Unlike many other countries around the world, one of the best things about Costa Rica is that its' people actually welcome foreigners. They are friendly, affable, and try to make you feel right at home. Costa Rica is bordered to the north by Nicaragua and to the south by Panama. It has both a Pacific and Atlantic Coast. A series of volcanic chains (cordilleras) runs from the Nicaraguan border in the northwest to the Panamanian border in the southeast, splitting the country in two. In the center of theses ranges is a high-altitude plain (Central Valley), with coastal lowlands on either side. Over half the population lives on this plain, which has fertile volcanic soils. The Caribbean coast is 132 miles long while the Pacific coast is 635 miles longs.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Costa Rica. Your tour begins in San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica. Join Collette Worldwide Holidays in exploring this tropical paradise.  Experience the lush forests, magnificent waterfalls, rumbling volcanoes, endless coastlines and diverse eco-systems in a place that preserves its delicate ecology for all to enjoy.  Costa Rica offers a piece of paradise to all who visit.

Day 2 – Driving through the countryside, a dominant feature of the landscape is Poas Volcano, said to be the widest crater in the world. Continue to San Carlos where you will enjoy a two night stay in a thermal spa resort, surrounded by a tropical rain forest and hot springs.

Day 3 – Of all Costa Rica’s nature preserves, the remote 20,000-acres of Cano Negro have the largest viewable selection of indigenous wildlife.  Embark on a guided river boat trip in a panga (covered canoe), making frequent stops to watch and photograph the wildlife around you.  Crocodiles, river otters, sloths, river turtles, exotic birds and rare butterflies are known to live in the area.  Later this afternoon experience the beauty of the geothermal region surrounding the impressive Arenal Volcano when you arrive at Ecothermalis, a family owned hot springs oasis.  Enjoy a walk through the beautiful grounds, soak in the soothing, hot mineral-rich waters, or take advantage of the first rate spa services.

Day 4 – Travel into the Monteverde Cloud Forest where trees grow to heights of 100 feet. Encounter the many thriving species of flora and fauna.  This afternoon visit Selvatura Park*, a cloud forest preserve in the heart of Monteverde, for a personalized nature adventure.  You have the choice of a canopy tour where you traverse through cables and zip lines through the cloud forest; or, a guided walk through the cloud forest's treetop hanging bridges. After your activity of choice, participate in a reforestation effort by planting a tree in this spectacular nature preserve.  Later, learn more about the region's wildlife up-close with a visit to a butterfly garden - one of the world's largest - and the hummingbird gallery, home to more than 14 different species.  .

Day 5 – A morning nature walk gives you a unique opportunity to discover the natural beauty of the Cloud Forest first hand.  The forest is known to be the home of the world’s largest population of the endangered quetzal.  In the afternoon visit a local coffee production facility to experience first hand how a first choice bean is transformed into your morning cup of coffee. 

Day 6 – Today you travel to the scenic region of Guanacaste on the northwest Pacific coast.  En route, a special stop is made at a local cooperative where locals provide an interesting demonstration showcasing handmade products.  Later, you arrive at the beautiful Allegro Resort Papagayo, beautifully situated on the magnificent blue waters of Manazanillo Beach.  Rest and relaxation go hand in hand with mesmerizing ocean views and lush tropical greenery. Enjoy a walk along the beach or relax by the pool.

Day 7 – Your day is at leisure in this tropical paradise. This all-inclusive resort has daily activities by the pool and beach area and their own private beach club only 10 minutes away by boat.

Day 8 – A leisurely ride through the countryside brings you to Sarchi to shop and visit the local oxcart factory.  Your evening is highlighted by a farewell dinner.

Day 9 – Your tour ends today.

Days 10 – Arrive back in the UK.

*Optional activity at Selvatura Park must be made at time of booking.

Please join us for a slideshow presentation on this tour on Tuesday 6th February 2007 starting at 6.30PM - London Venue to be confirmed.
Please RSVP to Prospect Travel to reserve your place.

Tropical Costa Rica Cultural Tour
Price: £1,888 per person
Single Supplement: £280
Deposit: £200 per person

Departure	Tour Code
24 October 2007	WEB705

Price Includes:  8 nights accommodation, 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 7 dinners, a full itinerary of visits accompanied by a Tour Manager and local guides.

Flight Details : Please note that flights are included from London Gatwick. Details to follow later.

Optional 3-night Jungle Adventure post-tour extension is available. Please call us or e-mail us for details.