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Day
3:
We get an early start as we prepare
for our two-day adventure at Punta Mona Center
for Sustainable Living and Education. We hike the
only path to Punta Mona through the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife
Refuge. Along the way, we travel from the beach path into
the jungle, where the diversity of flora and fauna is both beautiful
and abundant. A local guide from the neighboring village of Manzanillo
will take us through the trail and show off the wonders of his ‘backyard’
while explaining the medicinal, culinary and other uses of many of
the trees, fruits and plants along the way. The time at Punta Mona
is an exercise in sustainable living, as much of
the food we eat will be harvested from extensive organic gardens.
The structures are built with wood from nearby fallen trees, and electricity
comes from solar panels. After getting settled in the bunkhouse, swim,
relax, and gather local fruits and vegetables for our night’s
feast. In the evening, meet with members of the community to learn
more about Punta Mona's history and current and future projects.
Overnight:
Punta Mona (Monkey Point)
Day 4:
You will have time to tour and
possibly work in the organic gardens, where we grow over
150 different types of tropical fruits and vegetables! You will also
have the opportunity to make chocolate, relax on a secluded beach,
snorkel, and, if weather permits, kayak in the waves or through
the mangroves of the Gandoca Lagoon. After nightfall, walk
the beach in total darkness in search of nesting leatherback
turtles some of which weigh over one thousand pounds! (March-June)
Overnight:
Punta Mona (Monkey Point)
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Iguana Farm, Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve
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Day
5:
Leave Punta Mona by foot and walk along
the beach to the town of Gandoca. From there, transfer to the border
town of Sixaola and cross into the neighboring country of Panama.
On the way we stop off at one of the many banana plantations to have
a quick first-hand view of the controversial yet important industry.
Take a ferry to the Bocas del Toro Islands where
we will begin our reef exploration after lunch.
Overnight:
Bocas del Toro, Panama
Day 6:
Local fishing boats take us
snorkeling offshore to some of the areas most beautiful reefs.
Then explore some sparsely populated islands, and in the afternoon
search for dolphins and manatees. Finish the day
watching the sun fall into the Caribbean.
Overnight:
Bocas del Toro, Panama
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Bocas del Toro, Panama
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Day 7:
Return to the mainland to cross the
border back into Costa Rica for a drive through acres of banana
plantations and up into the mountain town of Turrialba.
Enjoy the beautiful views and relax after a long
day of travel.
Overnight: Turrialba
Day 8:
Early in the morning, we visit the
nearby serpentarium which allows the rare opportunity
to ‘meet’ some of the forests’ most feared residents
as we learn from the country’s foremost expert about the evolving
status of the fer-de-lance population. Then we head to the banks
of the Pacuare River for an unforgettable day of
white water rafting on class III and IV rapids.
This most scenic and famous river slices through pristine rainforest
and mountain gorges where waterfalls cascade right along the river.
That evening, we make our way to the slopes of Arenal, Costa
Rica's most active volcano. We bathe in soothing hot springs
and hope for a view of the lava-streaked volcano.
Overnight: La Fortuna
Day 9:
In the morning, we board the plane
filled with unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime!
Monteverde Cloud Forest Extension
(A two-day tour can be added to the Jungle Reefs Tour.)
Day 9:
Drive up to the misty cloud forests of
Monteverde. Along the way, pass by the windmills that supply an alternative
source of electric power to the hydroelectric dam which created the lake.
Upon our arrival in Monteverde, visit the Butterfly Garden and meet a
diverse collection of forest creatures. In the evening, experience the
nocturnal world of the forest with a night hike through the Ecological
Farm.
Overnight: Santa Elena (Monteverde)
Day 10:
After an early breakfast, experience
the Sky Trek- a unique way to experience the canopy.
Traverse from tree to tree and platform to platform using pulleys
on horizontal traverse cables, as you sail through the treetops
of the canopy and over the trails far below. Expert guides assist
you in this exciting journey through the different layers of the
virgin cloud forests and explain what’s going on around you-
from the time you leave the ground until you rappel back down to
the forest floor. Orchids, bromeliads and ferns share this aerial
existence with an abundance of wildlife. If we’re lucky, we
may catch a glimpse of the resplendent quetzal. In the afternoon,
we return to the capital city of San Jose, stopping
along the way to shop in some local markets. In
the evening we participate in a farewell dinner.
Overnight: San Jose
Day 11:
In the morning, visit the National
Museum housing artifacts from the country’s pre-Colombian
civilizations. After some time for shopping, board the plane filled
with memories of your COSTA RICAN ADVENTURE.
Contact Us today
to sign up for this tour or send us your
Registration
Form and deposit to hold your space.
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Cleaning off in the River
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Punta Mona Island