterflies, bats, and birds. There are a number of things worth doing here and at your lodge have access to a butterfly “farm” with amazing blue morphos and walking trails along the river. (BD)
Day 4 –  Sarapiqui
Today we have some interesting and fun activities.  This morning you may want to take part in your choice of some optional activities:  river rafting trip on a fun Class l-ll (more mild) river, a thrilling canopy zipline tour through the forest, or a tour of the nearby organic pineapple plantation. You may also elect to just enjoy a little rest time at the pool or try tubing along the river that goes past the lodge. Later this afternoon you will be taken to La Tirmbina Nature reserve for their very interesting  Origins of Chocolate Tour and then dinner. After dinner, a naturalist from the reserve will do a show and tell about the really amazing nightlife in the rainforest. (BD)

Day 5 – Sarapiqui – Tortuguero National Park
This morning you’ll transfer by land to a coastal estuary for a boat trip to Tortuguero.  Here you will be taken to your lodge.  This area exists to protect the most important breeding areas in Costa Rica for marine turtles.  Of the 8 worldwide species, 4 nest here.  You can see leatherback turtles between April and June and green turtles from July to mid October.  Tropical wildlife is incredibly abundant and the area is a major migratory bird route for North American birds. (BLD)

Optional Turtle Nesting Tour at night, approximately US $30.00 per person.

Day 6 – Tortuguero National Park
This morning you will board one the flat bottom boats to explore the watery creeks and canals that make up the highly productive coastal zone of the Caribbean lowlands with an expert guide.  In this trip you will see an incredible assortment of tropical wildlife before returning to your lodge.  Balance of day is free, you might want to take a trip to the local village and meet some of the people of Tortuguero.  (BLD)

Day 7 – Tortuguero – San Jose
This morning you may take another  included tour with the naturalists into the creeks before returning to the lodge for a boat back to main dock and then a ground transfer back to San Jose and your hotel.  (B)

Day 8 – Depart San Jose
Departure transfer to International Airport.  (B)

Special Package Features:
All transfers with a private or semi-private van and driver.
All accommodation (3-4 green leaf rating)
7 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches and 6 Dinners
Guided walks and tours as described.
****B (breakfast), L (lunch), BL (box lunch, D (dinner)